The Buzz March 2005

In this issue of The Buzz, we have an update on the Spring Meeting registration and housing status, news about the Section's diversity efforts, a new contest (results from past contests, too), and more.


Spring Meeting

May 19-22, 2005
Miami, Florida
Fontainebleau Hilton

Meeting Registration
Registration for the Spring Meeting is now available online. Register before April 30th and save!

Hotel Information
You may have already heard that the Fontainebleau is sold out for Wednesday, May 18th. Space is still available for Thursday, May 19th through Sunday, May 22nd. We encourage you book these dates as soon as possible by calling the hotel directly at (800) 548-8886. Discounted rates of $149 are only available by mentioning the rate code, "ABA". The reservation deadline for special rates is April 30, 2005.

Golf
Our Friends at the Dade County Bar Association have invited us to join them for a round of golf to benefit orphans and at-risk children on Sunday, May 22 from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Download their flyer (PDF) for more information and to register.


Leadership Opportunities
Section Appointments
Interested in being appointed to a leadership position in GP|Solo? Chair-Elect Dwight L. Smith wants to hear from you.
Deadline March 31, 2005.
Find out more and apply to be part of the Section Leadership.
Diversity Fellows
The Section’s Diversity Committee and Membership Board identifies and nominates four lawyers of color who will be appointed by the Chair-Elect to funded fellowship positions within the Section, effective during the following bar year.
Deadline April 30, 2005.
Find out more and apply to the Diversity Fellows program

Contest
Enter NextClient.com’s giveaway for your chance to win a Callaway White Hot Putter!
NextClient, a provider of affordable custom websites for solo and small law firms is also offering members of the General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division a discount of $100 off the regular $295 set-up fee for new subscribers to the unique Custom WebExpress website service.
Go to NextClient's website to enter giveaway!

Bankruptcy Reform Legislation

A bill pending in Congress would:

  • Tell lawyers what they can and can't say to their clients;
  • Make lawyers personally liable for their clients' financial disclosures;
  • Require some lawyers and firms to advertise that they are "debt relief agencies."

If you don't want Congress between you and your clients, Act Now!


Buzzy Awards

In the first issue of The Buzz, we asked people to nominate useful websites for the solo and small firm lawyers in the categories of:

  • Business Law
  • Estate and Financial Planning
  • Family Law
  • Litigation
  • Real Estate
  • Law Practice Management
  • General Practice
  • Solo and Small Firms

See which sites were selected.

These sites will integrated into an expanded Resources section in the future. Thanks to everyone who nominated a website!


Section Diversity

GP|Solo was recognized for its diversity efforts in two ABA reports.
In accordance with the ABA's Goal IX, “To promote the full and equal participation in the legal profession by minorities, women and persons with disabilities," the ABA examines how it is promoting full and equal participation within its own organization.

Honor Roll
The Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law listed us on their Honor Roll.
Download the report in PDF.

Honorable Mention
The Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity listed us in their honorable mentions.
Download the report in PDF.


Contest Results

Congratulations Alisa L. Ledbetter!

She was chosen at random to win our latest book:

Mastering Voir Dire and Jury Selection: Gain an Edge in Questioning and Selecting Your Jury
by Jeffrey T. Frederick Ph.D.

This new and expanded edition by one of the nation’s most experienced trial consultants goes beyond other books on jury selection and focuses on the skills needed to conduct effective voir dire and jury selection, ultimately improving your chances of a favorable verdict at trial. This valuable guide will help you understand effective voir dire and jury selection strategies and adapt them to the unique circumstances you face in your trial jurisdiction.

Price: $99.95
GP|Solo members: $89.95

Order your's today!


Feedback

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