MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT NATHAN D. ALDER
Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission Comments
The Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission is now up and running. Well into the administrative rulemaking process, the Commission is also focused on getting attorney and juror surveys underway this year. The Commission will update the Bar in Sun Valley on progress to date. In the meantime, if you have specific questions that you think should or should not be included in the attorney survey, please email your suggestions to Joanne Slotnik, the new executive director of JPEC, at jslotnik@utah.gov.
March 2009 E-News
Bar Elections - Utah State Bar elections are in full swing. Running for President-elect are: Robert L. Jeffs and Felshaw King. Seeking to represent those in the Third District are: Christian W. Clinger, James D. Gilson and Denver C. Snuffer. Curtis Jensen in the Fifth Division and Thomas W. Seiler in the Fourth Division are unopposed and will be declared as the representatives for their respective divisions. Read the candidates’ statements at: http://www.utahbar.org/elections/Welcome.html.
Spring Convention - Advance registration will close Friday, March 6th for our Spring Convention in St. George March 12th - 14th. Take a winter break (perhaps get in some golf), and discuss with knowledgeable practitioners the issues facing our Bar and profession. The Spring Convention is approved for 9 hours of CLE credit, including up to 2 hours Ethics credit. A detailed brochure and registration information are available online at: http://www.utahbar.org/cle/springconvention/Welcome.html.
New Lawyer Training Program - We need mentors for the New Lawyer Training Program ("NLTP"). This mentoring program is mandatory for new lawyers and will help train them during their first year of practice in professionalism, ethics, and civility. The program will also aid new lawyers in acquiring the practical skills and judgment necessary to practice in a highly competent manner. Mentors will receive up to 12 hours of CLE credit. For more detailed information and to apply to be a mentor, go to http://www.utahbar.org/nltp/.
Wills for Heroes at Spring Convention - The Young Lawyers Division program that helps emergency first responders and their families will be provided March 13th at the Washington City Community Center, 350 N. Community Center Drive. Utah attorneys will meet with the police officers to create free wills, living wills and other estate planning documents. You can assist at this worthwhile event. For more information, visit: http://www.utahbar.org/sections/yld/willsforheroes/calendar.html.
Blomquist Hale - As we move forward into the new year we have seen an increased need for health and life assistance. We encourage lawyers to take advantage of the therapy and wellness courses offered through Blomquist Hale. Choose from courses in financial wellbeing, marriage, productive parenting and keeping your brain fit as you grow older. For a full list of life assistance, wellness and training courses contact Blomquist Hale EAP representative or visit online at www.blomquisthale.com.
2009 Pro Bono Publico Awards - The Utah State Bar is calling for nominations for the 2009 Pro Bono Publico Awards. The deadline for nominations is April 1, 2009. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding pro bono service and acknowledge the importance of helping to provide all of Utah with equal access to the justice system, regardless of income. To download a nomination form and for additional information, please visit http://www.utahbar.org/probono.
Law Day Luncheon - Mark your calendar to attend the 2009 Law Day Luncheon on Friday, May 1st at Noon. This year's luncheon celebrates Abraham Lincoln's legacy of liberty. For further information, to RSVP for the luncheon and/or to sponsor a table, please contact Gary Guelker, (801) 579-0800 or Tyson Snow, (801) 363-5678.
Mock Trial Competition - Congratulations to participants in the recent mock trial competition sponsored by the Utah Law-Related Education and the Utah State Bar. The trials help students develop useful knowledge about the law, critical thinking, and oral advocacy skills and also leave student participants with an appreciation of the difficulties that judges, lawyers and juries face in attempting to insure a just resolution of the issues involved. Articles about the Utah competition can be found at: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_11810007?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com and http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705287996,00.html.