MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT NATHAN D. ALDER
New Mentoring Program
I am excited to announce that on December 18, 2008 the Utah Supreme Court approved the New Lawyer Training Program. Now, most new lawyers will need to complete a one-year plan with his or her mentor following specific required activities and learning opportunities. The Bar admits between four-hundred and five-hundred attorneys per year. These new lawyers often express that they do not feel well-prepared for the practical aspects of practicing law. The NLTP is designed to bridge the gap.
Please be a mentor to these new attorneys. To qualify as a mentor, you must have been in practice at least seven years, have no past formal disciplinary proceedings and carry $100,000 / $300,000 minimum malpractice insurance if you are in private practice. The Supreme Court's Advisory Committee on Professionalism will review all mentor applications and make recommendations to the Supreme Court for appointments. Mentors will receive twelve hours of CLE credit, including two ethics hours in return for the time they spend, but the personal rewards and the benefits to our profession will be greater returns on the time we invest. Detailed program information and a volunteer mentor application can be found at: http://www.utahbar.org/nltp/.
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January 2009 E-News
FREE CLE at the Utah Legislature - The Utah State Bar will be sponsoring a FREE 3-hour CLE at the Utah Capitol Building on Thursday, February 5, 2009. This is a great opportunity for Utah State Bar members to interact with legislators. Our keynote speaker will be Kirk L. Jowers, Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah. More information is available at http://www.utahbar.org/cle.
Blomquist Hale Offers Free Courses - Beginning January 7th, Blomquist Hale Consulting will offer free courses to Utah State Bar members and their dependents. Learn how to lower your debts, increase savings and live a better life in the financial program. Improve your parenting techniques in the family program or develop strategies to create emotional depth in the relationships program. Other courses and dates available. At the close of a course, a new session will begin. SIGN UP: Email mhl@blomquisthale.com or call Blomquist Hale Consulting today at 801-262-9619.
Professional Services Tax - There have been several articles in the local media recently regarding the state revisiting the idea of imposing a tax on professional services, including legal services. The Bar has been in contact with legislative leadership and the governor's office and believes that a study is likely in the near future. We have expressed our concerns with the concept generally and will monitor the study closely in the coming months. You may view the recent articles on this issue at http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11387571?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com and, http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11347232?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com .
Commission Election Petition Available - Nominating petitions to run for Utah State Bar Commissioner are available on the Bar's website at http://webster.utahbar.org/news/2008/12/petition_to_run_for_bar_commis.html. Petitions are due to the Bar offices by February 1, 2009.
Christine M. Durham Woman Lawyer of the Year Award - Women Lawyers of Utah is seeking nominations for the 2009 Christine M. Durham Woman Lawyer of the Year award. Nominations are due Friday, February 6, 2009. This award recognizes an outstanding female Utah lawyer who exemplifies professionalism, excellence and a dedication to furthering opportunities for women in the law. Submit nominations to Joanna E. Miller at jmiller@klmrlaw.com. More information is available at http://webster.utahbar.org/news/2009/01/nominations_for_the_2008_chris.html.
2009 Spring Convention Awards - The Bar is seeking applications for the Dorathy Merrill Brothers Award for the advancement of women in the legal profession and the Raymond S. Uno Award for the advancement of minorities in the legal profession. Award applications must be submitted in writing to Christy Abad adminasst@utahbar.org by Friday, January 16, 2009. View a list of past award recipients at http://www.utahbar.org/members/awards_recipients.html.
Want to serve on a state board or commission? - You can increase the Bar's influence on the policies of the State, serve fellow citizens and make the State a better place by submitting your name for the Governor to consider for service on state boards and commissions. View a listing of all the boards at http://gva1.utah.gov/boards/boards.aspx.
Continuing Education for January
4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., 3 Hrs. CLE or NLCLE
http://www.utahbar.org/cle/events/mechanics_trial.html#r6
9:00 – 4:15 p.m., 6 Hrs. Ethics (incl. 1 Professionalism/Civility credit)
http://www.utahbar.org/cle/events/ethics_school.html
4:00 – 7:15 p.m., 3 Hrs. CLE or NLCLE
http://www.utahbar.org/cle/events/nlcle_real_property.html