Bar Leader September-October 2014

Leadership Development

Need a governance tune-up? Quick, ‘awesomely simple’ tips from Bob Harris

Bringing a taste of the ABA Bar Leadership Institute to the Annual Meeting of the National Association of Bar Executives, governance expert Bob Harris offered some simple ideas that can help a bar association operate better—and more strategically. What can you do today to help stave off a fine from the IRS … or even an orange jumpsuit?

Professional Development

Bar associations, law schools make strides in improving legal education

by Marilyn Cavicchia

What are some of the important discussions—and actions—that have taken place recently regarding legal education, and how have bar associations been involved? Among the possible solutions: waiving the bar exam in one state, and one law school’s plan to take the “incubator” idea and make it available before students graduate. These and more were discussed at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the National Conference of Bar Presidents, National Association of Bar Executives, and National Conference of Bar Foundations.

Ethics

What role can technology play in access to justice—and should bar foundations help?

by Marilyn Cavicchia

At the 2014 Annual Meeting of the National Conference of Bar Foundations, Robert Ambrogi—a bar foundation president and an expert on legal technology—shared some new tools that could increase efficiency and effectiveness in delivery of legal services. But don’t some of them tread awfully close to the practice of law? And can a bar foundation support such projects when grant money is scarce?

Leadership Development

When should a bar association take a position? A spirited discussion at NCBP’s Annual Meeting

by Marilyn Cavicchia

If a bar association refuses to take a position on a controversial issue, is it turning its back on an important responsibility or very sensibly considering its mission and its member base? A lively—and surprising, in some ways—discussion occurred during a 2014 Annual Meeting program for the National Conference of Bar Presidents. Find out why one bar president believes the Keller decision doesn’t necessarily close the door for mandatory bars and advocacy.

Practice Management

Mind the gap: Bar associations work toward a ‘watershed moment’ for legal services

by Robert J. Derocher

For years, bar leaders and others have been tracking an alarming—and growing—gap when it comes to access to civil legal services. Now, a coordinated effort is under way to bring bar associations, including the ABA, together in hope of finding innovative solutions.

Practice Technology

The big picture: Generating non-dues revenue through integrated marketing

by Kristen Senz

Would you like to double your annual sponsorship revenue? Of course. Who wouldn’t? What’s the secret? According to four bar execs with booming non-dues revenue, it’s planning, coordination, and thinking in terms of members rather than in terms of events.