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Law Day Celebration and Awards
Our Association celebrated Law Day on May 2, 2005. There were approximately 90 members in attendance. The day began with our traditional breakfast festivities held at the Holiday Inn Select in Timonium. Attendees were greeted by live music courtesy of the Loyola Blakefield's Jazz Combo.
The early risers were greeted by Committee Chair Philip Tirabassi 's opening remarks. The Honorable Mickey J. Norman opened the morning ceremony with an invocation. Vice Chair, Carolyn Thaler next introduced our keynote speaker, the Honorable Benson E. Legg of the United States District Court of Maryland.
Speaking on the topic of this year's Law Day festivities: The American Jury: We the People in Action, Judge Legg regaled the group with a comprehensive history of the jury system, tracking changes in the system from ancient Greek cultures; through medieval England; to the early American colonies; post-Revolution America; to the present. Judge Legg opined that, while the American jury system is what sets our nation apart from other systems of jurisprudence and was one of the principles upon which the American Revolution was predicated, at the federal level, very few disputes are resolved by way of jury trials, the vast majority of matters being tried instead by bench trials.
This was the first Law Day Breakfast organized by our new Executive Director, Doris Barnes, and she did a marvelous job. Due to the well-coordinated efforts of Doris and the Law Day Committee, the breakfast ran smoothly and members were able to be in their offices by 9:00 a.m.!
Chairman Tirabassi outdid himself with the noontime ceremonies. A much needed return to pomp and circumstance awaited attendees. The standing room only crowd in the ceremonial courtroom of the Old Courthouse was greeted by the sounds of David Stewart Thaler 's bagpipe and a Baltimore County Police Honor Guard.
Officer Harold Williams of the Baltimore County Police Department offered a beautiful rendition of our national anthem. There was almost unanimous attendance by our Circuit Court bench, including Senior Judge Levitz, Administrative Judge Turnbull, Judges Ballou-Watts, Bollinger, Byrnes, Cadigan, Cavanaugh, Daniels, Finifter, Hennegan, Kahl, Jakubowski, Norman and Souder, all sporting their robes. There was representation of the District Court bench, as well. Chief Judge of our Court of Appeals, Robert M. Bell, honored us with his attendance.
The invocation was given by the Honorable Vicki Ballou-Watts. Numerous proclamations then were acknowledged by Vice Chair Carolyn Thaler, including a letter of recognition from U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski; a Proclamation from Senator Paula Hollinger; a Proclamation from Delegate Susan L.M. Aumann; and a Proclamation from the Baltimore County Council.
County Executive James T. Smith, Jr., next addressed the group. In addition to praising the efforts of this year's Committee for its efforts, County Executive Smith congratulated this year's Law Day Award winner, the Honorable J. Norris Byrnes on his well-deserved recognition. County Executive Smith then presented a Proclamation in recognition of Law Day.
One reason for the capacity crowd related to the presentation of the Citizenship Award to Katlyn Breanna Nelson. This writer presented this new award to Miss Nelson to recognize her courage and composure under horrific circumstances. This writer listened to the 911 tape of Miss Nelson calling in the attack and stabbing of her mother. Miss Nelson, then 9 years old, calmly related her address and the circumstances of the emergency to the 911 operator. She described her mother's injuries and rendered first aid assistance to her at the direction of the 911 operator. The dichotomy between the brave girl assuring her mother that help was on the way and rendering aid to her and the little girl, having given all of the factual information to the operator in order to obtain help, then relating her fears that her mom might not be all right was striking. Miss Nelson's heroism did not end on the night of her mother's attack. She went to court and testified against her attacker. Her testimony was instrumental in the defendant's conviction.
Miss Nelson is a beautiful young girl who handled myriad press inquiries with aplomb seldom seen in adults. She quickly stole the show and became the darling not only of the media but of all attendees on that day.
Chairman Tirabassi next introduced our keynote speaker, First Lady Kendel S. Ehrlich. In making his introductory remarks, Tirabassi opined that jury duty should be regarded as a treasured right and privilege and not viewed as a burden best avoided.
First Lady Ehrlich first recognized Katlyn Nelson and heralded her efforts. Ehrlich observed that jury service is a key piece of American democracy. She observed that there is no more important duty which its citizens may offer other than serving in the armed forces. Ehrlich next presented Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.'s Proclamation in recognition and honor of Law Day.
Bambi Glenn once again organized and ran this year's expanded art competition which included private and public elementary and middle schools. Winners selected from approximately 50 entries, all displayed in the lobby of the courthouse, all received U.S. savings bonds. The winning entries were displayed at the ceremony. All of the art entries were to be moved following the ceremony to the Jury Commissioner's Office to remain on display for those performing their jury duty. Elementary School Awards went to: Treshawn Sutton (first place); Nicole Demetrides (second place) and Stephen Daily (third place). Middle School Awards went to: Jessica Robertson (first place); Lauren Butcher (second place) and Trisha Hengen (third place).
The Committee received approximately 140 submissions for its annual essay competition. Committee member Donna McElroy, once again, put her considerable talent into organizing this year's competition which for the first time included private, as well as public, schools. Winners received U.S. savings bonds. This year's first place winner, Dinara Lipartiya, received third place recognition last year. Additional winners were: Michelle Routh (second place) and Brian Davis (third place).
Rex Shepard of Baltimore County Public Schools next presented Owings Mills High School with the first place award for the annual Mock Trial competition. Shepard also presented certificates of recognition to Judges Levitz and Bollinger for their participation in this program.
The Pro Bono Committee next presented its awards, the details of which are set forth elsewhere in this publication, to Edwin G. Fee, Jr. and the Baltimore County Office of Law. Kate Sampson of the Young Lawyers' Committee presented the annual gift to the YMCA of Central Maryland.
Tirabassi then presented the Judith P. Ritchey Award to Jay D. Miller in recognition for his efforts in conjunction with the Lawyer Assistance Committee. Miller accepted the award on behalf of the Committee and observed that the Committee's efforts, by necessity, are anonymous and unrecognized. He reflected, however, that the Committee's work is essential and had helped many, many members.
BCBA President John Gontrum next addressed the assemblage and presented the Law Day Award to the Honorable J. Norris Byrnes. While Gontrum stated that there was no set criteria for the Law Day Award winner, he quipped that “I know one when I see one.” That certainly is true of this year's honoree, Judge Byrnes.
Gontrum extolled not only Judge Byrnes courtroom skills and demeanor as a jurist, but praised his skills and professionalism as a practicing attorney. Most importantly, however, he reflected upon Judge Byrnes' contributions to his community through civic work, as well as the importance in Judge Byrnes' life of his family. Judge Byrnes, in graciously accepting the award, thanked all in attendance and noted the attendance of various family members. Judge Byrnes truly is the embodiment of all that is good about the law.
Hard to believe that all of the above took place in a ceremony which was concluded in under an hour! Kudos to Committee Chair Tirabassi and the members of the Committee for their organizational efforts.
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