May-June 2010

Cover Story

Crisis in the courts: Bars take steps to stave off judicial funding cuts By Robert J. Derocher

No matter where you live, there's a good chance that your state's budget is in shambles-and that the judicial branch is bearing the brunt of the shortfall. Is there any end in sight? And how can bar leaders help preserve the judiciary as a coequal branch of government?

Spotlight on Law Day, Louis M. Brown, NCBP, and NCBF-ALPS award winners

Several bar associations and foundations received awards at Midyear Meeting in Orlando this past February. Here's a look at the award recipients and their winning programs and achievements.

Will you be my friend? New quandaries for a new age

By Dan Kittay

Should a bar staff member friend an elected leader? Can a supervisor friend a subordinate? Did you know that friend is now a verb? Here's how some of your colleagues are navigating the still-evolving world of social media-and a look at guidelines from a major corporation.

Home Improvements

By William R. Bay

You can live in a house for years and then look around and realize it's long overdue for remodel and repair. Now the judiciary is scrambling to patch holes and cracks in its funding, because of dwindling state budgets. William R. Bay, chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Bar Activities and Services, shares some ways lawyers can help ensure that the judicial "house" doesn't come tumbling down.