The Bench & Bar magazine is published to provide members of the KBA with information that will increase their knowledge of the law, improve the practice of law, and assist in improving the quality of legal services for the citizenry.
Issue link: https://kentuckybenchandbar.epubxp.com/i/132126
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Tony Kirves, Southern Exposure PONDERINGS AND PRONOUNCEMENTS OF A SOON TO BE "PAST PRESIDENT" Doug and his wife, Jan, pose together for the cover of Bench & Bar. As the year draws to a close, I am nearing the end of my tour of duty as "captain of the ship" for the Kentucky Bar Association. Rather than captain of the ship, in many ways I feel much more like a sailor crawling down from the crow's nest. I am thankful that the ship has not run aground on my watch but still concerned about the challenges that lie ahead. As I try to recall the events of the year, some of our accomplishments come to mind. But also coming to mind, and of more importance, is the work which remains to be done. This year we experienced significant strides forward in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our discipline system. The KBA has new Bar Counsel and has redefined the role and responsibilities of the Disciplinary Clerk. The KBA has stepped up our role in promoting the efficiency of the court system by reaching out to the legislature to address issues elating to the funding of the justice system. This is an ongoing project which will continue into the legislature's budget session in 2014. A broad base of lawyer support is required if this effort to increase funding for the justice system is to be successful. A special thanks to Bill Johnson, KBA Vice President, for his leadership in this effort. The KBA is evaluating systems of communications and publications as we move into the 21st century. We are looking at the expanded role of electronic communications and how that should interface with print publications sent by regular mail. Additionally, we are re-evaluating the KBA's role in regulating advertising. We are trying to strike the delicate balance between protecting the free speech of lawyers and safeguarding the public with respect to lawyer advertising. 2 Our successes this year are due to the efforts of our staff, our board of governors and our members. In wrapping up this year, I wish I could fully express the gratitude I have to Executive Director John Meyers, Director of Administration Melissa Blackwell and Executive Assistant Elaine Baesler. They are the lifeblood of our association. They work creatively and with enthusiasm to carry out the daily operations of the KBA. To them, I say thank you. To Mary Beth Cutter, our CLE Director, and Dianna Moore, Program Coordinator, thank you for an excellent year of seminars and for your work on our convention. Also, I want to commend the efforts B&B; • 05.13 of Yvette Hourigan, as KYLAP Director, in dealing with the many issues faced by lawyers coping with substance abuse, depression and the host of similar problems that many face in our profession. Congratulations to Todd Horstmeyer for his work on behalf of the Kentucky Bar Foundation. Top: Doug Myers takes a moment to celebrate with this mother, Dorris, after becoming the newly inducted Kentucky Bar Association president, during the 2012 Annual Banquet. Above: President Myers addresses the To our new Chief Bar Counsel, Tommy attendees at the 2012 Annual Convention. Glover, I say welcome. Many thanks to Jay Garrett for the work he did as Interim Chief Bar Counsel. Michele Pogrotsky deserves our appreciation for the outstanding job she does in overseeing our finances. Thanks to Amy Carman and Shannon Roberts for the work they do in communications and publications. A special thanks to Ben Swartz for the design support he has provided through this year. Finally, let me thank Doug Farnsley, John Bilby, Bobby Simpson and Richard Hay, as convention and CLE chairs, for preparing for the upcoming Annual Convention in Louisville. The convention promises to have exceptional programs and memorable social events. Hopefully, you will be there. As the new KBA year begins, Tom Rouse will be taking the helm as President. He will be leading our efforts at legislative outreach to promote funding for our justice system and other ongoing initiatives, as well as carrying out the many missions of the KBA. Please give him your help. These programs are beneficial to our profession and important to our justice system. Tom is well prepared and will be an excellent leader for the KBA. As my term ends, I cannot resist the temptation to be philosophical. All past presidents, at any level, aspire to appear as wise statesmen. I am no different. I would like to share a few "rules" to guide you through the future in your practice and your daily living, for that matter: • • • • • • • • • People are more important than things. Character counts. Family matters. Never say never. Life is simpler when you tell the truth. There are no substitutes for fresh air, sunshine and exercise. Work hard. Play hard. Do the right thing. Love someone and let someone love you. While what we do is very important to us and our clients, never forget that there is more to life than practicing law. Good luck to our association in the coming year and Godspeed to all of you as you fight the good fight to represent your clients and to promote our profession.