News
Frank Strickland Testifies Before Congress on Need for LSC Funding Increase
Legal Services Corporation’s Chairman Frank B. Strickland, left, stands with Subcommittee Chairman Alan B. Mollohan and LSC President Helaine M. Barnett following a hearing on LSC’s FY 2009 budget request.
On April 2, 2008 Frank Strickland, Chairman of the Legal Services Corporation, along with other leaders testified before a House panel on the critical need for increased funding to provide crucial legal assistance to the millions of low-income Americans forced to confront serious civil legal problems without the help of an attorney.
Frank Strickland Receives Benham Lifetime Achievement Award
On January 29, Frank Strickland received the Justice Robert Benham Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service. Named in honor of Justice Robert Benham of the Supreme Court of Georgia, the award is the highest recognition given by the State Bar of Georgia and the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism. It honors lawyers who have demonstrated an extraordinarily long and distinguished commitment to volunteer participation in the community throughout their legal career.
Left to right: W. Seaborn Jones, Owen Gleaton, Egan, Jones & Sweeney; Avarita L. Hanson, Executive Director of the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism; Frank B. Strickland, Justice Robert Benham, Supreme Court of Georgia; Patrise M. Perkins-Hooker, Hollowell Foster & Gepp.
Board of Visitors Appointment
Frank Strickland was appointed in March 2008 to a three year term on the Board of Visitors of the Georgia State University College of Law.
The board was established by the Dean in 1995 to serve as ambassadors for the College in the wider community, to assist in outreach to prospective employers of graduates, to represent the legal community to the College, to assist faculty in making their expertise available to the community, to identify and recruit speakers, and to advise concerning community needs for improvements in the law. The original multi-faceted purpose has evolved and now includes: to advise on ways and means to raise funds for scholarships and support of the College and to recommend action important to the maintenance of professional standards and practices of a first class school of law.
Legal Services Corporation Honors Senators Domenici and Harkin
On January 24, 2008 the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation hosted a reception in the historic Lyndon Baines Johnson room of the U.S. Capitol to honor Senators Pete V. Domenici, (R-New Mexico) and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) for their dedication to the principle of equal justice under law. Legal Services Corporation Board Chairman, Frank Strickland presented the awards.
Strickland Receives St. Thomas More Award
Frank Strickland received the St. Thomas More Society Award for making legal services to the poor a central focus of his professional life. The Society notes that as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation, Strickland "has resisted pressure to reduce legal services to those of lesser means, even in the face of personal attacks. He has worked hard to ensure that the poor are provided effective legal representation, especially in matters involving basic human needs."
Welcome Aboard Bryan Tyson
Bryan Tyson has joined our firm after returning from Washington, where he served as a policy aide to Congressman Lynn Westmoreland. Bryan, who is a member of the California Bar, will focus his practice on election law, redistricting and legislative, regulatory and political policy matters. We're glad you're here, Bryan!
Employment Law Conference
Peggy Brockington again chaired ICLE's annual Employment Law Seminar, "Hiring, Supervising and Firing: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly," on January 12, 2007. Both Jonathan Poole and Peggy spoke at the seminar. Jonathan's talk, "Evaluations, Reviews and Promotions," focused on suggestions for preventing problems by providing employees with timely and honest feedback. Peggy's talk, "Applications, Interviews, Background Checks and Testing," pointed out common problems in each of these areas, and mapped out strategies for avoiding those pitfalls.
Legal Eagle Anne Lewis
In October 2006, Atlanta Woman Magazine named Anne Lewis to its list of twenty top Atlanta women attorneys. "Legal Eagles: 20 Amazingly Talented Women Who Soar Above the Competition," Atlanta Woman, October 2006.
Vice Chair Supreme Court's Committee on Equal Justice
In May 2006, Chief Justice Leah Sears appointed Anne Lewis Vice Chair of the Georgia Supreme Court's Committee on Equal Justice. The Committee has been charged by the Supreme Court to develop and implement a plan to meet the growing civil legal needs of Georgia's poor. The Committee is comprised of state and federal judges, legislators, lawyers in private and public practice, a client advocate and a member of the clergy and is ably assisted by an Advisory Board, consisting of legal service providers.
Jonathan Poole Joins Firm
We are delighted to announce that Jonathan Poole joined us as an associate on August 30, 2006. Jonathan will focus his practice on litigation, education law and employment law. Welcome, Jonathan!
Higher Education Law Conference Talk
Peggy Brockington spoke at the 37th Annual Conference on Higher Education and the Law at Jekyll Island July 30 through August 1. Peggy joined colleagues John Marshall, Kate Wasch and Oren Griffin on a panel discussing "Problems on the Horizon—Campus Safety and Security, Police Jurisdiction, Background Checks and Clery Act Changes."
Good Luck to Luanne
We wish the best of luck to Luanne Bonnie as she moves her practice to downtown Decatur. We're glad she won't be too far away, so we can keep in touch.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANK!
Employee Fraud Presentation
Peggy spoke at the annual meeting of the Georgia Association of Certified Fraud Examiners on July 7, 2006. Her talk, entitled "Fraud at Work—How to Fire Without Getting Burned—TWICE," focused on practical steps an employer who discovers fraud by an employee can take to minimize the risk of employment-related litigation.
2006 Education Law Conference Talk
Peggy Brockington will be a featured speaker at the 37th Annual Conference on Higher Education and the Law at Jekyll Island July 30 through August 1. The theme of this year's conference is "Workshop on Critical Issues: Alcohol, Suicide, Cheating, Discipline, Ethics, and More." Peggy will participate in a panel discussion on "Problems on the Horizon—Campus Safety and Security, Police Jurisdiction, Background Checks and Clery Act Changes."
NACUA 2007 Annual Program Committee
Peggy Brockington has been appointed to the 2007 Annual Program Committee of the National Association of College and University Attorneys.
Task Force Appointment
In April 2006, Governor Sonny Perdue appointed Frank Strickland to the newly established Independent Redistricting Task Force. The task force was created by the Governor through an executive order to study and consider the creation of an independent commission for the purpose of legislative and congressional redistricting. Members include representatives from cities thought Georgia, including Albany, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon and metro Atlanta. The Governor's eleven appointees include representatives from the legal, academic and business community.
"I look forward to the Commission's recommendations on the viability of an independent body to draw district lines," said Governor Perdue. "I'm enthusiastic about the variety of members we've chosen for the Independent Redistricting Task Force and the challenging work that they are undertaking."
The Commission will study and make recommendations on the possibility of an independent redistricting commission to ensure balanced, fairly drawn districts and improve public faith in the elective process. The task force will make recommendations by December 31, 2006 regarding their findings.
GAWL Advisory Board
Peggy Brockington has been invited to serve on the Advisory Board of the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers.
Goodbye to Russell Ford
We were all sad to see Russell Ford move to Boston to be closer to his family on June 2. We will really miss him. We wish him and his family all the best, and hope it's not too cold up there.
Vice Chair to Chair
Peggy Brockington became chair of the School and College Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia at the Bar's annual meeting on June 2, 2006.
Defense of Governor and State Election Board
Anne Lewis was appointed as a Special Assistant Attorney General to represent the state defendants in the case of Ms. Margaret L. Berry v. Hon. Sonny Perdue, individually and in his official capacity as Governor; State Election Board, et al. in the Superior Court of DeKalb County.
SuperLawyers 2006!
All three of the firm's partners, Anne Lewis, Peggy Brockington and Frank Strickland, have been named Georgia SuperLawyers for the second year in a row. Only 5% of all Georgia lawyers are recognized as SuperLawyers each year. Click here to see the profile.
President Elect
Peggy Brockington was elected president of the Northridge Forest Neighborhood Association in March 2006. Peggy's neighborhood is located in the new City of Sandy Springs.
Speaking at Stetson University
Peggy Brockington spoke on "Background Checks for Students and Employees: Emerging Trends" at the 27th Annual National Conference on Law and Higher Education in Clearwater Beach, Florida on February 21, 2006. The conference is sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy at Stetson University College of Law.
The Complete Lawyer
Russell Ford will speak at The Complete Lawyer's Career Toolkit, a seminar sponsored by the Atlanta Bar Association Continuing Legal Educatation, on February 3, 2006, at the State Bar of Georgia Conference Center. Russell will discuss how coaching gave him a fresh perspective on his legal career and helped create a personal vision for his future in law.
Speaking at NACUA's Annual Conference
Russell Ford will speak on immigration law issues at the National Association of College and University Attorney's 46 Annual Conference on June 26, 2006.
Voter ID Litigation
Anne Lewis was appointed a Special Assistant Attorney General to defend the Secretary of State and the State Election Board in Common Cause/Georgia, et al. v. Billups, litigation attacking Georgia's statute requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls.
Speaking at Stetson University
Russell Ford will speak on immigration law issues and background check policies and compliance with regard to students and employees at the 27th Annual Conference on Law and Higher Education sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy at Stetson University College of Law on February 18 and February 21, 2006.
Chair to Vice Chair
Peggy Brockington stepped down as chairman of the School and College Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia, and will now serve as Vice Chair of the Section.
Achieving What Matters
Russell Ford will speak on Achieving Job Satisfaction and Utilizing Career Coaching effectively, for the Atlanta Bar Association's The Complete Lawyer's Career Toolkit "How to Achieve What Matters to You . . ." CLE program on February 3, 2006.
Speaking Out Against Fraud
Peggy Brockington spoke to the Georgia Society of CPAs at a Fraud First Aid for Non Profits seminar, December 14, 2005.
Lawyer of Distinction
Russell Ford was named a Lawyer of Distinction by Jezebel Magazine, November 2005.
Super Lawyer Rising Star
Russell Ford was named a Georgia SuperLawyer Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine, October 2005.
GAWL Talk
Peggy Brockington spoke on "Dealing Effectively with Staff" at the October 18, 2005 meeting of the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers.
Employment Law Article
Russell Ford published an article entitled "When is it appropriate for an attorney to contact employees of an organization when the organization is the opposing party in litigation?" in the Atlanta Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section's Labor & Employment News.
Journal Editorial Board Appointment
Russell Ford was invited by the National Association of College and University Attorneys to sit on the Editorial Board of The Journal of College and University Law, published by NACUA and the University of Notre Dame, School of Law.
Conference on Higher Education
Peggy Brockington and Russell Ford both spoke at the 36th Annual Conference on Higher Education and the Law at Jekyll Island on August 1 and 2, 2005. The theme of the conference was What Every President, Vice President, Dean, Director, Department Head, Faculty Member and Even Attorney Needs to Know. Russell spoke on "Maintaining a Foreign National Student Population and Workforce at a College or University—Issues and Trends." Peggy led a roundtable discussion of issues in higher education entitled "Potpourri."
Super Lawyers
All three of the firm's partners, Anne Lewis, Peggy Brockington and Frank Strickland, have been selected as Georgia Super Lawyers for 2005 by Atlanta Magazine. Only 5% of all Georgia lawyers are recognized as Super Lawyers each year. Click here to see the profile.
Ethics Presentation
Frank Strickland was a presenter on ethics and professionalism at a seminar on complex civil litigation sponsored by the Institute for Continuing Legal Education in Atlanta on March 22, 2005.
RNLA Conference Chair
Frank Strickland was program chairman for the annual spring conference of the Republican National Lawyers Association at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on April 22, 2005. Speakers included Vice President Richard B. Cheney, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson, White House Counsel Harriet Miers and former Attorney General John Ashcroft.
Advanced Employment Law
Peggy Brockington spoke at the inaugural Seminar on Advanced Employment Law Conference and Retreat at Brasstown Valley on March 19, 2005. Peggy and Kerry Heyward, Associate General Counsel for Georgia State University, addressed common issues in education law and employment law at the seminar, which was sponsored by the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Atlanta Bar Association.
New Baby
Russell Ford and his wife Lisa have a new baby boy. Connor Russell Ford, who was born on April 1, 2005, joins big sisters Carson and Courtney.
Special Counsel
Anne Lewis served as special counsel to the House of Representatives and State Senate during the 2005 session of the Georgia General Assembly.
Special Olympics Georgia
Peggy Brockington was appointed to the Honorary Board of Special Olympics Georgia in February, 2005.
Russell Ford
The firm is very excited to announce that Russell Ford, formerly with Troutman Sanders, joined us as an associate on February 1, 2005. Russell brings a wealth of experience in immigration law, and also focuses his practice on education law and employment law.
Religion in the Workplace
Peggy Brockington, along with Mary Ann Oakley of Holland + Knight LLP, co-chaired the 2005 Employment Law Seminar sponsored by the Institute for Continuing Education on January 19, 2005. Peggy joined Ed Buckley of Buckley & Klein, Sam Matchett of King & Spalding LLP and John Beasley of Hill and Beasley on a panel addressing religion in the workplace.
Young Lawyers Talk
Russell Ford spoke on immigration law for employers at the annual Employment Law Seminar sponsored by the Institute for Continuing Legal Education on January 19, 2005.
Service to College of Law
Peggy Brockington was awarded the Service to the College of Law Award from Georgia State University on January 14, 2005. Peggy is only the fifth recipient of this award in the history of the College of Law.
Immigration Law
Russell Ford spoke on immigration law for employers at the annual Employment Law Seminar sponsored by the Institute for Continuing Legal Education on January 19, 2005.
Education Law Society
Peggy Brockington gave a presentation on education law to members of the Education Law Society at the Georgia State University College of Law on January 12, 2005.
Labor and Employment Board
Peggy Brockington was named to the Board of Directors of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Atlanta Bar Association in October 2004.
Lawyers Foundation of Georgia
Peggy Brockington became a Fellow of the Lawyers Foundation of Georgia in October 2004.
ABA Debate
During the annual convention of the American Bar Association held in Atlanta from August 5-11, 2004 Frank Strickland moderated a debate on the treatment of detainees held by the United States. The debate, which was jointly sponsored by the ABA Section on Individual Rights and Responsibilities and The Federalist Society, was titled "U.S. Treatment of Detainees: Have we Followed the Rule of Law?" Participants David B. Rivkin of Baker & Hostetler LLP in Washington,DC and William M. Hannay of Schiff Hardin LLP in Chicago discussed whether the U.S. government's policy on interrogation and treatment of detainees, set forth in a controversial Department of Justice legal memorandum, is consistent with principles of American and international law.
Lamar Inn of Court
Peggy Brockington has been invited to become a Master of the Lamar Inn of Court at Emory University.
Higher Ed Conference
Peggy Brockington moderated a panel discussion on "Disability Issues in Schools and Colleges" at the 35th Annual Conference on Higher Education and the Law on July 19 and 20. Panel members included Anne Proffitt Dupre of the University of Georgia School of Law, Tom Dickson of the Weatherly Law Firm and Karen Kalivoda, Director of the Office of Disability Services at the University of Georgia. The topic of the conference, which was sponsored by the Institute of Higher Education of the University of Georgia, was "K-12 and Higher Education Law: Common Ground?"
Supreme Court Victory
On June 30, 2004 the U.S. Supreme Court in Cox v. Larios affirmed the judgment of a three judge district court in Larios v. Cox in which Anne Lewis and Frank Strickland represented the winning Larios plaintiffs. Justice Stevens joined by Justice Breyer issued a concurring opinion; Justice Scalia dissented. This is the redistricting litigation in which the district court declared the Georgia House and Senate Districts unconstitutional and appointed a special master to draw new legislative maps for the 2004 elections. E. Mark Braden and Amy M. Henson of Baker & Hostetler LLP in Washington, DC represented Senator Eric Johnson, president pro tem of the Georgia Senate, as a plaintiff in the litigation.
School and College Law Chair
Peggy Brockington was elected chairman of the School and College Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia at the Bar's annual meeting in June in Orlando.
Partners Celebrate Bowtie Day
Peggy and Anne declared Monday, May 10, 2004 Bowtie Day in honor of their partner Frank.
Photo by Carolyn Richardson
Equal Justice Speeches
Frank Strickland spoke at the final plenary session of the national Equal Justice Conference held in Atlanta on April 15-17, 2004. Frank's remarks concerning current activities of the Legal Services Corporation preceded a speech by American Bar Association President Dennis W. Archer of Detroit. Frank also spoke to the national meeting of State Access to Justice Chairs held in Atlanta on April 16, 2004.
Congressional Testimony
In his capacity as Chairman of the Board of the Legal Services Corporation, Frank Strickland testified before the Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee on April 1, 2004. Frank's appearance was in support of LSC's budget request of $352.4 million for FY 2005. Representative Frank Wolf (R-Virginia) is chairman of the subcommittee. On March 31, 2004, Frank also appeared at a hearing concerning LSC conducted by the Commercial and Administrative Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee chaired by Representative Chris Cannon (R-Utah).
Employment Litigation Tips
Peggy Brockington spoke on 101 Uses for a Jury/Trial Consultant at the Hot Tips in Employment Litigation Seminar on March 19, 2004. The seminar, which was sponsored by the Labor and Employment Section of the Atlanta Bar Association, also featured presentations on working with in-house employment counsel, use of economic experts, employment practices liability insurance, mediation, the ethics of contacting employee witnesses, and technology at trial.
Bonnie Beagle is a Star
Strickland Brockington Lewis LLP is proud to announce its new affiliation with MetLife Beagle, BeaglesBay Good Golly Miss Molly, Luanne Bonnie's talented puppy. With a portfolio overflowing with backyard and neighborhood glamour shots, Molly outshined five other beagles in the Southeastern region and was chosen to represent Snoopy, canine icon and beagle extraordinaire, in several MetLife print ads. Strickland Brockington Lewis is honored to know and represent Molly and hopes to maintain a long and prosperous relationship with her as she pursues fame, fortune and countless romps in Piedmont Park.
Victory in Redistricting Case
In a unanimous opinion issued February 10, 2004, a three-judge Federal District Court panel struck down the Georgia House and Senate redistricting maps, finding them unconstitutional as a plain violation of the one person, one vote principle embodied in the Equal Protection Clause. Frank Strickland and Anne Lewis represent a group of Georgia voters who are plaintiffs in this case, Sara Larios, et al. v. Cathy Cox, Case Number 1:03-CV-693-CAP in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. E. Mark Braden and Amy Henson of Baker & Hostetler LLP in Washington, D.C. represent Senator Eric Johnson as an additional plaintiff in the case.
Luanne Bonnie Joins Firm
Luanne Bonnie joined Strickland Brockington Lewis LLP as counsel on February 2, 2004. Luanne, who was formerly a partner with Burr & Forman LLP, practices in the areas of commercial litigation, corporate law, education law and employment law. She also has experience in trusts and estate planning, creditors' rights and bankruptcy. Luanne is a graduate of the University of Arizona and earned her J.D. at Louisiana State University. Welcome Luanne!
Georgia's 2003 Legal Elite
Frank Strickland has been named one of Georgia's 2003 Legal Elite by GeorgiaTrend Magazine. Frank was selected by his peers as one of the state's most effective lawyers in the area of Corporate Law.
Employment Law Seminar
Peggy Brockington, along with Mary Ann Oakley of Holland & Knight LLP, presided over ICLE's annual Employment Law Seminar on Thursday, January 29, 2004. The program, Winning Strategies in Employment Cases, featured updates on the law, a panel discussion of the Desert Palace v. Costa case, presentations on state tort claims and the effective use of documents in employment cases, and demonstrations of winning closing arguments.
Leadership Award
The Atlanta Bar Association presented Frank Strickland with its Leadership Award on October 16, 2003. The Leadership Award is presented to members who inspire by their example, challenge by their deeds, and remind us all of our debt to our profession and community. W. Seaborn Jones delivered a wonderful tribute to Frank at the award luncheon.
Election Law School Panelists
Anne Lewis and Frank Strickland served as panelists at the Election Law School in Orange County, California in August. The Election Law School, which is sponsored by the Republican National Lawyers Association, trains lawyers on how to deal with election irregularities, including fraudulent voter registration, improper voting, recounts and election contests, before, during and after elections.
Judicial Nominating Commission
Governor Sonny Perdue has appointed Frank Strickland to the Judicial Nominating Commission. The Commission reviews candidates for judicial positions throughout the State of Georgia and recommends the top candidates to the Governor.
Harvard Legal Aid Talk
Frank Strickland was a presenter at the biennial conference of the International Legal Aid Group at Harvard Law School on June 18 through 20. The conference was co-hosted by Harvard Law School and the Legal Services Corporation.
Judicial Selection Committee
Peggy Brockington has been appointed to the Judicial Selection and Tenure Committee of the Atlanta Bar Association. This Committee reviews candidates for judicial positions in Fulton County, on the Georgia Supreme Court and on the Georgia Court of Appeals.
Lewis New GOP Deputy Counsel
Anne Lewis was appointed Chief Deputy General Counsel of the Georgia Republican Party on May 19, 2003.
Strickland New LSC Board Chair
Frank Strickland was elected chairman of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation on April 25, 2003. Frank and five other new LSC Board members nominated by President George W. Bush, were confirmed by the United States Senate on April 11, 2003, and sworn in on April 25, 2003. LSC oversees 161 legal services programs in all 50 states and certain territories and possessions, and has an annual budget of approximately $330,000,000. Frank has served on the Board of Georgia Legal Services Program for the past seven years. He also served on the boards of Atlanta Legal Aid Society and Federal Public Defender, Inc. from 1984 to 1988. Georgia Legal Services and Atlanta Legal Aid provide high quality civil legal assistance for low income people. Federal Public Defender, Inc. provides representation to indigent defendants charged with federal crimes.
Election Contest Victories
Anne Lewis and Frank Strickland achieved a victory in the election contest in House District 1, the final election contest case in the State of Georgia, on April 7, 2003. This victory means that Anne and Frank successfully represented one of the parties in all 11 election contests and recounts in the State of Georgia resulting from the 2002 General Election. T. Matthew Mashburn of Stites & Harbison served as co-counsel in the election contests.
Supreme Court Argument
Frank Strickland and Anne Lewis represented four minority intervenors in Georgia v. Ashcroft, Case No. 02-182, in oral argument before the United States Supreme Court on April 29, 2003. As urged by the minority intervenors and the United States Department of Justice, a three-judge panel of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia rejected Georgia's State Senate redistricting plan in 2002, finding that it violated Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Our co-counsel in this case are E. Mark Braden and Amy Henson of Baker & Hostetler LLP in Washington, D.C.
Injunction in Accreditation Case
Our firm successfully represented Life University in its suit against The Council on Chiropractic Education challenging the revocation of Life's accreditation by CCE, its accrediting agency. Life University, Inc. v. The Council on Chiropractic Education, Inc., The Council on Chiropractic Education Commission on Accreditation, through its Chair, Joseph Brimhall, and Paul D. Walker, Northern District of Georgia, Case No. 1:03-CV-4-CAM. On February10, 2003, United States District Judge Charles A. Moye, Jr. granted Life's Motion for Preliminary Injunction, restoring Life's accreditation, and entered a permanent injunction on August 21, 2003. With Peggy Brockington as lead counsel, all of the firm's lawyers have participated in this litigation, along with co-counsel Stanley A. Freeman and Sherry Mastrostefano Gray of Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC in Washington, D.C.