Law School kicks off professionalism speaker series this week

Non-traditional legal careers, civil rights top list of discussions

JAN. 27, 2009 -- The Charleston School of Law kicks off its Spring 2009 Professionalism Speaker Series this week with a panel of lawyers who will discuss non-traditional legal careers.

And during an important Black History Month presentation, a distinguished panel of lawyers and academics, including former S.C. Chief Justice Ernest Finney, will offer legal reflections on civil rights in the Palmetto State.

All panels of the Professionalism Speaker Series are open to the public on a space-available basis. All of the presentations are held in the auditorium of the Charleston Museum. Members of the media are encouraged to attend.

Here is the full schedule of the school's spring speaker series:

• Jan. 28, Noon: Professionalism Series on "Non-traditional Careers" with Courtney Kennaday, Esq., South Carolina Bar; Sydney Meeks Fowler, Esq., The Noisette Foundation; John Ackerman, Esq. , Rosen Litigation Technology Consulting; and Melanie Stith, Esq., Roper St. Frances Hospital. Location: The Charleston Museum Auditorium.

• Feb. 10, Noon: Professionalism Series on "Legal Reflections on Civil Rights in SC" with former SC Supreme Court Justice Ernest Finney; Armand Derfner, Esq.; Dr. Jack Bass, College of Charleston; Joseph A. DeLaine Jr., Esq. and Brummit DeLaine, Esq. Location: The Charleston Museum Auditorium.

• Feb. 24, Noon: Professionalism Series with Gedney Howe III, Esq. and A. Camden Lewis, Esq. Location: The Charleston Museum Auditorium.

• March 5, Noon: Professionalism Series on "Professionalism and Your Role in it" with U.S. District Court Judge P. Michael Duffy. Location: The Charleston Museum Auditorium.

• March 19, 5 p.m.: Professionalism Series on "Access to Justice" Panel discussion with S.C. Circuit Court Judge Deadra Jefferson; Robin Wheeler, Esq., SC Access to Justice Commission; Jennie Stephens, executive director, Heirs Property Prevention; and George B. Cauthen, Esq., Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. Location: The Charleston Museum Auditorium.

• April 14, 5 p.m.: Professionalism Series on "Collegiality" with U.S. District Judge David C. Norton. Location: The Charleston Museum Auditorium.

More information: Andy Brack, 843.670.3996.