Senate Concurrent Resolution 579

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF "DIVORCE COURT" JUDGE MABLEAN EPHRAIM AND WELCOMING HER TO MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Mablean Ephraim has been playing the role of Judge since 1999 on the popular TV show "Divorce Court"; and

WHEREAS, "Judge" Ephraim brings her message of self-esteem to Mississippi as she makes several appearances in the month of March, 2004; and

WHEREAS, with more than 20 years experience as a trial attorney and mediator, the quick-witted Ephraim takes a straightforward, but compassionate approach as she oversees courtroom battles between real-life couples; and

WHEREAS, the "judge" began her career in law as a correctional officer at a women's prison and worked as a legal secretary, while putting herself through school. Ephraim, who reared a family of four, got her law degree in 1978 from Whittier College of Law. After serving as a Deputy City Attorney in Los Angeles, in 1982 she went into private practice emphasizing family law. Since then, she has won many awards for her work and service to the Los Angeles community and is a favorite on the speaker circuit; and

WHEREAS, she's filled in for judges in Los Angeles superior and municipal courts. She's also been a hearing examiner for the Los Angeles civil service commission and a mediator; and

WHEREAS, The Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles in 1993 conferred its Distinguished Service Award to her for co-founding the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law. The Los Angeles County Bar Association bestowed the Spencer-Brandeis Award on Ephraim in 1996. She is a past president of the Black Women Lawyers. She spent five years as a domestic violence coordinator for spousal, parental and child abuse as Los Angeles' Deputy City Attorney. Her credentials are impressive; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Ephraim contacted Twentieth Television when an entertainment lawyer told her the company was reviving the syndicated show. It ran two different seasons, 1957-69 and 1986-91, and the new "Divorce Court" will feature real people and their disputes, not actors playing a role or reading a script. Litigants will be in the process of divorcing, preparing to file for divorce or legally separated; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this individual whose community service is a matter of record, and who honors the State of Mississippi with her visit:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the distinguished career of "Divorce Court" Judge Mablean Ephraim, welcome her to our state, and extend to her the best wishes of the Legislature on her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Judge Ephraim and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.