MEMORY
An ‘Extremely Rare’ New Conference at the Supreme Court
KENT S. HOFMEISTER
FBA President, 2002–2003
My favorite memory would have to be the meeting with Justice Rehnquist. Tony Mauro, the noted Supreme Court correspondent, at the time called it an “extremely rare” news conference at the Supreme Court, where the late A.P. Carlton, then-ABA president, and I presented the joint white paper entitled Federal Judicial Pay: An Update on the Urgent Need for Action to Chief Justice Rehnquist and Associate Justices Stephen Breyer, Anthony Kennedy, and David Souter.
In a handwritten letter, Justice Souter later thanked me, saying the Court’s gratitude on the salary issue was personal as well as official: “Without congressional remedy, the portents for the judiciary are heartbreaking to me, and I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for your drive in the effort to get the action needed.” Needless to say, I still have that letter, and the day after the appearance, I had the additional pleasure of seeing a photograph of me with Justice Rehnquist on the front page of The Washington Post.
MEMORY
Serving the Bar and the American Public
THOMAS G. LILLY
FBA President, 1979–1980
Although many years have passed, I remember that in the fall of 1979, there was widespread hope that the next year and decade of the 1980s would bring a revival of the American spirit and a new period of peace and prosperity. However, we could not envision the tumultuous events that lay just ahead. In early November, the U.S. Embassy in Iran was seized and the staff taken hostage. In December, the Soviet Union brutally invaded Afghanistan, resulting in the U.S. boycotting the Moscow Olympic Games the following summer, and in September 1980, Iraq invaded Iran. Those historic events, along with rising unemployment, double-digit inflation, and a Fed funds rate that reached 20 percent, sent shock waves across the nation.
In spite of all this, the FBA, through its many dedicated members at the chapter, circuit, and national levels, including councils and committees, were actively involved in serving the bar and the American public. Among the more noteworthy activities of the FBA that year were some 40 diverse CLE conferences held in almost 20 states, some 25 council and committee luncheon programs, a highly increased monitoring of legislation and presentation of white papers on pending or proposed legislation under the leadership of future president Joe Ross, and the filing of an amicus curiae brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of the FBA by future president Al Belcuore and professors Paul Rothstein and Ron Carlson in Upjohn Company v. United States, 449 U.S. 383 (1981), urging the court to adopt a broad test for applying the attorney-client privilege to corporations and government agencies. Forty years later, I still cherish the memory of working with and for such an outstanding group of dedicated men and women as those in the Federal Bar.
memory
Helping Change the Face of the FBA
Lawrence R. Baca
FBA President, 2009–2010
As president of the FBA, you have a higher podium and a larger megaphone to address issues of importance to you. In my case, that included the enforcement of civil rights laws, spreading knowledge of the existence of the field of federal Indian law, becoming more involved with law schools and law students, and increasing diversity in the membership of the FBA. As president, I developed two initiatives that have changed the face of the FBA. I formed a committee to address diversity in the membership of the FBA and posed to them the question “Would the development of a civil rights law section increase the interest of racial and ethnic minorities to join the FBA?” I also formed a committee to do outreach to local law schools and posed to it the questions “What role can our members play in the education of local law students as mentors and where needed as adjunct professors?” and “Can we have a greater involvement with students than we have today?”
memory
Inspired by the FBA’s Rising Professionals
KIP BOLLIN
FAB President, 2017–2018
I’ll always remember attending the FBA’s inaugural Rising Professionals Seminar in Las Vegas, where I was impressed by a phenomenal group of young lawyers from dozens of states, who had all types of law practices. They presented to their peers on a wide array of topics, plus we got to hear from keynote speaker John Dean, who talked about the dangers of doubling down on mistakes. The energy and enthusiasm at the conference were palpable. I could tell that the future of the FBA was in very good hands.
memory
Teamwork, Collaboration, and Strategic Planning
ELLEN LAZARUS
FBA President, 1993–1994
Three recollections come to mind. The first was the immense honor of being sworn in as national president by the Hon. Janet Reno, the Attorney General of the United States and the first woman to serve in that role. The second was the successful result of my invitation to the Hon. William Suter, then Clerk of the U.S. Supreme Court, to conduct remote “Supreme Court Admissions Ceremonies” at our FBA chapters across the country. Last I spoke with Bill, he had visited over 70!
The third memory relates to my accomplishments that resulted from teamwork, collaboration, and strategic planning. One of my objectives was for the National Council, as the FBA’s governing body, to fully consider, debate, and act on significant federal legal issues of the day. In 1993–94, the Council adopted vital resolutions concerning the ALJ Corp, mandatory minimum sentencing, and the “Federalization of Traditionally State Criminal Offenses.”
memory
Testifying About the Ninth Circuit
ROBERT C. MUELLER
FBA President, 1997–1998
My favorite memory was the honor and opportunity to testify on behalf of the FBA before the congressionally created commission to study the proposed split of the Ninth Circuit, chaired by retired Justice Byron White. I was joined in San Francisco on that occasion by FBA Circuit Vice Presidents George Duff from San Francisco and Les Horowitz from Los Angeles, both of whom provided critical help onsite.
Memory
Rising Up and Raising the Bar
MARK VINCENT
FBA President, 2015–2016
I truly believe in the FBA’s mission, “to strengthen the federal legal system and administration of justice….” As an assistant United States attorney, I joined the FBA in the mid-1990s in order to give back to the federal legal profession. In 1999, I attended my first national annual meeting and saw a vision of how influential the FBA could be for the betterment of the individual practitioner and the overall federal legal system. I wanted to be involved! Serving up the ranks as chapter president, circuit VP, board director, executive ffficer, and national president, I’ve witnessed time and again how many of the dedicated members of the association rise up and raise the bar in order to make the federal practice of law better for their communities. Whether it be civility, civics, or service, I am honored to have been a part of the FBA’s evolution and look forward to continuing my service to the FBA for many years to come.
Shinning a Light on FBA’s Benefits
ASHLEY L. BELLEAU
FBA President, 2010–2011
I wanted to serve as president of the FBA because of the positive experiences I had had first on the chapter level and then on the national level. One of the positive experiences was the way FBA members around the country reached out in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to assist so many of us with offers of shelter and office space. It was then I realized that the FBA was much more than a professional organization, but a close network of colleagues who had become friends.
The FBA provides so many benefits, yet at that time, many people were unaware of those benefits. My plan was to help the FBA’s light shine throughout the bench and the bar. By sharing the positive experiences I have had as a member of the FBA with others across the nation, I could help increase its visibility, relevance, and value (VRV) among the federal practitioners, the judiciary, and the community at large. It was my goal to assist the FBA in meeting its vision to be recognized as the “premier bar association serving the federal practitioner and judiciary.” The work of the FBA team — its directors, circuit vice presidents, section and division leaders, and staff — in fact did increase then and continues now to increase each year the FBA’s VRV!
A Night to Remember
JAMES T. BLAND
FBA President, 1987–1988
My fondest memory was the annual banquet in 1988 in San Juan, when I had the pleasure of presenting the FBA President’s Award to my handpicked candidate and wife of my predecessor and great friend Stan Fisher — Elaine (Boots) Fisher. Boots had been battling cancer for several years but wasn’t about to let that interfere with Stan’s travel as FBA president, and she logged thousands of miles during his term. Boots, Stan, my wife, Pattie, and I became great friends over the last few years of Boots’ life. I’ll never, ever forget the night I called her to the stage to present her the President’s Award to the surprise of everyone save Pattie and then–FBA Executive Director John Blanche. I will also never forget the embrace I got from Stan when I returned to our table. We were both crying tears of joy while hugging each other until Pattie pulled on our coattails and said we were making fools of ourselves. Stan and I simultaneously exclaimed, “I don’t care!” It was a night to remember.
Proclaiming Law Day 1986
GERALD E. GILBERT
FBA President, 1985–1986
My favorite memory, next to meeting such great people and leaders in the FBA, was the signing of the 1986 Law Day proclamation by President Reagan. Also present was Attorney General Edwin Meese III and then-VP George H.W. Bush. I have a wonderful photo of that event signed by President Reagan. The president of the ABA and other bar leaders were also present.
Climbing the Leadership Ladder
WILLIAM N. LAFORGE
FBA President, 2006–2007
As a young attorney and new staffer on Capitol Hill in the mid-1970s, I joined the FBA because of the Capitol Hill Chapter, which featured a lot of excellent programming. I stayed involved in chapter affairs and its leadership, and eventually I was recruited to serve at the national level, most notably with the FBA’s then-new Government Relations Committee, which I chaired for some time. As one who believes strongly in service generally and in the value of the FBA specifically, I saw an opportunity to help the organization grow and prosper, so I continued the climb on the leadership ladder.
For me, the opportunity to serve as FBA president was a privilege. My commitment to the FBA focused on good governance, increasing programming, serving the federal judiciary, making the bar a valuable asset for its membership, and advocating for policies and positions that support all aspects of federal law and policy practice, both public and private. I considered my voluntary involvement and leadership in the FBA to be my contribution to the legal profession and bar world, as attorneys are admonished to do as part of their civic and societal duty.
Serving ‘an Organization of Change’
JUANITA SALES LEE
FBA President, 2008–2009
I am inspired by the mission of the Federal Bar Association: “...to strengthen the administration of justice....” African American experiences in obtaining justice in America have been/are uneven. I want to offer my service and leadership to an organization of change.
Courtrooms and Classrooms
HON. MICHAEL J. NEWMAN
FBA President, 2016–2017
It was significant to me to travel the country and meet with local federal judges and students as they met, in courtrooms and classrooms, to talk about civics. This had never been done before, on such a large scale, by any bar association in the United States. I saw firsthand how the FBA was making a significant difference in the lives of many thousands of young people all across the country. It gave me great hope that the next generation will have a passion for the rule of law and due process.
Taking the Stage at Faneuil Hall
JAMES S. RICHARDSON SR.
FBA President, 2007–2008
One treasured memory was being the speaker at a naturalization ceremony in Boston, at the invitation of the Hon. Gustavo Gelpi (later national president himself). The ceremony was held in Faneuil Hall, often considered the cradle of the American Revolution. Standing on and speaking from the stage where such figures as John Adams, Samuel Adams, and James Otis had spoken was a very moving experience.
Championing Security and Governance
THOMAS R. SCHUCK
FBA President, 2004–2005
My most significant contributions as national president were my leadership of the FBA’s effort to obtain adequate security for federal judicial personnel in the wake of the murders of Judge Joan Humphrey Lefkow’s husband and mother in their Chicago home on February 28, 2005, resulting in H.R. 1751 (2005), entitled A Bill to Protect Judges, Prosecutors, Witnesses, Victims, and Their Family Members; and my participation in the initiative that overhauled the FBA’s national governance structure under the leadership of then–FBA Executive Director Jack D. Lockridge. Working with Jack Lockridge was the great joy of my presidency.
Meeting Supreme Court Justices
Adrienne A. Berry
FBA President, 1998–1999
My great memories as president include dinner with Justice Scalia, meeting Janet Reno and Justice Kennedy, and attending chapter functions around the country.
Building Strong Relationships
Joyce E. Kitchens
FBA President, 2003–2004
I have remained engaged because of the relationships. Not only have I benefitted professionally from the great lawyers all over the country that I have met, but also I have made longstanding friendships that are very important to me.
Collaborating with Other Presidents
Russell A. Del Toro
FBA President, 2001–2002
There were many “favorite” memories, amongst which collaborating with past President Robert McNew and President-elect Kent Hofmeister in establishing a joint three-year leadership program was a key highlight.
A Surprise Video Tribute
Robert J. DeSousa
FBA President, 2012–2013
My favorite memory was when the board did a surprise spoof video for me at the swearing-in of my successor, Gus Gelphi. The video spoofed my desire to start and end all meetings on time!
A Great Opportunity to Serve
Richard E. Wiley
FBA President, 1976–1977
I was a new general counsel of the FCC in the early 1970s when, out of the blue, I was asked (probably given my bar association background) whether I would consider running for an FBA position. I replied yes, and the rest — as they say — is history. I really enjoyed the opportunity to serve over the next six to seven years.
Traveling the Country
Marvin H. Morse
FBA President, 1995–1996
Two favorite memories come to mind: 1. The opportunity to visit FBA chapters and meet the bar and judiciary in so many varied communities throughout the country. 2. The opportunity through the president’s monthly column in The Federal Lawyer to address substantive issues affecting the administration of justice and related matters of public policy.
Strengthening Relationships
Alfred F. BELCUORE
FBA President, 1991–1992
My memories are plentiful and rich. I visited over 50 chapters to emphasize the unique structure of our association and to maximize the interrelation of our national and regional activities. Through a magnificent Membership Committee, we mitigated membership retention problems the association was then encountering. We led a national effort to restore civility to the practice of law, a mission that must never end. And we drew upon the talents of our FBA to nourish the roots of democracy then being planted in countries recently freed from Soviet control.
Incredible Networking Opportunities
Maria Z. Vathis
FBA President, 2018–2019
I had a lot of incredible experiences rising through the ranks. I cherished the events involving the Supreme Court justices. Those are the ones that tend to really stick out in my mind. We did an annual swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court and I was the one who moved for admission for 30 members and got to meet with Ruth Bader Ginsburg, which was amazing, and we had Gorsuch speak when we awarded our essay winners that year.
Promoting the Role of Magistrate Judge
Hon. Gusatavo A. Gelpi
FBA President, 2013–2014
We appointed a committee that helped prepare The Federal Lawyer devoted to federal magistrate judges — it was a double-sized issue and people enjoyed it. As magistrate judges, we drafted a white paper on magistrate judge duties, which hadn’t been done in about 30 years and was a guide to practicing and the duties and powers that mag judges have.
Amending the Board Structure
Fern C. Bomchill
FBA President, 2011–2012
Once I became involved with the FBA on the national level and the governing of the organization was amended to the current Board of Directors structure, I wanted to serve as national president because I recognized an opportunity to have a positive effect on our federal legal system — for our judges as well as for our lawyers in both the public and private sectors.
Leading the Association to New Heights
David H. Allard
FBA President, 1974–1975
I wanted to serve as president of the Federal Bar Association to lead the legal profession to new heights of excellence in continuing legal education. I was particularly interested in attracting the young lawyer and the government lawyer to these outstanding programs and to demonstrate to them the opportunities for service and professional growth that the Federal Bar provides.
Mingling With Judicial Elites
Hon. Dana E. McDonald
FBA President, 1996–1997
There are two memories: 1. Working with FBA staff and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, particularly its then-chair, District Judge Barefoot Sanders of the U.S. District Court in Dallas. We were participants in many meetings with members of Congress, with district judges, and with the chief justice of the United States. 2. Cohosting a reception at the Supreme Court of the United States with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I had met other justices over the years, but this was the one time I had any such role on behalf of the FBA. I still remember her graciousness to me that evening.