Colleagues, friends honor Judge Brantley

May 16-22, 2016

By Jay Edwards

One of the highlights of this year’s Law Week came on May 5 in the courtroom of the13th Circuit in the Pulaski County Courthouse, as family, friends and colleagues turned out in force for the portrait hanging of retired Judge Ellen Brantley.

Following are some comments from the event.

“The first time I ever met Ellen was about 1987. We had a trial in Judge Bullion’s courtroom. That was a trial against Ginger Atkinson and it was the first time I ever remember being cussed out in court.”

(“Not from me,” Judge Brantley replied above the laughter.)

“I knew Ellen was going to be a great judge because she stepped in and stopped the fighting and we went on.”

“The second thing I remember was that I always enjoyed being on CLE panels with Ellen because I knew I didn’t have to prepare.” – Judge Vann Smith

“As a lawyer, I always was happy to draw Judge Brantley’s court and quickly realized I had someone who knew the law very well and could quickly size up the issues. She was very patient. I wish I had her patience. Once elected as a judge I had the pleasure of serving with Ellen and if I ever had a probate issue I would call on her because she knew more probate law than ten others I could dial up. I always valued her experience and knowledge as a judge and it was a privilege and honor to serve with her.”  – Judge Mackie Pierce

“I met Ellen Brantley in the fall of 1965 when I started at Hall High School. I kept hearing about this person who was real smart and a leader in the school. I found over the years she was an intensely literate person. Today kids call a person like her, ‘wicked smart.’

“I inherited this courtroom from her and thankfully she was a great mentor. Bless your heart, it’s so good to see you here. Also, my staff and I chipped in all the money we had and got you this Wellesley Cup that you left here three years ago.” – Judge Chip Welch

“She can make a complicated concept clear in the fewest possible words. She is very smart and very competitive.” – Judge Collins Kilgore

After presenting her portrait, Judge Brantley was asked to say a few words.

“As I look in the crowd I see so many people I worked with in the courthouse during the 26 years I was here.

When I came here almost 30 years ago from the law school, I expected to stay for the two years for which I’d been appointed, then return to teaching. Instead I stayed for 26 years and enjoyed almost all of it. Most of the rewards came from working with you. I had the advantage when I began of not much knowing what I was doing and being unafraid to say so. The courtesy, generosity and support from the lawyers I dealt with were another reason I found this work so rewarding. Thank you all for coming, I hope to see you all soon. Just not in court.”  

PHOTO CAPTION:

Judge Ellen Brantley and Judge Vann Smith admire new the portrait of Judge Brantley that will be hung in the 13th Division Circuit Court, Pulaski County Courthouse. Friends and former colleagues of Judge Brantley came out during Law Week for the ceremony and reception that included lots of well wishing and little light-hearted roasting of the retired judge. (Photo by Jay Edwards)