Paradigm Shifts

Yesterday afternoon, Scott Crosby and I along with a woman named Amy Amundsen appeared on a local access TV show in Memphis called 'A Question of Law' hosted by Judge Kay Robilio to discuss Collaborative law process. Cindy Pensoneau was there but did not appear on the show. Amy is the former president of the Memphis Bar Association who became familiar with collaborative process about ten years ago thru her work at the ABA and the Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She was the 'con' to collaborative practice but I think we won her over! Scott and I were able to get a little bit of good word in about the MidSouth Collaborative Divorce Alliance- we have a google group now! Be sure to join!

I currently chair the Tennessee Bar Association ADR section and yesterday the Executive Committee of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section created a Collaborative Practice Committee of the Section and I would like to invite those of you who are TBA members to become ADR section members and join this Practice Committee. I will be soliciting members through the section and looking for a Committee Chair. The Tennessee Bar Association did a webinar last Friday (9/11) on Collaborative Law Practice which is very encouraging and it looks like we will have Kim Wright back in Tennessee for the National Association of Women Judges AND a CLE the Monday after she speaks to the NAWJ. We have bought a DVD from Chip Rose to use in future trainings, another exciting development.

Finally, the Tennessee Supreme Court has created an Access to Justice Commission. Chief Justice Janice Holder has proven to be a true advocate for Access to Justice through the creation of the Commission. And one of the subcommittees of the Commission is focused on Pro Bono and Community Mediation. Another great development in Tennessee. There really is something in the water down here- that Memphis Aquifer is doing a great job.

Linda Warren Seely