Thursday, January 4, 2024

Alabama lawyer's pledge re ABA Task Force for American Democracy


ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE REGARDING 
AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
I am a member of the Alabama State Bar.
I have read the Mission Statement of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy that is set out  at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/leadership/office_of_the_president/american-democracy/our-work/ and also the December 2023 statement "Working to Ensure an Enduring American Democracy" issued by Mary L. Smith, President of the American Bar Association that is set out at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law/resources/business-law-today/2023-december/working-to-ensure-enduring-american-democracy/.
I as a lawyer support what the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy is doing. I individually will try to advance what the Task Force is doing by, among other things, (i) calling to the attention of other Alabama lawyers what the Task Force is doing and urging them to likewise support what the Task Force is doing, (ii) talking with Alabamians who are not lawyers about what the Task Force is doing, and (iii) engaging in, and lending help to, such activities and communications as I think constructively contribute to what the Task Force is doing.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook, AL


Email to Alabama State Bar
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>
Cc: bill.ide@akerman.com <bill.ide@akerman.com>; marty@mitchellmeadows.com <marty@mitchellmeadows.com>; emyang@wstrongllc.com <emyang@wstrongllc.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 04:59:21 AM CST
Subject: Alabama Lawyer President's Page and ABA Task Force for American Democracy
Dear Terri,
I have read the President's Page in the November 2023 issue of the Alabama Lawyer.
I think the ABA Task Force for American Democracy warrants a President's Page discussion by President Buck in such next issue of the Alabama Lawyer as is possible for President Buck to do.
In the meantime, I have drafted and will be circulating the "Alabama lawyer's pledge re ABA Task Force for American Democracy" that is set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html.
I continue desirous of engaging with the Alabama State Bar about the ABA Task Force for American Democracy. Just please communicate with me.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck

Email to Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery and Mobile bar associations
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Jennifer Buettner <jbuettner@birminghambar.org>; mckinney@watsonmckinney.com <mckinney@watsonmckinney.com>; suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org <suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org>; flatta@burr.com <flatta@burr.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 05:46:13 PM CST
Subject: Alabama lawyer's pledge re ABA Task Force for American Democracy
Please consider publicizing to your Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery and Mobile bar association members the "ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE REGARDING AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY" that is set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html.
Thank you very much for considering this.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to Dartmouth Lawyers Association
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Jeff Carton <jcarton@denleacarton.com>
Cc: cborton@maynardnexsen.com <cborton@maynardnexsen.com>; ddowd@burr.com <ddowd@burr.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 06:28:38 PM CST
Subject: Dartmouth Lawyers Association and ABA Task Force for American Democracy
Jeff,
I don't know whether you still have interest in this matter.
In the New Year, I am continuing in Alabama with the "ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE REGARDING AMRICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY" that is set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html.
I hope you consider something worthy here for the Dartmouth Lawyers Association.
Regardless, thanks for your responding previously.
Rob

Email to Alabama law school deans
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: wbrewbak@law.ua.edu <wbrewbak@law.ua.edu>; dburch1@samford.edu <dburch1@samford.edu>; sgarrett@bsol.com <sgarrett@bsol.com>; contact@mlaw.edu <contact@mlaw.edu>; ccampbell@faulkner.edu <ccampbell@faulkner.edu>
Sent: Friday, January 5, 2024 at 04:36:21 PM CST
Subject: Law professors and Alabama lawyer's pledge re ABA Task Force for American Democracy
Dear Deans Brewbaker, Hudson (c/o dburch1@samford.edu), Garrett, Agee (c/o contact@mlaw.edu), and Campbell:
I am circulating to Alabama lawyers the "ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE REGARDING AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY" that is set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html.
I hope you will review the pledge and consider whether the pledge is worthy of circulation to law professors at the University of Alabama School of Law, the Cumberland School of Law, the Birmingham School of Law, Miles Law School, and the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law.
Thank you for reading this email.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to Birmingham Bar Association Young Lawyers Section
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: trey.perdue@dentons.com <trey.perdue@dentons.com>
Sent: Friday, January 5, 2024 at 06:20:57 PM CST
Subject: Birmingham young lawyers should make pledges re ABA Task Force for American Democracy
Trey, please consider publicizing to members of the Birmingham Bar Association Young Lawyers Section the "ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE REGARDING AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY" that is set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html
Thank you.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to ASB past president Robert G. “Bob” Methvin Jr.
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: rgm@mtattorneys.com <rgm@mtattorneys.com>
Sent: Friday, January 5, 2024 at 06:38:24 PM CST
Subject: As 2020-21 past ASB president, would you please look at within pledge re ABA Task Force for American Democracy?
Mr. Methvin:
I will be thankful if you could give me your thoughts on the "ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE REGARDING AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY" that is set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to M. Stanford Blanton, Birmingham Business Alliance Executive Committee member
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: sblanton@balch.com <sblanton@balch.com>
Sent: Friday, January 5, 2024 at 07:20:44 PM CST
Subject: Birmingham business community and American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy
Dear Stan,
You are Managing Partner of Balch & Bingham and also on the Executive Committee of the Birmingham Business Alliance.
In the "ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE REGARDING AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY" set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html, I express support for what the Task Force is doing, including that I will call to the attention of other Alabama lawyers what the Task Force is doing and urge them to likewise support the same, and I will talk with Alabamians who are not lawyers about what the Task Force is doing.
If you agree with what the ABA Task Force for American Democracy is doing, and if you think its work should be called to the attention of the Birmingham business community, you are in a great position to do that. Needless to say, if you are in the affirmative about the foregoing, I hope you will proceed accordingly.
Thank you very much for your attention to this email.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck

Email to State Bar of Georgia
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: tony@dglattorneys.com <tony@dglattorneys.com>; icadle@bakerdonelson.com <icadle@bakerdonelson.com>; brittanie.browning@akerman.com <brittanie.browning@akerman.com>
Cc: bill.ide@akerman.com <bill.ide@akerman.com>; emyang@wstrongllc.com <emyang@wstrongllc.com>; marty@mitchellmeadows.com <marty@mitchellmeadows.com>; Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>
Sent: Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 04:42:35 PM CST
Subject: American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy
Dear Mr. DelCampo, Mr. Cadle, and Ms. Browning:
In September, I sent you the below email asking whether the State Bar of Georgia would undertake supportive activities regarding the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy.
I am writing this email in follow up.
I see that the 2024 Midyear Meeting of the State Bar of Georgia is scheduled for January 11-13.
Has the State Bar of Georgia done anything related to the ABA Task Force for American Democracy?
Thank you for any response you can give to me on this.
Rob Shattuck
(for filing in https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html)
[referenced "below email" is September 2, 2023 email to addressees posted at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2023/08/american-bar-association-task-force-for.html]

Email to Dean Reed of Georgia State University College of Law
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: lareed@gsu.edu <lareed@gsu.edu>
Sent: Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 05:51:32 PM CST
Subject: GSU College of Law Presidents’ Reception Honoring Alumni Hon. J. Antonio “Tony” DelCampo and Brittanie Browning
Dear Dean Reed:
I see that at the Midyear Meeting of the State Bar of Georgia there is a Friday evening GSU College of Law Presidents’ Reception Honoring Alumni Hon. J. Antonio “Tony” DelCampo and Brittanie Browning.
I have taken a very active interest in the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy and have sent two emails (including one today) to Mr. DelCampo and Ms. Browning about the State Bar of Georgia undertaking supportive activities regarding what the ABA Task Force is doing. These two emails appear below.
I hope you support what the ABA Task Force is doing and will express your support in such ways that are available to you.
Thank you very much for your attention to this email.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook, AL
[referenced two email are the email immediately above and the September 2, 2023 email referenced therein]

Email to Iowa and New Hampshire Bar Associations
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: ddinkla@iowabar.org <ddinkla@iowabar.org>; pchant@coopercargillchant.com <pchant@coopercargillchant.com>; kmahan@hinckleyallen.com <kmahan@hinckleyallen.com>
Cc: Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; bill.ide@akerman.com <bill.ide@akerman.com>; marty@mitchellmeadows.com <marty@mitchellmeadows.com>; emyang@wstrongllc.com <emyang@wstrongllc.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 10:51:38 AM CST
Subject: ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE RE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Dear Mr. Dinkla, Mr. Chant and Ms. Mahan:
In follow up to my previous emails to the Iowa Bar Association and the New Hampshire Bar Association, I pass along to you for consideration my "ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE REGARDING AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY" that is set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html.
I hope you will put forth a similar pledge for Iowa lawyers and New Hampshire lawyers to make.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook, AL

Email to Alabama District Attorneys Association
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: darylbailey@mc-ala.org <darylbailey@mc-ala.org>
Cc: DAOffice@baldwincountyal.gov <daoffice@baldwincountyal.gov>; Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>
Sent: Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 12:56:17 PM CST
Subject: ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE RE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Dear ADAA President Erreck P. Jett (c/o previous President Daryl Bailey),
Last year I emailed Mr. Bailey as then President of the Alabama District Attorneys Association regarding the weaponization of the justice system (see https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2023/05/weaponization-of-justice-system.html) and also about the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy (see https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2023/08/american-bar-association-task-force-for.html).
I am circulating to Alabama lawyers an "ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE REGARDING AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY" that is set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html.
I think Alabama district attorneys are in a special position to support American democracy, and I hope you will disseminate to the ADAA's members the foregoing pledge for their consideration.
Thank you for your attention to this email.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to Birmingham Business Alliance
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: sammons@birminghambusinessalliance.com <sammons@birminghambusinessalliance.com>
Cc: hduncan@bcatoday.org <hduncan@bcatoday.org>; srose@montgomerychamber.com <srose@montgomerychamber.com>; nhewston@mobilechamber.com <nhewston@mobilechamber.com>
Sent: Monday, January 8, 2024 at 07:36:04 AM CST
Subject: Birmingham business community and American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy
Dear Mr. Ammons,
With each passing day, it seems that the work of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy is becoming more critical. and that the business community should be made more aware of it.
The Task Force was created because "The efforts to overturn the 2020 election are a warning that democracy in the U.S. is at great risk." (https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law/resources/business-law-today/2023-december/working-to-ensure-enduring-american-democracy/)
Please note that Task Force Goal 1 (set out https://www.americanbar.org/groups/leadership/office_of_the_president/american-democracy/our-work/) is "Endeavor to restore voter confidence in the integrity of our elections."
And then note the news from yesterday that Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) Stefanik won’t commit to certifying the 2024 election results. https://www.aol.com/news/stefanik-won-t-commit-certifying-201812256.html.
With things so going in the wrong direction, and following the Task Force saying to, "Leverage the legal profession to educate the public on the reasons for, and the importance of, democracy and the rule of law," on Friday, I sent the below email to Stan Blanton, Managing Partner of Balch & Bingham and Executive Committee member of the Birmingham Business Alliance.
I hope this email to you helps push forward the foregoing educational objective in the Birmingham business community.
Because this applies to all the business community in Alabama, I am copying the Business Council of Alabama, and the Huntsville, Montgomery and Mobile chambers of commerce on this email (except Chip Cherry of the Huntsville chamber will be emailed using their contact form).
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook
[referenced email to Stan Blanton appears above]

Email to Alabama State Bar Young Lawyers Section
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: cdriver@badhambuck.com <cdriver@badhambuck.com>
Sent: Monday, January 8, 2024 at 07:42:59 AM CST
Subject: ASB Young Lawyers Section and ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE RE ABA TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Dear Christopher,
You are shown as the Chair of the Alabama State Bar Young Lawyers Section.
I don't know whether the Young Lawyers Section can speak and act independently from the parent Alabama State Bar, but here goes:
Please see below email I sent to Terri Lovell last Thursday, and consider whether the Young Lawyers Section is in a position to speak or act on its own regarding he "Alabama lawyer's pledge re ABA Task Force for American Democracy" that is set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html.
Thanks for your consideration of this.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to Mecklenburg County Bar (North Carolina)
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: lcampbell@meckbar.org <lcampbell@meckbar.org>
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2024 at 07:59:53 AM CST
Subject: North Carolina lawyer's pledge re American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy
Please consider a North Carolina lawyer's pledge regarding the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy along the lines of the Alabama lawyer's pledge set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html.
Thank you.

Email to Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: maria.engles@pabar.org <maria.engles@pabar.org>
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2024 at 10:05:36 AM CST
Subject: Pennsylvania Young Lawyer's pledge re American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy
Please consider a Pennsylvania Young Lawyer's pledge regarding the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy, along the lines of the Alabama lawyer's pledge set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html.
Thank you.

Email to Mississippi Bar Young Lawyers Division
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: khandy@balch.com <khandy@balch.com>
Cc: cbailey@lightfootlaw.com <cbailey@lightfootlaw.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 04:18:53 PM CST
Subject: Mississippi young lawyers should make pledges re ABA Task Force for American Democracy
Dear Ms. Handy:
Please consider publicizing to members of the Mississippi Bar Young Lawyers Division the "ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE REGARDING AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY" that is set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html and that may be adapted for use by Mississippi young lawyers.
Thank you.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook, AL

Email to Tennessee Bar Association
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: swright@tnbar.org <swright@tnbar.org>
Cc: johns@hollis-wright.com <johns@hollis-wright.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 04:13:29 PM CST
Subject: Tennessee lawyer's pledge re American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy
Please consider a Tennessee lawyer's pledge regarding the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy along the lines of the Alabama lawyer's pledge set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html.
Thank you.

Email to Kentucky Bar 
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: jmeyers@kybar.org <jmeyers@kybar.org>
Cc: bill.ide@akerman.com <bill.ide@akerman.com>; marty@mitchellmeadows.com <marty@mitchellmeadows.com>; emyang@wstrongllc.com <emyang@wstrongllc.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 06:30:44 PM CST
Subject: Kentucky lawyer's pledge re American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy
Please consider a Kentucky lawyer's pledge regarding the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy along the lines of the Alabama lawyer's pledge set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html.
Thank you.

Email to Kentucky County Attorneys Association
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: hcao@hardincountyky.gov <hcao@hardincountyky.gov>
Cc: jmeyers@kybar.org <jmeyers@kybar.org>
Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 07:35:54 AM CST
Subject: For Ms. Jenny Oldham, Kentucky County Attorneys Association President
Dear Ms. Oldham,
In Alabama, I am asking the Alabama District Attorneys Association to consider circulating to its members the "ALABAMA LAWYER'S PLEDGE REGARDING AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION TASK FORCE FOR AMERICAN DEMOCRACY" that is set out at https://al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com/2024/01/alabama-lawyers-pledge-re-aba-task.html.
I think Alabama district attorneys and Kentucky County attorneys are in a special position to support American democracy, and I hope you will disseminate to the Kentucky county attorneys the foregoing pledge for their consideration.
Thank you.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook, AL

Message sent using Contact | Adams and Reese LLP, 1/21/24, 4:15 am
Does Adams and Reese LLP support the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy? 
Thank you.

Message sent using Contact Us | Baker Donelson 1/21/24, 4:33 am
Does Baker Donelson support the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy? 
Thank you.
Email to Charleston County (SC} Bar Association
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: andrew@connor.law <andrew@connor.law>
Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 10:30:42 AM CST
Subject: Does Charleston County Bar Assn. support ABA Task Force for American Democracy?
Dear CCBA President Connor:
Does the Charleston County Bar Association support the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy?
Information about the Task Force can be found at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/leadership/office_of_the_president/american-democracy/our-work/ and https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law/resources/business-law-today/2023-december/working-to-ensure-enduring-american-democracy/.
Thank you.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook, AL

Email to Richland County (SC) Bar Association
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: harrison@hsaunderslaw.com <harrison@hsaunderslaw.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 10:42:57 AM CST
Subject: Does Richland County Bar Assn. support ABA Task Force for American Democracy?
Dear RCBA President Saunders:
Does the Richland County Bar Association support the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy?
Information about the Task Force can be found at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/leadership/office_of_the_president/american-democracy/our-work/ and https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law/resources/business-law-today/2023-december/working-to-ensure-enduring-american-democracy/.
Thank you.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook, AL

Email to Alabama Lawyers Association
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: sford@lawpff.com <sford@lawpff.com>
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2024 at 06:21:34 PM CST
Subject: Alabama Lawyers Association and ABA Task Force for Democracy
Dear Alabama Lawyers Association President Ford:
The mission of the Alabama Lawyers Association includes "[protecting] the civil and political rights of all citizens."
Please consider whether the work of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy is within the mission of, and should be supported by, the Alabama Lawyers Association. Information about the ABA Task Force can be found at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/leadership/office_of_the_president/american-democracy/our-work/ and https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law/resources/business-law-today/2023-december/working-to-ensure-enduring-american-democracy/.
Thank you.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to Black Women Lawyers Association of Alabama
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: contact@blackwomenlawyersal.org <contact@blackwomenlawyersal.org>
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2024 at 06:42:10 PM CST
Subject: Black Women Lawyers Association of Alabama and ABA Task Force for American Democracy
Please consider whether the work of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy should be supported by the Black Women Lawyers Association of Alabama. Information about the ABA Task Force can be found at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/leadership/office_of_the_president/american-democracy/our-work/ and https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law/resources/business-law-today/2023-december/working-to-ensure-enduring-american-democracy/.
Thank you.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook

Email to Alabama State Bar Women's Section
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: flong@hillhillcarter.com <flong@hillhillcarter.com>
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2024 at 06:57:36 PM CST
Subject: Alabama State Bar Women's Section and ABA Task Force for American Democracy
Dear Alabama State Bar Women's Section Vice Chair Long:
Please consider whether the work of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy should be supported by the Alabama State Bar Women's Section. Information about the ABA Task Force can be found at https://www.americanbar.org/groups/leadership/office_of_the_president/american-democracy/our-work/ and https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law/resources/business-law-today/2023-december/working-to-ensure-enduring-american-democracy/.
I am sending this email to you and not to the Chair because I have previously sent an email to her at the Birmingham Bar Association. See Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Alabama lawyer's pledge re ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com)
Thank you.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook AL

Email "Is Arkansas Bar Association dismissive of ABA Task Force for American Democracy?"
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: office@thedobsonlawfirm.com <office@thedobsonlawfirm.com>
Cc: Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; bill.ide@akerman.com <bill.ide@akerman.com>; marty@mitchellmeadows.com <marty@mitchellmeadows.com>; emyang@wstrongllc.com <emyang@wstrongllc.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 04:27:22 PM CST
Subject: Is Arkansas Bar Association dismissive of ABA Task Force for American Democracy?
Dear Arkansas Bar Association President Dobson:
I am a retired lawyer in Alabama.
The Alabama State Bar seems dismissive of the year-long mission of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy (such mission being described at Our Work (americanbar.org) and Working to Ensure an Enduring American Democracy (americanbar.org).
With the Alabama State Bar seemingly dismissive of the ABA Task Force for American Democracy, I am contacting other state bar associations to find out whether or not they too are dismissive of the ABA Task Force.
If you kindly would, please advise me about this as regards the Arkansas Bar Association.
Thank you very much.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook AL

Email "Is Louisiana Bar Association dismissive of ABA Task Force for American Democracy?"
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: info@veronbice.com <info@veronbice.com>
Cc: Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; bill.ide@akerman.com <bill.ide@akerman.com>; marty@mitchellmeadows.com <marty@mitchellmeadows.com>; emyang@wstrongllc.com <emyang@wstrongllc.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 06:17:12 PM CST
Subject: For Louisiana State Bar Association President Sonnier
Dear Louisiana State Bar Association President Sonnier:
I am a retired lawyer in Alabama.
The Alabama State Bar seems dismissive of the year-long mission of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy (such mission being described at Our Work (americanbar.org) and Working to Ensure an Enduring American Democracy (americanbar.org).
With the Alabama State Bar seemingly dismissive of the ABA Task Force for American Democracy, I am contacting other state bar associations to find out whether or not they too are dismissive of the ABA Task Force.
If you kindly would, please advise me about whether the Louisiana State Bar Association is or is not dismissive regarding the ABA Task Force for American Democracy.
Thank you very much.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook AL

Email "Is The Mississippi Bar dismissive of ABA Task Force for American Democracy?"
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: jtbaker@carrallison.com <jtbaker@carrallison.com>
Cc: Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; bill.ide@akerman.com <bill.ide@akerman.com>; marty@mitchellmeadows.com <marty@mitchellmeadows.com>; emyang@wstrongllc.com <emyang@wstrongllc.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 06:26:26 PM CST
Subject: Is The Mississippi Bar dismissive of ABA Task Force for American Democracy?
Dear Mississippi Bar President Baker:
I am a retired lawyer in Alabama.
The Alabama State Bar seems dismissive of the year-long mission of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy (such mission being described at Our Work (americanbar.org) and Working to Ensure an Enduring American Democracy (americanbar.org).
With the Alabama State Bar seemingly dismissive of the ABA Task Force for American Democracy, I am contacting other state bar associations to find out whether or not they too are dismissive of the ABA Task Force.
If you kindly would, please advise me about this as regards The Mississippi Bar.
Thank you very much.
Rob Shattuck
Mountain Brook AL

Email from Brannon Buck, President of Alabama State Bar
From: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>
To: rdshatt@aol.com <rdshatt@aol.com>
Cc: Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 04:15:47 PM CST
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Alabama State Bar encouragement for my outreaching to Alabama institutions about Democracy?
Mr. Shattuck,
I am serving this year as president of the Alabama State Bar. Terri Lovell, our Executive Director, has forwarded to me a handful of emails that you have sent her, including your recent emails to bar leaders in Louisiana and Mississippi. I apologize if you feel we have ignored your calls for action. I believe Terri thought that she had addressed your inquiries when she sent the email below on August 30 of last year. As she explains in the email, our mandatory bar status prohibits the Alabama State Bar from engaging in activities that are not directly related to legal profession and the administration of justice. This limitation is outlined in a series of federal cases, including the Supreme Court case, Keller v. State Bar of California. We recognize that there is not a clear demarcation of what is directly related to the legal profession or the administration of justice. However, we have attempted to be faithful to the direction of the Supreme Court and, more recently, the Fifth Circuit in a series of mandatory bar cases by avoiding activities that could be viewed as political speech on which our members might disagree. It has been our judgment that the ABA’s American Democracy project does not relate directly to the legal profession or the administration of justice and could potentially be viewed as political speech. Because the ABA is a voluntary association, it is free to engage in political speech. The Alabama State Bar does not enjoy that same freedom.
I would be happy to schedule a call with you to discuss this matter further. It is certainly not our desire to ignore or detract from the ABA’s efforts or your efforts. We are simply constrained by our mandatory bar status and our members’ constitutional right to freedom of association. Please let me know if you wish to schedule a time for a call.
Brannon

My reply to Brannon Buck
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>
Cc: Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; bill.ide@akerman.com <bill.ide@akerman.com>; marty@mitchellmeadows.com <marty@mitchellmeadows.com>; emyang@wstrongllc.com <emyang@wstrongllc.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 12:40:49 PM CST
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL EMAIL] Alabama State Bar encouragement for my outreaching to Alabama institutions about Democracy?
Thank you very much, Brannon, for sending me your email yesterday.
I am not a member of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy, and I will refer to my contacts at the Task Force what you say about the Alabama State Bar being organizationally bound to abstain from participating in the work the Task Force is doing, and leave it to the Task Force to figure out how the Task Force should try to accommodate lawyer organizations that consider themselves organizationally bound to abstain from the work the Task Force is doing.
As for my own efforts to get lawyer organizations and lawyers to support the work the Task Force is doing, insofar as I refer to the Alabama State Bar, I will indicate that the Alabama State Bar considers itself organizationally bound to abstain from participating in the work the Task Force is doing.
I appreciate your offer to schedule a call with me to discuss this matter further. I think it would be more productive if you and the Task Force discussed the situation, and I will leave it to you and them to have such discussion as you and they consider mutually beneficial.
Again, thank you for emailing me.
Sincerely,
Rob

Follow up email to Brannon Buck changing my mind to meet with him
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>
Cc: Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; Jennifer Buettner <jbuettner@birminghambar.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 06:57:10 PM CST
Subject: I have changed my mind and would like to meet with you
Brannon,
In your January 24th email, you offered to have a phone conversation with me to discuss my efforts in support of the year-long mission of the American Bar Association Task Force for American Democracy.
I replied declining that offer.
I have changed my mind, and I would now like to have such a phone conversation, or, even better, to meet with you in person to discuss the matter.
Further, I would like to include in our conversation Ms. Jennifer Buettner, Executive Director of the Birmingham Bar Association, if you and she are willing.
Please just let me know what is possible.
Thanks.
Rob Shattuck

Email reply from Brannon Buck
From: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>
To: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
Cc: Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; Jennifer Buettner <jbuettner@birminghambar.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 11:15:23 AM CST
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] I have changed my mind and would like to meet with you
Mr. Shattuck,
As I explained in my email of January 24, as a mandatory bar, the Alabama State Bar cannot engage in activities that are not related to the legal profession and the administration of justice. I am familiar with ABA’s Task for American Democracy, and while I personally support it, the Alabama State Bar cannot be involved. I am happy to schedule a call with you to discuss the limitations under which the state bar operates if you wish to hear more about it.
Brannon

My reply back to Brannon Buck
From: Rob Shattuck <rdshatt@aol.com>
To: Brannon Buck <bbuck@badhambuck.com>
Cc: Terri B. Lovell <terri.lovell@alabar.org>; Jennifer Buettner <jbuettner@birminghambar.org>; mckinney@watsonmckinney.com <mckinney@watsonmckinney.com>; suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org <suzanneduffey@mc-ala.org>; flatta@burr.com <flatta@burr.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 07:37:34 PM CST
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] I have changed my mind and would like to meet with you
Thank you again, Brannon, for replying to me.
I assume the limitations include that you cannot mention the ABA Task Force for American Democracy in your "President's Page" in The Alabama Lawyer and suggest that members of the Alabama State Bar think about the Task Force's work for themselves in their individual professional capacities.
Until I am told otherwise, I will assume that the Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery and Mobile bar associations are not subject to the limitations that the Alabama State Bar is under, and those local bar associations can choose to undertake activities that are supportive of what the ABA Task Force is trying to do.
I sent the below January 4th email to those bar associations concerning my "Alabama lawyer's pledge re ABA Task Force for American Democracy" (which email I posted in Be An Alabama Rootstriker* with Rob Shattuck: Alabama lawyer's pledge re ABA Task Force for American Democracy (al6thcongdist-ihaveuntiljan13.blogspot.com)).
By copy of this email to the addressees of my January 4th email, I expressly solicit them to undertake activities in support of what the ABA Task Force is trying to do, and I offer to help out in anything they decide to undertake.
Again, thank you for replying to me.
Sincerely,
Rob Shattuck
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