Attorneys from Rockdale and Newton Counties came recently together to form the NewRock Legal Society, a new volunteer minority bar association.

Newton County Superior Court Judge Horace Johnson administered the oath of office on Aug. 19 to NewRock Legal Society’s first executive board at the Newton County Courthouse.

The goals of the NewRock Legal Society (NRLS) are to improve public trust in the bench and bar through community service initiatives, legal education programming and consequential interaction and collaboration with local government, businesses and non-profit organizations, according to a released statement. NRLS will also serve local attorneys with opportunities for client referrals, networking, mentoring and civic involvement that enhance members’ professional and personal development.

NRLS President Phinia Aten said “I firmly believe that transformation through education is an essential modality for community improvement and empowerment.”

The inaugural executive board is composed of local attorneys Phinia Aten (president), Caycie Dix (vice president), Sherri Washington (treasurer), Constancia Davis (secretary) and Tami Wells Thomas (parliamentarian).

Membership in NRLS is open to attorneys, judges, law professors, government officials, legal support professionals and law students who have an interest in the mission and objectives of the group.

NRLS will also host a free and public legal education program, the “Know Your Rights” Program, on Sept. 17, at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library in Conyers. Topics covered will include key legal concepts and procedures involved in common legal issues like debtor’s rights, divorce, child support, criminal prosecutions, estate planning and other prevalent matters. Attendees must pre-register.

For more information, call 404-707-7415.