December 10, 1997

Present at the meeting were Dave Little, Mike McConnell, Robin Beattie, Dan McCune, Reba Nance, Christopher Buckman, Michael Mihm, Heather Burkham, Peter Sonnenthal, Mike Hutchinson, John Wheeler and Mike Ludwig.

Chris Buckman reported on current developments with Coregis. Coregis now has an AA++, Class 15 rating by Best. Chris also reported that he anticipates several individuals from Coregis will visit the committee sometime in February or March.

John Wheeler reported on the Malpractice Prevention Seminars. The Malpractice Prevention Seminars are in place. The speakers' materials are beginning to trickle in and were due on December 10, 1997. These materials will be peer reviewed.

Heather Burkham reported briefly on the committee's Web page.

The members of the committee are unaware of any recent Colorado appellate decisions concerning legal malpractice.

Mike McConnell and Mike Ludwig reported on recent developments in new cases that they are defending. Specifically, each is now handling a claim in which the Attorney General's office is denying Medicaid benefits to beneficiaries because of the terms of a Special Needs Trust. The committee discussed the issue at length. Mike McConnell and Mike Ludwig agreed to prepare a short article for Whoops or the Colorado Lawyer warning about this problem. Michael Mihm agreed to make some inquiries to determine whether these were isolated incidents or whether there is a wider problem.

There being no further business, the committee adjourned.

(Minutes by Michael T. Mihm, Chair)