$150,000 grant will bolster ABA’s pro bono immigration work

The American Bar Association Board of Governors approved a one-time American Bar Endowment Opportunity Grant of $150,000 from the ABE to the Commission on Immigration. The money is expected to fund the hiring of a pro bono coordinator to manage new volunteers.

Apr 1, 2019 12:40 AM CDT

Executive director unveils redesigned ABA logo, branding at Midyear Meeting

Executive Director Jack L. Rives presented delegates with the new logo design, which had been approved by the Board of Governors the day before. While the current ABA logo has been in use for more than 40 years, a new logo could assist the association in proving its value to both potential and current members, Rives said.

Mar 1, 2019 12:55 AM CST

ABA House of Delegates rejects changes to bar passage standard for law schools

Language in Resolution 105 called for at least 75 percent of a law school’s graduates to pass a bar exam within two years of graduation. Under ABA rules, the House can send a potential revision—in this case for Standard 316—back to the council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar twice for review with or without recommendations, but the council has the final decision on matters related to law school accreditation.

Mar 1, 2019 12:52 AM CST

Schiff Hardin partner and former Green Beret leads firm’s pro bono pilot program for veterans

Led by Mir Ali, Schiff Hardin lawyers in the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program have started representing veterans and their loved ones in appealing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs denials of benefits.

Mar 1, 2019 12:45 AM CST

ABA ‘will bend the moral arc towards justice,’ President Bob Carlson says

The ABA sets the gold standard for the American legal profession, ABA President Bob Carlson told the ABA House of Delegates at the ABA Midyear Meeting in Las Vegas—and it will never stop championing due process and the rule of law.

Mar 1, 2019 12:43 AM CST

ABA House OKs resolutions on criminal justice, LGBT rights, immigration issues

The policymaking body of the American Bar Association passed a slate of criminal justice resolutions, including ones on clarifying expungement procedures, tightening child abuse laws and ensuring female prisoners have access to toilet paper and feminine hygiene products.

Mar 1, 2019 12:40 AM CST

ABA Notices

Pursuant to Section 6.3(a) of the ABA’s Constitution, 18 states will elect State Delegates for three-year terms beginning at the adjournment of the 2020 Annual Meeting. The states conducting elections and election rules and procedures can be found at ambar.org/2020-statedel.

Mar 1, 2019 12:31 AM CST

Working toward well-being: Tools help lawyers and legal employers deal with substance-abuse disorder

The Well-Being Pledge Campaign asks legal employers to commit to offering resources and confidentiality to help lawyers with substance use disorders and mental health issues. It also developed the Well-Being Toolkit for Lawyers and Legal Employers, an 8-step action plan.

Jan 1, 2019 1:10 AM CST

When things go wrong, immigrants serving in the military look to Margaret Stock

Alaska lawyer Margaret Stock fought new restrictions on MAVNIs–service members in the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest program, which recruited immigrants with highly desired skills.

Jan 1, 2019 1:05 AM CST

Appellate attorney writes Harper Lee Prize-winning novel

Cynthia Tobisman is a partner with the GMSR law firm in Los Angeles. As C.E. Tobisman, she has published two novels featuring her character Caroline Auden, a computer hacker turned lawyer, and a dystopian comic book series. Tobisman’s second novel Proof is the winner of the 2018 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction. The prize is given each year by the University of Alabama School of Law and the ABA Journal to a novel-length work of fiction that best illuminates the role of lawyers in society and their power to effect change.

Jan 1, 2019 1:00 AM CST

ABA Announcements - January

At the 2019 Midyear Meeting, the Nominating Committee will announce nominations for district and at-large positions on the ABA Board of Governors for three-year terms beginning at the conclusion of the 2019 Annual Meeting.

Jan 1, 2019 12:50 AM CST

ABA Announcements - February

Jan 1, 2019 12:49 AM CST

Source of Solace: Off the bench, federal judge dedicates time to helping others

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey co-founded SOLACE more than 15 years ago. Support of Lawyers/Legal Personnel—All Concern Encouraged members try to help fellow members of the legal community and their families in times of need.

Dec 1, 2018 1:10 AM CST

Kentucky pro bono organization uses bus as mobile legal aid clinic

Kentucky’s Legal Aid of the Bluegrass recently equipped a 2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van with a mobile law office, including bench seating for six, as well as a desk, multiple computers, video-conferencing equipment, a printer and Wi-Fi. A sky-blue autowrap with the words Justice Bus in white runs along its sides. You don’t have to have a special license to operate the vehicle, so staff and volunteer lawyers do the driving.

Dec 1, 2018 1:05 AM CST

ABA-backed legislation will help domestic violence survivors get pro bono legal help

The Pro bono Work to Empower and Represent Act of 2018 moved through Congress with strong bipartisan support. The ABA is applauding the enactment this past fall of legislation to help survivors of domestic violence gain access to pro bono legal services.

Dec 1, 2018 1:00 AM CST