BAR
ASSOCIATION
IN THIS ISSUE: 2 Judge Rideout in Spotlight 3 SRO for Judge Clark Investiture 4 Gridiron Wrap-up 7 Judge Haddock Retirement 9 Judge Donald M. Haddock 11 Presidents Letter continued 12 Young Lawyers Present to TC Williams 12 US Criminal Defence Team 13 Beat the Odds 14 Calendar
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Presidents Letter
May 2012
It is bittersweet that I am writing my last Presidents Letter for the Oyez. On the one hand, this has been an incredibly busy time, and I have procrastinated terribly on finishing this letter, and on the other hand, serving as President of the Bar Association has been exciting and truly rewarding, and I extend my thanks to everyone who allowed me to have this wonderful opportunity.
NEW MEMBERS Please welcome: Jean Humbrecht John OMeara Peter Ewald Sebastian Norton Walter Kelley Keith Diener Nicole Pszczolkowski Bran Mahoney Anne Sylvester Jesus Salang Yancey Ellis Alvi Aggarwal Gwendolyn Hickman RETURNING MEMBERS Chris Schewe John Heck ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations to: Bud Hart and Bob Calhoun on their selection as Living Legends of Alexandria. Each was honored for their work in the city of Alexandria at a reception on March 22.
Three other board members and I attended the Conference of Bar Leaders Institute at the University of Richmond School of Law on March 5th. The BLI is a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk to other bar leaders from across the state. We had the opportunity to hear panels of attorneys and judges speak about issues that are facing bar associations large and small. Warren David Harless, President Elect of the Virginia State Bar, was the keynote speaker and he spoke about three goals that should be the priority of a local bar association. The first is to foster professional camaraderie, the second is to maintain fellowship with and support the bench, and the third is to mentor young lawyers. I couldnt help but feel very satisfied with how the Alexandria Bar Association works toward meeting these goals. I hope that all of our members will agree that professional camaraderie is one of the things that make the Alexandria Bar Association unique. We are the only bar association that I am aware of that offers its members the opportunity on a monthly basis to gather for a dinner meeting or alternative Bar function. These are opportunities to see colleagues outside of the courtroom on a regular basis. We hope that you continue to feel that these events provide a meaningful benefit to practicing law in Alexandria. Over the past few years, attendance at most of our bar functions has increased. This is very exciting for us especially to see more and more new faces at dinner events, but success has a cost. We, on the board and in the Executive Directors office, have been watching the finances of the Bar Association very closely as expenses continue to rise. Our goal as an organization is to find ways to continue our current programs, expand into new areas while being mindful of not placing too high a financial burden on our members. However, while we continue to look for ways to increase our revenue through programs such as CLEs, we will need the continued financial support of our members to grow our organization. During the conference, there were multiple questions by different bar associations asking for advice on how to increase the involvement of their benches. I smiled knowing this was not a problem facing the Alexandria Bar. We have been blessed with an incredibly supportive and active bench. The rapport between the judges and members of the bar was clearly on display at the recent retirement dinner for Judge Donald Haddock, Sr. For those of who were not able to attend the event, you missed a truly memorable evening. The weather was perfect, the dinner was festive, and we heard wonderful tributes from Judge Kemler, Judge Kent, Judge Swersky and Judge Haddock, Jr. Putting together the dinner was truly a team effort and I would like again express my thanks to both Mary Burgess and Sidoux Mitchell for their work on the ground and to Judge Kemler and Judge Haddock, Jr. for all the help they provided in planning the event. Please stay tuned for details on the official portrait hanging which is tentatively scheduled for some time in June. Finally, I would like to highlight all of the wonderful ways that the Bar Association is working on meeting our third goal of mentoring young lawyers. We continue to
Established 1928
2011-2012 EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS Heather N. Jenquine, President Kathleen M. Uston, President-Elect Sean Schmergel, Secretary Sarah McElveen, Treasurer Barbara S. Anderson, Past President BOARD MEMBERS Stephen C. Swift Nicholas Gehrig Shelly Collette David Lord EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Sidoux Mitchell Mary Burgess BAR OFFICE HOURS 9 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE 9 am to 3:30 pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri Closed Wednesdays
Robed and ready, Judge Clark takes his place on the bench with Judge Nolan Dawkins and Chief Judge Lisa Kemler. The formal swearing in for James C. Clark as a judge for the 18th Circuit took place on January 19, 2011 on the fourth floor of the courthouse. Chief Judge Lisa Kemler spoke and welcomed the family, friends, other judges, and many bar members to the investiture. Jonathan Shapiro spoke about his long relationship with Judge Clark and told a number of stories about their early years together as court appointed attorneys. One of the tales was that of Judge Clark being grilled by Rick Mendelson on his suitability to date his sister, made it into this years Gridiron as a skit. But for all the stories, Shapiro assured everyone that Judge Clark will be a superior judge and then presented him a sledgehammer for a gavel. Former partner, Drew Carroll, said how bittersweet this appointment was since for 30 years they had had a fun firm. He also talked about the interest that Clark had in the community--coaching Little League, basketball, and his interaction with the police force. David OBrien spoke, having first known Judge Clark while they were both
The courtroom was packed and late arrivals had to stand in the hall.
Clerk of Court, Ed Semonian, administers the oath to Judge Clark whose wife, Mary Clark, holds the Bible. Commonwealth Attorneys, about his knowledge of T. C. Williams basketball stats (which made Judge Clark an expert witness in one case) and the famous case of Ronnie Schifflet escaping from the old city jail using a ladder provided by the jailers who had sent him on the roof to get a lost ball. Delegate Charniele Herring read the proclamation from the General Assembly appointing Judge Clark to his 8 year term as a Circuit Court judge, Judge Haddock, Sr. made the motion to
Judge OFlaherty and his wife, Resa are in the front row.
admit, then Judge OFlaherty and Mary Clark helped robe the new judge. In his own remarks, Judge Clark emphasized his deep gratitude for the mentorship of Judge OFlaherty over his years before the bar. He said that Judge OFlaherty could see after a few court appearances how I could be a really bad lawyer and called him in to advise him. They talked every day about law practice, court appearances, and how the middle of the road had only yellow stripes and dead skunks. I am ever in your debt, said Judge Clark.
A star is born, Jessica Leischner, far right is the general practice lawyers daughter. Other cast members from left, Brent Schultheis, Katie Uston, Laine Goodhue, and Cynthia McDermott. A Star is Born - A musical from 1954 starring Judy Garland? No, the 2012 Gridiron, which had two break out performances by future divas (who am I kidding, these two were divas in the womb); Luke (forget you Justin Bieber) Young and Jessica (or Lady LeLe) Leischner. Jessica brought down the house with a wonderful performance of a Sole Practitioners Daughter. Our skit began when poor little Suzie who was being teased by her fellow students at Episcopal High School for being, you know, not part of the landed gentry and then, horrors, the students learn that she is a child of general practice lawyer. Luke had a H-Bomb blast with our funny skit about the BRAC. How could anything be funny about the BRAC you might ask? Well, see the darn show. Anyhow, Luke completely channeled Peter Sellers with his performance of Doctor Strangelove, who designed the BRAC, it turns out, to produce more traffic. Peter would have doffed his very British Bowler to your performance. A great homage. Also thanks to Tom and Caroline for coming up with our least antiquated song of the night, Our BRAC, to the tune Our House by those one hit wonders, Madness, circa 1982.1
show young and hipso lets We had to take a look at the dates the other welcome songs were produced, shall we: Judge Clark (who was This little light of Mine1920 last seen (est.) at Gridiron On the Sunny Side of the Street sometime in Dr. Strangeglove as portrayed (1930) the late 80s) Luke Young with George Gray Animal Crackers in My Soup back into the holding the mike. 1935 fold with a skit It Aint Necessarily So1935 (a from his f-bomb laden investiture good year for music) involving Jonathan Shapiro being Lets Call the Whole Thing Off1937 set up by Rick Mendleson to date his When I Fall in Love1952 sister (in-law). This led us to play the dating game with the theme Jet Song1957 of Whoooooo wants to date Rick Comedy Tonight1962 Mendlesons Sisterrrrrrrrrrrr. In Caberet1966 the skit, consummate straight man, Good Morning Starshine1967 (hey only Rick Mendleson, was played by Russ 45 years old) Hatchl and his wise cracking side-kick, Coal Miners Daughter1969 Judge Clark, was played by Tom Tyler. The Candyman1971 The beautiful and vivacious Ricks Sister was played by Martin Yeager. So way to go Doug, an average song age Various contestants, all politicians with of 59.46 years. . Thats really with it, some sexual issues or peccadillos, huh? Well at least we didnt subject the such as Herman Cain and Anthony audiance to any attempts of Rap.
President Heather Jenquine and Doug Steinberg with the bars Certificate of Achievement for Gridirons long run awarded by the Virginia State Bar.
Occupy Alexandria Sadly, we had to make two goodbyes. Firstly, we had a grand send off for a legal giant, big man on campus Bobby Stafford, who passed away last year. Bobby, a notorious line cutter, cajoles his way past numerous departed dignitaries, such as Liz Taylor and Amy Winehouse, and sweet talks his way past Saint Peter into the Pearly Gates. The Gridiron had to also say so-long to our favorite victim, Judge Don (He finally retired?) Haddock. We asked the vital question, what is up with all these retro-60s television shows and leapt back in time to the Mad Men era. In our little play, our favorite curmudgeonly judge (played by the always spirited Cary Greenberg) is lamenting current times. He wants to send a telegram and hold his retirement at Hooters, only to be told that he isnt being pc. The Devil, appears disguised as Walt, his ever faithful deputy, because the Devil is always the person least expect, and makes a Faustian pact to return Don Haddock to his younger days in the 60s. (Who do we get to play young Don Haddock, but of course, young Judge Haddock, Jr.) Don Haddock revels in the wondrous 60s where men can smoke indoors, without guilt, ogle (openly) women, and take three martini lunches. Unfortunately, the
Judge Haddock receives the first Targee award from director Doug Steinberg for being such an obliging Gridiron target over the years. Devil will have his due and requests that Judge Haddock apply 60s law to three cases. Everything is fine until Don Haddock is confronted with the racism of the time and refuses to permit segregation of the T. C. Williams basketball team. Don Haddock returns to the future, but realizing he is still a judge, throws the devil in jail for contempt. Believe it or not we actually got Don Haddock Sr. on the stage to say our fond goodbyes. Which begs the question, both Don Haddock and Judge Ellis have retired, who is going to be your favorite target, the subject of your comic ire if you will, in the future? Watch out Judge Anthony John Trenga, we have our cross hairs squarely affixed on your many outrageous courtroom antics. So thanks again to our entire cast: Jonathan Rogers, Caroline Costle, Tom Tyler, Mike Tompkins, Frank Aschmann, Cary Greenberg, Jack Coffey, Jessica Leischner, Katie Uston, Martin Yeager, Luke Young, Denise Tassi, Barry Diamond, Russ Hatchl, Laine Goodhue, Brent Schultheis, Christine Hall, and Cynthia McDermott. Special thanks to Drew Hutcheson for wonderful and affable, as always, hosting job and the music from Barbara Fakoury was marvelous as well. So until next year Gridiron fans, I leave you with my usual salutation - no one understands my art. Ciao.
Dr. Strangeglove as portrayed Luke Young with George Gray holding the mike.
Who needs a retirement party? Judge Haddock is serenaded by the Gridiron cast.
Drew Hutcheson, Emcee, famous for his dry wit and one- liners.
8 Judge Haddock and Joyce Haddock looking quite happy in retirement. The Speakers Alexandria Bar Association, President Heather Jenquine welcomed the guests at the standing room only event .
Chief Judge Lisa Kemler speaking about her years on the bench with Judge Haddock. Mayor Euille presented Judge Haddock with a proclamation from the City Council.
Donald H. Kent, jr. represented his parents who could not attend and told of growing up alongside the Haddock family.
Judge Haddock, Jr. sharing stories of life with his father (possible Girdiron material?)
The Portrait Portrait committee members, Sean Schmergel and Katie Uston unveil the portrait of Judge Haddock by artist Henry Wingate.
The Rebuttal Judge Haddock put away his speech and ruled from the podium, thanking everyone for their kind words, the great party, and the portrait of the judge as a younger man.
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11 Presidents Letter continued from page 1 host the monthly networking lunch on the first Thursday of each month. If you are able to attend, please do. We often have attorneys who are new to the Alexandria Bar who are there to meet other members. It is a wonderful way to help out the newer attorneys by sharing advice over a burger and fries. The Young Lawyers group is busily planning upcoming events. The Rule of Law project will be coming up as well as a planned spring fundraiser. The Young Lawyers group continues to host monthly happy hours and I encourage everyone, not just the young lawyers, to stop by and mingle.
David Harless, a native of Lee County Virginia and former Executive Board member of the Boy Scouts of America, likened bar service to no trace camping which is to leave your campsite in a better condition than you found it. As I wind down my term, I certainly hope that in some small ways, I will leave the office of President a little bit better and a little bit stronger than when I started. Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to serve you and the Bar Association. Heather Jenquine, President
GANT REDMON GORDON P. PEYTON JOHN M. BRASWELL JOHN F. RODGERS ROBERT M. GANTS
JOHN E. COFFEY DANIEL F. RINZEL ROBERT M. MARINO ROY T. SNYDER, JR. F. PAUL MALOOF
ROBERT L. CALHOUN RICHARD E. GUTTING ELIZABETH K. LYNCH DANIEL D. MAULER NICHOLAS J. GEHRIG
510 KING STREET, SUITE 301 ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314 TELEPHONE (703) 684-2000 FACSIMILE (703) 684-5109 www.rpb-law.com
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Grand Prize award winner Onelio Mencho-Aguilar with Ellen Dague foundation board member and member of the Beat the Odds Steering Committee.
May 17 Elections, Awards Dinner, 6:00 pm, May 31 Membership Renewal Notices
Jun 12 NEW Board of Directors Meeting, 8:00 am Jun 15 OYEZ copy deadline Jun 29 OYEZ mailed Jun 30 END OF FISCAL YEAR
703.548.1106
alexbar@alexandriabarva.org
The Alexandria Bar Association 520 King Street Suite 202 Alexandria, VA 22314
OYEZ