On Monday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 6 special pre-conference sessions are offered to those who register for the main conference.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION EXCHANGE PRESENTS:

Monday and Tuesday, May 5-6, 2008, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
New Executive Director Training

This two day training is designed for the new directors of LSC-funded, IOLTA-funded, elder law, pro bono and protection and advocacy programs, as well as for experienced directors of new programs which provide legal assistance and legal information to low income clients. The intent of the New Executive Director training is to help new directors, who typically learn on-the-job, to more quickly achieve deeper insight into their work. The training stresses both 1) knowing what should be done to lead an effective program, and 2) actually doing what needs to be done. Knowing is accomplished through an extensive set of materials, with a CD to guide self-study. Most of the training itself is devoted to doing -- performing some of the most important tasks required of executive directors. Participants also will work on actual situations brought to the training by their colleagues. The training will be conducted by John Arango, MIE consultant, and members of the MIE training committee.

Topics to be covered:

• What is an effective legal assistance program?
• What is leadership, and how does it differ from management and administration?
• What strategies can be used to deliver services?
• How do you determine impact?
• Leading change: Why transformation efforts fail?
• What makes a program a good place to work?
• Working effectively with a board of directors.

Cost: $290 for MIE Subscribers and $390 for non-Subscribers, in addition to the basic conference fee (see www.m-i-e.org for more information and registration form).

THE ABA CENTER FOR PRO BONO PRESENTS:

• Tuesday, May 6, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  New Pro Bono Managers - Nuts & Bolts

  Designed for new (in your position for one year or less) pro bono coordinators/managers, this program will address the basic elements of operating a pro bono program. Trainers will discuss a wide range of topics including program structure and governance, intake and placement procedures, maintaining a client-centered approach to service delivery, strategies for effectively utilizing volunteers and ways to develop partnerships with the bar, bench, and other providers of legal services and other groups. Pre-registration required.

  Cost: $125, in addition to the basic conference fee (includes continental breakfast and lunch on Tuesday).

  Space for this event is limited. Cancellations must be received in writing no later than April 11, and are subject to a $20 penalty.

• Tuesday, May 6, 12:00 noon - 4:30 p.m. Invitation Only
  Pro Bono State Support and Access to Justice Coordinators Meeting
  

• Tuesday, May 6, 1:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
  Challenging Questions and Practical Solutions for Law School Pro Bono Programs

  Designed for law school pro bono program advisors, coordinators, directors and assistant and associate deans, this program will take a close look at law school pro bono including cutting-edge programs and activities. Several interactive workshops will explore the unique aspects of operating and expanding a law school pro bono program.

  Cost: Included with the basic conference registration fee.

  From 12 noon – 1:15 p.m. there will be an optional Networking Luncheon with Facilitated Roundtable discussions for an additional $30 fee. Please see registration form for more details.

THE ABA CENTER FOR PRO BONO AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PRO BONO PROFESSIONALS PRESENT:

Tuesday, May 6, 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Beyond the Basics: Experienced Pro Bono Program Managers

Our speakers will share practical advice on how pro bono managers can put ideas into action to take your program to the next level, identifying cutting edge issues and their solutions. The panelists will recap their programs’ successes and failures, encouraging audience interaction and candid discussion of a variety of pro bono delivery models. This is a terrific opportunity to share your experience and expertise with and learn from your colleagues the things that can make a real difference for you and your staff, volunteers, clients and funders.

Cost: Included with the basic conference registration fee.

THE EQUAL JUSTICE CONFERENCE PRESENTS:

• Tuesday, May 6, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  Public Interest Impact Litigation and Transactional Programs Pre-Conference

  Public interest legal organizations that focus on impact or class action litigation and impact transactional work face unique challenges when utilizing the pro bono resources of law firms. Several of the issues that arise in impact/class action cases and impact transactional matters include defining the role of the pro bono law firm, handling significant expert fees and deposition costs, and appropriately addressing law firm expectations about the case. In addition, challenges include drafting appropriate co-counsel and client retainer agreements, building an appropriate legal team with the law firm, articulating a clear decision-making process, and addressing the distribution of attorneys’ fees before the conclusion of the matter. This pre-conference will allow executive directors, pro bono counsel, and other staff at organizations that conduct impact class action litigation and transactional work to discuss these challenges among peers in a focused setting. An opportunity will be provided for break-out discussions based on an organization’s level of experience working with volunteer law firms and size/sophistication of local legal market.

  Cost: Included with the basic conference registration fee.

• Tuesday, May 6, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  Self Represented Litigants: Effective Strategies for Meeting Their Needs and Realizing Your Organization's Goals

  The bar, courts, legal services, libraries, and law schools have engaged in creative programming to address access to justice issues for self represented litigants. Minnesota has many models of successful self-help urban and rural partnership programs, and these will be highlighted. Tours of the Hennepin County District Court Self Help Centers will be included. The program also includes updates on the work of the Self Represented Litigant Network and American Association of Law Librarians, and panel presentations on topics including triage, distance services, library partnerships, pro bono advice clinics and more. This program is suitable for people starting programs and those who are very experienced in working with SRLs.

  Cost: $65, in addition to the basic conference fee (includes continental breakfast and lunch on Tuesday). Space is limited.

Please report any problems with this site to .