Readers of Law Practice magazine likely know that the ABA Law Practice Management Section also produces the webzine Law Practice Today, books, educational programs (including its centerpiece, ABA TECHSHOW) and more. But what many readers may not know about is the significant amount of activity that goes on behind the scenes of our section. In this column I will focus on a few of the highlights. I include email addresses of the leaders of the various groups because I’m sure they would welcome your inquiries.

The eLawyering Task Force
Leaders: Marc Lauritsen, marc@capstonepractice.com
Richard Granat, rich@granat.com
The eLawyering Task Force, chaired by Marc Lauritsen and Richard Granat, continues to explore how the Internet is changing the practice of law. Currently, they are working on a set of Guidelines for Legal Document Preparation Providers, with an emphasis on best practices for those who assist consumers via online services (without purporting to be engaged in the practice of law). Richard Granat and Stephanie Kimbro recently presented a webinar on Unbundling Legal Services Online, together with Will Hornsby of the ABA staff. Stephanie and Marc are also teaching courses with technology themes at the University of Dayton School of Law and Suffolk University Law School, respectively.

LPM Member Development Committee
Leader: Tom Bolt, tom@vilaw.com
The LPM Member Development Committee, chaired by LPM Secretary Tom Bolt, is hard at work on the formation of new LPM interest groups. These new groups will provide a broader range of opportunity for LPM members to engage with LPM and address their immediate areas of interest. The committee is also involved in the Section’s transition to Division status within the ABA. As a Division, LPM will attract a broader range of membership. The committee is also launching several campaigns this bar year to attract diverse attorneys, young lawyers and ABA members with an affinity for law practice management.

LPM Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Leader: John Mitchell, purplecoach@kmadvisors.com
And speaking of diversity, John Mitchell, chair of the LPM Diversity and Inclusion Committee, reports that his group is planning a “summit meeting” with the ABA executive director, current president and president-elect to discuss how LPM can continue to play a leading role in the ABA’s diversity and inclusion efforts. The committee also delivered CLE programs at the 2011 and 2012 ABA Annual Meetings.

LPM Ethics and Professional Responsibility Task Force
Leader: Stephanie Kimbro, skimbro@burton-law.com
Stephanie Kimbro, chair of the LPM Ethics and Professional Responsibility Task Force, reports that her group has been monitoring the recommendations of the ABA Commission on Ethics 20/20 and has submitted recommendations to the LPM Council. The task force is also hard at work providing LPM members with information related to new state-based rules changes and ethics opinions that pertain to the use of technology in law practice.

Law Career Paths Task Force
Leader: Wendy Werner, wendy@wendywerner.com
Wendy Werner, chair of the Law Career Paths Task Force, reports that the task force is preparing a questionnaire for LPM members and others to complete on such subjects as career trajectories, advice for new attorneys graduating from law school, and how the Section has helped them to build their law practices.

LPM Publishing Board
Leader: Tom Mighell, tmighell@gmail.com
Tom Mighell, who was Section Chair in 2011–2012, is now leading the LPM Publishing Board and reports that, in its effort to continue to publish “the best in law practice management resources for legal professionals,” it is planning to publish 20 to 30 titles during the next year in the areas of technology, marketing, finance and management. Incidentally, the board has made great strides in electronic publishing, offering most of our new publications in Apple’s iBook format on iTunes.

ABA TECHSHOW 2013
Leader: Britt Lorish, blorish@affinityconsulting.com
ABA TECHSHOW continues to be the biggest and best legal technology conference and expo, with ABA TECHSHOW 2013 right around the corner (April 4–6, 2013) in Chicago. Britt Lorish is heading the ABA TECHSHOW Board this year and reports that the program schedule has been completed and the expo hall is filling up with vendors and exhibitors. Prior to the show, attendees will be able to download the ABA TECHSHOW app for the iPad and mobile devices. The app contains schedules, materials and other important information.

As I noted above, a lot is always going on behind the scenes. To become a part of the Section’s activities, send an email to the leaders of the various groups or to Section Chair Joan R. M. Bullock (jbullocklaw@gmail.com). Someone will be sure to get you involved!