Washington Letter September 2013

Featured Articles

New Attorneys

Labor Department clarifies role of unpaid law student interns

Following a request from the ABA for clarification on work that may be performed by unpaid law student interns, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) responded Sept. 12 that law students may work as unpaid interns on pro bono matters at for-profit law firms.

Legislation & Lobbying

Reporter-shield bill clears Senate panel

A bill that has been years in the making to protect journalists from unwarranted intrusion by the government and maintain free flow of information to the public was approved Sept. 12 by a 13-5 vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Federal Government

ABA supports independent agency regulatory analysis bill

The ABA expressed strong support Sept. 16 for S. 1173, a bill that seeks to expand presidential involvement in the rulemaking activities of independent regulatory agencies.

Courts & Judiciary

ABA says sanctions bill could increase court costs and delays

The ABA opposes legislation approved Sept. 11 by the House Judiciary Committee that would amend Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to reinstate a mandatory sanctions provision.

Federal Government

Legislation focuses on reunification and permanency for children

Legislation introduced this month in both the House and Senate would amend the Adoption Incentives Program to encourage reunification and overall permanency outcomes for children – a goal strongly supported by the ABA.

American Bar Association TM American Bar Association