The ABA has approved a new Model Act Governing Assisted Reproductive Technology. The act was written to help resolve family law and probate controversies for which there is little legislative guidance.

The association has also adopted a Model Rule on Conditional Admission to Practice Law. The rule was created to guide states in monitoring bar admission candidates recovering from substance abuse or mental health problems.

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The ABA is seeking bar association input at a series of hearings on the use of Internet-based legal services. The hearings will be used to guide amendments to the bar's policies on legal services technology. For more, click here. To testify or submit materials, contact Janice Jones.

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Several new bars have recently been formed, and one has been renamed:

• Lawyers in Illinois' Will County have formed the Will County Black Bar Association. Click here for a Chicago Tribune article on the bar.
• Pro Bono counsel have created the Association of Pro Bono Counsel. The group has 90 members from more than 65 firms.
• Ohio's Cleveland and Cuyahoga County bar associations have merged, becoming the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.
• California's Bar Association of Northern San Diego County has renamed itself the North County Bar Association.

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The ABA's Commission on Law and Aging is working with bar associations and other organizations to promote National Healthcare Decisions Day, April 16. The effort encourages people to execute an advance healthcare directive, which only 29% of Americans have. More than 100 organizations have joined the effort. For more about participating, visit the NHDD Web site.

The ABA's Young Lawyers Division is accepting nominations for its Child Advocacy Award, which honors lawyers and judges who perform distinguished service on behalf of children. One award will be presented to a young lawyer, and one to a non-young lawyer. The nomination deadline is April 30. For more information, click here.

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The ABA's Young Lawyers Division is accepting applications for the ABA YLD Scholarship program. The program encourages lawyers to participate in the division. The application deadline is June 15. For more on the program, click here.

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The ABA's Young Lawyers Division is accepting nominations for its 2008 Outstanding Young Lawyer Award. The nomination deadline is August 28. For more on the award, click here.

Fastcase has released the Fastcase Public Library of Law, described in its news release as the "largest free law library on the Web."

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The ABA's Commission on Women in the Profession has created a directory of Web sites for women's bar groups.

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The ABA's Standing Committee on Judicial Independence has announced a soon-to-be-released publication to help bar associations respond to unjust judicial criticism. The book, Response to Unjust Criticism of Judges, will include examples of unjust criticism, guidelines for determining when to respond, response options, and recommended educational programs.

In anticipation of the book's release, the committee has released Top Ten Tips for Handling an Assault on the Judiciary, a free, one-page tip sheet on responding to judicial criticism.

Each publication listed, unless otherwise noted, can be ordered from the ABA Web Store, or by calling the ABA Service Center at (800) 285-2221 and referencing its product code. Click any publication cover to open its Web store page.

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	The 101 Practice Series: Breaking Down The Basics $29.95 Published by the Young Lawyers Division Product code 2050203 Examines the fundamental aspects of law practice. Ideal for new lawyers or law students
	America Votes! A Guide to Modern Election Law and Voting Rights $44.95 Published by the Multiple Product code 5330200 A snapshot of America's voting and electoral practices, problems, and most current issues
	Careers in International Law, Third Edition $69.95 Published by the Section of International Law Product code 5210200 An essential resource for law students and lawyers interested in a career in international law
	Commission on Civic Education and Separation of Powers - Resource Toolkit $9.95 Published by the Division for Public Education Product code 2350238 Strategies for effectively communicating the importance of separation of powers and judicial independence
	Dialogue on the Rule of Law $1 Published by the Division for Public Education Product code 2350244 Designed to stimulate conversations about the law and its role in society
	Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Clients: A Lawyer's Guide $89.95 Published by the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division Product code 5150317 An introduction to the legal issues of lesbian, gay, and transgender persons
	How to Build and Manage an Estates Practice, Second Edition $44.95 Published by the Law Practice Management Section and Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Product code 5110591 Ideas and guidance on improving your estates practice
	The Lawyer's Guide to Marketing on the Internet, Third Edition $84.95 Published by the Law Practice Management Section Product code 5110585 Practical online strategies and the latest innovations to help you immediately participate in your firm's Web marketing effort
	Second Chances In the Criminal Justice System $30 Published by the Commission on Effective Criminal Sanctions Product code 5090115 Focuses on how criminal offenders may escape the legal disabilities and stigma of a criminal record
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