In states that elect their judges, "judicial contributions" have a somewhat negative connotation. At ABI, judicial contributions are quite different.

Judges have always been leaders in contributing their time and talents to help ABI become what it is today. During its infancy, Hon. William Norton was one of the leaders who helped get ABI off the ground and provided the credibility that a fledgling organization needed as it was getting underway in Washington, D.C. Important contributions by judges have continued since then and will continue on into the future. It is unlikely that there was ever any significant period of time when our Board of Directors did not include at least one judge of considerable prominence in the bankruptcy community.

The inherent risk of highlighting some of our more than 200 judicial members is that there are others who have likewise contributed to our success along the way. Since space limitations would never allow for a complete description of all that judges have done for the organization, it is appropriate to apologize in advance for not being able to mention each by name. That being said, ABI appreciates all that our judicial members have provided over the years.

Judges (both active and retired) currently comprise less than 2 percent of our membership, numbering approximately 200 of our more than 11,000 members. Although relatively small in number, their positive impact greatly exceeds their mere numerical count.

The recent passing of Judge Conrad Duberstein reminds us of how a dedicated judge can help our organization. His efforts, leadership and "never say no" attitude over many years helped develop the Chief Judge Conrad B. Duberstein National Bankruptcy Memorial Moot Court Competition into the enormous success that it is today. This annual competition will draw teams from across the nation to New York City, where students will face moot court panels comprised of sitting bankruptcy, district and circuit court judges. It would not have become such a premier event without his encouragement and the assistance of his alma mater and co-sponsor, St. John's University School of Law.

We are also fortunate to have "judicial chairs" working with each of our many regional conferences to help plan the educational programs at those events. Their unique perspectives help us identify important issues that should be covered in detail at our conferences. This, in turn, helps our members concentrate on where they should focus their efforts to stay abreast of key developments within their regions. It is almost as if they serve as a type of "early warning system" regarding issues we need to be prepared to address.

Our judicial members also serve to educate Congress regarding the practical aspects of our bankruptcy system by testifying before Congress, providing insight to Congressional staff members in both formal and informal settings and writing scholarly articles on key topics. Our ability to identify judges willing to provide their experience on issues pending before Congress is unequaled by any other organization.

Eight judges currently serve on our Board of Directors, and some of those are on our Executive Committee. We are truly fortunate to have their leadership and guidance as our Treasurer, Vice President-Research and Grants and Executive Committee At-Large member in Judges James Gregg, Steven Rhodes and Eugene Wedoff, respectively. ABI's next president, Hon. Wesley Steen, will be our first sitting judge to have that position. While we have been fortunate to have the judicial appointment process to identify potential leaders, we have recently returned the favor to the judiciary.

Neil Olack, our Vice President-Education, was named by the Fifth Circuit to be a judge for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Mississippi at Jackson. No one is more deserving of this honor than Neil, and everyone looks forward to welcoming him into his new position.

With Judge Steen to take the helm in the not-too-distant future, there is no doubt that ABI will be the beneficiary of substantial judicial contributions for many years to come.