Through the diligent efforts of the Division’s various teams and committees, the ABA YLD has developed some outstanding CLE, professional development, bar leadership, diversity, and public service programs for the Midyear Meeting. You will be able to obtain three hours of free CLE credit or participate in programs designed to assist you in leading a local young lawyer organization or in becoming a better attorney. A schedule of the programs to be presented is included below. I encourage you to review the programming schedule closely and to read the program descriptions, which can be accessed via the following link.

In addition to the CLE programs, I encourage you to consider attending The Young Lawyer Perspective on the Appropriate Role of the Bar Association program. This program, which will be driven by audience participation, will attempt to analyze what young lawyers want from their bar associations, in particular the ABA. Analyses and studies appear to reflect that young lawyers want bar associations to provide more services designed to help them to be better lawyers and to have a successful career rather than advocating on broader legal and social issues. Is this an accurate reflection of young lawyers’ opinions or skewed results? This program will allow you to express your thoughts on this important topic and to tell the ABA what you believe its mission should be.

In addition, I encourage you to consider attending the Bar Service and the Complete Lawyer program to learn tips from two very successful former young lawyers about using bar service to enhance your legal career. Finally, if you are a president or president-elect of a state, local or national young lawyer organization, I highly encourage you to sign up for the Bar Leadership Academy. This invitation only event will feature programs specifically designed to prepare you for your leadership role. To request to participate in the Bar Leadership Academy, please contact Gwen Schoen at schoeng@staff.abanet.org. Please direct any questions about the Bar Leadership Academy to Ryan Reed at rreed@hughesandcoleman.com or (270) 782-8820.

On-Site Affiliate Consultations
The ABA YLD Affiliate Assistance Team will be available to individually meet with affiliate leaders seeking counsel and suggestions on their own affiliate issues. Simply email Carolyn Hann to sign up for a free 30- minute meeting time on Saturday morning. carolynhann94@yahoo.com

Friday, February 9, 2007

All Programming Located on 2nd Level of Intercontinental Miami Hotel

To access descriptions of the above programs, click here.

* CLE accreditation has been requested for these programs. 3 hours of accreditation has been requested for this conference from every state with mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE) requirements for lawyers. Please be aware that each state has its own rules and regulations, including its own definition of “CLE.” Attorneys seeking to obtain MCLE credit in Pennsylvania are required to pay state accreditation fees directly to the Pennsylvania CLE Board (PACLE) and pick up a Pennsylvania registration form at the conference. Certificates of Attendance will be available at the conclusion of the program for both attendees and speakers. You may contact the ABA Service Center toll free at 1-800-285-2221 for credit approved by any particular state.