The Buzz January 2006

In this issue:

  • Appointments
  • Midyear Meeting
  • Solo and Small Firm Lawyers Breakfast Caucus
  • Resources - Insurance
  • Solosez.net
  • Last Call for Manuscripts
  • Diversity Fellows
  • Law Student Mentoring Certificate Program
  • Renaissance of Idealism
  • Congratulations!
  • Save the Date

Note: Information on all this and more can be found on our website at http://www.abanet.org/genpractice.


Appointments

GP|Solo Committee Appointments

"Do Something" is the theme for Chair-Elect John P. Macy's upcoming bar year. What better way to get started than volunteering to serve in GP|Solo's committees?

Apply now, the deadline is March 1, 2006.

ABA Presidential Appointments

ABA President-Elect Karen J. Mathis is seeking applications or nominations for appointed positions throughout the ABA. President-Elect Mathis, a past Chair our of Division, will be filling vacancies on the ABA Standing and Special Committees, Commissions, Working Groups, Task Forces, and other ABA entities for the 2006-2007 Association year. Please note that all recommendations must be made using the online nomination form. The deadline for submitting recommendations is March 1, 2006.


Midyear Meeting

February 9-12, 2006
Chicago, IL
Hyatt Regency Chicago

GP|Solo's schedule (updated 1/17/06)

GP|Solo CLE

Purchase tickets for the Keithe E. Nelson Memorial Military Law Luncheon
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Ticketed $25.00.

Illinois members, please note: Illinois has enacted MCLE requirements
Download a release from the ABA-CLE Center with detailed information. (PDF)


Solo and Small Firm Lawyers Breakfast Caucus

The ABA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division invites you to attend the Solo and Small Firm Lawyers Breakfast Caucus to contribute to the development of an ABA membership initiative for solo and small firm practitioners.

Sunday, February 12, 2006
7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.
Hyatt Regency Hotel
Plaza Ballroom A, East Tower, Green Level
Chicago , Illinois

Registration is free.

RSVP (Acceptances ONLY) by February 3, 2006
Be sure to indicate the names and number of people from your party who plan to attend.
genpractice@abanet.org


Resources - Insurance

The American Bar Endowment offers a number of insurance plans available exclusively to ABA members:

  • Group Office Overhead Expense Insurance Plan
  • Disability Income
  • Group Term Life Insurance
  • Group Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Plan
  • Excess Major Medical Insurance
  • Group Hospital Money Insurance Plan

Find out how solo and small firms can protect themselves and give back to the profession by visiting the "Insurance" page in our "Resources" section.


Solosez.net

Solosez is an electronic mail discussion list that has matured into a worldwide community of more than 2,000 solo and small firm practitioners.

For a taste of what Solosez has to offer, check out the popular threads on Solosez's website. Last month's threads were:

  • Accepting Credit Cards
  • How Are You Handling Detailed Email Legal Help Requests?
  • Holiday Reading List
  • Office Notary
  • Witnesses for Will Execution

Last Call for Manuscripts

Is there a list of things you need, want, or desire to do next year? Is one of them to get published? Well, here's your chance. GPSolo magazine is soliciting articles telling us what you are currently doing for yourself, the profession, or the community. Articles are due February 25, 2006 and should be 500 words in length.

Find out more about this opportunity.

Visit GPSolo magazine online.


Diversity Fellows

The Division'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 Division, effective during the following bar year.
Deadline April 28, 2006.
Find out more and apply to the Diversity Fellows program


Law Student Mentoring Certificate Program

The Law Student Mentoring Certificate Program focuses on introducing law students to the practical aspects of being a lawyer through real world activities and the mentor's insight and guidance. All GP|Solo law student members are eligible.
Find out more about the Law Student Mentoring Certificate Program.


Renaissance of Idealism

Making service part of the workplace is good for the profession and public.

The Commission on the Renaissance of Idealism in the Legal Profession has created the Pro Bono and Public Service Best Practice Resource Guide to help lawyers learn from others' experiences and submit their own for others' benefit.

Visit www.abanet.org/renaissance for more information.


Congratulations!

Congratulations to Aurora Abella-Austriaco for being appointed a member of the Committee on Character and Fitness, First District, by the State of Illinois Supreme Court.

Congratulations to Joe DeWoskin on his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserves.


Save the Date

ABA Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law
National Conference on the Employment of Lawyers with Disabilities
May 22-23, 2006
Renaissance Washington Hotel
Washington, D.C.

American Bar Association President Michael Greco, the ABA Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will host the first National Conference on the Employment of Lawyers with Disabilities. Former Attorney General of the United States and Governor of Pennsylvania, Dick Thornburgh, will be the Keynote Speaker on the first evening.

Download info about the Conference (PDF)


Feedback

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