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Alexander Honors Memphis Lawyers Practicing Law in the “Grand Manner”
Says “serving in government as important as suing the government.” |
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August 16th, 2008 - Memphis, Tenn. - U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) last night told University of Memphis alumni that today the country needs attorneys willing to practice law in the “grand manner” by being active in the community through public service. The Senator delivered the keynote address at the 5th Annual Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law Alumni Dinner.
“I hope we will graduate more lawyers who want to serve in government. Our nation needs your help,” Alexander said. “In a time when our country has energy, terrorism, globalization and health insurance issues to deal with I hope some of you would want to serve the government.”
During his address, Alexander spoke about his experiences in law school at New York University and clerking for Judge John Minor Wisdom of the U.S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Alexander cited Judge Wisdom, former United States Attorney Hal Hardin and former Tennessee Senator Howard Baker, Jr. as examples of attorneys who practiced law and served the public in the “grand manner.”
The senator also praised four Memphis lawyers who the University honored at the dinner as “pillars of excellence: Walter Bailey, Emmett Marston, John Thomason and Lee Winchester.
Alexander said Arthur T. Vanderbilt, who was a dean of the New York University Law School, used to encourage his students to practice law “in the grand manner.” Alexander said this meant that lawyers, in addition to being superb litigators and wise counselors, also should strive to be involved in public service.
Alexander said the lawyers should respect the institution of government and wake up every day trying to do something constructive to make our country a little better.
“We do need outstanding lawyers who would defend the rights of individuals and who, from time to time, will sue the government,” Alexander said. “But we also need, especially in these times, men and women who will serve in government during their careers and take an active role in public life.”
The University of Memphis School of Law has become one of the best in the state, with the highest bar passage rate in Tennessee over the last 15 years. Ninety-eight percent of graduates are placed in jobs within 9 months, well above the state and national average.
In 2006, the University of Memphis announced the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law would be moving its campus to the Customs House and Post Office Building in Downtown Memphis.
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August 2008 Press Releases: |
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080921090607im_/http://alexander.senate.gov/public/_images/spacer.gif) |
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August 20, 2008 -
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Alexander Honors the Courage of Governor Frank G. Clement
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August 19, 2008 -
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Alexander, Gordon, Wamp Kick-Off National Science and Technology Summit At Oak Ridge
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August 16, 2008 -
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current Press Release
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August 15, 2008 -
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Alexander Says Tom Anderson Will Be a Fair-Minded, Experienced Federal Judge for West Tennessee
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August 13, 2008 -
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Alexander Discusses the Conflict in Georgia
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August 12, 2008 -
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Alexander Predicts 10 Percent of Rutherford County Commuters Will Be Driving Electric Cars and Trucks in 5 Years
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August 12, 2008 -
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Bipartisan Group of Senators Urge Electric Companies to Continue Clean Air Programs
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August 11, 2008 -
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Alexander Tells Jackson Trucking Company He Voted Against Congress Going Home Without Dealing With $4 Gas Prices
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August 8, 2008 -
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Alexander Says We Must Find Best Way to Address High Gas and Energy Costs
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August 7, 2008 -
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Alexander, Corker Recognize Tennessee Olympians
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August 6, 2008 -
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Alexander on NBC Nashville
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August 6, 2008 -
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Alexander Tells Nashville Food Bank He Voted Against Congress Going Home Without Dealing With $4 Gas Prices
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August 5, 2008 -
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Alexander Tells Knoxville Produce Company That Congress Shouldn’t Have Gone Home Without Dealing With $4 Per Gallon Gas Prices
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August 5, 2008 -
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Senator Alexander on NBC Knoxville
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August 1, 2008 -
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Alexander Cosponsors Bill to Ensure Americans Have a Safe Food Supply
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August 1, 2008 -
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Alexander Says Senate Should Take Up “Gang of 10” Proposals, Improve Them, and Make Them Law
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