VOLUME II, ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2015 ! Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association NEWSLETTER DRI Leadership The Tennessee Presidential Delegation Conference Leaders Training Leaders Serving in TDLA certainly has its benefits. Recently, TDLA leaders were invited to participate in DRI leadership training at the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago. Like-minded practitioners and industry representatives from across the country came together under a business development and networking umbrella for defense attorneys to share ideas, experiences, and learn from each other. The attendees included DRI Board of Directors, State Representatives, Presidents and Presidents-Elect of State and Local Defense Organizations (SLDOs), SLDO Executive Directors, and Substantive Law Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs. The Presidents and President-Elects of DRI sister organizations (IADC, FDCC, & ADTA) were also in attendance. It was an extraordinary opportunity to connect for personal and professional defvelopment. JOIN US! z Lillian James Douglas Arriving just in time to coincide with the DRI Leadership Conference, The Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association is thrilled to welcome future member Lillian James Douglas, ! of TDLA Board Member Heather daughter Left to Right: Brad Box (TDLA Immediate Past President & State Representative), Cate Dugan (TDLA President - Elect), Laura Proctor (DRI President - Elect), and James Tucker (TDLA President) New Arrival z Douglas and Shane Douglas. She burst on the scene weighing in at seven pounds and fourteen ounces, and is an adorable nineteen inches long. Congratulations to Shane, Heather, & big sister, Chloe. Member NEWS Employee Newsletter MEMBERS TAKE THE BENCH Brandon O. Gibson was named to the Court of Appeals, Western Section. Kristi M. Davis was named Knox County Circuit Court Judge. Tim Conner was appointed Workers’ Compensation Appeals Judge. Pamela Johnson was named Workers’ Compensation Court Judge. Firms Name New Partners/Members BRAD BOX APPOINTED TO GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL FOR JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS Governor Bill Haslam announced the 11 members of the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments that will recommend candidates to the Governor to fill vacancies for Tennessee trial and appellate courts on December 12, 2014. Our very own past President, Brad Box, was named to one of these coveted positions. He will represent the Western Division of the state and serve a four year term. NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Leitner Williams Dooley & Napolitan named member David Chapman. Rainey Kizer Reviere & Bell named members John Alexander and Nathan Shelby. ON THE MOVE Allison M. Cotton recently joined Ford Harrison as an employment law attorney. Lynn Vo Lawyer was named Assistant General Counsel for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Jessica Thomas has recently joined TDLA. Jessica provides advice and counsel on employment issues and compliance to Remington Outdoor Company where she serves as a Labor & Employment attorney. Prior to taking her position at Remington, Jessica worked for Ogletree Deakins. Her experience is vast in the labor and employment field. Jessica also has experience directing and conducting sensitive investigations of alleged workplace misconduct and sexual harassment in the workplace. She has accepted our request to serve as Co-Chair (along side of Dale Conder) of the Employment and Workers’ Compensation Section of TDLA. TDLA IS LOOKING FOR A NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. IF YOU HAVE A RECOMMENDATION OR KNOW SOMEONE INTERESTED, PLEASE CONTACT PHIL MISCHKE @ [email protected]