The SciTech e-Merging News is published quarterly as a Section member benefit. Click here to join the Section. The material published reflects the views of the authors and has not been approved by the Section of Science & Technology Law, the House of Delegates or the Board of Governors of the ABA. © 2008 American Bar Association. All rights reserved.

Spring Ahead
In this season when we (or our clocks) traditionally fall back, I encourage you to take this opportunity to spring ahead by joining a Section of Science & Technology Law committee.

The SciTech Section strives to bring value to all of its members, whether you are a lawyer, businessperson, student, technologist, or scientist.  Section committees provide members with direct access to this value, including customized information and resources to grow your practice or otherwise advance professionally.  From informative newsletters to innovative projects, and leading-edge webinars to members-only listserves, SciTech committees have much to offer.

The scope of emerging issues covered by our committees is breathtaking, with topics as diverse as privacy and information management, blogs and user-generated content, virtual worlds, online identity management, Wi-Fi, VoIP, information security, e-commerce, cybercrime, cryptography, scientific evidence, RFID, nanotechnology, genetic and medical research, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence and robotics.  The Section is always on the lookout for the next big thing, and that translates into new committees, such as the Cleantech and Climate Change Committee and the eDiscovery and Digital Evidence Committee, which the Section launched in August of 2008.

Section committees frequently lead the way when it comes to emerging legal issues in science and technology law, well before these issues become mainstream.  This allows you to spot issues earlier for your client, gain the edge on opposing counsel, network with others who are shaping the law, and move swiftly in the right direction.

As a SciTech committee member, you can choose the level of your participation – from simply receiving informational benefits, to taking advantage of networking channels, to capitalizing on leadership opportunities.  If you are not currently a member of a committee, join a Section committee today for FREE.  If you are already a committee member and would like to become more actively involved, send an e-mail to the committee chair.  You will be warmly welcomed.

Now is the time to join a SciTech committee (or two).  It’s a small step but a great way to spring ahead.