Latinos who have survived racial violence and experts in the New York Latino community will testify at the third hearing held by the American Bar Association Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights and Responsibilities on March 25 at New York University Law School. These regional testimonies will be used to foster a discussion about the state of the legal landscape and its impact on Latinos across the country.

The American Bar Association extends to the people of Japan and the entire Pacific Rim, including our members in the region and their families, friends and colleagues, our deep condolences and full support following this morning’s terrible earthquake and tsunami. The initial reports present a devastating picture. We hope that the amount of suffering and number of casualties will be much lower than expected.

Now in its 25th year, ABA TECHSHOW is bringing the best of the best in technology-related law practice management tools and technology to the Hilton Chicago for three days, April 11 – 13. Leading experts and manufacturers of these technologies will be on-hand in the TECHSHOW exhibition hall. Additionally, there are more than 50 programs on legal technologies, addressing topics such as e-discovery, mind mapping, the “paperless office” and social networking.

The American Bar Association’s Civics and Law Academy was held at the Florida International University College of Law on Sat., Feb. 19, 2011, in Miami. The program was designed to prepare, inspire, and engage high school students in learning about the law, Constitution and the power of civic engagement using interactive workshops and speaking presentations.

Women lawyers are a proud part of our past and a major part of our future. The “feminization” of the practice of law is evident, not only in the United States, but around the globe: more than 50% of law students today are women. The ABA’s first woman member, Mary Frances Lathrop, who joined in 1918, quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the association’s leaders.

The American Bar Association (ABA) has a longstanding commitment to advancing human rights and promoting the rule of law around the world. The violent response of the Libyan government to the current unrest in that country demonstrates continuing disregard for both of these fundamental principles.

The American Bar Academy is going into schools across the country to engage with our next generation and teach them the fundamentals of our civic life. I’m proud to have taken part in one of the very first academies, in Miami. This hands-on approach to bringing civics back into the classroom will help motivate all Americans to preserve our extraordinary balance between three co-equal branches of government, and protect our fundamental freedoms.

We must find a way to protect funds that help struggling families handle crises involving their homes, bills, health and well-being. Legal aid providers, backed by Legal Services Corporation, do this important work. The American Bar Association will fight to ensure they can continue it.

Judge Lippman should be commended for his leadership on this issue. People must believe the courts are fair and impartial–otherwise, the rule of law and constitutional democracy cannot stand. Judges must be protected from the perception that campaign donations may have influence on the courts. New York’s judicial leadership is wise to take on the problem and propose solutions.

The American Bar Association raised its voice today in support of law school self-governance and independence, adequate Legal Services Corporation funding, and smarter criminal justice sanctions. The association’s 560-member policymaking House of Delegates met in Atlanta as part of the ABA’s Midyear Meeting, which began Feb. 9 and concluded today.

On the final day of the American Bar Association Midyear Meeting, its House of Delegates adopted policy urging Congress to increase funding for Legal Services Corporation, supporting modifications in criminal justice sanctions, and addressing the growing problem of bullying, including cyberbullying.

In today’s economy, it is more important than ever that we help those who are struggling financially from falling into deeper crisis. Many times the crisis can be solved by a good lawyer. That’s what’s legal aid providers across this country do every day, helping working class Americans with funds provided through Legal Services Corporation. The Obama administration deserves high praise for recognizing the role legal aid plays in supporting the economic recovery, proposing $450 million in funding for the fiscal year 2012.