January 13, 1999

In attendance were Christopher Buckman, Reba Nance, Mike Ludwig, Chuck Turner, Robin Beattie, Bob Treece, Dave Little, Donna Lloyd, Heather Burkham, Jerre Dixon, John Wheeler, Leslie Dolan, and Michael Mihm.

Donna Lloyd reported on the preparations for the malpractice prevention seminars. The seminars are scheduled to begin on Friday, January 15, 1999, in Grand Junction. The programs will then take place on January 22 in Colorado Springs, January 29 in Denver, and February 5 in Greeley. Ms. Lloyd reported that about 40 attendees have signed up for the Grand Junction program. Chuck Turner and Robin Beattie have sent out two letters, one to members in various counties where the seminars are being held and another to the local bar presidents regarding promoting these programs. Ms. Lloyd reported that there are currently 35 registrations for the Colorado Springs program and approximately 150 for the Denver program and 25 to 30 for the Greeley program. She anticipates there will be more as the time for these programs draws closer.

The Committee talked about the problems with the weather this time of year and the havoc it sometimes creates for the seminars. The Committee discussed whether it may be wise to change the time of year that the programs are held. The Committee agreed to defer this discussion until later this year.

Mr. Mihm reported on the malpractice prevention check list. Chris Buckman, of Sedgwick James, has supplied Westport Insurance Company's statical breakdown of Colorado claims by area of practice, and basis of claim for each area of practice. Mr. Mihm will provide a copy of this report to the Committee members who volunteered to work on the malpractice prevention check list.

Dave Little reported on the young lawyer's training program. There is a meeting scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on February 9, 1999, in the executive conference room of the Colorado Bar Association. This will be an organizational meeting. Phil Shuey and Bob Yegge will attend and provide information they have regarding their programs. Anyone on the Committee who wishes to participate in this endeavor is welcome to attend the meeting on February 9.

Heather Burkham reported on "Whoops." The January issue of Whoops is ready to be mailed. Ms. Burkham solicited articles for the April issue. Mr. Mihm volunteered to prepare an article regarding interstate practice of law.

Reba Nance reported on the Speaker's Bureau. There has been no recent requests for speakers. The Committee talked about ways we should publicize this service to the various committee section chairs and local bar association leaders. Chuck Turner suggested that we identify specific topics for which we can provide speakers.

Chris Buckman reported on recent developments with Westport Insurance Company. Westport's attempt to streamline the application process for sole practitioners and small law firms is proceeding nicely and it seems to be well received by the bar membership. Mr. Buckman reported that Westport had reduced on its base insurance premium rate by ten percent. Some law firm's premium rates will go down slightly; other will stay the same, depending on their area of practice and claims history. The Committee discussed methods by which this additional benefit to the bar members could be more widely published. Ms. Beckman pointed out that it is currently highlighted in the most issue of Whoops. Mr. Mihm suggested it be included as a bar note item in the Colorado Lawyer.

There is no recent legal malpractice decisions. Mr. Mihm discussed the recent Supreme Court decision in Walter v. Hall, which many of the Committee members were aware of, concerning the Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the impact that this decision may have on lawyers.

There being no further business, the Committee adjourned.

NOTE: Several representatives of Coregis/Westport Insurance Company will attend the Committee's meeting on February 10, 1999, to discuss the bar-endorsed program and new developments at Coregis/Westport. Please plan on attending this important annual meeting.

Minutes by Michael T. Mihm