Cornelia Clark, administrative director of the Tennessee court system, has been invited to represent United States courts at a conference in Madrid, organized by Spanish officials to assist with a legally-mandated overhaul of their judicial system.
"Our legal system often is used by other nations as a model," Clark said. "I am tremendously honored to have been asked to share information about our courts as Spain considers how to improve its system of justice."
The Spanish government is paying Clark's expenses to take part in the meeting Sept. 28-30. The conference, which also includes representatives from Italy, Great Britain, France, Costa Rica and other countries, will focus on the organization and management of courts and cases. Clark, who was recommended by the National Center for State Courts, is presenting a session on "Organizational and Managerial Considerations about the Courts: Lessons from the State Courts in the United States."
The Tennessee courts director was appointed to her position by the Tennessee Supreme Court in 1999. She previously served as a Circuit Court Judge for the 21st Judicial District. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Harvard University and a law degree from the Vanderbilt School of Law.