Mortgage Industry Woes, Online Music Liabilities, Lawyers on TV
Among Topics Explored at ABA Annual Meeting In Chicago

CHICAGO, July 17, 2009— What’s happening to the mortgage servicing industry in the wake of the financial crisis? How do legal television shows affect the practice of everyday law? Is the music coming through your stereo legal in light of recent court decisions? These are among issues that will be explored at the 2009 American Bar Association Annual Meeting, July 30- Aug. 4, in Chicago.

With more than 1,500 top quality legal programs and events, and presentations by the foremost law experts and speakers, including Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., the ABA Annual Meeting is the nation’s premier gathering of legal professionals.

The 555-member House of Delegates will meet on Aug. 3 and 4 in the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Grand Ballroom, Gold Level, East Tower to consider policy recommendations and vote on resolutions.  During the Aug. 3 meeting, Holder will address the delegates and William H. Gates Sr., co-chair of the William and Melinda Gates Foundation, will receive the ABA Medal, the association's highest honor.

Among policies to be debated by the House is a plan to facilitate increased legal aid to persons facing crisis from the recession. Other proposals urge repeal of a provision in the Defense of Marriage Act that denies federal marital benefits and protections to lawfully married same-sex spouses; call on Congress to approve a national study of the state of criminal justice aiming to reduce crime and incarceration, save tax dollars, enhance fairness and increase public confidence in criminal justice. 

For details and updates on these and more than two dozen proposals for debate and vote by the House, check this site.

Online registration for news reporters is easier than ever.  Credential guidelines are at www.abanews.org/credentials.html. 

Other program highlights include:

“What’s Happening on the Front Lines of Mortgage Servicing?”  Panelists will explore the most difficult issues facing the mortgage servicing industry in the wake of the economic crisis. From the impact on neighborhoods to next steps on the road to recovery, this panel will also address loss mitigation strategies. 
Aug. 1, 2:30 p.m., Sheraton Chicago, Sheraton Ballroom II, Level 4

“Lawyers in Your Living Room! Law on Television”
From Ally McBeal to Perry Mason and L.A. Law, the television industry has generated an endless stream of dramatic series involving law and lawyers. This panel will explore the information and misinformation these cultural representations impart, as well as the profound influence these shows have on the public’s expectation of the practice of law. 
July 31, 3:45 p.m., Hyatt Regency Chicago, Regency Ballroom B, Gold Level, West Tower

“Listen to the Sound of Music- Recent Pitfalls in Online Music Distribution” The creation and distribution of music often leads to costly infringement claims. In this session, panelists will explore some of the most difficult issues surrounding music copyright cases. Recent disputes involve such artists as 50 Cent, Ludacris, Mary J. Blidge and Madonna. Live listening examples will allow the audience to judge the music for themselves. Were copyrights violated or were claimants way off base? Judge for yourself. 
July 31, 8:30 a.m., Hyatt Regency Chicago, Bronze Level, West Tower

“Open Skies and Airline Mergers: What Will Become of the Global Airline Industry?” From skyrocketing fuel costs to increased regulations, the airline industry continues to be buffeted by changing demands. This panel will bring together the leading experts in the field to discuss the future of the airline industry and explore the impact of these changes.
July 31, 2 p.m., Hyatt Regency Chicago, Plaza Ballroom A, Lobby Level, East Tower

“What (Not) to Post!”  Your on-line image can be a lifeline to professional opportunities or a pathway to a posting nightmare.  Social media is a powerful tool and your professional success can be affected by your ability to effectively (mis)manage your on-line image.  How can you use social media to construct and display a professional image online?  This program will provide you with the tools and information you need to know what (not) to post!
Aug. 1, 2 – 3:30 p.m., Macy’s on State Street

“Runway to Success!” Trying to incorporate what's fashionable with what is suitable can be discouraging when it comes to the "Dress Code Dilemma" in today's professional environment.  Balancing what is stylish with what is appropriate is a challenge for any young attorney who wants to be viewed as a leader.   Enjoy an afternoon with a Macy’s style consultant who will provide you with the fashion do's and don't.  A Macy’s style consultant will help you identify the perfect style for a successful you! 
Aug. 1, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Macy’s on State Street 

During the Annual Meeting, a press room for working journalists will be set up at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Riverside Center, Purple Level, East Tower, and will be open for on-site media registration at 8 a.m. on July 30.  Thereafter the press room will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will close one hour after the adjournment of the House of Delegates on Aug. 4.

With more than 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world.  As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

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