OYEZALEXANDRIA

BAR ASSOCIATION

Volume 30, Number 2 May 2012

President’s LetterIN THIS ISSUE:234791112121314

Judge Rideout in SpotlightSRO for Judge Clark InvestitureGridiron Wrap-upJudge Haddock RetirementJudge Donald M. HaddockPresident’s Letter continuedYoung Lawyers Present to TC WilliamsUS Criminal Defence Team Beat the OddsCalendar

Please send us your announcements!President’s Letter continued on page 11

It is bittersweet that I am writing my last President’s Letter for the Oyez. On the one hand, this has been an incredibly busy time, and I have procrastinated terribly on finishing this letter, and on the other hand, serving as President of the Bar Association has been exciting and truly rewarding, and I extend my thanks to everyone who allowed me to have this wonderful opportunity.

Three other board members and I attended the Conference of Bar Leader’s Institute at the University of Richmond School of

Law on March 5th. The BLI is a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk to other bar leaders from across the state. We had the opportunity to hear panels of attorneys and judges speak about issues that are facing bar associations large and small. Warren David Harless, President Elect of the Virginia State Bar, was the keynote speaker and he spoke about three goals that should be the priority of a local bar association. The first is to foster professional camaraderie, the second is to maintain fellowship with and support the bench, and the third is to mentor young lawyers. I couldn’t help but feel very satisfied with how the Alexandria Bar Association works toward meeting these goals.

I hope that all of our members will agree that professional camaraderie is one of the things that make the Alexandria Bar Association unique. We are the only bar association that I am aware of that offers its members the opportunity on a monthly basis to gather for a dinner meeting or alternative Bar function. These are opportunities to see colleagues outside of the courtroom on a regular basis. We hope that you continue to feel that these events provide a meaningful benefit to practicing law in Alexandria. Over the past few years, attendance at most of our bar functions has increased. This is very exciting for us especially to see more and more new faces at dinner events, but success has a cost. We, on the board and in the Executive Director’s office, have been watching the finances of the Bar Association very closely as expenses continue to rise. Our goal as an organization is to find ways to continue our current programs, expand into new areas while being mindful of not placing too high a financial burden on our members. However, while we continue to look for ways to increase our revenue through programs such as CLEs, we will need the continued financial support of our members to grow our organization.

During the conference, there were multiple questions by different bar associations asking for advice on how to increase the involvement of their benches. I smiled knowing this was not a problem facing the Alexandria Bar. We have been blessed with an incredibly supportive and active bench. The rapport between the judges and members of the bar was clearly on display at the recent retirement dinner for Judge Donald Haddock, Sr. For those of who were not able to attend the event, you missed a truly memorable evening. The weather was perfect, the dinner was festive, and we heard wonderful tributes from Judge Kemler, Judge Kent, Judge Swersky and Judge Haddock, Jr. Putting together the dinner was truly a team effort and I would like again express my thanks to both Mary Burgess and Sidoux Mitchell for their work on the ground and to Judge Kemler and Judge Haddock, Jr. for all the help they provided in planning the event. Please stay tuned for details on the official portrait hanging which is tentatively scheduled for some time in June.

Finally, I would like to highlight all of the wonderful ways that the Bar Association is working on meeting our third goal of mentoring young lawyers. We continue to

NEW MEMBERS Please welcome: Jean Humbrecht John O’MearaPeter EwaldSebastian NortonWalter KelleyKeith DienerNicole PszczolkowskiBran MahoneyAnne SylvesterJesus SalangYancey EllisAlvi AggarwalGwendolyn Hickman

RETURNING MEMBERSChris ScheweJohn Heck

ANNOUNCEMENTS Congratulations to:Bud Hart and Bob Calhoun on their selection as Living Legends of Alexandria.

Each was honored for their work in the city of Alexandria at a reception on March 22.

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2011-2012 EXECUTIVE BOARD

OFFICERSHeather N. Jenquine, PresidentKathleen M. Uston, President-ElectSean Schmergel, SecretarySarah McElveen, TreasurerBarbara S. Anderson, Past President

BOARD MEMBERSStephen C. SwiftNicholas GehrigShelly ColletteDavid Lord

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORSSidoux Mitchell Mary Burgess

BAR OFFICE HOURS9 am to 3:30 pmMonday to Friday

LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE9 am to 3:30 pmMon, Tues, Thurs, FriClosed Wednesdays

THE ALEXANDRIA BAR ASSOCIATION520 King StreetSuite 202Alexandria, VA 22314

703.548.1106 tel703.548.1105 lrs703.331.5683 fax

Alexbar@alexandriabarva.orgAlexandriabarva.org

Established 1928

Judge Rideout is spotlighted by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ). Judge Stephen W. Rideout, now retired, was appointed as Chief Judge (the only judge) of the City of Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in 1989. He served as Chief Judge until his retirement from the bench in 2004. Judge Rideout’s perspective that children have an important voice in the court process is supported by the work of NCJFCJ. He believes that NCJFCJ has been at the forefront of innovative change, advocacy and training for judges in child development and in the social and emotional issues affecting children and youth. He also believes the work of NCJFCJ helps to focus a judge and improve his or her ability to make the best choices for each child. Judge Rideout’s involvement in the effort to craft and develop programs has made a significant difference, and under his leadership Alexandria became the first NCJFCJ Model Court in Virginia in 1995. While on the juvenile bench, he and a colleague created a Family Drug Treatment Court – another first in Virginia. This court was based on the foundation that there was a connection between a parent’s substance abuse and the issue of child neglect. It improved the treatment process to increase the chance of parental recovery and a family staying together.

Judge Rideout in the SpotlightJudge Rideout credits NCJFCJ with being instrumental in starting major changes that are to come and that have happened in family and juvenile courts, a system somewhat resistant to change. He is using what he learned through his work with NCJFCJ’s Model Court Project and other Lead Judges, and his own experiences and advocacy for children, in his “retirement.” Judge Rideout has worked on Court Improvement Projects in Virginia and Tennessee, and the ABA Permanency Barrier Project in Pennsylvania. He serves on the Board of Directors for Foster Care Alumni of America and also serves as a CASA volunteer on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where he and his wife Bobbie now reside. Judge Rideout has been honored by national and local non-profit organizations for his steadfast advocacy of and passion and energy for children. (Excerpted from an appeal letter from the NCJFCJ on their 75th anniversary.

Donations may be made to: NCJFC, P.O. Box 8970, Reno NV 89507)

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sro for judge james c. clark’s investiture

The formal swearing in for James C. Clark as a judge for the 18th Circuit took place on January 19, 2011 on the fourth floor of the courthouse. Chief Judge Lisa Kemler spoke and welcomed the family, friends, other judges, and many bar members to the investiture.

Jonathan Shapiro spoke about his long relationship with Judge Clark and told a number of stories about their early years together as court appointed attorneys. One of the tales was that of Judge Clark being grilled by Rick Mendelson on his suitability to date his sister, made it into this year’s Gridiron as a skit. But for all the stories, Shapiro assured everyone that Judge Clark will be a superior judge and then presented him a sledgehammer for a gavel.

Former partner, Drew Carroll, said how bittersweet this appointment was since for 30 years they had had a fun firm. He also talked about the interest that Clark had in the community--coaching Little League, basketball, and his interaction with the police force.

David O’Brien spoke, having first known Judge Clark while they were both

Commonwealth Attorneys, about his knowledge of T. C. Williams’ basketball stats (which made Judge Clark an expert witness in one case) and the famous case of Ronnie Schifflet escaping from the old city jail using a ladder provided by the jailers who had sent him on the roof to get a lost ball.

Delegate Charniele Herring read the proclamation from the General Assembly appointing Judge Clark to his 8 year term as a Circuit Court judge, Judge Haddock, Sr. made the motion to

Robed and ready, Judge Clark takes his place on the bench with Judge Nolan Dawkins and Chief Judge Lisa Kemler. The courtroom was packed and late

arrivals had to stand in the hall.

admit, then Judge O’Flaherty and Mary Clark helped robe the new judge.

In his own remarks, Judge Clark emphasized his deep gratitude for the mentorship of Judge O’Flaherty over his years before the bar. He said that Judge O’Flaherty could see after a few court appearances “how I could be a really bad lawyer” and called him in to advise him. They talked every day about law practice, court appearances, and how “the middle of the road had only yellow stripes and dead skunks.” “I am ever in your debt,” said Judge Clark.

Clerk of Court, Ed Semonian, administers the oath to Judge Clark whose wife, Mary Clark, holds the Bible.

Judge O’Flaherty and his wife, Resa are in the front row.

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Gridiron wrap-up by Doug Steinberg (director and cub-reporter)

A Star is Born - A musical from 1954 starring Judy Garland? No, the 2012 Gridiron, which had two break out performances by future divas (who am I kidding, these two were diva’s in the womb); Luke (forget you Justin Bieber) Young and Jessica (or Lady LeLe) Leischner. Jessica brought down the house with a wonderful performance of a “Sole Practitioner’s Daughter.” Our skit began when poor little Suzie who was being teased by her fellow students at Episcopal High School for being, you know, not part of the landed gentry and then, horrors, the students learn that she is a child of general practice lawyer.

Luke had a H-Bomb blast with our funny skit about the BRAC. How could anything be funny about the BRAC you might ask? Well, see the darn show. Anyhow, Luke completely channeled Peter Sellers with his performance of Doctor Strangelove, who designed the BRAC, it turns out, to produce more traffic. Peter would have doffed his very British Bowler to your performance. A great homage. Also thanks to Tom and Caroline for coming up with our least antiquated song of the night, “Our BRAC,” to the tune

“Our House” by those one hit wonders, Madness, circa 1982.1

We had to welcome Judge Clark (who was last seen at Gridiron sometime in the late 80’s) back into the fold with a skit from his “f-bomb” laden investiture involving Jonathan Shapiro being set up by Rick Mendleson to date his sister (in-law). This led us to play the dating game with the theme of “Whoooooo wants to date Rick Mendleson’s Sisterrrrrrrrrrrr.” In the skit, consummate straight man, Rick Mendleson, was played by Russ Hatchl and his wise cracking side-kick, Judge Clark, was played by Tom Tyler. The beautiful and vivacious Rick’s Sister was played by Martin Yeager. Various contestants, all politicians with some sexual issues or peccadillos, such as Herman Cain and Anthony

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Weiner, plus Mitt Romney and 1970’s Jonathan Shapiro, all competed for Rick Sister’s affections. The winner? None-of-the-above.

We also had to make fun of the previous judicial election, songstress Caroline Costle and, songster, Mike Tompkins sang a lovely duet in their respective roles as Judges Moore and Clark.

Other skits included the Virginia Legislature’s proposed shotgun marriage of Arlington and Alexandria with a poke at the rascally Dave Albo and a song requesting (pleading) that we call the whole thing off. Other targets were the Waterfront

development and the somewhat confused protest goals of Occupy Alexandria.

A star is born, Jessica Leischner, far right is the general practice lawyer’s daughter. Other cast members from left, Brent Schultheis, Katie Uston, Laine Goodhue, and Cynthia McDermott.

Dr. Strange”glove” as portrayed Luke Young with George Gray holding the mike.

1 As you know I like to keep the show young and hip—so let’s take a look at the dates the other songs were produced, shall we:

This little light of Mine—1920 (est.)

On the Sunny Side of the Street (1930)

Animal Crackers in My Soup—1935

It Ain’t Necessarily So—1935 (a good year for music)

Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off—1937

When I Fall in Love—1952

Jet Song—1957

Comedy Tonight—1962

Caberet—1966

Good Morning Starshine—1967 (hey only 45 years old)

Coal Miner’s Daughter—1969

The Candyman—1971

So way to go Doug, an average song age of 59.46 years. . That’s really “with it”, huh? Well at least we didn’t subject the audiance to any attempts of Rap.

(Continued on page 5.)

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Gridiron (continued from page 4.)

“Occupy Alexandria”

Judge Haddock receives the first “Targee” award from director Doug Steinberg for being such an obliging Gridiron target over the years.

President Heather Jenquine and Doug Steinberg with the bar’s Certificate of Achievement for Gridiron’s long run awarded by the Virginia State Bar.

Sadly, we had to make two goodbyes. Firstly, we had a grand send off for a legal “giant,” big man on campus Bobby Stafford, who passed away last year. Bobby, a notorious line cutter, cajoles his way past numerous departed dignitaries, such as Liz Taylor and Amy Winehouse, and sweet talks his way past Saint Peter into the Pearly Gates. The Gridiron had to also say so-long to our favorite victim, Judge Don (He finally retired?) Haddock. We asked the vital question, what is up with all these retro-60’s television shows and leapt back in time to the Mad Men era. In our little play, our favorite curmudgeonly judge (played by the always spirited Cary Greenberg) is lamenting current times. He wants to send a telegram and hold his retirement at Hooters, only to be told that he isn’t being “pc.” The Devil, appears disguised as Walt, his ever faithful deputy, because the Devil is always the person least expect, and makes a Faustian pact to return Don Haddock to his younger days in the ‘60”s. (Who do we get to play young Don Haddock, but of course, young Judge Haddock, Jr.) Don Haddock revels in the wondrous ‘60’s where men can smoke indoors, without guilt, ogle (openly) women, and take three martini lunches. Unfortunately, the

Devil will have his due and requests that Judge Haddock apply 60’s law to three cases. Everything is fine until Don Haddock is confronted with the racism of the time and refuses to permit segregation of the T. C. Williams basketball team. Don Haddock returns to the future, but realizing he is still a judge, throws the devil in jail for contempt.

Believe it or not we actually got Don Haddock Sr. on the stage to say our fond goodbyes. Which begs the question, both Don Haddock and Judge Ellis have retired, who is going to be your favorite target, the subject of your comic ire if you will, in the future? Watch out Judge Anthony John Trenga, we have our cross hairs squarely affixed on your many outrageous courtroom antics.

So thanks again to our entire cast: Jonathan Rogers, Caroline Costle, Tom Tyler, Mike Tompkins, Frank Aschmann, Cary Greenberg, Jack Coffey, Jessica Leischner, Katie Uston, Martin Yeager, Luke Young, Denise Tassi, Barry Diamond, Russ Hatchl, Laine Goodhue, Brent Schultheis, Christine Hall, and Cynthia McDermott. Special thanks to Drew Hutcheson for wonderful and affable, as always, hosting job and the music from Barbara Fakoury was marvelous as well.

So until next year Gridiron fans, I leave you with my usual salutation - no one understands my art. Ciao.

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To all of our Gridiron sponsors, many thanks:

Cocktail Sponsors: Redmon, Peyton and Braswell, LP

Band Sponsor: The Hudgins Law Firm

Table Sponsors: The Trust Company of Virginia; Rich, Rosenthal, Brincefield, Manitta, Dzubin & Kroeger, LLP; LeClairRyan

Next year, new location, The Carlyle Club near the federal courthouse—worry not, there is a parking garage. Several things prompted the move: the noise level in the dining/cocktail area was garnering complaints and there were fewer people attending the theater because the night went on too long. The stage is in the dining area of the club so the show can go on during dessert and no one will miss the wit, the singing, the acting of Gridiron.

Next year’s date, February 21, 2013. Mark your calendar.

Who needs a retirement party? Judge Haddock is serenaded by the Gridiron cast.

Drew Hutcheson, Emcee, famous for his dry wit and one- liners.

Dr. Strange”glove” as portrayed Luke Young with George Gray holding the mike.

Gridiron (continued from page 5.)

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judge haddock’s retirement party

Balmy weather on March 14 ensured a happy and crowded cocktail party outdoors at the Hotel Monaco.

Chief Judge William Newman, Arlington, Caroline Costle, Judge Haddock.

The Honor Guard from the Sheriff’s Department.

Dinner before the speeches.

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The RebuttalJudge Haddock put away his speech and ruled from the podium, thanking everyone for their kind words, the great party, and the portrait of the judge as a younger man.

Judge Haddock and Joyce Haddock looking quite happy in retirement.

The SpeakersAlexandria Bar Association, President Heather Jenquine welcomed the guests at the standing room only event .

Mayor Euille presented Judge Haddock with a proclamation from the City Council.

Chief Judge Lisa Kemler speaking about her years on the bench with Judge Haddock.

Donald H. Kent, jr. represented his parents who could not attend and told of growing up alongside the Haddock family.

Judge Swersky regaling the audience with tales of the honoree.

Judge Haddock, Jr. sharing stories of life with his father (possible Girdiron material?)

The PortraitPortrait committee members, Sean Schmergel and Katie Uston unveil the portrait of Judge Haddock by artist Henry Wingate.

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Judge Donald M. Haddock

Judge Donald M. Haddock is a lifelong resident of Alexandria. He graduated from

Episcopal High School in 1959, from Princeton University in 1963, and received his

L.L.B. from the University of Virginia in 1966 where he was a member of the Order of

the Coif. In 1968, he obtained a Masters in Law from George Washington University.

From 1966-68, Judge Haddock served in the United States Army as a Captain in the

Army Materiel Command.

From 1968 to 1984 he practiced law in Alexandria—two years as a part-time Assistant

Commonwealth’s Attorney, nine years as a partner in the firm of Thomas, Kent,

Haddock & Sewell and five years as a sole practitioner. His practice embraced

criminal prosecution and defense work, personal injury, domestic relations, mechanics

liens, real estate litigation, condemnation prosecution and defense, foreclosures,

collections, savings and loan work and corporate and partnership work.

He spent many hours as a board member on various non-profits such as: the

Alexandria Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce, the Alexandria Legal Aid Society, the

Alexandria Bar Foundation and the Alexandria Hospital Corporation. He was active

in the Boy Scouts of America and taught Sunday school. He was also on the board of

directors and/or advisory board of a bank, a savings and loan and a number of private

corporations.

For 27 years, Judge Haddock served on the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit and as Chief

Judge for the last 14, replacing his former partner, The Hon. Donald Kent in 1997. He

served as the Virginia Delegate to the National Conference of State Trial Judges of the

American Bar Association, was a member of the Boyd Graves Conference, and a state

judicial leader for the National Judicial College.

Judge Haddock has been married to his wife, Joyce, since 1965; they have two

children, David S. Haddock II, General Counsel for Sunrise, Inc., and The Hon. Donald

M. Haddock, Jr., General District Court Judge in Alexandria. They also have 3

grandchildren, Eva, Alex and Adam.

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Approximately 15’ X 12’ interior office with storage closet.

Located on Route 1, 2 Miles south of Alexandria, near Beacon Mall.

Elevator. Free parking. Negotiable.

Call

KEN SMITH (703) 778-0363

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President’s Letter continued from page 1

GANT REDMONGORDON P. PEYTON JOHN M. BRASWELL

JOHN F. RODGERS ROBERT M. GANTS

JOHN E. COFFEY DANIEL F. RINZEL

ROBERT M. MARINO ROY T. SNYDER, JR.F. PAUL MALOOF

ROBERT L. CALHOUN RICHARD E. GUTTING ELIZABETH K. LYNCH DANIEL D. MAULER

NICHOLAS J. GEHRIG

510 KING STREET, SUITE 301ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314

TELEPHONE (703) 684-2000 • FACSIMILE (703) 684-5109www.rpb-law.com

host the monthly networking lunch on the first Thursday of each month. If you are able to attend, please do. We often have attorneys who are new to the Alexandria Bar who are there to meet other members. It is a wonderful way to help out the newer attorneys by sharing advice over a burger and fries. The Young Lawyers group is busily planning upcoming events. The Rule of Law project will be coming up as well as a planned spring fundraiser. The Young Lawyers group continues to host monthly happy hours and I encourage everyone, not just the young lawyers, to stop by and mingle.

David Harless, a native of Lee County Virginia and former Executive Board member of the Boy Scouts of America, likened bar service to “no trace camping” which is to leave your campsite in a better condition than you found it. As I wind down my term, I certainly hope that in some small ways, I will leave the office of President a little bit better and a little bit stronger than when I started. Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to serve you and the Bar Association.

Heather Jenquine, President

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Except from The Stirling Law School News of The School of Law, University of Stirling, Scotland

On the 18 April, four US criminal de-fence lawyers visited Stirling to run a panel discussion on their experiences of defending some of America’s most disadvantaged people, and their views about US criminal justice, including the death penalty.

Chris Leibig, Joe King, Joni Robin and Cary Citronberg have long experience of civil liberties work in Virginia and DC. So, they had some horror stories to tell about the treatment of defen-dants in a nation which has “the high-est incarceration rate on Earth”—but

“US Criminal Defence Team Inspires Audience”

we also heard some lessons about the US defence of liberties which Scotland surely needs to learn.

The entertaining speakers got a sometimes passionate discussion go-ing. Arguments ranged from Trayvon Martin to Tony Martin, criminalised migrants, Supermax prisons and our British complacency about misuse of CCTV. Tales about Death Row shocked even those of us who thought we were informed. The discussion was not all one way: student members of Am-nesty attended and spoke about their heartbreaking experiences of trying to save the life of Troy Davis, executed last year by lethal injection in Georgia, even though several witnesses recant-ed after the trial.

Right before the winter holidays, the Alexandria Young Lawyers Division organized volunteers to speak with the Senior Class of T. C. Williams High School about the ”So You’re 18” program developed by the Virginia State Bar. Presenters discussed the changing legal rights and responsibilities of an adult, and challenged students to embrace this new opportunity. A host of topics were covered including: military service, driving, drinking, criminal charges, contracts, credit, housing, and marriage, divorce and children.

Thank you to all of our very knowledgeable and gracious volunteers. Presenters included: Tom Carter, Jack Coffey, Shelly Collette, Nick Gehrig, Gwen Hickman, Janelle Holt, Dennis Mersberger, Dipti Pidikiti-Smith, Erika Recek, Denise Tassi, and Katie Uston.

Moreover, a very special thank you is extended to members of the judiciary and the Alexandria Police Department for taking time out of their busy schedules to support this wonderful cause. These speakers included Judges Colby, Mitchell, Haddock, and Damiani, and Officer Brandon Smith.

Young Lawyers present “So You’re 18” to T.C. Williams seniors

Despite being two hours long, the event over-ran, with people queuing up to speak to the panel afterward. This was no surprise, given that it would be hard to think of a better chance to hear everything from juris-prudential analysis to emotional tax of visiting a prisoner held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day.

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This will be the first in a series profiling our 2012 Beat the Odds winners. Beat the Odds® awards are designed to enable a student to finish college or begin graduate school. A full report and more photos will be featured in the next issues of the Oyez.

$5000 Award WinnerOnelio Mencho-Aguilar came to the foster care system after his father abandoned him 3 1/2 years ago. Onelio talks about having to take care of himself and not give in to drugs, alcohol and gangs during those years. Though he

2012 Beat the Odds® Awards

lives in an apartment, the plan is for him to remain in the foster care system until his 21st birthday (June, 2013). He is in his second year at NOVA, maintains a 3.6 GPA, and expects to graduate this year with an Associates in Social Sciences. Onelio would like transfer his credits and work toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He is considering a four year university in Indiana because he would be eligible for a minority scholarship. Grand Prize award winner Onelio

Mencho-Aguilar with Ellen Dague foundation board member and mem-ber of the Beat the Odds Steering Committee.

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JuneJun 1 Picnic & Kickball Tournament 2-6 pm, Fort Hunt ParkJun 7 Networking Lunch, 12:30 pm Columbia Firehouse, $15 at the door.Jun 12 NEW Board of Directors Meeting, 8:00 amJun 15 OYEZ copy deadline Jun 29 OYEZ mailedJun 30 END OF FISCAL YEAR

May, and June 2012MayMay 1 Law Day, Yound Lawyers ProgramMay 3 Networking Lunch, 12:30 pm Columbia Firehouse, $15 at the door.May 8 Board of Directors Meeting, 8:00 am,

Royal RestaurantMay 17 Elections, Awards Dinner, 6:00 pm,

American Legion HallMay 31 Membership Renewal Notices