January-February 2020

Bar Admissions

A new look at character and fitness: Bar leaders, lawyers, others urge elimination of mental health questions

By Marilyn Cavicchia

You may have read recently about movement in New York state to remove mental health questions from the character and fitness portion of the bar admission process―and the leading role that the New York State Bar Association is taking in that effort. Here's a look at what's happening in New York and other states, and why many experts say the cost of this type of question outweighs the benefit.

2019 Benchmarks Survey: In changing times, many bars make changes to their governance

By Marilyn Cavicchia

In a previous issue of Bar Leader, we noted that many respondents to the 2019 Benchmarks survey had made some governance changes, or planned to do so soon. We followed up with several of those respondents, who shared what they’re working on, and why.

Reminder: Early registration for 2020 ABA Bar Leadership Institute ends soon

Don't forget! Early registration for BLI 2020 ends January 31, 2020. Here’s why you want to make sure your chief staff executive and incoming leaders are there.

Through public service academies, bars encourage lawyers to run for office

By Marilyn Cavicchia

Since 2017, three state bars have launched public service academies, with the aim of offering support and guidance to lawyers who are considering running for public office. How do the North Carolina Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and Arkansas Bar Association run their academies—and is it something your bar should consider, too?

Meeting members where they are: Bars make smart use of mobile technology

By Dan Kittay

If the goal is to be visible where members and potential members tend to congregate, today, the place to be is on a tiny screen. From optimizing their websites to exploring Instagram, here's how some bars are being "smart" about mobile technology.