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Welcome to the Lawyers Conference.  The Lawyers Conference is the home within the Judicial Division for private practitioners, court administrators, academics, law students and other legal professionals.  The Conference provides a forum for interaction with members of the judiciary to improve the administration of justice, the courts and the judicial process, to advance confidence in the judiciary, and to promote a diverse and adequately funded justice system.

The Lawyers Conference is one of the six Conferences within the American Bar Association (ABA) Judicial Division (JD).  The Lawyers Conference works with the other five JD Conferences including the Appellate Judges Conference, National Conference of the Administrative Law Judiciary, National Conference of Federal Trial Judges, National Conference of Specialized Court Judges, and the National Conference of State Trial Judges to:

• Assist in educating lawyers, judges and the public in judicial administration issues and techniques;
• Achieve the highest standards of professionalism, competence and ethical conduct, including the enhancement of the quality and effectiveness of judges;
• Develop solutions to problems that arise when the needs of lawyers differ from the needs of judges and courts;
• Cultivate diversity in the judiciary and the profession and foster greater understanding between the races;
• Represent the interests of practicing lawyers and court administrators in the activities, services, and deliberations of the Judicial Division.

I encourage you to take an active role in the Lawyers Conference.  Active participation gives the greatest rewards including:  sharing your experiences and expertise; enhancing your professional development; broadening your perspective; building a nationwide network of colleagues and friends; and working for the common good of your profession.  In addition, we offer quality publications, CLE programs, and an array of resources.  Any ABA member can join the Lawyers Conference for just $35.  You will find membership both professionally rewarding and personally enriching.

This year (2009-2010) we will build on the groundbreaking project initiated by last year’s chair, Judge Michael B. Hyman.  We plan to implement regional programs that will bring together a broad spectrum of representatives of our local communities to talk about the gap that exists between perceptions on the issue of racial bias in the courts.  In addition to the perceptions project, we will be working this coming year on a variety of other issues relating to the judiciary including judicial independence, judicial compensation and funding of the courts, and jury trials.

The Lawyers Conference is anxious to work with you and serve you.  I welcome your input and involvement and invite you to share your ideas and suggestions to help make the Lawyers Conference even more productive, fulfilling, and effective.  Please drop me an e-mail at nellis@hunton.com or contact a member of the Judicial Division staff at 800.238.2667, extension 6259 for more information.

L. Neal Ellis, Chair