Commission Highlights
During its regularly scheduled meeting of March 10, 2005, which was held in St. George, Utah, the Board of Bar Commissioners received the following reports and took the actions indicated.
1. George Daines reviewed the scheduled events for the Spring Convention beginning with the awards and keynote speaker Friday morning. He informed the Commissioners of the Law Day Luncheon on May 6th and the Commission retreat to be held in Deer Valley on June 3rd and 4th. The final Commission meeting will be held on July 13th in Sun Valley, Idaho at the Annual Convention.
2. David Bird announced that he will be resigning his Commission seat so there will be three openings (rather than two as previously thought)and the third person to fill the two-year unexpired term. There are several approved methods to use in selecting David's replacement. The motion was made and passed with no opposition to select the top three candidates filling the vacancies and the third person to fill the unexpired two-year term of David Bird. It was suggested to amend the motion so that all three individuals serve a three-year term. John Baldwin noted that the Bylaws provided for this modification so long as no more than five but at least four commissioners' terms expire in any one-year. The motion passed with no opposition.
3. Gus Chin, Rusty Vetter and Kim Wilson, candidates for the office of President-elect, each gave a short presentation. After voting it was determined that Rusty Vetter and Gus Chin would be running in the election as President-elect.
4. John Baldwin discussed the changes to the Bar's 401 (k) provider from Principal to John Hancock. The motion to make the change passed with no opposition.
5. Katherine Fox explained the minor revisions made to the Paralegal Division Affidavits. The motion to accept the changes to the affidavits passed with no opposition.
6. John Baldwin reported that the Casemaker research link is on the Bar's website and members will receive their pin numbers via e-mail. The Bar has received a number of positive comments and the members seem to be grateful to have a benefit that is quick, simple and inexpensive.
7. John Baldwin reported that Law and Justice Center security improvements are moving along. Options are being reviewed for additional motion sensors installed on windows and doors.
8. John Baldwin reported on Bar communications. Efforts are being focused on: (a) what is the message the Bar wants to convey and (b) regularly scheduled messages to specific groups. The e-mail bulletin seems to be the best way to disseminate information to the members on a regular basis for general information.
9. John Baldwin reported on the developments of LegalSpan. He noted that 150 bars need internal software of one kind or another and if the Bar assists in developing the prototype, then we can market the product to other bars and possibly make some money. We are currently working on getting other states to join us in a "Bar Alliance" to develop this prototype and to help share the cost.
10. David Bird gave a report on the Judicial Council meeting. It was noted that the Legislature granted a 6% salary increase to the judiciary.
11. John T. Nielsen reported on the Legislative session. He noted that the most significant accomplishments during the session were: (a) an increase in the judicial salaries and (b) legislators appointed to the Judicial Appropriations Committee.
12. Scott Sabey gave the Governmental Relations committee report. Scott reports that there are two areas of concern: (a) a shortage of participation and involvement from sections; and (b) the need for assistance at regular committee meetings. The shortage of participation and involvement by sections is becoming a major problem because while the committee is telling legislators that they can assist with the drafting of bills etc., they are not receiving help from members. George Daines noted that the Commission would prepare a letter for committee members informing them of their duty to follow certain requirements before speaking on behalf of the Bar (or the sections).
13. Rusty Vetter reported on the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Committee. A discussion followed the report and will continue in April.
14. John Baldwin reported that the Finance Committee would like to change the investment policy. He explained that the change is technical in nature but is designed to maintain invested funds for a longer period of time but for no longer than 18 months. The motion to approve the change passed with no opposition.
A full text of minutes of this and other meetings of the Bar Commission is available for inspection at the office of the Executive Director.