May-June 2014

Leadership Development

Access Missouri: The future of the administration of justice

by Judy Perry Martinez

Unmet legal needs. Competition from outside providers. Unemployment and underemployment of lawyers. These are just a few of the many challenges facing the legal profession and the justice system today. A new ABA effort convenes bar leaders, the judiciary, local practitioners, and others to discuss ideas and innovative solutions. The first such meeting was in St. Louis on April 21—find out how you can host one in your area.

Professional Development

Bar communicators help incoming presidents sprint toward great columns and interviews

Want to write a president’s page that makes people sit up and take notice? Give an interview that leads to an accurate story and a great relationship with the local media? A panel of expert bar communicators was on hand at BLI 2014 to offer tips on these communications skills and more.

Leadership Development

Fast-paced program at BLI tackles the future of the profession

Borrowing from the TED talk format, six speakers gave attendees at the 2014 ABA Bar Leadership Institute their vision of the future of the profession and of bar associations—all in an hour and 20 minutes. Key concepts: “rebranding” the practice of law, and a question about whether most people can afford a lawyer after all.

Leadership Development

Prepare well, follow the plan, and have fun: Advice for presidents-elect at BLI

One speaker joked that the best title in association work is immediate past president. Another said the bar presidency is “the icing on the cupcake of your career.” Which is right? Both, said this panel of presidents, past presidents, and executive directors at BLI 2014. If you’re in line to be president, find out how to make the most of it—and why it matters whether you’re having fun.

Trade, Sports & Professional Associations

Planning, reserve funds help Lancaster bar deal with a home ownership pitfall

by Robert J. Derocher

Piles of red sand seemed to indicate that the historic building was crumbling. The executive director was told to evacuate the staff with almost no notice. What happened next, and what did one local bar association decide about its future in a beloved old building?

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?

Trade, Sports & Professional Associations

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.