Attorneys Hope Panel To Improve Lawyers' Images
posted November 19, 2002

The formation by a group of prominent Chattanooga lawyers of a Pro Bono Committee may help improve the image of attorneys here, Chairman Charles Fleischmann said.

"This will help show people that we're out there helping people and informing them and doing the right thing," he said.

The group, which was organized by General Sessions Court Judge Bob Moon, held its organizational meeting on Tuesday at noon at the Mountain City Club.

Judge Moon said only 46 percent of the public has a favorable opinion of lawyers. "We've got to start somewhere," he said.

He added, "I hope along the way we can build goodwill in the community."

The group will be scheduling community forums throughout Chattanooga and Hamilton County, including an initial one Jan. 21 at the Boys Club.

Mike Cranford, Boys Club director, said it will "show people a different side (of lawyers). It will show that you are concerned about other people."

He said it would give the club members "an idea of what a lawyer does. It will also help build relationships. Without relationships, I don't think anything can be accomplished."

Members of the committee are David Barrow, Andrew Berke, Charles Fleischmann, Gary Gerbitz, Julie Hall, John Konvalinka, Paul Leitner, John Morgan, John McClarty, Leslie McWilliams, David Norton, Sherry Paty, Leroy Phillips, Don Poole, Jeffrey Schaarschmidt and Jerry Summers.

Organizations and clubs interested in hosting the committee should contact attorney Charles Fleischmann at 267-3807.