Membership and Community

Committees focus on the function of the Memphis Bar Association and often serve as a bridge between the MBA and our surrounding community. Every member is encouraged to join a committee that interests them. From Access to Justice to Bench Bar, committees are a great way to network and promote the values of the legal profession. You can join a committee when renewing your MBA membership or anytime during the year. 

Committee Leadership - 2026

Access to Justice 

Serves as an intermediary between the client population and legal community to develop, implement, & support initiatives that provide meaningful access to Pro Bono & low-cost legal services for vulnerable and underserved populations.
Chair: Constance Brown

Bench Bar Conference

Amazing opportunity to collaborate and organize this highly anticipated event focused on connecting the Bench and the Bar. This event takes place in a unique location such as a beach or bayside venue while providing the opportunity to earn most of the required CLE credits for the year. It is a great opportunity to expand your network and your legal knowledge while enjoying some time away from your daily work.
Chair: Charles Mitchell
Judicial Chair: Judge Kevin Ritz
Judicial Chair: Judge Greg Gilbert
Vice Chair: Abigail Sala
Judicial Vice Chair: Camille McMullen

CLE

Plans continuing legal education seminars for our members and the legal community
Co-Chair: Malcolm Futhey III
Co-Chair: Danielle Rassoul

Diversity & Outreach

Creates a culture of inclusion and equity for all. Educates and plans programs engaging diverse ideas that is welcoming and supportive to all members of the legal profession and the Memphis community.
Chair: Joseph McKinney

Executive Committee

President: Marlinee Iverson
Vice President: Matt May
Secretary/Treasurer: Justin Joy
YLD President: Faith Watson
MBA Past President: Lauran Stimac
Members: 
Charles Mitchell
Malcolm Futhey III
Megan Smith
Lee Whitwell

Judicial Practice & Procedure

Considers issues affecting the judicial system and makes recommendations for the establishment, implementation or modification of principles and policies of practice within the Courts of Memphis and Shelby County.
Chair: David Wade
Co-Chair: Josh Bradley

Leadership Forum

Develops the leadership skills of attorneys in their early years of practice. 
Co-Chair: Terrence Reed
Co-Chair: Lucie Brackin

Membership

Recruits and retains members and works to enhance member benefits
Co-Chair: Josh Wallis
Co-Chair: Amber Shaw

Podcast

Interviews with legends of the Memphis legal community and discussions on the latest legal developments and MBA programming. Listeners can tune in to the MBA Bar Talks podcast on YouTube, Spotify and the Podbean app. 
Chair: Adam Johnson

Professionalism

Promotes professionalism and civility in the area of law in Shelby County. Represents and encourages the implementation of the “Guidelines for Professional Courtesy and Conduct”.
Co-Chair: Maggie Stringer
Co-Chair: Lee Whitwell

Publications

Oversees content for the Memphis Lawyer, a quarterly electronic magazine. Committee Members are tasked with identifying topics of interest to our members, soliciting authors to submit articles for publication, and proofreading all submissions.
Chair: Audrey Calkins
Co-Chair: Terre Fratesi

Social

Plans engaging outings and opportunities to make meaningful connections and foster friendships within the legal community. 
Co-Chair: Megan Smith
Co-Chair: Alicia Walton

Summer Law Intern Program

Provides high school students the opportunity to experience the daily legal workplace of law firms, corporate legal divisions, and governmental agencies. The program seeks to develop and nurture an interest in the legal profession among young people who may be first-generation college students and/or law students and others who have limited exposure to the practice of law. 
Chair: Patrick Hillard 
Judicial Co-Chair: Judge Carlyn Addison

Wellness

Promotes activities to improve the physical, emotional and mental health of the legal community. Also plans the annual John Dice Wellness Seminar.
Chair: Justice Holder
Co-Chair: Laurie Christensen
Co-Chair: Yvette Kirk
Co-Chair: Cindy Pensoneau