The law is an “underutilized tool” in sustainable development around the world, said James Silkenat, partner, Sullivan & Worcester, as he introduced a recent panel program cosponsored by the ABA Section of International Law. The panel titled “Achieving Sustainable Development: The Lawyer’s Key Role,” discussed the importance of lawyers partnering with other professionals on projects and initiatives that support sustainability. Working at the local level, lawyers can use assessments to guide policy decisions in nations around the world, and legislative reforms to enhance access to justice.

Executive compensation agreements covering different aspects of recompense entail myriad rules and regulations. The result of these intricacies and varying governing bodies can lead to unexpected consequences. In “Avoiding Unknown (and Fatal) Foot Faults in Executive Compensation Arrangements,” a panel of experts spoke about new rules on executive compensation and tax issues relative to deferred compensation and severance.

If you’re hunting for a book for the outdoorsman or woman in your life or fishing for the prize-winning holiday gift, The Little Book of Hunting and Fishing Law is sure to hit the mark. Even though Bambi is one of my family’s all-time favorite holiday movies, I found this light-hearted take on two favorite national pastimes captivating. I never knew there was so much drama that could unfold in the workings of hunting and fishing law. Cases that seemed clear cut often diverged into muddy waters of decisions.

The presentation on Saturday of the Nobel Peace Prize to Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a symbol of the overall optimism about the country’s recovery efforts, implemented since she first took office in 2005. A period of prolonged conflict that includes civil war, instability and violence that swept the country between 1989 and 2003 destroyed much of Liberia’s infrastructure and institutions, including the country’s justice system.

The nationwide struggle to provide adequate access to court services continues, as states contend with cuts to already underfunded judicial budgets, say the results of a new survey released on Nov. 29. The budget survey, conducted by the National Center for State Courts in Williamsburg, Va., shows that 42 states had their funding reduced.

Consumers will soon flock to online stores in search of the perfect holiday gifts at affordable prices. To help shoppers protect themselves from cyber theft, consumer protection law specialists from the American Bar Association created Safeshopping.org. The website explores topics such as avoiding viruses when installing software, protecting yourself when making payments and preventing identity theft.

Jerry Sandusky, Casey Anthony and alleged terrorists … what’s a lawyer to do when representing an unpopular client? A panel of expert lawyers spoke to the issue at a meeting Thursday in Washington, D.C. The formal prohibitions on who a lawyer or firm can represent are quite narrow, said Thomas D. Morgan, professor, George Washington University Law School. However, it’s a moral issue and “we all make judgments on who we will represent.”

The American Bar Association is front and center in an effort to make gender equality a national priority. The initiative, called Vision 2020, is organized by Drexel University College of Medicine’s Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership. The ABA is one of 46 national allies, representing more than 20 million women and girls. The movement is hoping to leverage those numbers to accelerate gender equality by the year 2020, the centennial anniversary of women’s suffrage.

American Bar Association President Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III today announced that the association is now offering free continuing legal education programs to its members. “The ABA affirms its commitment to member service and education through our new CLE Premier Speaker Series,” Robinson said. “Each year, the series will provide ABA members up to 18 free continuing legal education credits through monthly programs.

Four lawyers who have broken down barriers for women, people of color and people with disabilities, regardless of sexual orientation, have been honored with Difference Maker Awards by the American Bar Association General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division. The Division presented the awards at the National Solo & Small Firm Conference in Denver Oct. 21.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General Michelle Bachelet, a woman of many firsts, is the recipient of the 2011 Rule of Law Award from the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative. Bachelet, also the executive director of U.N. Women, received the award on October 5 during ABA ROLI’s Annual Rule of Law Award Dinner in Washington, D.C.

James M. Redwine of Motors Liquidation Company, and David R. Berz of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, are the recipients of the 2011 Excellence in Environmental, Energy, and Resources Stewardship Award from the American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources.