What do you need to know? From governance and finance to noteworthy events and programs you can replicate, Bar Leader, a quarterly publication from the ABA Division for Bar Services and ABA Standing Committee on Bar Activities and Services, is required reading for staff and elected leaders of state, local, and special-focus bar associations and foundations.

Current Issue

 The Winter 2012 issue focuses on:

• The fight for proper funding for our nation's court systems
• Microvolunteering: a solution for our busy times?
• Video: another way to tell your bar's story
• Page Two: ABA President Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III has an urgent message for bar leaders on the subject of court funding

Web-Exclusive Articles

Here are a few technology-related articles to read while you wait for your next issue to arrive. Enjoy!
Marilyn Cavicchia, editor

• How usable is your website? Experts offer quick, easy ways to find out
• Bars help inform members about ever-changing Facebook privacy settings
• Smart phones require smart security
• Social media: Everybody else is doing it

Important Issues Facing the Bar Association Community

Bar Leader articles feature prominently in these web-based resource pages

• IRS Form 990 : There's no need to sweat over the new IRS Form 990! The 990 resource page provides sample policies from bar associations, professional advice, and links to useful governance materials.
• Leading During Difficult Times: Resources on the Economy for Bar Associations: The economic downturn has had a profound effect on the legal profession. This economic resource page shows how the bar association community is reacting to these challenges to better serve their members and the greater community.
• Leadership Resources : Presidents, officers, board members and staff all have an important role in leading the association. The following leadership resources will help bar leaders to explore and refine their leadership styles, and learn from the best practices and experiences of others in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors.
• Governance Guide: Effective leadership thrives when good governance practices are in place. This governance guide serves as a quick guide for bar leaders who are looking for statistical data, financial questions, and many other governance hurdles.
• Membership Resources: Looking for ways to boost or better manage your bar association's membership? This membership guide helps bar association leaders quickly learn about the latest in membership trends, technology, and how to target specific lawyer populations.
• Disaster Planning & Recovery Guide: Disaster planning is a constant concern to bar association staff and members. The disaster planning and recovery guide contains disaster response plans, tips on data backup, and much more advice on how to best prepare your organization.
• Diversity Materials for Bar Leaders: Useful statistics, past Bar Leader articles, bar association awards, research studies by the ABA and state, local, and specialty bar associations, and more are found in this guide to diversity resources.
• Writing Effective President Pages: Crafting an effective president page is one of the most trying tasks of a bar president's year. This president page guide provides examples of past president pages along with some useful writing tips.