http://www.abanow.org ABA Media Relations & Communication Services Tue, 22 May 2012 15:42:03 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en   (op-ed by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Mark Cady)(op-ed by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Mark Cady) http://www.abanow.org/2012/05/it%e2%80%99s-time-to-restore-access-to-justice/   (op-ed by Ryan K. Jackson, president of the Gallatin County, Missouri, Bar Association)(op-ed by Ryan K. Jackson, president of the Gallatin County, Missouri, Bar Association) http://www.abanow.org/2012/05/guest-column-no-courts-no-justice-no-freedom/ The article recaps the ABA's Law Day press conference and President Obama's Law Day proclamation that called attention to the central role of courts. http://www.abanow.org/2012/05/law-day-warning-court-budget-cuts-shutting-down-justice/   Despite a federal rule forbidding the practice, some law firms are teaming up with debt settlement operators and charging upfront fees to help consumers negotiate their way out of debt. According to the ABA, accepting money from clients without providing services or mishandling client funds can be grounds for disbarment ... http://www.abanow.org/2012/04/states-feds-target-debt-settlement-legal-firms-over-upfront-fees/ The judge who presided over the Casey Anthony trial will be keynote speaker at the Marion County Bar Association's Law Day luncheon. This year's Law Day theme, "No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom," focuses on the importance of the court system to protect citizens' rights. According to the ABA, President ... http://www.abanow.org/2012/04/judge-who-presided-at-anthony-trial-will-speak-at-law-day-luncheon/   Budget cuts are causing courts to reduce hours and staff, resulting in delays. An ABA task force is addressing the issue, and USA Today published an op-ed by ABA President Robinson and the president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform on the topic. [Article links to USA Today ... http://www.abanow.org/2012/04/sue-me-not-a-chance-this-year/ Top executives at the ABA, the Florida Bar Association and the Jacksonville Bar Association are speaking out about inadequate funding for state judicial systems. ABA President Robinson spoke about the issue at the Jacksonville Bar Association’s Law Day luncheon. [Similar coverage in Financial News & Daily Record (Jacksonville) and Florida ... http://www.abanow.org/2012/04/bar-execs-speak-out-on-lack-of-court-funding/ ABA President Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III was among speakers praising Indiana Chief Justice Randall Shepard yesterday at an event marking Shepard’s 25-year tenure on the state supreme court. http://www.abanow.org/2012/03/retiring-indiana-chief-justice-celebrated-at-ceremony/ Across the nation, budget cuts are causing civil trials to be suspended, and reducing the numbers of court personnel. In a Salt Lake Tribune article, ABA President Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III states that cutting court funding endangers freedom for all. ABA has been focusing on the theme of “no ... http://www.abanow.org/2012/03/court-funding-judicial-pay-debated-in-several-states/ The ABA and other groups are building a national campaign for children to have legal counsel in foster cases. [This AP item also appeared in ABC News, Boston.com, TownHall.com and WSAV (Savannah) among other news outlets.] http://www.abanow.org/2012/03/advocates-states-should-give-foster-kids-lawyers/