Welcome to Bench Bar 2026!
Proudly Sponsoring Bench Bar Conference 2026
MBA Bench Bar Conference 2026 Conference Schedule *9.5 CLE Hours
Thursday, October 1 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Welcome Reception & Judicial Meet & Greet (Location: Sunset Terrace) 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Join your fellow Bench Bar attendees for fun at AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar (Party Bus will run to and from The Henderson and AJ’s)
Friday, October 2 Breakfast Available Starting at 8:00 AM Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar ~ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM (Location: Crystal Ballroom Pre-Function Area) 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Concurrent Session 1 (Location: Crystal Ballroom 1)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Concurrent Session 1 (Location: Crystal Ballroom 1)
Wired for Power: The Legal Realities of Powering Big Data
Zealous Advocacy or Incivility: Navigating the Boundaries of Professionalism — Perspectives from the Bench and from Veteran Family Law Attorneys Judge Rhynette Hurd, Leigh-Taylor White, and Dan Taylor (1.0 Dual CLE Credit)
Jennifer Sink and Geoffrey Lewis (1.0 General CLE Credit)
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Concurrent Session 2 (Location: Crystal Ballroom 3) Top 10 Financial Mistakes We See in Divorce Cases (and Business Divorces!) Lucie Brackin and Cindy MacAulay (1.0 General CLE Credit)
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Concurrent Session 1 (Location: Crystal Ballroom 1) Effective Mediation Advocacy: Strategies, Ethics, and Practical Techniques for Lawyers Judge Bernice Donald and Maureen Holland (1.0 Dual CLE Credit)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Concurrent Session 2 (Location: Crystal Ballroom 3) Appellate Practice: Dos and Don’ts Judge Kevin Ritz and Justice Roger Page (1.0 Dual CLE Credit)
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM YLD Sunset CLE & Happy Hour (Location: East Green Lawn) Drinks and Appetizers Included Beach Wars: Coastal Property Rights Dana Matthews (1.5 General CLE Credit)
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Concurrent Session 2 (Location: Crystal Ballroom 3) The Deal Behind the Deal: How Lawyers Shape Economic Development, Zoning, and the Future of Cities Gwyn Fisher and Chandell Ryan (1.0 General CLE Credit)
Make sure to visit the Hospitality Suite available throughout the Conference!
Afternoon Activities Starting at 1:30 PM Glass Art & Sip (Location: Primrose) Annual Volleyball Tournament (Location: The Beach!)
MBA Bench Bar Conference 2026 Conference Schedule Saturday, October 3 Breakfast Available Starting at 8:00 AM Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar ~ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM (Location: Crystal Ballroom Pre-Function Area)
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM (Location: Crystal Ballroom 1 & 2)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Concurrent Session 1 (Location: Crystal Ballroom 1)
Behind the Bench: The Disciplinary Process Unveiled Judge Marshall Davidson (1.0 Dual CLE Credit)
Rule of Law, Attacks on the Judiciary, and Executive Orders Targeting the Legal Profession Judge Tommy Parker and Buck Wellford (1.0 General CLE Credit)
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Concurrent Session 1 (Location: Crystal Ballroom 1) Criminal Law: Different Perspectives on Sentencing from the Bench, DA’s Office, and Criminal Defense Bar DA Steve Mulroy, Judge James Jones, and Blake Ballin (1.0 General CLE Credit)
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM Concurrent Session 2 (Location: Crystal Ballroom 3) Mentoring Panel: Bringing Up the Next Generation of Attorneys & Retaining Attorneys Judge Rhynette Hurd, Judge Cedrick Wooten, Abby Sala, Lauran Stimac, and Mike McLaren (1.0 Dual CLE Credit)
*Includes Access to Recorded CLE: What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Eminent Domain Kannon Conway (1.0 General CLE Credit)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Concurrent Session 2 (Location: Crystal Ballroom 3) Not Just a Fertility Law Issue: Assisted Reproduction in Everyday Legal Practice Judge Ruthie Hagan and Jana Lamanna (1.0 Dual CLE Credit)
Lunch Available Starting at 12:15 PM 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM (Location: Crystal Ballroom 1 & 2) Speaker Luncheon: Mock Voir Dire Dawn Carson and Gary Smith (1.0 General CLE Credit)
Make sure to visit the Hospitality Suite available throughout the Conference!
Afternoon Activities Starting at 2:00 PM 9-Hole Golf Outing (Location: Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club) Poolside Trivia (Location: Sea Level Family Pool Deck) Cocktails After Dinner ~ 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Location: Beach West Deck) Drinks & Sweets Included Honoring MBA Past, Present, and Future Presidents
Bench Bar 2026 Activity Schedule Thursday, October 1 Welcome Reception & Judicial Meet & Greet ~ 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Friday, October 2 Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar ~ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Afternoon Activities Starting at 1:30 PM
Annual Volleyball Tournament
Glass Art & Sip
YLD Sunset CLE & Happy Hour ~ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday, October 3 Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar ~ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Afternoon Activities Starting at 2:00 PM
9-Hole Golf Outing
Poolside Trivia
Cocktails After Dinner ~ 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Honoring MBA Past, Present, and Future Presidents
Thank You Bench Bar Sponsors Emerald Sponsors
Beachside Sponsors
Coastal Sponsors
Thank You
Thank You CLE & Event Sponsors
Event & CLE Sponsors Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar
MBA Presidents’ Reception
Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar
Welcome Reception Saturday Keyvnote CLE & Judicial Meet & Greet
MBA Presidents’ Reception
Volleyball Tournament Hospitality Suite
In-kind Print Sponsor In-kind Print Sponsor
CLE Sponsor
WIFI Sponsor
President’s Circle Sponsors
Helpful Information Important Event Contacts:
Jan Reisman Cell: (901) 361-6183 Mary Ann Upchurch Cell: (901) 457-9007
Resort Amenities Dining Salon & Spa: Spa services can be booked online or by calling the spa directly at 850-424-4482.
Resort Activities The following activities and offerings are included in the resort fee for all hotel guests: Bike rentals Yoga/fitness classes Paddle boards Kayaking
Area Activities Henderson State Park A Daily Family Pass to Henderson State Park is included in the resort fee for all hotel guests. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hendersonbeach-state-park Pontoon boats for Crab Island Optional captain for boat can be added on! Contact Boogies Watersports directly at 850-654-4497. For more information, go to: https://www.boogieswatersports.com. Additional options for water activities including Crab Island or dolphin cruises! Contact Destin Snorkel directly at 850-269-2329. For more information, go to: https://www.destinsnorkel.com.
6+ Hour Charters Contact Destin Offshore Charters directly at 850-685-9368. For more information, go to: https://destinoffshorecharters.com. Suggestion for Sunday, October 4, before you travel home: 4+ Hour Fishing Charters Contact Bow’d Up Deep Sea Fishing directly at 850-8304457. For more information, go to: https://bowdupfishingdestin.com.
Join the GroupMe App. This is the best way to stay informed on conference updates and connect with fellow attendees!
Hotel Directions 200 Henderson Resort Way Destin, FL 32541
View Area Map Hotel Phone Number 855-741-2777
Bench Bar 2026 Speaker Bios Wired for Power: The Legal Realities of Powering Big Data Jennifer Sink VP, General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer, Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division Jennifer Sink joined Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division in 2023 after serving as Chief Legal Officer for the City of Memphis. Previously, she was a shareholder at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell and Berkowitz, where she practiced civil and healthcare litigation. She is a former Memphis Bar Association President, and she earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and her J.D. from Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School. Geoffrey Lewis Associate General Counsel, Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division Geoffrey Lewis serves as Associate General Counsel for Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division, overseeing commercial, governmental, and utility-focused transactions. He is active in the Memphis and Tennessee legal communities, including service with the Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee Alliance for Black Lawyers, and Tennessee Bar Association. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and his J.D. from the University of Memphis.
Top 10 Financial Mistakes We See in Divorce Cases (and Business Divorces!) Lucie Brackin Partner, Rogers & Brackin Lucie Brackin is a family law attorney whose practice includes divorce, custody, visitation, alimony, child support, adoption, relocation, international child abduction, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. She is a Tennessee Rule 31 mediator and handles collaborative family law matters. She earned both her bachelor’s degree and J.D. from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. Cindy MacAulay CPA/CFF, CVA, MAFF, Partner, HHM CPAs Cindy MacAulay joined HHM’s Memphis office as a Partner in 2024, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in forensic accounting and valuation services. She has extensive experience providing expert testimony and depositions and holds CPA, CFF, MAFF, and CVA credentials. She is licensed in Tennessee and South Carolina and graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
Effective Mediation Advocacy: Strategies, Ethics, and Practical Techniques for Lawyers Judge Bernice Donald JAMS Mediation, Arbitration and ADR Services Judge Bernice Donald is a retired federal judge with more than 40 years of judicial and legal experience and now serves as a mediator, arbitrator, court-appointed neutral, and neutral evaluator. She served on the U.S. District Court, the Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Tennessee, the Shelby County General Sessions Criminal Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the Sixth Circuit before retiring from the bench in 2023. Judge Donald earned her bachelor’s degree and J.D. from the University of Memphis and an LL.M. from Duke University School of Law. Maureen Holland Attorney, Member, and Owner, Holland & Associates PC Maureen Holland is an employment attorney who represents current and former employees in matters involving discrimination, severance, non-compete agreements, breach of contract, and other employment issues. She has extensive experience negotiating and litigating before state and federal courts and administrative agencies and serves as President of the Tennessee Employment Lawyers Association. She teaches Negotiation and Mediation as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and is a listed Tennessee Rule 31 Mediator. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont and her J.D. from Vermont Law School.
The Deal Behind the Deal: How Lawyers Shape Economic Development, Zoning, and the Future of Cities Gwyn Fisher Attorney and Chief Economic Development Officer, Greater Memphis Chamber Gwyn Fisher has served as Chief Economic Development Officer at the Greater Memphis Chamber since 2022, leading strategies and partnerships focused on regional growth, jobs, and investment. She brings a legal and nonprofit background to her work with business, government, utility, and community leaders across the Greater Memphis region. She earned her undergraduate degree from Scripps College and her J.D. from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Chandell Ryan Attorney and President & CEO, Downtown Memphis Commission Chandell Ryan is President & CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission, where she oversees efforts to attract investment, support businesses, improve public spaces, and revitalize Downtown Memphis. She has more than 20 years of experience in city government, law, and human resources, including service as Chief Operating Officer/Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Memphis. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and her J.D. from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
Zealous Advocacy or Incivility: Navigating the Boundaries of Professionalism – Perspectives from the Bench and from Veteran Family Law Attorneys Judge Rhynette Hurd Shelby County Circuit Court, Division 5 Judge Rhynette Northcross Hurd serves as Presiding Judge of Division 5 of Shelby County Circuit Court. She previously practiced as a transactional attorney, managed litigation and E&O claims, and served as a mediator, arbitrator, and special master; she also has taught at the University of
Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law since 1993. Judge Hurd earned a B.A. in English Composition from Mount Holyoke and a J.D. from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law; she also holds graduate degrees from Harvard University and George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Leigh-Taylor White Partner, Mullins, Whitfield, White & Hillis, PLLC Leigh-Taylor White focuses her practice on family law litigation and mediation, including divorce, custody, alimony, child support, relocation, adoption, and dependency and neglect matters. She has extensive trial and appellate experience and practices in both Tennessee and Mississippi. She earned her B.A. in Philosophy from Rhodes College in 2002 and her J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2005. Dan Taylor Attorney, Taylor, Bean, & Hamer Dan Taylor is an experienced Tennessee family law attorney who has handled thousands of hours of court proceedings involving divorce and other family law matters at the trial and appellate levels. He is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been recognized for his longstanding contributions to the legal profession and Memphis community. He earned his J.D. from the University of Memphis School of Law in 1980 and earned his undergraduate degree at Rhodes College (then Southwestern), where he played baseball.
Appellate Practice: Dos and Don’ts Judge Kevin Ritz United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Judge Kevin Ritz has served as a United States Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit since 2024. He previously served as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee and spent 19 years in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Memphis after serving as a law clerk to Sixth Circuit Judge Julia Gibbons. He earned his B.A. from the University of Virginia; an M.S. from Georgetown University, and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. Justice Roger Page Miles Mediation & Arbitration Hon. Roger Page (Ret.) is a full-time mediator and arbitrator following a distinguished judicial career that included service as a circuit judge; Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, and Tennessee Supreme Court Justice, where he also served as Chief Justice for two years. His mediation experience includes construction, medical malpractice, personal injury, real estate, and wrongful death matters. He earned his J.D. from the University of Memphis School of Law and his bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy in Memphis.
YLD Sunset CLE: Beach Wars: Coastal Property Rights Dana Matthews Partner & Real Estate Law Attorney, Matthews & Matthews, Attorneys at Law Dana Matthews is a real estate and commercial litigation attorney whose practice includes real estate development, land use permitting, finance structuring, condominium projects, bank representation, business organization, and consulting. He established his law firm in Destin in 1983 and formed Matthews & Hawkins in 1998, now known as Matthews & Matthews, LLP. He earned both his undergraduate degree and J.D. from Florida State University.
Behind the Bench: the Disciplinary Process Unveiled Judge Marshall L. Davidson III Disciplinary Counsel for the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct Judge Marshall L. Davidson III serves as Disciplinary Counsel for the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct, a position he has held since 2020. He previously served as Presiding Judge of the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, practiced civil and criminal litigation, served in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps, and worked as a Tennessee Supreme Court staff attorney. Judge Davidson earned his bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and his J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law.
Criminal Law: Different Perspectives on Sentencing from the Bench, DA’s Office, and Criminal Defense Bar District Attorney Steve Mulroy Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy has served as Shelby County District Attorney since 2022. His career includes federal judicial clerkship and prosecution experience; service with the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division; more than two decades as a professor at the University of Memphis School of Law, and service on the Shelby County Commission. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and his J.D. from the College of William & Mary Law School. Judge James Jones Jr. Criminal Court Judge, Division III of the 30th Judicial District Criminal Court in Tennessee Judge James Jones Jr. serves as Criminal Court Judge for Division III of the 30th Judicial District Criminal Court and was elected in 2022. Before taking the bench, he practiced for more than a decade in Bartlett, focusing on state and federal criminal defense and civil litigation, and handled numerous jury and bench trials throughout Shelby County. Judge Jones earned both his bachelor’s degree and J.D. from the University of Memphis.
Blake Ballin Attorney and Partner, Ballin, Ballin & Fishman, P.C. Blake Ballin practices exclusively in criminal defense, representing clients in matters ranging from white-collar crimes and drug charges to violent offenses, domestic violence, DUI/DWI, and sex crimes. He serves on the boards of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (TACDL) and Just City. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Emory University and his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.
Mentoring Panel: Bringing Up the Next Generation of Attorneys and Retaining Attorneys Judge Rhynette Hurd Shelby County Circuit Court, Division 5 Judge Rhynette Northcross Hurd serves as Presiding Judge of Division 5 of Shelby County Circuit Court. She previously practiced as a transactional attorney, managed litigation and E&O claims, and served as a mediator, arbitrator, and special master; she also has taught at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law since 1993. Judge Hurd earned a B.A. in English Composition from Mount Holyoke and a J.D. from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law; she also holds graduate degrees from Harvard University and George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Judge Cedrick Wooten Shelby County Circuit Court Judge, Division 6 Judge Cedrick D. Wooten serves as Shelby County Circuit Court Judge for Division 6. His legal career includes private practice, judicial clerkships, service as a senior partner at Humphrey & Wooten, PLLC, and service as chief administrative officer for the Shelby County Criminal Court and Circuit Court Clerks’ offices. Judge Wooten earned two bachelor’s degrees from LeMoyne-Owen College, a master’s degree from the University of Mississippi, and his J.D. from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Abby Sala Attorney, Harris Shelton Abby Sala represents clients in premises liability, products liability, personal injury, healthcare professional licensing disputes, and commercial litigation. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi and her J.D. from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Lauran Stimac Shareholder, Evans Petree Lauran Stimac is Chair of Evans Petree’s litigation practice group and has practiced as a trial attorney since 2007. Her practice focuses on professional liability defense, licensure matters, and business litigation in Tennessee and Mississippi, with experience at both the trial and appellate levels. She was appointed in 2025 by the Tennessee Supreme Court as a Board of Professional Responsibility Hearing Committee member for Disciplinary District IX and is the Immediate Past President of the Memphis Bar Association. She earned both her undergraduate degree and her J.D. at the University of Richmond.
Mike McLaren Attorney and Member, Black McLaren Jones Ryland & Griffee, P.C. Mike McLaren is a trial attorney with extensive federal and state litigation experience, including commercial litigation, professional liability, insurance coverage, vaccine injury litigation, environmental law, construction law, fidelity and surety law, and creditors’ rights. He previously served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Wright Medical Technology while maintaining his private practice and is a frequent lecturer on litigation topics. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Yale University, where he was a three-year letterman of the basketball team, and his J.D. from Loyola University of Chicago.
Rule of Law, Attacks on the Judiciary, and Executive Orders Targeting the Legal Profession Judge Tommy Parker United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee Judge Tommy Parker has served as a United States District Judge for the Western District of Tennessee since 2018. Before joining the federal bench, he practiced litigation at Waring Cox, served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and was a shareholder at Baker Donelson handling civil and criminal matters. Judge Parker earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. Buck Wellford Attorney and Shareholder, Baker Donelson Buck Wellford has extensive jury and bench trial experience in state and federal courts, with a practice focused on healthcare, product liability, employment, civil rights, antitrust, and class action matters. He also has substantial experience with healthcare regulatory and enforcement matters and local zoning and land use issues. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and his J.D. from Washington & Lee.
Not Just a Fertility Law Issue: Assisted Reproduction in Everyday Legal Practice Judge Ruthie Hagan United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Tennessee Judge Ruthie Hagan has served as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Tennessee since 2020. Before her appointment, she practiced bankruptcy and commercial restructuring law at Baker Donelson, with earlier experience at Bass, Berry & Sims and Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow. Judge Hagan earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas; her J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law, and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas.
Jana Lamanna Attorney and Member, Black McLaren Jones Ryland & Griffee, P.C. Jana Lamanna has more than 21 years of experience in assisted reproductive technology law, probate and estate matters, family law, estate planning, guardianship and conservatorship, and employment law. She heads the firm’s fertility law group and advises prospective intended parents and gestational carriers on surrogacy, donor agreements, and related legal matters. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi; an M.B.A. from Christian Brothers University, and her J.D. from Mississippi College School of Law.
Mock Voir Dire Dawn Carson Attorney and Partner, Hickman Goza & Spragins PLLC Dawn Carson is an experienced trial attorney practicing in Mississippi and Tennessee state and federal courts, with more than 20 years of experience and more than 50 jury trials to verdict. Her practice includes wrongful death, healthcare liability, and premises liability. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Mississippi University for Women and her J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law. Gary Smith Attorney and Founder, Gary K. Smith Law Gary Smith is a veteran Memphis trial lawyer with more than five decades of experience representing plaintiffs in complex civil litigation. His practice focuses on catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, insurance bad faith, and motor vehicle injury cases. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Kentucky and Southern Illinois University and earned his J.D. from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
Recorded CLE: What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About Eminent Domain Kannon Conway Attorney and Member, Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh, PLLC Kannon Conway has practiced for more than 20 years and focuses on representing property owners in eminent domain matters. He is the Tennessee-affiliate member of the Owners’ Counsel of America and writes and often presents on Tennessee eminent domain law. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and his J.D. from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
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