The 2019 ACAM Annual Meeting

A business leader and partner with the Birmingham law firm of Gentle, Turner, Sexton, and Harbison, experienced Alabama attorney Edgar "Ed" Gentle has facilitated numerous legal agreements as a trained neutral settlement administrator. To supplement his activities in this area, he holds active membership in the Academy of Court Appointed Masters (ACAM). Ed Gentle is a past president and devoted conference attendee with ACAM and spoke at the organization’s most recent Annual Meeting.

The 2019 ACAM Annual Meeting took place April 11-13 at the Omni Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. After an initial welcome reception on the 11th, the event began in earnest on the 12th with a series of presentations on topics that included claims administration, mass tort case management, and the pros and cons of special masters. On the 12th, the meeting brought focus on the multidistrict litigation against drug companies, their distributors, and pharmacies over the national opioid crisis. The case is regarded as one of the most complicated legal matters in the US, with high social impact.

The Highly Regarded Rhodes Scholarship

An accomplished attorney residing in Alabama, Edgar “Ed” Gentle earned his master’s degree in natural resource management and economics from the University of Miami. Ed Gentle also studied at Oxford University where he was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship.

Established in 1902 under a will from mining magnate Cecil John Rhodes, the Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and one of the most coveted international scholarships in the world. The scholarship enables students and young professionals to pursue a graduate or secondary bachelor’s degree at Oxford University. To qualify for the scholarship, the candidates must demonstrate academic and athletic accomplishments, have good moral character, and service to others.

Rhodes scholarship is one of the most competitive in the world with around 12,000 applicants and only a 0.7 percent acceptance rate annually. In the United States alone, thousands apply every year for the 32 slots available. Some of the past recipients of the scholarship include US President Bill Clinton, Nobel Prize winner Lord Howard Florey, and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

Cast Revealed for Netflix Adaptation of John Green Novel

The holder of a juris doctor from the University of Alabama, Edgar "Ed" Gentle is an experienced attorney who also serves as director of Custom Cable Services. When he isn't working, Ed Gentle enjoys reading. He counts John Green as one of his favorite authors.

Three of Green's novels - Paper Towns, Looking for Alaska, and The Fault in Our Stars - have been adapted for film, and a fourth film is in the works. Netflix is developing Let it Snow, which was written by Green and fellow authors Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle, into a film with production expected to begin in early 2019. The script was written by Victoria Strouse and Luke Snellin is expected to direct the adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel. 

The story centers on high school seniors in a small town who face unexpected opportunities and complications as a result of a massive snowstorm on Christmas Eve. While roles have yet to be confirmed, the cast was announced in January and it includes Isabela Moner, Shameik Moore, Odeya Rush, and Kiernan Shipka, the latter of whom recently appeared in Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Other cast members include Miles Robbins, Liv Hewson, and Joan Cusack.

Grand Canyon National Park Celebrating its Centennial

Holding a master's in natural resource management from the University of Miami and a juris doctor from the University of Alabama, Edgar "Ed" Gentle is an experienced attorney who has administered more than $2.5 billion in settlements. A frequent visitor to Arizona, Ed Gentle enjoys visiting the Grand Canyon National Park. 

One of the most renowned national parks in the United States, the Grand Canyon National Park is celebrating its centennial this year. The park was officially created and signed into legislation on February 26, 1919, by President Woodrow Wilson, and is hosting virtual tours and special events such as historical symposiums and a living history week throughout the year in honor of its 100th year as a national park. 

Those who visit the park in 2019 can expect to learn about its history as well as its geology and natural resources. Some of the lesser-known facts regarding the park include that it was the training site for Apollo 11 astronauts and also the site of a commercial airline crash that led to the establishment of the Federal Aviation Administration. The Grand Canyon National Park hit one million annual visitors in 1956 and now welcomes more than six million tourists per year. It's also home to seven National Historic Landmarks.

Offensive Coordinator Chip Lindsay Not Returning to Auburn

Edgar "Ed" Gentle is an experienced Alabama-based attorney who, as a special master and settlement administrator on behalf of the courts, has administered more than $2.5 billion in settlements. Ed Gentle completed a bachelor's degree in biology at Auburn University and continues to follow the school's football team.

Auburn began the 2018 season as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender, but the team faded down the stretch to finish the regular season with a win-loss record of 7-5 while barely qualifying for a bowl game. As a result of the team's poor offensive play in the latter half of the season, offensive coordinator Chip Lindsay won't return for the 2019 season. Lindsay, who had one year left on his three-year contract, was fired by the Tigers on December 3. 

Under Lindsay's guidance, the Tigers' offense was the worst it had been since the start of the 2009 season. It ranked 11th in the SEC in total yards per game with 373.6 and 10th in scoring offense with 28.3 points per game. Even worse, it ranked 114th in the country with only 45 plays of 20 yards or more. Lindsey is reportedly in discussion to serve as offensive coordinator with Kansas, while potential candidates to fill his role with Auburn include Eliah Drinkwitz, Hugh Freeze, Bobby Bentley, and Mike Yurcich.

Auburn Scores Season-Opening Win over Washington

The chairman of the board of Custom Cable Services, Edgar "Ed" Gentle is an experienced attorney who works as a special master and settlement administrator on behalf of the courts. Prior to earning his juris doctor degree from the University of Alabama, Ed Gentle completed a bachelor's degree in biology at Auburn University. He maintains ties to Auburn through his support of its football team.

The 2018 college football season kicked off on September 1, and the ninth-ranked Auburn Tigers did its part to improve its national ranking with an impressive 21-16 win over the sixth-ranked Washington Huskies. It was the only meeting between a pair of top-10 ranked teams in the opening week. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham completed 26 of 36 pass attempts for 273 yards and one touchdown and six receivers registered at least 30 yards, while Kam Martin led all running backs with 80 rushing yards. However, JaTarvious Whitlow scored the team's lone rushing touchdown.

While the offense was impressive, the Auburn defense played an integral role in the win. The Tigers held the Huskies to only 398 total yards and 3.1 yards per rush attempt. The team's defense registered five sacks, one of which came on the second-to-last play of the game when defensive lineman Big Kat Bryant took down Washington quarterback Jake Browning.

100 Years of Grand Highlights History of Grand Canyon National Park

Experienced attorney Edgar (Ed) Gentle serves as a special master and settlement administrator on behalf of the Alabama courts. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Ed Gentle enjoys visiting Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona multiple times per year. 

Although scientists estimate that the Grand Canyon was carved out over roughly six million years and inhabited by humans as early as the last Ice Age, the mile-deep gorge in northern Arizona wasn't named a national park until February 1919. With the 100-year anniversary of that milestone approaching, the Grand Canyon National Park has partnered with Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University to present "100 Years of Grand," which seeks to enhance public understanding of the history of the natural wonder. 

As part of the project, thousands of archival materials such as photographs and documents dating back to 1890 have been made available on a trio of online repositories hosted at lib.asu.edu/Grand100. Documents include a 1925 map of the park, a 1916 press release detailing the bill to confirm the Grand Canyon as a national park, and a 1933 public invitation to the blessing of the Hopi Watchtower.

Auburn Alumnus Kerryon Johnson Poised for Promising NFL Rookie Season

An attorney who has disbursed more than $2.5 billion in settlements as a special master and settlement administrator, Edgar (Ed) Gentle earned his law degree from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Before that, Ed Gentle received a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Auburn. He continues his support of Auburn by backing the school's football team.

Auburn had four players from its 2017 team selected in the 2018 NFL Draft. One player, in particular, is hoping to make an immediate impact with his new team. 

Picked in the second round by the Detroit Lions, running back Kerryon Johnson has the talent to succeed at the next level and is in the perfect situation. The Lions have primarily used a passing attack in recent years due to a lack of capable running backs, but many analysts think Johnson will emerge as the lead back in a field that includes LeGarrette Blount, Theo Riddick, and Ameer Abdullah. 

Because of Johnson's experience as a receiver in the backfield at Auburn, he could be a valuable target in the passing game for quarterback Matt Stafford. In three seasons at Auburn, Johnson compiled 2,494 rushing yards and 574 receiving yards while scoring 34 touchdowns. He was named Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2017.

Pond Mountain Tales Explores Life in Nature

A longtime attorney in Alabama, Edgar “Ed” Gentle has served as a partner with Gentle Turner Sexton and Harbison, LLC, since 1992. Outside of his professional life, Ed Gentle pursues a diverse range of hobbies, including reading, fishing, and spending time with his three sons. An accomplished writer, he stands out as the author of Pond Mountain Tales.

For more than a decade, Mr. Gentle lived at Pond Mountain, a 200-acre farm nestled in the rolling Alabama landscape. In addition to featuring a range of wildlife, such as blue herons, snakes, and wild turkeys, the farm offered ample opportunity for the author to pursue his passion for bass fishing.

All of these elements are captured in Pond Mountain Tales, a collection of short stories, poems, and other whimsy and wisdom exploring the author’s life and interests during this period. For example, “Bottle Rocket Buzzards” describes the author wrestling with whether humans should interfere with the natural order of the animal kingdom, while short tales such as “To Be True” and “Pants” grapple with psychological conundrums.

Published by Xlibris, Pond Mountain Tales is available from Amazon.com and other online booksellers.

Equipment Designed to Make Fishing More Enjoyable and Easier

The recipient of a juris doctor degree from the University of Alabama, attorney Edgar "Ed" Gentle serves as partner with a Birmingham-based law firm. Beyond his legal expertise, Ed Gentle is an avid bass fisherman who participates in over a dozen bass tournaments per year.

Whether you're catching largemouths or smallmouths, you need more than just a fishing rod and some tackle to have considerable success. The fishing equipment below can make your experience both easier and more enjoyable.

1. Berkley FireLine Ultra 8 Carrier - One of the original superlines, FireLine has been an asset for bass fisherman for quite some time. Its new Ultra 8 Carrier formula allows for longer, smoother casting due to four times more abrasion resistance.

2. Winn Grips Superior Rod Wrap Contour - This rod overwrap will give you peace of mind in knowing that you'll never have to worry about losing grip in cold or windy conditions. 

3. Soft Science Terrafin Wading Boot - Not only do these boots look good, they're perfect for fly-fishing as they're lightweight at only 10 ounces with a bottom that sticks to rocks.

ACAM Benchbook Discusses Topics Relating to Special Masters

A partner and attorney at Gentle, Turner, Sexton & Harbison, LLC, in Alabama, Edgar “Ed” Gentle serves as a neutral settlement administrator and special master for the courts. Possessing more than three decades of legal experience, Ed Gentle also writes and speaks about topics relating to mass torts and serves as the president of the Academy of Court Appointed Masters (ACAM).

Special masters are attorneys who are appointed by a court to carry out specific actions on its behalf. In many situations, these professionals compile evidence and documents to inform the court’s actions; however, they can also administer compensation, advise judges about technical issues, and assist with criminal and class action cases.

The ACAM, the only national organization for special masters, focuses on educating the bench and bar on how to use such professionals. This is done in part through the ACAM Benchbook, a publication that provides lawyers and judges with information about using special masters.

Consisting of six sections, the book explains how special masters provide the civil justice system with inexpensive, just, and quick determinations for disputes. The first section focuses on types of appointments and provides professionals with a summary of the different roles filled by judicial adjuncts. Professionals then can read about the rules governing appointment orders in section two and look at sample appointment order forms. Section three covers ethical issues and practical concerns, section four discusses state and federal master rules and authorities, and sections five and six discuss federal and state cases involving masters.

The ACAM Benchbook is available for free to download on the organization’s website. Lawyers and judges are encouraged to print out the book and keep it in a binder for review.

John Green Announces First Novel in Five Years

The recipient of a master’s degree in natural resource management from the University of Miami, Edgar "Ed" Gentle earned his law degree from the University of Alabama and has accumulated more than 35 years of legal experience. When he isn't working, Ed Gentle enjoys reading novels by his favorite author, John Green. 

A 40-year-old Indianapolis native, John Green has authored novels such as Paper Towns and The Fault in Our Stars, both of which have been adapted into films. In August of 2017, the critically acclaimed author announced that his new book, Turtles All the Way Down, would be released October 10. 

Since the publication of The Fault in Our Stars, Green has been busy promoting film versions of his novels, making YouTube videos for fans, and recording podcasts with his brother. Green spent the past two years writing his new novel in secret before he revealed the news of its release at VidCon. Turtles All the Way Down focuses on a 16-year-old struggling with mental health issues as she searches for a fugitive billionaire.

An Introduction to Novelist John Green

An Alabama-based attorney with Gentle, Turner, Sexton and Harbison, LLC, in Birmingham, Alabama, Edgar “Ed” Gentle has been practicing law for more than 35 years. Outside of his work at the firm, Ed Gentle enjoys bass fishing, writing, and reading. He lists the works of John Green among his favorite recent books. 

An author who has appeared at number one in The New York Times Best Sellers, John Green is known for his 2012 novel, The Fault In Our Stars, which was met with critical acclaim and went on to become a feature film. Green’s first three novels - Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, and Paper Towns - were also well received. His early works earned him two Printz Awards for young adult literature and an Edgar Allan Poe Award. 

In addition to his work as a writer, Green is known for his video blogs on YouTube. His Crash Course channel, which features educational videos on a range of topics, has more than four million subscribers. Green still finds time to write, however, and his latest novel, Turtles All the Way Down, will be released in the fall of 2017.