Utah State Bar News & Announcements

Year-end CLE Opportunities
Check out the Utah State Bar CLE Calendar for useful and affordable year-end CLE programs: www.utahbar.org/cle/events/Welcome.html. Programs include the Best of CLE Series on December 12th, Benson and Mangrum on Evidence on the 14th, the Annual Lawyers Helping Lawyers Ethics program on the 15th, and finally on the 19th an Introduction to Wills and Trusts. Additionally the Bar offers numerous online CLE seminars available 24/7 on most subjects and conveniently watched through your P.C. Check out these programs at: www.legalspan.com/utah/catalog.asp. If you have any questions about CLE or would like registration information, please contact the CLE Department at: (801) 297-7036 or at cle@utahbar.org.

Office of Professional Conduct 2005-2006 Complaints Report
The Utah State Bar Office of Professional Conduct ("OPC") annually collects and categorizes statistics which list the types of complaints received and the sources of those complaints. This information is included in an annual report to the Utah Supreme Court and breaks down statistics by type of complaints received (listed by rule violation) and by who is submitting complaints (such as judges, clients, opposing counsel, etc.). This information is provided to inform and educate lawyers about potential problem areas and to suggest renewed attention to the improvement of practices and conduct, rededication to high ethical standards and renewed commitment to professionalism and client services. A PDF copy of the report may be downloaded from www.utahbar.org/opc/Assets/statistics_complaints_received.pdf.

Nominations Sought

Bar President Election
Any active Bar members in good standing may submit their names to the Bar Commission to be nominated to run for President-Elect in a popular election and to succeed to the office of President. The Bar Commission will interview all potential candidates and select two final candidates who will run on a ballot submitted to all active Bar members and voted upon by the active Bar membership. Letters indicating an interest in being nominated to run are due at the Bar offices, 645 South 200 East, SLC, Utah, 84111 by 5:00 P.M. on January 2, 2007. Potential candidates will be invited to meet with the Bar Commission in the morning of January 26, 2007 at the Commission meeting in Salt Lake. For more information, please e-mail John Baldwin at john.baldwin@utahbar.org.

Court Nominating Commissions – Third and Fourth Districts
The Utah State Bar is seeking applications from lawyers to serve on the Third and Fourth District Trial Court Nominating Commissions. These Commissions nominate candidates to fill vacancies on the district and juvenile courts for these respective districts. To serve on a Commission you must be a citizen of the U.S. and resident of the respective district. Those interested in serving should submit a resume by January 15, 2007 to John Baldwin, Executive Director, by e-mail to john.baldwin@utahbar.org or by mail to: 645 South 200 East, SLC, UT 84111. Please identify your political party affiliation with your submission.

Spring Convention Awards
The Board of Bar Commissioners is seeking applications for two awards to be given at the 2007 Spring Convention. These awards include the Dorathy Merrill Brothers Award – given for the Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession, and the Raymond S. Uno Award – given for the Advancement of Minorities in the Legal Profession. Award applications must be submitted in writing to Christy Abad, Executive Secretary, 645 South 200 East, Suite 310, SLC, UT 84111, no later than Friday, January 12, 2007.

17th Annual Food & Clothing Drive – December 15, 2006
Mark your calendars for the 17th Annual Lawyers and Court Personnel Food & Clothing Drive. As in the past, you should clean out your closets of coats, winter clothing and other useful items and drop them off at the Law & Justice Center on December 15th between 7:30 .m. and 6:00 p.m. Also appreciated are food items and baby food and formula. For more information about the Drive, check out: www.utahbar.org/public/2006_christmas_drive.html or contact Leonard Burningham at lwb@burninglaw.com or Toby Brown at toby@utahbar.org. Thanks for your support of this event!

Member Benefit Highlight – RPost Registered E-mail Services
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