News and other items of interest about Butler, Vines and Babb and the practice of law are posted here. Check back often for updates.
Items of Interest At Butler, Vines and Babb:
February 2010 - Butler, Vines and Babb attorneys Bill Vines and Leslie Muse have recently been elected as Fellows of the Tennessee Bar Foundation, an association of 710 attorneys across the state. Invitations to membership, which is a position of honor, were extended to 35 attorneys this year by the Board of Trustees. The introduction of new Fellows took place at the annual Fellows' Dinner in Nashville. The Bar Foundation's purpose is two-fold: to honor attorneys who have distinguished themselves in the profession and to administer a grant making program. That project, known by its acronym "IOLTA" (Interest On Lawyers' Trust Accounts), has awarded grants in excess of $16,000,000 to law-related, public interest projects throughout Tennessee.
September 2009 - James C. Wright taught a seminar on structured settlements in Atlanta, Georgia on Behalf of the Council on Litigation Management September 17. 2009 .
September 2009 - Martin L. Ellis and James C. Wright were invited lecturers at the 4th Annual Food Safety Symposium sponsored by Nation's Restaurant News and Ecolab. Mr. Ellis and Mr. Wright lectured on the topic of "Foodborne Illness-Prevention & Crisis Management" (see related article in Restaurant News discussing the H1N1 virus). Fifty corporate representatives were present representing in excess of $10 billion in annual sales. The pictures below represent a cooking class taught by students from the Johnson & Wales University, College of Cullinary Arts in conjunction with the sponsors of the symposium.
June 2009 - Mark C. Hartsoe was re-elected as a Board Member of the Tennessee Association for Justice (formerly Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association) at the annual meeting in Memphis, TN. Mr. Hartsoe is a long-time member of the Board of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, is a member of the Circle of Advocates and is one of the representatives of the East Tennessee region.
June 2009 - Martin L. Ellis was named a 2009 "Mid-South Super Lawyer". Both Martin and Mark C. Hartsoe are Super Lawyers within the firm, Mark having been named a Super Lawyer in 2006. Being named a Super Lawyer is a great honor as only 5% of attorneys in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee are chosen. The selection process, which is merit based, involves peer nominations with ballots mailed to 23,000 Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee lawyers, a blue-ribbon panel review and independent research on candidates.
February 2009 - One of our beloved founding partners, Mr. Thomas Warren Butler - age 78, died peacefully Saturday, February 28, 2009 at the home he shared with wife Nancy in West Knoxville. He was born in Jacksonville FL, and moved to Knoxville as a child. He graduated from Knoxville High School, Cumberland College in Williamsburg KY, the University of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee College of Law. Shortly thereafter he became a founding member of the law firm of Butler, Vines, and Babb P.L.L.C. where he practiced law for forty years. Upon retirement, he turned his hobby of oil painting into a full-time career. He displayed his art in several galleries in the region and participated in numerous art shows which promoted charitable causes. He enjoyed Pawleys Island, South Carolina and Naples, Florida, and he painted extensively in both places. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity; The American, Tennessee and Knoxville Bar Associations; The Hamilton Burnette Chapter of the American Inns of Court and The Tennessee Artists Association. He was preceded in death by father and mother, Howard A. Butler and Ena Mae Warren Butler; brothers, Howard A Butler Jr. and Leonard E. Butler. He is survived by wife, Nancy T. Butler; son, John W. Butler of Knoxville; son and daughter-in-law, Thomas A. and Erica J. Butler of Knoxville; daughter and son-in-law, Lucy F. and Jason E. Scarbrough of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Lauren and Tyson Butler; and numerous other family and friends. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 3, 2009 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. in the parish hall at the Church of the Ascension, followed by a service at the church at 2:00 p.m. and graveside services at Highland Memorial thereafter with Father Howard Hess and Dr. William Shiell officiating. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to FISH Hospitality Pantries, 800 Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919.
February 2009 - Butler, Vines and Babb attorney James C. Wright has been selected to serve as Lead Chair on the Counsel on Litigation Management for the state of Tennessee. There are four positions on the Counsel in each state, one of which serves as Lead Chair. Congratulations to Jim!
December 2008 - Butler, Vines and Babb attorney William D. Vines successfully assisted the city of Maryville in settling a long term dispute between the city and a rock quarry that had been operating since the 1940s. After electing Tom Taylor as new mayor, Maryville City Council unanimously approved the historic settlement that confines the Vulcan Materials Company quarrying operation to the property closest to Court Street and imposes environmental restrictions on use of the creek, noise, dust and trucks. The settlement comes after years of contention between the Vulcan operators of the rock quarry and the city and residents. When the quarrying started in the 1940s the site was surrounded by farmland, but over the years residences were developed around the quarry. Maryville's attorney Bill Vines said the settlement "is very favorable to the city."
December 2008 - Butler, Vines and Babb attorney Mark C. Hartsoe, has been selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. The Litigation Counsel of America is a trial lawyer honorary society comprised of experienced and effective litigators throughout the United States, and represents less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in the LCA is limited and by invitation only. LCA Fellows are deemed to be among the best trial lawyers in the American bar, who have exhibited accomplishment in litigation and trial work, and have superior ethical reputations. The composition of the Litigation Counsel of America is aggressively diverse, with recognition of excellence in litigation across all segments of the bar. In addition, the LCA is dedicated to promoting superior advocacy, professionalism and ethical standards among its Fellows.
October 2008 - Butler, Vines and Babb has opened a new satellite office in Sevierville, Tennessee! The office is located at 227 Court Avenue, is staffed by various attorneys and staff members, and will be served by appointment only.
2008 - Martin L. Ellis was named a 2008 Mid-South Super Lawyer. Being named a Super Lawyer is a great honor as only 5% of attorneys in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee are chosen. The selection process, which is merit based, involves peer nominations with ballots mailed to 23,000 Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee lawyers, a blue-ribbon panel review and independent research on candidates.
July 2008 - Mark C. Hartsoe taught a seminar to lawyers, defense attorneys, insurance company reprsentatives and trucking company representatives in Knoxville regarding overview of trucking litigation from the plaintiff's perspective.
July 2008 - Butler, Vines and Babb Partner James C. Wright has been selected as a member of the Council on Litigation Management (http://www.litmgmt.org/). This selection was by clients to a select group of respected counsel, whose commitment to excellence and integrity within the legal profession is unparalleled in the industry. Such commitment to high standards in professional responsibility is worthy of the recognition the Council has provided to Mr. Wright.
May 2008 - Mark C. Hartsoe taught a seminar to lawyers and insurance company representatives entitled Handling the Auto Injury Claim. Mr. Hartsoe's presentation focused on preparing your case from a plaintiff's (injured party) perspective.
May 2008 - James C. Wright was asked to deliver the Distinguished Alumni Speaker Address to the University of Tennessee College of Law Commencement.
March 2008 - Martin L. Ellis' experience and abilities as a trial lawyer were recognized by his election to the International Society of Barristers (Fellow). The International Society of Barristers is an honor society of outstanding trial lawyers chosen by their peers on the basis of excellence and integrity in advocacy. Created in 1965, the Society arose out of a desire to bring together the best of the trial bar in a setting devoid of partisan interests. With limited membership, the Society has Fellows from every sate, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Australia, Canada, England, Scotland and Mexico.
Fall 2007 - Martin L. Ellis was selected a member of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee.
September 2007 - James C. Wright has been selected to serve as a State Chair representing Tennessee on the Council on Litigation Management.
September 2007 - Martin L. Ellis was selected as a member of the Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA). TIDA and its members are devoted to sharing knowledge and resources in defense of the trucking industry. Founded in 1993, TIDA ha become the organization of choice for over 1,200 motor carriers, trucking insurers, defense lawyers and claims servicing companies. TIDA is committed to reducing the costs of claims and lawsuits against the trucking industry.
June 2007 - Butler, Vines and Babb Partner Martin L. Ellis, 56, and fellow swimmer Bill Jolly, 71, swam 8 miles up Norris Lake as part of a fund-raiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee! See the article reprinted here from the BBBS newsletter, detailing the event.
November 2006 - Butler, Vines and Babb paralegals Helen Byrd and Kelley Myers have each successfully completed the Advanced Paralegal Certification program on Discovery. Each of them is now entitled to use of the credential "ACP" in connection with their paralegal work. The Advanced Paralegal Certification program is provided by NALA to paralegals who have already achieved the Certified Paralegal designation, taking the certification and continuing education process one step further by acknowledging successful completion of an advanced course on a specifically defined area of work. To achieve the advanced certification in the subject area of Discovery, Helen, Kathy and Kelley successfully completed 13 learning modules.
September 2006 - Attorney Mark Hartsoe has been selected as a 2006 Mid-South Super Lawyer by Law & Politics magazine. Being named a Super Lawyer is a great honor as only 5% of attorneys in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee are chosen. The selection process, which is merit based, involved peer nominations with ballots mailed to 23,000 Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee lawyers, a blue ribbon panel review and independent research on candidates.
January 2006 - Martin L. Ellis received an AV Rating with Martindale-Hubbell* which identifies lawyers with very high to pre-eminent legal ability, indicating they demonstrate the highest professional and ethical standards and reflects the confidential opinions of the bar and the judiciary.
* - CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties, Inc., and used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.
January 2006 - On January 24, 2006 Mark Hartsoe presented a Continuing Legal Education program to lawyers in Memphis, Tennessee regarding representing landowners in eminent domain proceedings in Tennessee. Mr. Hartsoe also made a presentation to Nashville lawyers on January 27, 2006 at a Continuing Legal Education program regarding representing landowners in eminent domain/condemnation proceedings. Mr. Hartsoe is scheduled to make a presentation on this topic on May 23, 2006 in Knoxville to East Tennessee lawyers.
December 2005 - On December 17, 2005 Butler, Vines and Babb, PLLC Partner Mark Hartsoe organized a training session for Knoxville lawyers who serve as voluntary ombudsman for the United States Military. Under USSERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act), federal law requires employers to provide employment and re-employment rights to employees who leave their jobs, voluntarily or involuntarily to serve in the United States Military. This includes Reserve and National Guard service. Mr. Hartsoe is a trained USSERRA ombudsman and serves in that capacity to informally attempt to mediate disputes between employers and military personnel whose employment has been interrupted by military service.
October 2005 - Attorney Donna Davis has associated with the firm on an "Of Counsel" basis. Donna, a Civil Trial Specialist and Rule 31 Mediator, is founder of The Davis Law Firm and now devotes 100% of her practice to litigation - primarily medical malpractice. A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, Donna also has a background as a Registered Nurse.
February 2005 - Paralegal Kelley Myers has been certified by the National Association of Legal Assistants as a CLA (Certified Legal Assistant). This involved successful completion of a comprehensive two-day examination covering Communications, Legal Research, Legal Terminology, Judgment & Analytical Ability, Human Relations, Interviewing Techniques, Ethics and Substantive Law. The examination is a result of ongoing and continuous research of certified legal assistants, members of the American Bar Association and legal assistant educators.
April 2004 - Attorney Mark Hartsoe has been certified as a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The forum is recognized as the most prestigious group of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts, awards and settlements. Hartsoe joins fellow Butler, Vines and Babb attorneys William D. Vines and James C. Wright as a member of this prestigious forum.
December 2003 - Butler, Vines and Babb has moved! Effective December 26, 2003, the office of Butler, Vines and Babb has moved to 2701 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919. This location, a stand-alone building on the northwest corner of Kingston Pike and Concord Street (Neyland Drive is on the South side of Kingston Pike at that intersection), will give our clients and visitors easy access to our offices, while still maintaining a downtown Knoxville presence, close to courts and other offices. Located just west of the UT campus, all members of the firm are excited to be in this newly renovated structure. The building, the former "Tennessee Orthopedic Clinic", or "TOC Building", which is a two-level structure, was extensively renovated for occupancy of our law firm. There are four conference meeting areas and convenient, free parking just 20 feet from the front door!
December 2003 - Butler, Vines and Babb Attorney James C. Wright on December 12, 2003 hosted/moderated for the 6th time a Televideo Conference on Ethics law. The speakers included Professor Irma Russell of the University of Memphis, and Professor Carl Pierce of the University of Tennessee.
November 2003 - Martin L. Ellis has been duly admitted and qualified as an attorney and counselor of the Supreme Court of the United States of America.
October 2003 - Butler, Vines and Babb Attorney James C. Wright has been selected to Chair the Tennessee Bar Association's Environmental Law Section. He has served on the section board and was one of the founding members of the section. Mr. Wright was also asked to speak at an ABA conference in Washington, Tn. on October 10, 2003 at a conference of state bar representatives.
May 1999 - Martin L. Ellis completed 40 hours of training and subsequent Continuing Legal Education by the Supreme Court of Tennessee Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee to have qualified as a Rule 31 Mediator in the field of General Civil Mediation.
October 1998 - Martin L. Ellis successfully completed testing and other requirements by the National Board of Trial Advocacy to be designated as a Civil Trial Specialist. Mr. Ellis was among the first attorneys to be certified by the Commission under a program established by the Tennessee Supreme Court in 1994. To be certified, Mr. Ellis was required to have years of experience in his field, special education and pass an examination as well as receive positive recommendations from other lawyers, judges and his clients.
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