Merinda Hall

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and recognition of special guests and new admittees. The Board received updates on pro bono activities, noting the upcoming 35th anniversary of the Volunteer Lawyers Program. Public Reprimands without General Publication were issued to attorneys Benjamin Thomas Larkin for significant failings in handling a client's expungement request over several years, and to Jim Tom Norman, III, related to a physical altercation with a client. The President reported on the Admission Ceremony and the Southern Conference of Bar Presidents meeting. The Executive Director noted the bar has exceeded 20,000 members and highlighted recent staff training and successful seminars, including one focused on artificial intelligence (AI). The General Counsel introduced new counsel and previewed the forthcoming AI policy for staff, which permits AI use for most tasks but prohibits it in legal writing, while cautioning against using confidential data on public platforms. The Finance Director reported increased revenues and decreased spending for FY2025. The Executive Council reported on staffing changes, NextGen Bar Exam progress, and moved two items to action: electing a commissioner for the 10th Judicial Circuit seat and approving the staff AI policy. Legislative Counsel outlined preparation for the 2026 Regular Session, focusing on clarifying the state bar's agency status. Discussion items included gathering input for proposed ARGA rule changes concerning the NextGen Bar Exam, where the Alabama-specific essay portion would replace a required law course, and surveying districts regarding Rule III on the 'Primary Practice of Law'. Action items included the unanimous approval of the staff AI policy, the appointment of Sharon Stuart to fill the vacant 10th Judicial Circuit seat, the approval of the proposed $7.19 million FY2027 budget, the nomination of Kristy Waldron to the Legal Services Alabama (LSA) Board, and the nomination of Christopher Lockwood and Laura Decker to committees of the Board of Bar Examiners.

The meeting commenced with the establishment of a quorum. Key actions included the approval of the current agenda and the minutes from the September 5, 2025, meeting. The Finance Director presented the ASB Foundation 4th Quarter Financial Reports, indicating revenues of $951,196.15 and expenses totaling $1,360,251.92, which were subsequently approved by a unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned thereafter.

The meeting commenced with the ratification of actions taken by the Executive Committee during the October 9, 2025 meeting. The President reported on the formation of the Elections Rules Task Force to review election procedures and the creation of a Special Projects Task Force to advise on regulatory status clarification. The Executive Director detailed efforts focused on draft legislation regarding the bar's agency status, preparations for the Southern Conference of Bar President's meeting, and updates on seminars and outreach efforts, including two ASB Toolbox events scheduled for December. The General Counsel announced a new attorney hire, an overview of a proposed Artificial Intelligence policy for board adoption, the announcement of a vacancy on the Disciplinary Board, and participation in a mediation. The agenda for the Board of Bar Commission meeting was approved, which included addressing a vacancy created by a commissioner's resignation, where nominations from the Birmingham Bar Association would be considered.

The meeting included the State of the Judiciary address by Chief Justice Sarah Stewart, focusing on collaboration, transparency, and modernization. Fifty-year members were recognized, and special guests were acknowledged. Several awards were presented, including the J. Anthony "Tony" McLain Professionalism Award, the Michael Ermert Award of Merit, the William D. "Bill" Scruggs, Jr. Award, the President's Award, the Commissioner's Award, the Jeanne Marie Leslie Award, and the Jesse Evans Award. The Judicial Award of Merit and Volunteer Lawyers Program Pro Bono Awards were also presented. Tom Perry was thanked for his service as president, and Frederick G. Helmsing, Jr. was installed as the new president, with his theme being Supporting What Matters, focusing on ethics, professionalism, and lawyer wellness. A grand prize trip was drawn, and the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting included a financial report from the ASB Foundation, which indicated a revenue increase of 4% due to rent increases. Spending also increased by 30% because of capital expenditures for HVAC system replacement, database implementations, and the Fred Gray Courtyard project. Investment balances saw a marginal decrease of 1.5%, despite a significant withdrawal to fund these capital expenditures. The FY2025 budget proposal was approved.