February 11, 1998

Present at the meeting were Chris Buckman, Jerre Dixon, Dave Little, Mike Ludwig, Heather Burkham, Donna Lloyd, John Wheeler, Mike Hutchinson, John Phillips, John Palmeri, Reba Nance and Michael Mihm.

Michael Mihm reported that the March meeting has been moved forward one day to Tuesday, March 10, 1998, at 7:30 a.m. The reason for this change is to accommodate executives from Coregis Insurance Company, the bar sponsored insurance carrier, who will be flying to Colorado to meet with the committee and review the progress of the bar insurance program.

Michael Mihm reported on the Malpractice Lawyers' Dinner to be held on the evening of February 11, 1998.

John Wheeler and Donna Lloyd reported on the malpractice prevention seminars. There were a total of 511 attendees state wide. Grand Junction had 51 attendees, Denver had 264 attendees, Colorado Springs had 101 attendees and Ft. Collins had 47 attendees; 36 people have signed up for the videotape replay in Denver and 12 have signed up for the replay in Durango. Attendance was down in Denver and Ft. Collins; attendance increased or stayed the same in Grand Junction and Colorado Springs. Donna Lloyd reported that the feedback was that the attendees in Denver did not like the location at the Convention Center near I-70 and Pena Boulevard. Donna Lloyd will begin looking into places for next year's program. Otherwise, the seminars appear to have been very well received. The committee would like to thank Judge Casebolt, John Wheeler, Robin Beatty and Donna Lloyd for their very hard work in organizing these seminars.

John Palmeri reported on the Court of Appeals' recent legal malpractice decision in Broker House International, Ltd. vs. Edward M. Bendelow and Bendelow & Darling, P. C.

Chris Buckman reported on a Coregis program. Coregis is reporting 97 % premium retention and 87% policy retention. The majority of policies that have not been retained have been due to lateral movement of lawyers and people moving out-of-state. There has also been a trend for lawyers to wait later and later to submit their renewal applications. This trend jeopardizes the lawyers' ability to get the best premium rate. Chris Buckman will write a short article for Whoops addressing the problem.

Reba Nance reported on the speakers' bureau. There have been no recent requests for speakers. Michael Mihm and Chuck Turner will send out another letter to the committee chairs.

There being no further business, the committee adjourned.

(Minutes by Michael T. Mihm, Chair)