by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Attorney Lanny Russell has been appointed to serve as the Middle District delegate to the 11th Circuit Judicial Conference.
As the Middle District delegate, Russell will serve as a representative to the federal judiciary at its biannual conference, where legal issues, concerns and policies are reviewed.
The 11th Circuit includes Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
“The 11th Circuit is a very broad base and the conference is an important meeting where that diverse group of attorneys can gather,” said Russell, who will help organize the event. “I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
A member of The Florida Bar for 23 years, Russell said he didn’t know what to expect when he mailed his application to the Bar several months ago.
“You never know, but it really is a great honor to be chosen,” said Russell, a Florida native and partner at the law firm of Smith, Hulsey & Busey. “It was my understanding there was an unusually large pool of applicants this time and it was a pleasant surprise when I first heard the news that I had been selected.”
Russell is one of three delegates representing Florida.
On why he was singled out, Russell, a civil litigator, gives equal credit to his service on the Preservation Commission and Jacksonville Library Board of trustees, along with the support he received from the 4th Circuit Board of Governors.
“I’m grateful for all of their lobbying,” he said. “I believe their advocacy of my candidacy, coupled with my service in Jacksonville, help pushed me to front.”
Russell replaces Charles Tatelbaum, an attorney in Fort Lauderdale, whose term expired this year.
“Mr. Russell is about to embark on a very unique opportunity,” said Tatelbaum of the appointment. “As the representative for the Bar, you are a liaison who can interact with the federal judiciary and give input and convey issues that may not be brought up, otherwise.
“It’s very exciting and I know I’ll miss it.”
Tatelbaum and Russell said they plan to keep in contact before the next conference in 2005.
“But I wouldn’t want to speculate on what the topics of discussion will be at the 2005 conference,” said Russell. “It’s really up to the judges to create the dialogue.
“I’m really just looking forward to my service as the newest delegate. I fully expect to repay the confidence of those who elected me by doing my absolute best.”