"Justice on the River, Navigating Change"

NAWJ 31ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Memphis, Tennessee's historic Peabody Hotel was the site of NAWJ's annual meeting of NAWJ members, this year enhanced by leading program participants from around the country, Tennessean legal stars, local corporate movers and shakers, and guests from throughout the Memphis area, the U.S., and seven nations around the world. Conference Co-Chairs, Memphis City Judge Earnestine Dorse and Tennessee State Supreme Court Chief Justice Janice Holder, with Education Chair Judge Bernice Donald of the U.S. District Court for Western Tennessee joined then NAWJ President Justice La Tia W. Martin to preside over four days of learning, exchange, jubilation and historical reverence. The National Association of Women Judges' 31st Annual Conference, Justice on the River: Navigating Change, drew approximately 400 people who partook of the ready wisdom of Keynote Speakers, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Reverend Samuel 'Billy' Kyles, and explored current developments from among 21 educational offerings in which highly focused discussions with top-level content and informed analysis better enabled participants to make informed decisions in all areas of their professional legal life.

The Memphis Planning Committee's famous Dine Around, where local 'Friends of NAWJ' hosted conference attendees from outside the area, ignited the four-day Conference with a big warm welcome of friendship, conversation, and all around good cheer over dinner in homes around Memphis. Among the many generous hosts was the family of Stephen Hale of the Memphis firm Hale • Dewey • Knight PLLC, who excelled at merging fine dining, good storytelling and exceptional genuine hospitality. All the Dine Around participants shared similarly favored memorable tales of invitation and good cheer. At the Center for Southern Folklore the next night, attendees basked in that rare sight of dancing judges. Ribs, macaroni and cheese, corn bread and greens could not stop the 'happy feet' of judges grooving to the sounds of Memphis' leading blues and rock band. By night's end almost everyone appeared in either a conga line or favorite hustle.

Perhaps one of the nation's most moving museums can be found at the Lorraine Motel, site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The National Civil Rights Museum chronicles key episodes of the American civil rights movement through a collection of historical items, exhibitions and education programs. Before dinner attendees viewed 'The Witness', Conference Keynote Speaker Rev. Samuel Kyles' remembrance of sharing the last days of Dr. King from the sanitation's workers march to Dr. King's Mountaintop speech to sharing the balcony at the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968.

The week's events would not have been possible without the efforts of Friends Committee Co-Chairs FedEx Express Legal Director Jeana Littrell, and Jill Steinberg of Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz. Ms. Littell's outstanding logistical and personnel support throughout the Conference was nonpareil in making this year's Conference a success.

The Conference's final day concluded with a Business Meeting at which NAWJ members voted in the 2009-2010 NAWJ Board of Directors Nominations Slate: President Justice Dana Fabe; President-Elect Judge Marjorie Laird Carter; Vice President of Publications Judge Amy Nechtem; Vice President of Districts Judge Joan Churchill (Ret.); Secretary Judge Sheri Roman; Treasurer Justice Patricia Hurst; ABA Delegate Judge Barbara Ann Zúñiga (Special election to replace Hon. Cara Lee Neville); and International Director Judge Sue Pai Yang (assumes office in May 2010).

During the Annual Awards Banquet, the 2009 NAWJ Award recipients were recognized: Joan Dempsey Klein Honoree of the Year to Justice Sonia Sotomayor; Florence K. Murray Award to Hon. Betty Weinberg Ellerin; Justice Vaino Spencer Leadership Award to Justice Betty J. Williams; and the Mattie Belle Davis Award to Judge Sheila Johnson.

HOST HOTEL

Reservations are now being accepted at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee for this year's Annual Conference. Room rates are $199.00 per night plus tax, single or double occupancy, and you may reserve accommodations by calling 1-800-PEABODY (Press 2) and identifying our group name, "National Association of Women Judges." The NAWJ room block is limited, and the rate is subject to availability. Reservations must be made on or before September 26, 2009, to guarantee the conference rate (subject to availability).

Please note, the Peabody Hotel is full on October 14th; however, all other conference nights are available. The Doubletree Hotel, across the street from the Peabody, has been designated as the overflow hotel.

REGISTRATION

Conference registration fees are $475 for NAWJ members, $495 for non-members, and $450 for first-time attendees. Download the registration form. NAWJ Member registration fee includes all educational sessions, receptions, meals, transportation to events listed in the program and use of the hospitality suite. Partner/guest registration fee includes all of the above except educational sessions. Registration forms postmarked after the registration deadline of September 15, 2009 must include a $50 late registration fee. If notice of cancellation is received after October 1, 2009, the registration fee, less a $50 processing fee, is refundable. Cancellations received within 3 days of the conference are refundable less a $100 processing fee.

Download the registration form to fax or mail to NAWJ. Send to:

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

(Subject to change)

Wednesday, October 14 - Pre Conference Activities

Thursday, October 15 - Opening Day

Friday, October 16 - Day 2

Saturday, October 17 - Day 3

Sunday, October 18 - Fare Thee Well

SPONSORS

CONFERENCE CHAIRS

CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEES

SILENT AUCTION