Court of Appeals

Clerk's Office Staff Meeting ReCap

Wednesday, November 19, 1997 8:00 a.m.

Those present were:

Bill Martin

Gail Arceneaux

Juanita Daniell

Lola Diamond

Pam Norwood

Lorraine Sapp

Marti Terry

Bud Tirey

From the Clerk's Notes

[1]	Bill welcomed Juanita Daniell to the clerk's office and thanked everyone who has helped with her training.

[2]	Everyone was reminded of Judge John W. Sognier 's Portrait Unveiling Ceremony scheduled for 10:00 this morning. A reception will be held in the Lawyer's Lounge afterwards. Everyone welcome. Bill asked that a couple of people would be needed to stay and cover.

[3]	42-46 cases remain on the Distress List. The list is a day or two behind in the count. Judge Beasley has 18 cases, Judge Smith has 11 cases, Judges Ruffin and Eldridge are off the list; Judges Pope, Johnson and Blackburn all have 1 case each and Judge Birdsong has 8 cases drafted over a week. There are several whole court cases.

[4]	THE BOX. A box will be maintained at the receptionist desk for "holding" appellant briefs sent in with no check. The box will need to be checked when someone is paying for a mailed-in brief which will help avoid the situation where the office accepts money without the brief.

[5]	Certified Mail. There is a problem with signing for documents that later disappear. Mail delivered in error, briefs that were signed for but never returned, are a few of the reasons for the problems. Bill needs to be reminded to call a lawyer re: certified mail. He asked that everyone make sure we are not losing certified mail.

[6]	Half day off for Christmas shopping. We will do that after we get with Gail for scheduling purposes because Mary Jo and Sheila are both van riders. A tentative list should be done.

[7]	Christmas Party for the Clerk's Office including central staff. Bill asked that the staff discuss and check also with Sheila, Mary Jo and John. In lieu of a Christmas party the office may want to donate something to a needy family. He asked that we decide what we want to do either party or help someone less fortunate.

[8]	Lastly, Bill discussed the record of A97A1136 . Security Life Insurance Company v. Gordon B. Clark, et al. 14.1 million dollars. Largest verdict in State to withstand on appeal. Very important case historically. Parts 15 and 16 are missing. John went through the record and cannot find those two parts. Please be on lookout for A97A1136 , parts 15 and 16. Distress case. May be at Glenna 's office or in the back. If not found in a couple of days, Bill will instruct Mary Jo to call the trial court to have them reproduce the record.

[9]	MARTA surveys. If you haven't already, try to get them in to Bill or Lola. Also, pledges for the America Recycles Day may not be too late. Lola has form copies.

Around the Table.......

Bill briefly commented that if you are not physically able to be here do not come in when you are sick. Your health is very important. Let us know when you are not able to come in. Do not abuse taking sick leave when you just want to take a day off. Save as much sick leave as possible which may help you someday when you retire. You may be able to retire after 30 years with an additional 3-4 years with the unused sick leave.

Lorraine questioned if feedback had been received regarding a holiday gathering. Bill responded that nothing official has been said but Dianne Joy has said something about the survey that was circulated.

Bud requested that a current password list be done including network and docket password/numbers for everyone. Bill asked that the information be received from everyone and given to Lola so that everyone would be supplied a copy.

Bud also commented on the accomplishment of the final assessment on the Docket System as far as the year 2000. He is requesting horror stories so that focusing can be accomplished. Bill asked Bud if he planned to attend the Technical Conference in Chattanooga. Bud responded that he would be attending an Electronic Transcript demonstration today.

Wrap Up...........

The meeting adjourned at 8:28 a.m.