BEYOND THE BENCH

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Members and Stakeholders:

As we approach the close of 2026, we remain committed to creating opportunities for professional growth, meaningful engagement, and service to the communities we represent. That commitment extends beyond the courtroom, particularly when it comes to protecting the rights of some of Alabama's most vulnerable residents.

With that mission in mind, we are pleased to co-sponsor an upcoming Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program examining the rights of public school students and the legal protections available to them. Preventing School Pushout: Due Process & Student Rights in Alabama Public Schools will take place Friday, December 11, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. CST via Zoom.

Presented by Southern Poverty Law Center attorneys Claire Sherburne and Moriah Windus, the program will provide an overview of Alabama school discipline laws and introduce attorneys to the fundamentals of representing public K-12 students in suspension and expulsion hearings.

The discussion comes amid continued national attention to school discipline practices, student rights, and the consequences of removing children from the classroom.

We encourage members and stakeholders to participate in this timely discussion and share the opportunity with colleagues interested in education law, civil rights, and youth advocacy.

Our commitment to education extends beyond protecting the rights of today's students. It also includes investing in the next generation of legal professionals.

That commitment was on display October 22, when members, supporters, and community partners gathered for our annual Scholarship Banquet. The evening celebrated academic achievement, recognized aspiring attorneys, and reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for future leaders in the legal profession.

Celebrating Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the 2026 Magic City Bar Association scholarship recipients! These aspiring legal professionals represent the promise of the next generation and MCBA's ongoing commitment to expanding access to legal education.

Pictured, from left to right, beginning with the top row: Makayela Bouldes (Cumberland School of Law); Ethan Harris (University of Alabama School of Law); Yechiel A. Peterson (Cumberland School of Law); Tykeisa Nesbitt (University of Alabama School of Law); Rebekah P. Lathan (Birmingham School of Law); TeAndria “T” Ellis (Miles Law School); Ariel Dixon (Cumberland School of Law); Mercedes L. Holte (Birmingham School of Law); and Renea C. Pascal (Jones School of Law). Also among this year's scholarship recipients is Caleb Harrell (Jones School of Law).

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Our sponsors' generosity made the evening possible and helps create meaningful opportunities for future members of the legal profession.

Platinum Plus Sponsor

Balch & Bingham LLP

Platinum Sponsors

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP

Dentons Sirote PC

Environmental Litigation Group

Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton, LLP

Lightfoot Franklin & White LLC

Singleton Schreiber

Thomas E. Hampton, Financial Advisor

Gold Sponsors

Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz

Maynard Nexsen

Marsh, Rickard & Bryan

Silver Sponsors

Beasley Allen Law Firm

Birmingham Bar Association

Birmingham Bar Foundation

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

Burr & Forman LLP

Christian & Small

Cory Watson Attorneys

EMW LAW

Ken Perry Law Firm, LLC

Serious Injury Law Group

Wiggins, Childs, Pantazis, Fisher & Goldfarb, LLC

Bronze Sponsors

Barganier Law Group

Battle & Winn

Karean L. Reynolds LLC

Petway French Ford

Regions Bank

Starnes Davis Florie LLP

White Arnold & Dowd, P.C.

MCBA also extends its appreciation to the Scholarship Banquet Committee for its dedication to making the event a success.

More Moments to Come

Additional photos from the 2026 Scholarship Banquet will soon be available on the MCBA website.

With appreciation,

Clinton Richardson

2026 President

Magic City Bar Association

2026 MCBA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Clinton Richardson

President-Elect Devan Byrd

Vice President BJ Savage

Parliamentarian Sam Ford

Recording Secretary

Lucy Chen

Corresponding Secretary Denzel Okinedo

Treasurer Jordan Cade

Birmingham Bar Association Liaison Johnathan F. Austin

Birmingham Bar Foundation Liaison Richard A. Rice

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

University Counsel (Litigation)

The University of Alabama System is accepting applications for a University Counsel (Litigation) position based at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) campus.

The position involves providing legal counsel and representation in medical malpractice litigation, regulatory compliance, employment matters, and other legal issues.

Qualified candidates must hold a Juris Doctor degree, have at least three years of litigation experience, and be licensed to practice law in Alabama or obtain licensure within six months of hire.

Initial Application Deadline: November 20, 2026

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly through the UA System Careers webpage.

Indigent Defense Attorneys

The City of Birmingham's Indigent Defense Advisory Council (IDAC) is accepting applications for one full-time and one part-time indigent defense attorney to provide legal representation in Birmingham Municipal Court.

The full-time position requires daily court appearances, while the part-time position includes 30 hours of monthly court appearances and participation in an on-call rotation. Applicants must be members in good standing with the Alabama State Bar and meet additional qualifications. Compensation is competitive; however, benefits are not included.

Application Deadline: November 30, 2026

Interested attorneys should submit a cover letter, résumé, and references to both BMC.Indigent@birminghamal.gov and audrey.jones@birminghamal.gov.

IN THE END

The impact of what we do today extends far beyond tomorrow.

Jacqueline Gray Miller manages Beyond The Bench & Beyond The Bench Extended Play, which reaches over 1200 stakeholders. To have your news or event considered for publication, please email contact@magiccitybarassociation.org