July-August 2014

Bias & Discrimination

Holding inclusive events: Accessibility and persons with disabilities

by Amy Allbright

If you’ve planned more than a few bar meetings, maybe you’ve been in the unfortunate position of realizing only too late that your venue or program materials aren’t as accessible as you thought. As one recent case illustrated, a bar association’s good intentions are sometimes not enough. Here, the director of the ABA Commission on Disability Rights explains some barriers you might not have considered before—and how a new online toolkit can help you make sure that everyone’s included.

Trade, Sports & Professional Associations

Another look at bar association moves and remodels

Move or remodel? Rent or own? Those are just two of the perennial real estate questions we looked at in the last issue. In case you still have questions, here’s some additional advice, courtesy of ASAE and a commercial real estate broker with experience in the legal arena.

Leadership Development

In case you missed it: Additional insights from BLI 2014

Or ICYMI, as “the kids” say online. Here are a few tips, thoughts, and memorable quotes from this year’s BLI. One example: What is the “ketchup packet” problem that you can help solve at your bar association?

Practice Technology

Social media for bar leaders: Maximizing its potential through engagement, a personal touch

Most experts now say there’s very little question that bar associations and bar leaders should be active on social media. After all, your members and other constituents have likely already looked for you there. But which platform or platforms should you focus on first, and how can you make the most of this form of communication? Jamie A. Triplin and Courtney Ward-Reichard shared some advice at the 2014 ABA Bar Leadership Institute.

Practice Management

Listen!: The South Carolina Bar fends off an attack ad by first paying attention to signals

by Dan Kittay

When a political group ran an attack ad about a gubernatorial candidate who “made money off criminals” (because he is a criminal defense attorney), the South Carolina Bar was able to launch a public information website in response almost immediately. Its secret? Advance preparation based on careful monitoring of the political climate.

Practice Management

Deunification challenge in Michigan, big changes in Nebraska: Part of a trend?

by Dan Kittay

In January 2014, on orders from the state Supreme Court, the Nebraska State Bar Association became what may be the first-ever hybrid between a voluntary bar and a unified one. Meanwhile, a task force is due to report in June on whether the State Bar of Michigan should remain unified. What’s the latest on these developments—and should other unified bars be worried?

Leadership Development

Thank you to sponsors of BLI 2014

BLI couldn’t be as compelling an event for incoming bar leaders without generous support. Here’s a thank-you from the ABA Division for Bar Services and ABA Standing Committee on Bar Activities and Services to this year’s sponsors.