Winter 2016

IOLTA

IOLTA: From the Chair

By Hon. James S. Hill, Commission on Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts

The Winter 2016 IOLTA Workshops took place on February 4-5, 2016 in San Diego amid an atmosphere of excitement and optimism, coming on the heels of some good news. On December 16, 2015, the Federal Reserve announced its decision to raise the target range for the federal funds rate for the first time since 2008 (from 0-0.25% to 0.25-0.50%), marking the end of a long and difficult era for the IOLTA community.

IOLTA

An IOLTA New Year’s Resolution: Increase Technology Support

By Christine M. Fecko

According to a 2014 survey, many IOLTA leaders believe that better technology would improve the civil legal aid system in their states and agree that improving technology is their top priority. At the same time, however, few IOLTA programs reported that they earmark funding for technology, engage in statewide technology planning, or participate in national or regional conversations about technology and civil legal aid.

IOLTA

News and Notes

Welcoming new IOLTA program directors in Kentucky and Montana

Legal Delivery

Q&A with Guest of the Chair About ABA Resolution 105: Stock Regulatory Principles Adopted for Non-Traditional Legal Services

By Carole Conn

At the ABA’s Mid-Year Meeting this past February, ABA Resolution 105 was proffered by the Commission on the Future of the Legal Profession, along with five other committees, and adopted. This resolution, entitled the “ABA Model Regulatory Objectives for the Provision of Legal Services,” urges that each state’s highest court be guided by ten fundamental ethical practice guidelines that emphasize protection of the public.

Legal Delivery

LRS Connect—Qualified, Affordable Legal Help—Nationwide!

By Ken Matejka

With the proliferation of unregulated online legal service providers and new partnerships between venture capital-backed companies and established, trusted brands, the time is now for our nationwide community of LRS programs to get together.

Legal Delivery

Lights, Camera, Action!

By Sheila Vermacy, Linda Chadbourne

Like other LRS programs, the New Hampshire Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service is always looking for ways to enhance its public visibility. We have a website, a Facebook page, a Twitter feed, and a presence on LinkedIn, as well as phone book ads; but could we, should we do more? If so, what new ideas could we consider, and—more importantly—afford to implement?

Pro Bono

Pro Bono: From the Chair

By Mary K. Ryan, Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service

“It is often said that we value what we can measure, but it might be more accurate to say that we measure what we value . . . ” This sentiment, or some variation of it, has been said often enough to become a new cliché. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why there is a notable growing interest in the use of metrics to better understand the needs, uses, and effectiveness of legal services to low income populations, but there are many sound reasons for doing so.

Pro Bono

Performance Data on Emeritus Pro Bono Practice Rules

By David Godfrey

Emeritus pro bono practice rules can be effective tools for recruiting volunteer attorneys. Specifically, by reducing some of the licensing burdens for attorneys who agree to limit practice to pro bono only, these rules are designed to encourage pro bono service. Attorneys who are retired, inactive, or not licensed in the state in which they are volunteering may be eligible, although the rules vary by jurisdiction.

Pro Bono

Running a “Delightful” Pro Bono Program

By Margaret Benson

The ultimate goal of legal services programs, staff, and pro bono is the delivery of high-quality legal services to the client. However, a well-run pro bono program also has to ensure that its volunteers have what they need to deliver those services. Volunteers choose to work with programs that make it possible for them to provide expert, free legal services to low income clients.

Access to Justice

Seeking Nominations for 2016 Harrison Tweed Award

The ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants and the National Legal Aid and Defender Association are seeking nominations for the 2016 Harrison Tweed Award.