The 2024 LSA Statewide Conference, themed “Building Bridges: Celebrating 20 Years of Access to Justice in Alabama,” successfully brought together legal professionals, support staff, advocates and law students from across the state at the University of Alabama campus for two days of learning and fellowship. The event served as a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and reflecting on two decades of LSA service to the Alabama community.
Conference Highlights
Day 1: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
- Holistic Representation: Attendees explored the importance of advocating for the whole client in a session led by LSA attorneys Tyler Brannon, Lee Jordan, Rachele Reis, and Chiriga Vinson.
- Interactive Intake Training for Support Staff: Assistant Director of Advocacy, Farah Majid guided support staff through optimizing client intake processes.
- Discovery Pointers for Attorneys: Attorney Josh Hayes from Prince, Glover, & Hayes and LSA Huntsville Managing Attorney Tom Phelps shared valuable tips and strategies, moderated by LSA Montgomery Lead Attorney Christina Shuman.
- Mediation and Negotiation Techniques: Professor Susan Donovan, Director of the UA Mediation Law Clinic, and Chris Jones from Traditions Law Group shared expert advice on effective mediation strategies.
- Mock Mediation Exercise: Attorneys participated in a simulated exercise to put their mediation skills to the test.
Day 2: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
The second day continued with specialized sessions and culminated in the LSA Awards Luncheon:
- Feedback from the Mock Mediation Exercise: Susan Donovan provided insights and constructive feedback to participants.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in a Hostile Environment: Professor Bryan Fair of UA Law and Rep. Neil Rafferty shared their perspectives on advocating for DEI, moderated by LSA Attorney Tracy Kennie.
- Compassionate Presence: Cindy Gelb of Lifeline Solutions, LLC shared strategies for maintaining presence and well-being in high-stress environments, and prioritizing self-care to avoid burnout.
- Key Evidence Pointers from the Bench: Judge John England offered practical advice for attorneys handling complex cases.
PRO BONO AWARDS
Alabama State Bar President, Tom Perry, joined us to present our Pro Bono awards to advocates around the state making Alabama a better place for all.
Distinguished Service in Pro Bono
Linda Lund
retired Executive Director of the Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program
Volunteer Attorney of the Year
Mary Jane Oakley
LSA Volunteer Attorney: Dothan Office
Champion of Justice
Lisa Robinson
Solo Attorney, Birmingham
Champion of Justice
Lue Sullivan
Attorney at The Sullivan Law Firm, LLC
LSA STAFF ADVOCACY AWARDS
MERIT AWARDS
Support Staff of the Year
Angela Newton
Dothan Administrative Assistant
Rising Star of the Year
Esther Taati
Birmingham Staff Attorney
Advocate of the Year
Gabe De Moske
Mobile Lead Attorney
Managing Attorney of the Year
Rachelle Greczyn
Dothan Managing Attorney
LSA Office of the Year
Birmingham Office
YEARS OF SERVICE AWARDS
5 YEARS
Maxwell Brown, Systems Administrator
Dayna Burnett, Staff Attorney
JoRosalyn Edwards, Paralegal
Thomas Phelps, Managing Attorney
Spencer Phillips, Managing Attorney
Enga Sturns, Administrative Assistant
Louise Tharaud, Staff Attorney
10 YEARS
Tyler Brannon, DV Staff Attorney
15 YEARS
Andriette Rowell, Managing Attorney
35 YEARS
Joyce Hall, Administrative Assistant
