ABANow - ABA Media Relations & Communication Services » Releases

A Critical Tool to Save Lives: VAWA

John — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:22:32 +0000

The Violence Against Women Act was an effective response by Congress in 1994 to the devastating effects of domestic and sexual violence. The act has evolved from a small criminal justice initiative to a multidisciplinary federal effort to address the needs of women, men and children threatened by domestic and sexual violence. Policies and programs supported and inspired by the act have been credited with providing lifesaving assistance to hundreds of thousands of victims. Incentives in the act also have encouraged the states to address the problem more assertively.

Congress reauthorized VAWA in 2000 and again in 2005. Now the American Bar Association and other groups are urging Congress once more to reauthorize the act. VAWA has been the single most effective federal effort to respond to the epidemic of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in this country. The act has ensured that legal and social services are available to survivors, and that law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, attorneys and advocates are well-trained and equipped with cutting-edge resources to effectively address these crimes in their own communities.

In January of this year, 53 Attorneys General signed a joint letter to Congress expressing their support for VAWA and urging Congress to reauthorize this critical piece of legislation. Hundreds of local programs, faith groups, state coalitions and others have signed similar letters, urging swift reauthorization and supporting the current Senate bill, S. 1925, co-sponsored by Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Mike Crapo (R-Id.)

Recent studies support arguments for reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. According to a U.S. Justice Department report, for instance, the number of women killed by intimate partners decreased by 35 percent between 1993 (the year before the act’s passage) and 2008, and nonfatal violent acts against women by intimate partners decreased by 53 percent. During the same period, the number of men killed by intimate partners decreased by 46 percent, and the number of nonfatal violent acts against men by intimate partners dropped by 54 percent. Other studies indicate that incidents of domestic and sexual violence tend to go down when victims have legal representation and when they obtain protection orders.

Nevertheless, the United States still has a long way to go. According to a CDC study released in December, nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men in the United States have been raped at some time in their lives. One in 6 women and 1 in 19 men have experienced stalking victimization at some point during their lifetime in which they felt very fearful or believed that they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed. And about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.

VAWA is a critical tool in the arsenal to address domestic and sexual violence. One study found that in 86% of cases where a victim received a protection order, the abuse stopped or was greatly reduced. Another found that half of victims who obtained a protection order experienced no violations of the order in the following 6 months. For those victims who did experience violations, every type of violence and abuse was reduced significantly during the 6 month follow-up period. A 2010 study demonstrated that an increase in the availability of legal services is associated with a decrease in intimate partner homicide.

VAWA has become an integral part of our public safety strategy that has empirical support for its effectiveness. The good work being done by thousands of local providers and public servants cannot continue without its reauthorization.

Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III

The Verdict on Regulating Video Games and Violence

John — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:42:04 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 3, 2012 — Are all government regulations of violent video games and programming for children obsolete? How can courts make sense of conflicting social science studies on media’s effect on kids? These and other questions regarding challenges to the First Amendment in light of the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association, which held that video games are protected by the First Amendment, will be explored at the 17^th Forum on Communications Law Annual CLE Conference in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 11.

The American Bar Association’s Forum Committee on Communications Law will host the plenary session that will explore the ramifications of the Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association decision.

WHO: The American Bar Association Forum Committee on Communications Law

WHAT: Video Games, Violence, Social Science, and the First Amendment

Panelists:

Steve Zansberg, Moderator, Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz, Denver
Stephanie Abrutyn, HBO, New York
Brad J. Bushman, PhD, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, and VU University, Amsterdam
Christopher Ferguson, PhD, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas
Paul Smith, Jenner & Block, Washington, D.C.
Time Winter, President, Parents Television Council, Los Angeles

WHEN: Feb. 11, 9:45 – 11:15 a.m.

WHERE: 17^th Forum on Communications Law Annual CLE Conference
Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grand Lakes, Orlando, Fla.
Tuscany, Salons D & E, Lobby Level

Additional information as well as a link to the full programming agenda can be found here.

There is no charge for media to cover this session. To register, please contact Betsy Adeboyejo at betsy.adeboyejo@americanbar.org.

With nearly 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the world’s largest voluntary professional membership organization. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

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The Future of WikiLeaks Examined by Legal and Media Experts

John — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:30:36 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 3, 2012 — The impact of WikiLeaks and the implication of it altering the role of the free press and national security law will be explored at the 17^th Forum on Communications Law Annual CLE Conference in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 10.

The American Bar Association’s Forum Committee on Communications Law will host a session that will analyze the pros and cons of WikiLeaks, which will help inform business decision-makers about their classified information.

WHO: The American Bar Association’s Forum Committee on Communications Law

WHAT: WikiLeaks: Good or Evil, and What’s the Future?

Panelists:

George Freeman, Moderator, The New York Times Company, New York
Scott Shane, National Security Correspondent, The New York Times Company, Washington, D.C.
Ronald Machen, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Washington, D.C.
Mary-Rose Papandrea, Associate Professor, Boston College Law School, Newton, Mass.
Martin D. Singer, Lavely & Singer, Los Angeles
Mark Stephens, Finer Stephens Innocent, London

WHEN: Feb. 10, 9:15 – 10:45 a.m.

WHERE: 17^th Forum on Communications Law Annual CLE Conference
Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grand Lakes, Orlando, Fla.
Tuscany, Salons D & E, Lobby Level

Additional information as well as a link to the full programming agenda can be found here.

There is no charge for media to cover this session. To register, please contact Betsy Adeboyejo at betsy.adeboyejo@americanbar.org.

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Legal Representation of Children in Abuse and Neglect Cases Theme of 2-Day Florida Symposium

John — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:00:58 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 2, 2012 — Leading children’s rights advocates from Florida and across the country will highlight the urgent need for abused and neglected kids to have lawyers protecting them in all court proceedings that impact their lives, during a media briefing on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m., followed by a symposium on Friday, Feb. 10 from 8 – 4:30 p.m. at Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center.

The two-day agenda seeks to increase public awareness of these issues and provide advocates and policymakers with information that can be used to advance state and federal legislative reform.

Expert panelists will discuss, among other topics, the American Bar Association “Model Act Governing the Representation of Children in Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceeding,” which requires the appointment of a lawyer for every child and youth in abuse or neglect proceedings in which the state has removed the child from the home. The Model Act outlines a set of standards, duties and mechanisms that states can put in place to ensure the provision of high-quality, effective lawyering for children.

According to the advocacy group Child Help, more than 3 million cases of child abuse are reported each year in the United States; in approximately one third of those cases an investigation will show that abuse occurred. With more than 425,000 children in the U.S. foster care system according to Child Welfare Information Gateway, providing lawyers to help foster children navigate the proceedings is critical.

Florida received a failing grade in a national report card on states’ provision of attorneys for abused and neglected children in dependency cases, A Child’s Right to Counsel – A National Report Card on Legal Representation for Children. The state regards the appointment of an attorney for a child in dependency proceedings as discretionary.

For reporters planning to attend please contact Brandon Hensler, Nova Southeastern University Office of Public Affairs at 954-262-5385 or brandon.hensler@nova.edu by Wednesday, Feb. 8. Due to parking and security restrictions, reporters not registered in advance may be removed from campus.

For reporters who cannot attend the briefing or symposium, but would like to write about this topic please contact Maria.Gutierrez@Americanbar.org to arrange interviews with subject matter experts.

WHAT:
Legal Representation of Children in Dependency Cases Briefing and SymposiumCo-Sponsored by the ABA Section of Litigation Children’s Rights Litigation Committee & Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center
Thursday Media Briefing 3 p.m. Reporters will be able to ask questions during the briefing.

WHO:

Justice Rosemary Barkett, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, will discuss the importance of having lawyers represent abused and neglected children in proceedings;
Frank P. Cervone, Executive Director of Child Advocates (pro bono program for abused and neglected children in Philadelphia), will give a national perspective on legal representation of children in cases of neglect and abuse.;
Alfreda Coward, executive director and co-founder, One Voice Children’s Law Center, (Ft. Lauderdale) will talk specifically about Florida’s perspective in cases of neglect and abuse. .
Ron Marmer, Jenner and Block, Chair, ABA Section of Litigation

Former foster youth will present three minute prepared statements about their experiences in foster care without legal representation. The youth are over 18 years old. Witnesses include one girl who recently aged out of foster care with no permanent adult connections and a boy who went into care at age 5 and was eventually adopted. They will take questions after their statements.

Friday Symposium: ABA Model Act Governing the Representation of Children in Abuse, Neglect and Dependency Proceedings – Improving Outcomes for Children 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Experts include:

Justice Rosemary Barkett, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and former Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court;
Justice Barbara J. Pariente, Florida Supreme Court; (“Perspectives of a Supreme Court Justice on Children in Court: Hear Their Voices” 12:45 – 1 p.m.)
Angela Vigil, partner/director of Pro Bono and Community Service North America, Baker & McKenzie.

WHERE:
Nova Southeastern University
Shepard Broad Law Center
Faculty Terrace- Second Floor
3305 College Ave.
Fort Lauderdale- Davie, FL 33314

With nearly 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

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Veterans Issues Among Topics at ABA Meeting in New Orleans

John — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:00:28 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 1, 2012— Innovative veterans programs, issues related to female veterans, military sexual trauma and defending veterans in criminal court will be topics of an interactive discussion of national and local issues related to homelessness, veterans and model court-based and pro bono initiatives at the American Bar Association Midyear Meeting Feb. 3. The roundtable is co-sponsored by the ABA Commission on Homelessness & Poverty and Coordinating Committee on Veterans Benefits & Services.

In addition, ABA Young Lawyers Division Project Salute: Young Lawyers Serving Veterans will host a free legal clinic covering VA disability and pension benefits on Feb. 3, from 2 to 5 p.m. at VFW Post 8973, 531 Lyons St. Young lawyers from New Orleans and throughout the country will volunteer to help veterans and their families understand available federal benefits and complete the required forms. One of the many volunteers is Iraq war veteran Marshall Hevron, a young lawyer from the New Orleans firm of Adams and Reese and commander of VFW Post 8973.

WHO:
ABA Commission on Homelessness and Poverty
and Coordinating Committee on Veterans Benefits & Services

WHAT:
Roundtable discussion on national and local issues related to homelessness,
veterans, and model court-based and pro bono initiatives

Update on recent ABA activities
- ABA Homefront: Legal Services for Military Families
- Project Salute: Young Lawyers Serving Veterans
Innovative initiatives in New Orleans—presentations by local judges, lawyers and providers including:
- Former Congressman Joseph Cao (R-La.)
- U.S. District Court Judge Jay Zainey, and representatives from Homeless Experience Legal Help
- Veterans Treatment Court Judge Arthur Hunter
- Homeless Court Judge Paul Sens
- Dorothy Thomas, Homeless Coordinator, VA Medical Center
- Lilia Valdez-Lindsley, Outreach Specialist, Veterans Treatment Court
Special issues related to female veterans and military sexual trauma
PTSD, TBI and defending veterans in criminal court

WHEN:
Friday, Feb. 3
11:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE:
Royal Sonesta Hotel
Grand Ballroom South, Lobby Level
300 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA

Online registration for news reporters is easier than ever. Credential guidelines are at http://www.abanow.org/reporter-resources/media-credentials/.

During the Midyear Meeting, accredited journalists should register on-site at the Sheraton New Orleans, 2nd Floor, beginning Feb. 1. A press room for accredited reporters will be provided at the Armstrong Ballroom, 8th Floor, of the Sheraton New Orleans, starting at 9 a.m. on Feb. 2. The room will open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will close one hour after the adjournment of the House of Delegates on Feb. 6.

With nearly 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is the world’s largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

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Joint Statement of ABA Law Student Division Chair Tremaine “Teddy” Reese and Young Lawyers Division Chair Michael G. Bergmann Re: ABA and Young Lawyers, Law Students

John — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:56:25 +0000

CHICAGO, Jan. 31, 2012 —The American Bar Association cares deeply about law students and young lawyers, and is committed to helping you succeed during this challenging time for our profession. Our Law Student and Young Lawyers Divisions—which make up nearly half of the association’s membership—are working individually and collaboratively to support you, speak out on your behalf, and provide resources that will ensure your achievement and fulfillment in the legal profession.

Law students and young lawyers face more stress and uncertainty today than ever. Today, the cost of legal education and average student loan debt loads are unprecedented, while job prospects for graduates are uncertain. The ABA and its Law Student and Young Lawyers Divisions understand these realities, and are creating and leading initiatives to assist you during the initial stages of your career.

Tremaine “Teddy” Reese, the 2011-2012 Law Student Division chair who attends Florida A&M University College of Law, said, “Considering the challenges for today’s law students, I am encouraged by the leadership, support and resources provided by the ABA. We are arguably attending law school during very challenging economic times. However, this is not the time to give up. With the continued support of many judges and attorneys throughout the ABA, we will continue our push to be movers and shakers in the legal community.

“I speak from my experience as a member that the ABA is in full support of all law students and is committed to developing resources that will assist law students in their job search, and providing access to experienced attorneys. With signs of economic improvement, our job seeking resources and our attendance at vital meetings, I am convinced that ABA law student members will be in a better position as they embark on their careers in the legal profession.”

The ABA is working to ensure that you can make an informed decision about your choice in law schools. The Young Lawyers Division sponsored a resolution calling on law schools to report more detailed job employment statistics. This resolution was ultimately adopted by the ABA House of Delegates and became official policy of the ABA. The ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar is changing the way law schools report that information—providing more accurate and clear data about the types of jobs held by recent graduates, whether those jobs require a J.D., and whether they are part- or full-time jobs. The Young Lawyers Division established a Truth in Law School Education Committee to study the section’s work and ongoing efforts to increase law school transparency.

We are working to make law school more affordable once you enroll. In August of last year, the House of Delegates approved another resolution sponsored by the Young Lawyers Division that urged Congress to assist students with debt relief. We are pleased to report President Obama signed a law two months later adjusting the deadlines for income-based repayment relief and allowing loans to be consolidated with lower interest rates.

We are also working to provide networking and other resources for career placement and professional development. The Law Student Division offers internships, fellowships and clerkships in a variety of specialties, plus campus programs involving practicing lawyers in your community. The Young Lawyers Division’s Career Development Initiative features a different potential career path each month, giving you insight into the field within the legal profession you might consider after graduation or another career transition. Once in practice, you may join any of the ABA’s specialty practice groups covering more than 30 areas of law, to network with and learn from peers in your chosen field. Hundreds of continuing legal education courses provide you with the tools to sharpen your skills and stay abreast of the latest trends in the industry.

We are working to give you a voice. The Law Student Division and the Young Lawyers Division have official voting representatives on the ABA Board of Governors, as well as voting delegates in the ABA House of Delegates. Additionally, both divisions have their own governing bodies—the LSD Assembly, which consists of two delegates from each of the 200 ABA-approved law schools; and the YLD Assembly, which consists of young lawyers from young lawyer organizations across the county. In each of these governing bodies, the divisions personally advocate on behalf of the needs and concerns of law students and young lawyers across the country.

According to the 2011-2012 Young Lawyers Division chair, Michael G. Bergmann of Chicago, “My involvement with the ABA, and specifically the Young Lawyers Division, has been extremely rewarding to me both personally and professionally. I have developed a network of lawyers from across the country, have had a voice in addressing issues that impact our profession, have been able to make a difference in the lives of others through public service efforts, and have grown personally and professionally.”

The ABA is the largest voluntary association in the world, which means no other organization can match our ability to help you gain knowledge, develop skills, build networks and be heard. We are your partners for a productive and rewarding career in the field of law.

Wm. T. (Bill) Robinson III, president of the ABA, said, “Our Law Student and Young Lawyer Divisions are doing an exceptional job with networking, job placement, continuing education and other programs that help those just starting their careers. Working together, we will continue to address the concerns young lawyers and law students have about the job market, debt loads and other issues that they care about.”

The ABA Young Lawyers Division is the home for young lawyers who are under the age of 36 or within the first five years of practice. With over 130,000 members and 300 affiliated young lawyer organizations, the ABA YLD is the largest young lawyer organization in the world. The ABA Law Student Division is the largest professional student organization in the country and one of the largest dues paying entities of the Association. All students attending ABA-approved law schools are eligible to join.

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Ethics of Cloud Computing for Lawyers, Security and Tips, Subject of New ABA Book

irma — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:19:12 +0000

CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2012 – As more businesses move their information technology systems into the cloud, lawyers need to ask if cloud computing is right for their firm. Cloud Computing for Lawyers, a new book from the American Bar Association Law Practice Management Section, features a discussion of cloud computing fundamentals; an overview of legal cloud computing products; and step-by-step instructions for implementing cloud computing in one’s practice—including practical tips for securing data. This book will help lawyers:

Understand the current state of cloud computing technology;
Weigh the risks and benefits of cloud computing;
Evaluate legal cloud computing applications like law practice management, billing, time tracking, e-mail and e-discovery software;
Consider the ethical considerations of storing client data in the cloud; and
Maintain security and privacy for online data.

Cloud Computing for Lawyers is written by Nicole Black, an author, blogger and speaker based in Rochester, N.Y. Black is also the founder of lawtechTalk.com, a company that educates lawyers about technology issues and provides legal technology consulting services.

Title:
Publisher:
Product Code:
ISBN:
Size:
Price:
Orders:

Cloud Computing for Lawyers
ABA Law Practice Management Section
5110724
978-1-61632-884-9
7 × 10
$79.95
800.285.2221 or www.shopaba.org

The ABA Law Practice Management Section is a professional membership organization providing resources for lawyers and other legal professionals in the core areas of the business of practicing law—marketing, management, technology, and finance—through its award-winning magazine, webzines, educational CLE programs, website and publishing division. For more than 30 years, LPM has established itself as a leader within the legal profession by producing ABA TECHSHOW, the world’s premier legal technology conference and expo, and through its publishing arm, which has more than 90 titles in print.

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Editor’s note: Review copies are available by sending an e-mail to Lindsay Dawson at Lindsay.Dawson@americanbar.org. If you publish a review of this book, please send tearsheets or a copy for our files to Lindsay Dawson, American Bar Association, Book Publishing, 321 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60654.

Antitrust Experts and Officials from Around the World to Gather in Vancouver to Examine International Cartels and Enforcement

John — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:40:22 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 30, 2012 — The American Bar Association Section of Antitrust Law will host its premier International Cartel Workshop at the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia, Feb 1-3. The workshop is co-sponsored by the International Bar Association.

Following tradition, this year’s workshop includes demonstrations of hypothetical international cartel cases and features experts from around the globe examining all aspects of a cartel case. The workshop features some 75 highly experienced attorneys, senior cartel enforcement officials from 11 enforcement jurisdictions, and more than 40 cartel defense practitioners from 12 countries, and members of the plaintiffs bar from the United States, Canada and Europe.

Antitrust experts and lead cartel enforcers from Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United

States will participate in sessions that describe cartel case scenarios, new developments in the law and leniency practices around the world. Highlights include:

“The Decision to Self-Report and Seek Leniency in Multiple Jurisdictions” – Defense practitioners role play the case of a company’s board considering whether to self-report and seek enforcement leniency. Practitioners will address issues relating to the number of jurisdictions in which the company has exposure and may seek leniency: what are the costs, benefits and risks in applying in multiple jurisdictions? In which jurisdictions should they self-report and in what order?
Feb. 1, 1:00 p.m.

“The Company Seeks Markers in the United States, Korea and Australia” – This session explores three scenarios of a company seeking a marker for leniency protection and negotiating the terms for perfecting its leniency application with the United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division, the Korea Fair Trade Commission, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Feb. 1, 3:00 p.m.

“Beginning the Cartel Investigation: Eight Jurisdictions Devise Their Strategy” – In this hypothetical international cartel case, lead cartel enforcers from Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States plan their strategy to begin a cartel investigation.
Feb. 1, 4:15 p.m.

“Search Warrants and Dawn Raids in Various Jurisdictions” – Senior enforcement officials and leading private practitioners discuss the following hypothetical cases: an FBI search and drop-in interviews in the United States; dawn raids in the European Union; dawn raids and interrogations in Japan; and raids/inspections in Brazil.
Feb. 2, 8:45 a.m.

“Negotiating a Disposition – US, EU and Canada” – Private practitioners and lead enforcers demonstrate negotiating a plea agreement in the United States, discussing a settlement in the European Union and negotiating a disposition in Canada.
Feb. 3, 10:45 a.m.

“A Concluding Roundtable: The 10 Toughest Issues in International Cartel Enforcement” –Panelists from Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union and the United States discuss the top issues in international cartel enforcement.
Feb. 3, 4:15 p.m.

Luncheon programs on Feb. 2 and 3 feature two roundtables: A Roundtable of Head Cartel Enforcers from Emerging Jurisdictions and A Roundtable of Heads of Enforcement Agencies, respectively, discussing the most recent developments and hottest issues in international cartel representations today.

The on-site guide and a link to the full agenda can be found here.

There is no charge for media covering this event. For media credentials and more information please contact Maria Gutierrez at 202-662-1091, Maria.Gutierrez@Americanbar.org.

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Attorney General Holder Highlights Criminal Justice Sessions at ABA Midyear Meeting in New Orleans

John — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:55:29 +0000

CHICAGO, Jan. 26, 2012— Indigent defense, pretrial diversion, juvenile justice, cybercrime and whistleblower cases are chief among criminal justice issues that will be explored at the 2012 American Bar Association Midyear Meeting, Feb. 1 – 6, in New Orleans.

High-profile speakers at the meeting include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia (Feb. 4, 2 p.m.), Attorney General Eric Holder (Feb. 4, 1:30 p.m.), and lawyers Theodore B. Olson and David Boies, co-chairs of the ABA Task Force on Preservation of the Justice System, who will discuss measures to mitigate the impact of severe funding cuts to the nation’s courts (Feb. 4, 9 a.m.).

In addition to the more than 900 events at this premier gathering of legal professionals, the ABA House of Delegates, the association’s policy-making body, will meet on Feb. 6 at the meeting headquarters, the Sheraton New Orleans, in the Grand Ballroom, 5^th floor. Criminal justice issues will be among the topics considered for ABA policy adoption. For details on the proposals for debate and vote during the one-day session, click here.

Online registration for news reporters is easier than ever. Credential guidelines are at http://www.abanow.org/reporter-resources/media-credentials/.

Criminal justice programs include:

Feb. 3

Alcohol-Related Birth Disorders and the Law: How Attorneys and the Justice System Should Respond – Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are often of borderline intelligence, have poor judgment and weak impulse control, lack an understanding of the consequences of their actions and frequently get in trouble with the law. National legal experts on the disorder will discuss how lawyers should recognize and understand this disability in order to represent their juvenile and adult clients effectively and ethically.
8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Napoleon Ballroom C1, 3rd Floor, Sheraton New Orleans

Pretrial Diversion: Best Practices to Ensure Fairness, Conserve Public Funds and Enhance Public Safety – Nationwide experts in pretrial services will identify potential policy and programming reforms, and examine current diversion reform efforts. Panelists will discuss challenges to implementing a fair, safe and accountable system of pretrial justice, as well as diversion’s impact on public safety, funds, reducing recidivism and racial disparity. Panelists include Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson.
10 a.m. – Noon, Teche/Belle Grove, 2nd Floor, Royal Sonesta

Cyber Crime in 2012 – A national panel of federal law enforcement officials, prosecutors and counsel will discuss that the biggest challenge for lawmakers, the judiciary, lawyers and businesses is to keep pace with emerging technologies, track and trace cyber criminals, and understand the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks. Panelists will offer practice tips on handling the inevitable cyber attack or data breach. Other topics will include social media as an instrument of crime and a source of evidence, and legislation on cyber bullying.
1 – 3 p.m., Royal Conti, Lower Level, Royal Sonesta

Crossover, Dual Jurisdiction and Multi-System Youth – Youth who are referred for minor misbehavior to the juvenile justice system by schools, child welfare agencies, mental health facilities or drug or alcohol treatment providers should be served by those systems, rather than by the juvenile court. A multi-system panel will discuss best practices within the draft ABA Standards on Crossover, Dual Jurisdiction and Multi-System Youth.
1 – 3:30 p.m., Teche/Belle Grove, 2nd Floor, Royal Sonesta

Ensuring Access to Justice When There’s No Money – What can courts, prosecutors, defense counsel, police and lawyers do to manage and provide access to justice to all with limited resources in the justice system? Panelists will also identify sources for new funding, and discuss ways to fashion collaborative strategies to effect policy and funding reforms at the national and state levels. Panelists include Martha Bermark (founding president/CEO, Mississippi Center for Justice), Sue Bell Cobb, (chief justice, ret., Alabama Supreme Court) and Jay Zainey, (U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana).
2 – 4 p.m., Fleur de Lis C, Lobby Level, Royal Sonesta

The Legal Lives of Girls in the Justice System – Experts will address policies, practices and processes that impact girls throughout the juvenile justice system. They will focus on the complex legal and social issues girls in the justice system face including access to healthcare and other health law issues, sexual assaults and other exploitation, and conditions of confinement for girls.
3:30 – 5 p.m., Napoleon Ballroom C1, 3rd Floor, Sheraton New Orleans

Why is Qui Tam Litigation Often So Difficult to Resolve? – More qui tam (”whistleblower”) cases than ever are being filed, and they are more complex and far reaching. Experts will discuss the new paradigm and the practices and procedures for finding quicker, more efficient and more equitable settlements of appropriate cases.
3:30 – 5 p.m., Royal Conti, Lower Level, Royal Sonesta

Feb. 4

Summit on Indigent Defense Improvement – Experts will review national developments in indigent defense, such as new court decisions, legislation, funding, standards and federal actions that impact indigent defense. The final morning presentation will focus on Professor Norman Lefstein’s book, Securing Reasonable Caseloads: Ethics and Law in Public Defense. Attorney General Eric Holder will speak on the topic of indigent defense at approximately 1:30 p.m.
7:15 a.m. – 4 p.m., Balcony I/J/K, 4th Floor, Sheraton New Orleans

Task Force on Preservation of the Justice System – Forty-two states have cut the budgets of their state courts in 2011, thereby reducing access to justice for millions of Americans. The ABA Task Force on Preservation of the Justice System has studied the problem, hosting hearings in several cities across the nation. An in-depth forum that includes task force co-chairs Theodore B. Olson and David Boies will examine possible solutions, best practices and reform measures.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Napoleon Ballroom D3, 3rd Floor, Sheraton New Orleans

A Conversation with Justice Scalia – U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will address ABA members and answer audience questions. Reporters interested in attending this event should first contact ABA Communications & Media Relations at 202-662-1090 for coverage guidelines.
2 – 3:30 p.m., Rhythms Ballroom I/II, 2nd Floor, Sheraton New Orleans

Prosecutorial Accountability in the Post-Connick v. Thompson Era – Twice in the past two years the alleged misconduct of the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office has been the subject of a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. A panel of prosecutors, ethics experts, a former death row prisoner and academics will discuss these important cases, whether and how prosecutors should be held accountable for misconduct, and possible reforms.
3 – 4:15 p.m., Founders Room, Louisiana State Bar Association, 601 St. Charles Ave.

Feb. 6 (House of Delegates)

The ABA House of Delegates will consider the following proposals for ABA policy (links to policies provided):

ABA Criminal Justice Standards on Law Enforcement Access to Third Party Records –

Adopts the black letter ABA Criminal Justice Standards on Law Enforcement Access to Third Party Records, dated February 2012, which provide a framework through which legislatures, courts acting in their supervisory capacity, and administrative agencies can balance the needs of law enforcement and the interests of privacy, freedom of expression and social participation.

Pretrial Discovery Procedures – Urges governments to adopt pretrial discovery procedures requiring laboratories to produce comprehensive and comprehensible laboratory and forensic science reports for use in criminal trials that include a number of identified criteria.

Equal and Uniform Access to Sentencing Alternatives – Supports legislation, policies and practices that allow equal and uniform access to therapeutic courts and problem-solving sentencing alternatives, such as drug treatment and anger management counseling, regardless of the custody or detention status of the individual.

Clear Jury Instruction During Death Penalty Phase – Urges federal, state and territorial courts to adopt jury instructions which are in language understandable by jurors untrained in law and legal terms, in the penalty phase of trials in which the death penalty may be imposed and such instructions should be provided to jurors in written form.

FBI Definition of Rape – Urges the Federal Bureau of Investigation to expand the definition of rape in the Uniform Crime Reporting Summary Reporting Program to include all forms of non-consensual sexual penetration, regardless of gender, orifice penetrated, mode of penetration or presence of force. (Because of the Justice Department’s recent adoption of the new definition, this resolution is expected to be revised to emphasize implementation of the expanded definition.)

During the Midyear Meeting, accredited journalists should register on-site at the Sheraton New Orleans, 2nd Floor, beginning Feb. 1. A press room for accredited reporters will be provided at the Armstrong Ballroom, 8^th Floor, of the Sheraton New Orleans, starting at 9 a.m. on Feb. 2. The room will open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will close one hour after the adjournment of the House of Delegates on Feb. 6.

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Foreclosure Prevention, Judicial Disqualification Highlight ABA Midyear Meeting in New Orleans

John — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:55:09 +0000

CHICAGO, Jan. 26, 2012— Preventing foreclosures, a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Model Code of Judicial Conduct regarding judicial disqualification, women’s challenges in the legal profession and many other legal topics will be featured at the 2012 American Bar Association Midyear Meeting, Feb. 1 – 6, in New Orleans.

In addition to the more than 900 events at this premier gathering of legal professionals, the ABA House of Delegates, the association’s policy-making body, will meet on Feb. 6 at the meeting headquarters, the Sheraton New Orleans, in the Grand Ballroom, 5^th floor. For details on the proposals for debate and vote during the one-day session, click here.

Online registration for news reporters is easier than ever. Credential guidelines are at http://www.abanow.org/reporter-resources/media-credentials/.

Meeting highlights include:

Feb. 2

Disability Issues in Employment and Labor Law – Speakers will explain the complex array of federal and state laws and regulations that protect workers with disabilities, lawyers with various disabilities will discuss challenges encountered in accessing the legal profession, and panelists will examine the role of accommodations in the hiring and retention of lawyers with disabilities.
10 – 11:30 a.m., Studio 6, 2nd Floor, New Orleans Marriott

Preventing Foreclosure: A Win-Win Solution for Everyone – National experts will discuss how to prevent homeowners from falling victim to rescue scams, offering tips on referrals to legitimate legal resources. Panelists include Rutledge Simmons of NeighborWorks America and Ranie Thompson of Southwest Louisiana Legal Services.
2 – 4 p.m., Fleur de Lis A, Lobby Level, Royal Sonesta

Feb. 3

How to be a Successful Minority Woman in the Profession – A panel of minority women will provide their personal stories and address topics such as work-life balance, rainmaking, self-branding, mentoring and community involvement.
9:15 – 10:15 a.m., Mardi Gras Ballroom Salon B, 3rd Floor, New Orleans Marriott

Public Hearing: Proposed Amendments to Model Code of Judicial Conduct Regarding Judicial Disqualifications – The ABA professional ethics and discipline committees are conducting a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Model Code of Judicial Conduct, the Model Rules of Professional Conduct and a new Model Supreme Court Rule. The proposed amendments are designed to provide guidance on judicial campaign finance disclosure requirements and standards for judicial disqualification.
9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Napoleon Ballroom C3, 3rd Floor, Sheraton New Orleans

Attorney Client Privilege and ESI: How to Maintain Privilege “In the Cloud” – Experts will present information on new technology used by lawyers and challenges that technology can create in protecting confidential and privileged information, including in discovery.
10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Mardi Gras Ballroom Salon B, 3rd Floor, New Orleans Marriott

Digital Detectives: Finding Information On-Line Like a Pro – Internationally recognized Internet research experts Carole A. Levitt and Mark E. Rosch will reveal secrets and shortcuts of conducting investigative and background research using free and low-cost websites.
11 a.m. – Noon, Grand Ballroom North, Lobby Level, Royal Sonesta

E-Discovery, Public Records and Metadata – Panelists will explore what constitutes electronically stored information and metadata, and highlight various Federal Rules of Civil Procedure practice changes. The panel will discuss notable e-discovery and public records cases, and examine relevant ethics opinions and rules.
1:15 – 2:45 p.m., Grand Ballroom North, Lobby Level, Royal Sonesta

Visible Invisibility: Breaking Down Barriers to Women’s Leadership – The ABA Commission on Women in the Profession will preview the results of its new survey of diversity dynamics in Fortune 500 corporate legal departments, focusing on the experiences of women attorneys of color in the areas of recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement. Panelists include general counsel from Allstate Insurance Co., Altria Group Inc., Capital One N.A., McDonald’s Corp., and Microsoft Corp.
3 – 5 p.m., Oak Alley, 4th Floor, Sheraton New Orleans

Feb. 4

During the Midyear Meeting, accredited journalists should register on-site at the Sheraton New Orleans, 2nd Floor, beginning Feb. 1. A press room for accredited reporters will be provided at the Armstrong Ballroom, 8^th Floor, of the Sheraton New Orleans, starting at 9 a.m. on Feb. 2. The room will open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will close one hour after the adjournment of the House of Delegates on Feb. 6.

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