 |  Behind Bars | The new blog from the Division for Bar Services. Written by DBS staff, it will keep you up to date on the latest news, information and expertise on bar leadership, management and programming. Subscribe now. - Elizabeth Derrico  Nine percent of all state bars and four percent of all local bars have been audited by the IRS within the last three years. Order the 2009 BAI.  U.S. Court of Appeals affirms most of District Court's decision that some new lawyer advertising rules in New York violate free speech. See CPR state and local bar resources for this and other ethics-related news, updates and state links.  Use Alt+Tab to Switch Quickly | To quickly switch programs in Windows, hold down the Alt key, and repeatedly press Tab to move between open programs. Release both keys when you get to the program you want.  Wyoming receives its first-ever state legislative funding for legal services. To learn more click here. At the 2010 ABA Annual Meeting in San Francisco, the Standing Committee on Client Protection will recommend the House of Delegates adopt Model Rules for Client Trust Account Records to replace the ABA Model Rules on Financial Recordkeeping. View the proposed rules here. |
Landmark Study Shows Young Lawyers Mobile, Happy A new study shows that though young lawyers change jobs frequently, they're not upset about it.The data are from After the JD II, the first-ever national study of lawyer careers. The report shows that while more than half of graduates who passed the bar in 2000 have changed practice settings, more than three-quarters are either extremely satisfied or satisfied with their decision to become a lawyer. The study was conducted by the American Bar Foundation. Copies of the study can be requested through the ABF Web site.
Two Years in the Making, Diversity Report Suggests Solutions A new report lays out proposals to advance diversity in the profession. The report, which includes recommendations for bar associations, is the result of a two-year study by the ABA's Commission on Diversity. A PDF can be downloaded here. Hard copies can be requested from diversity@americanbar.org.
Final Diversity Webcast Shows Law School Grads How to Self-Market An upcoming webcast will show new lawyers how to identify and emphasize their strengths. The live program, " What Law School Didn't Teach You: Self-Advocacy for Survival and Sustainability" will take place Thursday, April 29, from 1:30 - 3:00 pm eastern. The program is the last in a 3-part series initiated by ABA President Carolyn Lamm.Bar associations may host "viewing groups" to view the live webcast for a flat fee ($250). The ABA will help obtain CLE credit for viewing group participants. Details on viewing groups are on the webcast home page. (See the box "Tuition" on the right side.) The ABA encourages bars to consider having a member address the group on this subject or a related subject following the webcast.
Help Planning Your Law Day Event The Division for Public Education has prepared a dedicated Web site, www.lawday.org, to help bars prepare to commemorate Law Day on May 1. The site includes tools to help plan and promote Law Day, including press releases, a planning guide and checklist, and listserv.Law Day can also be used to launch programs in honor of Older Americans Month.
Report Outlines Nationwide Efforts to Increase Access to Justice The ABA's Delivery of Legal Services Committee has released its first-ever annual report, summarizing ABA and other bar efforts to increase access to justice during the past year. The report, called Agenda for Access, includes programs that can be replicated by other bar associations. It includes links to articles and other reports.
ABA Sponsors Trip for Supreme Court Swearing-In The ABA is sponsoring a trip for lawyers wanting to be licensed to argue before the US Supreme Court. The trip, which will be May 31 – June 1, includes a tour of the Library of Congress and a photo session at the Supreme Court. It culminates in the swearing-in ceremony on June 1.Registration is $600 per person. Click here for application instructions and to register.
Booklet Shows How, Where to Help Youth Learn About the Law A new publication shows local opportunities to help young people learn more about the government. The booklet describes YMCA Youth In Government programs in 38 states, and includes occasional, short-term, and longer-term volunteering opportunities.A free PDF of the booklet can be downloaded here; hard copies can be bought at the ABA Web Store.
Pro Bono Celebration The Second Annual National Pro Bono Week Celebration is scheduled for October 24-30. Event suggestions can be found at the celebration Web site, where bars can also register their planned activities.
ABA Releases Latest Dialogue to Help Teach Students the Law The ABA has released its eighth Dialogue on Law, a guide to leading engaging discussions about the law, especially among student groups. This year's guide includes directions and questions on three topics: reforming American government in the 21st century, music distribution and copyright, and pirates and the law.
Check Out the ABA's Award-Nominated Media Site Check out the Webby award-nominated abanow.org for even more ABA news, including press releases and upcoming events – many of interest to bar associations.
Brooks Brothers Offers Discount to ABA Members Retailer Brooks Brothers is offering ABA members a 25% discount on its regular-price apparel from April 16-19. Participants must first enroll in Brooks Brothers' corporate membership program. To enroll, use organization ID 10319 and PIN 46267.
LRE Network Database Check out the ABA's LRE Network Web site, which provides information about national, state, and local LRE programs; resources, such as publications and fact sheets; professional development opportunities; and a database of law-related programs around the nation.
YLD Seeks Policy-Makers The YLD Assembly, which sets policy for the ABA's Young Lawyers Division, is seeking delegates to its 2010 meeting. The Assembly will meet twice during the ABA Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Delegates will debate and vote on resolutions addressing young lawyer issues.For more on the Assembly, including forms and deadlines, click here.
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Nomination Period Opens for Juvenile Justice Award The ABA Criminal Justice Section is accepting nominees for the Livingston Hall Juvenile Justice Award. The award recognizes an active member of the bar who devotes a significant portion of his or her legal practice to youth and children, and is making positive contributions to the field both in and outside the courtroom.Nominations should include a letter addressing the award criteria listed above, the nominee's resume, and any other supporting documentation of the nominee's achievements in the criminal justice field, and sent to: Stacey Brown, Membership Coordinator, ABA Criminal Justice Section, 740 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005, Stacey.Brown@americanbar.org. Nominations are due May 31. Nomination Period Opens for Awards of Achievement Program The ABA Young Lawyers Division is accepting nominations for the 2010 Awards of Achievement Program, which recognizes young lawyer organizations for activities that benefit local communities, leaders, members and the profession.The application deadline is June 15. For more on the award program, click here. Back to Top div style="clear:both;"> |
