J. Lewis Cromer, initial president of SEABOTA (center), presents award to Sen. Lindsay Graham. Other attorneys from SC in the photo are Sherod Eadon, Joel Collins, Luther Battiste, Bill Gibbes, Ted Speth, Ron Stanley, and Tom Pope, president of SCABOTA.

Outstanding trial lawyers and judges assembled in New Orleans for the first annual convention of the Southeastern Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (SEABOTA). The 146 members were from the SC Chapter of ABOTA including J. Lewis Cromer, the initial president of SEABOTA. The program dealt with contemporary issues for civil trial lawyers representing both the plaintiff and the defendant in jury litigation.

Carolyn Cromer and Sen. Lindsay Graham Sen. Lindsay Graham (R–SC) was the featured speaker and gave an informative talk on the current status of tort reform. At the conclusion of his remarks, Senator Graham was presented an outstanding service award.

The featured speaker was scheduled to be the Hon. Matthew J. Perry Jr., US District Court Judge; however, Judge Perry became ill and was unable to attend. The Hon. G. Ross Anderson Jr., Senior US District Court Judge from Anderson, agreed to pinch hit for Judge Perry and organized a tribute to Judge Perry’s life and contributions to the legal system. Judge Anderson praised Judge Perry and recounted his own recollection of Judge Perry’s accomplishments. Anderson also stressed the need for civility, professionalism, and ethical behavior on the part of all trial lawyers and the importance of the protection and preservation of the right to trial by jury in this country. He received a standing ovation.

J. Lewis Cromer, initial president of SEABOTA, and Mark W. Buyck Jr., National ABOTA board member from Florence, SC The convention also featured presentations by Judge W. Allen Pepper Jr. from the Northern District of MS, Judge Eldon E. Fallon, US District Court Judge from LA; Judge Thomas Brothers, Nashville Circuit Court; and Professor Dane Ciolino of Loyola University. Judge Pascal Calogero was presented an award for outstanding judicial service.

Dulin Kelly, the incoming SEABOTA president from Henderson, TN, presented Lewis Cromer with an appreciation award for his service. Next year’s convention will be held in Charleston, SC.

Information was

contributed by ABOTA