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    February 03, 2020

    Commissioner Spotlight

    Agnes Bundy Scanlan

    Agnes Bundy Scanlan

    Commissioner Spotlight – Agnes Bundy Scanlan

    How long have you been on the Commission?  
    I just completed my first year on the Commission.

    In what other ABA entities are you involved? (Please include any leadership positions.)
    I have been a member of the ABA starting as a law student.  I’ve been a chair of the Business Law Section’s compliance committee and a Council member, and chair of privacy subcommittee of the Consumer Financial Services Committee.

    What is one of your favorite things about serving on the Commission? 
    The Commission has a very talented and passionate membership.  I thoroughly enjoy working with such a dynamic group of Commissioners.

    What advice would you give to a firm/organization looking to increase diversity and inclusion among its attorneys? 
    Understanding the concept of diversity and inclusion is always the first step for any firm or organization aspiring to enhance its employee base.  Sounds simple but it really involves commitment from the top of the firm or organization through and to the lower ranks.  Only then will the firm or organization be ready to enhance its workplace through diversity and inclusion. 

    Who or what inspires you?
    My late parents always have and will continue to be my inspiration.

    What is your favorite midnight snack?
    As a former farm girl, I’m rarely awake at midnight...though I’d probably have peppermint or chamomile tea.

    What was your least favorite law school subject and why? 
    I loved law school even though I worked full-time.  If pressed, I think property was my least favorite because the original case law focused on only men owning property!

    What is your dream vacation?
    A dream vacation would be to take the Orient Express (think Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express without the murder!) from Venice through Istanbul, Budapest, Prague and Vienna.

    What is one of your hidden talents? 
    I can still speak Amharic from living in Ethiopia decades ago.

    Danny Van Horn

    Danny Van Horn

    Commissioner Spotlight – Danny Van Horn

    How long have you been on the Commission?  
    This is my first year.

    In what other ABA entities are you involved? (Please include any leadership positions.)
    I am currently the Revenue Officer for the Section of Litigation and will serve as Chair of the Section in 2022-2023.  I’ve previously been the Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Section.  I’ve served in a variety of other positions within the ABA including Chair of the Standing Committee on Membership, a member of the House, chair of a House committee and an officer in the Young Lawyers Division.

    What is one of your favorite things about serving on the Commission?
    The opportunity to make a difference.  Having grown up in a military family and a city that is truly diverse (Memphis), being part of a diverse community feels natural.  When I see places and organizations in our profession (too many to count) that are not diverse or inclusive, I want to help change that.

    What advice would you give to a firm/organization looking to increase diversity and inclusion among its attorneys? 
    It is not enough to mean well and put effort into being more diverse and more inclusive.  If your actual results are not there, then you need to look in the mirror and seek true change within.  You are either diverse and inclusive or not – effort and good intentions are important but not enough.

    Who or what inspires you?
     I have a Mount Rushmore of men and one of women who have had the most influence on me.  As for the men, my father, my father-in-law, my scoutmaster and Father Milton Guthrie.  Father Guthrie modeled love and inclusion to me.  He marched with Dr. King and was a rebel priest!  As for the women, my wife, my mom, my sister and Judge Bernice Donald.  Judge Donald continues to amaze me at how she exhibits grace and love for all.  She’s a trailblazer and has overcome so many obstacles.

    What is your favorite midnight snack?
    I’m not much of a snacker but I love warm cookies.

    What was your least favorite law school subject and why? 
    Federal tax – which ought to be self-explanatory.  I’m not even sure why I took it!

    What is your dream vacation? 
    I’m an avid outdoorsman.  I love to backpack, canoe and kayak.  It would be somewhere really remote like Everest!  Because my family does not share that same passion for the back country, I’d also say Bermuda.  The whole family loves Bermuda.

    What is one of your hidden talents? 
    I’m a lifeguard and a lifeguard trainer.  I still have my certification and continue to volunteer as a lifeguard.

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