Meeting |
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Report |
Meeting |
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Report |
September 25, 2001 |
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| President Jim called the meeting to order at
12:40 and asked that Harley Dickson introduce our guests and visitors. He then
asked Tom Norwood to bring us health and happiness. Tom reassured us that he has
now retired from flying planes in the reserves and the defense of our country will no
longer rest on his shoulders. President Jim expressed gratitude to Martin Waters for his fill-in last week. He also confirmed that he has made up all of his absences and avoided his promise of a $100 contribution to the Rotary Foundation for every meeting he misses without a makeup. A rousing ovation followed the announcement that Herb Klein is a new U.S. citizen as of today. Chuck Lineberry then led us in singing "God Bless America." Jamie Armstrong led us in the invocation. The others seated at the head table were Tigger Alexander, Randall Groves, Mike Hawley, and Anthony Fox. President Jim reminded us of the Rotary Foundation Banquet on November 7 at Renaissance Hotel. Tickets are available through Claire Erb at the Rotary office. President Jim called on Marilyn Bowler to introduce our speaker. Bill Diehl. Bill Diehl, a very well-known attorney with James, McElroy & Diehl in Charlotte, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, one of six children. He graduated from high school in Kinston, North Carolina, and was the captain of the Kinston Red Devils football team. He "learned to talk" as a DJ known as Willie K. D. in Kinston and in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, at his father's radio stations. Bill graduated from college at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1966 and UVA Law School in 1969. His topic was "What Have I Done in the Last 32 Summers." In explaining his success in helping his clients, some of them from the rich and famous, Bill pointed to hard work, getting up early, and staying up late when the occasion requires. His primary secret is his preparation for a case by reading, reading, reading and writing and rewriting. A secondary key he mentioned was control of his clients. He instills in clients the belief that he knows about the process and the procedures so that they follow his recommendations. Early in his presentation Bill commended the Rotary Four-Way Test as a match for his creed. He also is a strong believer in Service above Self. Lest we may think of him as a prospective member he commented that he is not much of a joiner and he is a member only of Belle Acres, which has no membership requirements. As an illustration of the importance of the Four-Way Test, he said that most cases could be solved by its practice. Only about 2 to 3 percent of cases require an all-out fight with the opponent. He commented on two recent developments which have helped in the resolution of divorce cases — the mediation process and the equitable distribution concept. Mediation solves about 85 percent of the custody cases and equitable distribution has made the division of assets more easily accomplished. He still does divorce cases but passes many off to his associates in the firm. The most fascinating part of the presentation to those of us with prurient interest in the rich and famous was Bill's comments about some of his well-known clients. The Baghwan — A most intense case which allowed him only fourteen hours of sleep in two weeks. Rick Hendrick — An admirable man who was doing a common business practice which is still being practiced today. Ric Flair — A very interesting man, devoted to his family and children. Richard Dortch — The smartest man to have known absolutely nothing about what was going on at PTL. John Boy and Billy — A grown-up becoming a kid. Michael Jordan — A delightful, regular person he will long remember. George Shinn — A delicate situation to discuss. He was wrongfully accused of doing what he should not have done in the first place. Being on Court TV was challenging during the trial because it was on all the time, even during recesses. Some interesting things happened. Andie McDowell — She visited in his home. A sweet, beautiful, nice mother of three girls. Bill is in the process of slowing down a little. He is writing essays and spending as much time as possible with his grandchildren. He never imagined how wonderful grandchildren could be. He likes burgundy and sleeping in his great chair at his place in Charleston. He still enjoys his work and tries to follow the Rotary creed and service above self. * * * |
New Member
2001 Law, Media Jon Buchan is a partner
with Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore, L.L.P. He handles a range of civil and commercial
litigation with an emphasis on media, business defamation and First Amendment issues. In
his media practice, he is regularly involved in representing "The Charlotte
Observer," "The Fayetteville Observer," WBTV, "The Business
Journal" and other local and national media clients. He also has experience in
trademark and trade secrets litigation and teaches a seminar on Mass Media and
Communications Law at Wake Forest Law School. He is listed in the First Amendment Section
of the Best Lawyers in America and last year won the William C. Lassiter First Amendment
Award given by the North Carolina Press Association in recognition of outstanding efforts
in advocating open government and the preservation and protection of First Amendment
rights. * * * POWELL'S
POWELL MAJORS Alan Barnhardt has a letter in the September "Rotarian" magazine (page 6) relative to the raptor center and conservation efforts.Martin Waters, who presided at the September 18th meeting, was Club president, 1985-1986. Bronnie McNabb has accepted the position of director of development for the Claremont School of Theology in California. He was previously president of the United Methodist Foundation of the Western North Carolina Conference. Harley Dickson has come out of retirement to temporarily direct the foundation. Phil Van Hoy in a letter to the editor of the "Observer" comments that the decline of skyscraper construction will undermine mass transit, now in the forefront of planning. * * * |
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Revised: January 24, 2008.
