Magic City Bar Association

08/28/2026

We’ve had “9 to 5” on repeat too. And somewhere between singing along and getting the work done, it occurred to us: Dolly gave us the perfect reminder about that end-of-business deadline.

The September edition of Beyond the Bench is under construction. Do you have an upcoming event, professional accomplishment, community initiative, opportunity, or announcement to share?

Send your information, along with any relevant links, photos, or graphics, to [email protected] by the end of business on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, for consideration in the September edition.

Keep us in the know. Tell us what’s happening while you are working before and after “9 to 5”

08/21/2026

A round of applause for two distinguished judicial leaders! 👏🏾

Judge Hobdy has been sworn in as Chair of the National Bar Association Judicial Council and President of the State Circuit Court Judges’ Association.

Judge M. Lynn Sherrod has been inducted into the National Bar Association Hall of Fame.

08/18/2026

Good news! The issue affecting the online submission of membership dues has been resolved, and the process is now working.
Members may once again submit their membership dues through the MCBA website. Thank you for your patience while we worked to resolve the issue, and we appreciate your continued membership in the Magic City Bar Association. Join or renew your membership today!

www.magiccitybarassociation.org/members

08/15/2026

The 2026 MCBA Scholarship Application is Now Open!

The Magic City Bar Association is proud to invest in the next generation of legal professionals.

This year, MCBA’s goal is to award $25,000 in scholarships to deserving minority, disadvantaged, and first-generation law students across Alabama. Scholarships are available to 1L, 2L, and 3L students.

Application Deadline: October 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST
Scholarship Banquet: October 22, 2026

Ready to apply?

Complete the 2026 MCBA Scholarship Application here:

Apply Here: https://forms.gle/KiYoghAgVfvbk3NC9

Applicants should carefully review all requirements before submitting. MCBA membership is required as part of the scholarship application process.

Know a law student who should apply? Tag them or share this post with them.

07/30/2026

Judge. Mentor. Role Model.

The Magic City Bar Association was honored to welcome The Honorable Brendette Brown Green to our 2026 Annual Law Clerks' Reception at Burr & Forman LLP.

Throughout the evening, Judge Brown Green took time to engage with law students and young legal professionals, sharing conversation, encouragement, and the kind of wisdom that can only come from a career dedicated to justice and public service.

Her presence carried special meaning. Judge Brown Green, a Circuit Court Judge for Alabama's 10th Judicial Circuit, has built a distinguished career marked by fairness, integrity, and unwavering respect for every person who enters her courtroom. She is known for her thoughtful leadership and her commitment to ensuring equal access to justice.

We also congratulate Judge Brown Green on her recent selection as a Birmingham Bar Foundation Life Fellow, an honor that recognizes her outstanding judicial service, steadfast leadership, and lifelong commitment to the legal profession.

Thank you, Judge Brown Green, for investing in the next generation of attorneys. Your example reminds us that the future of our profession is strengthened one conversation, one act of mentorship, and one opportunity at a time.

07/28/2026

How far would you travel to invest in the next generation of lawyers?

For Christine Christopherson, Director of the National Association of State Judicial Educators, the answer was all the way to Birmingham.

We were honored to welcome Christine to the Magic City Bar Association's 2026 Annual Law Clerks' Reception at Burr & Forman LLP. Her willingness to make the trip speaks volumes about the importance of mentoring, collaboration, and investing in future legal leaders.

Thank you, Christine, for making the journey and for helping make the evening so memorable.

07/24/2026

News: The 2026 MCBA Scholarship Application opens August 15, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the MCBA Scholarship Banquet on October 22, 2026. Mark your calendars and spread the word. The announcement was made during the Magic City Bar Association’s 2026 Annual Law Clerks’ Reception on July 23, 2026, at Burr & Forman LLP, in Birmingham.

07/24/2026

One of the most powerful moments from the Magic City Bar Association's 2026 Annual Law Clerks' Reception wasn't about exchanging business cards. It was about building relationships that can shape a legal career. In this brief message, MCBA Treasurer Jordan Cade challenges law students and young lawyers to take advantage of a rare opportunity by getting to know the judges in the room. Those conversations can lead to mentorship, insight, and lasting professional connections. Watch his message below.

07/21/2026

07/20/2026

The wait is almost over!

One conversation can lead to a mentor.

One introduction can lead to an internship.

One connection can help shape a legal career.

Last year's MCBA Annual Law Clerks' Reception brought together students, law clerks, attorneys, judges, and legal professionals for an evening of meaningful conversations and new opportunities.

The photos featured here are from the 2025 MCBA Annual Law Clerks' Reception.

Now we'd like to hear from you.

What piece of advice would you give someone starting a career in the legal profession?

Share your advice in the comments. You never know who you might inspire.

We look forward to welcoming attendees to the MCBA Annual Law Clerks' Reception on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Burr & Forman LLP.