Search

Powered by Google

Not a CBA Member? Join Now!
Find A Lawyer Directory

Calendars

June 24, 2009

June 24, 2009

In this issue:

What's New

Coming Soon

Summary of CBA Benefits and Economic Assistance

If you have trouble viewing this page in your e-mail application, you may also view it online.

Members Helping Members Through Tough Times
This newsletter is a periodic publication to keep our members informed about what programs
and assistance the ETF is providing to the CBA membership.

What's New

Executive Council approves the ETF’s initial funding request of $52,300
The Executive Council approves funding for CLE/Educational programming, a pilot Job Search/Career Transition Support Group, networking activity functions, and other economic assistance programs.

CLE Programming Scheduled

FREE Legal Movie Nights — No cost to attendees. Each program will provide pizza, beverages, and a chance to network with peers, as well as one general CLE credit available. To register, e-mail lunches@cobar.org or call (303) 860-1115 ext. 727.

  • "Anatomy of a Murder" with Professor Heidi Boerstler speaking on "Rules to Transform your Career." Tuesday, July 14 from 6 – 9 p.m., third floor of the CBA CLE office.
  • "Inherit the Wind" with Professor Heidi Boerstler speaking on "Rules to Transform your Career." Tuesday, July 28 from 6 – 9 p.m., third floor of the CBA CLE office.

Free Summer CLE Series: Tightwad Technology for Financially Tough Times
We’re rolling out several high-value programs over the next couple of months. First up? Nationally known legal technology speaker Ross Kodner of MicroLaw will give you the tools to make your practice more efficient and your clients more satisfied. Registration is required.

  • On July 22, Part One:
    • 60+ Time-Saving & Practice Enhancing Tech Tips, Gadgets and Web Resources in 90 Minutes
    • How NOT to Commit Malpractice with Your Computer
      • Register now for either the live program or live webcast. 3.6 CLE credits have been applied for, including 1.8 ethics.
  • On July 29, Part Two:
    • The Virtual Colorado Lawyer: Practice Law (Ethically) from Your Bedroom or Nearest Café
    • Recession Spending: How to Buy Right and Spend Smart
    • Better Using What You Already Have: Word, Outlook, Acrobat
      • Register now for either the live program or live webcast. 4.8 CLE credits have been applied for, including 1.2 ethics.

Two full-days of the Hanging Your Shingle CLE program has been discounted from $279 to $79 for members, August 13 and 14
Register now for either the live program or live webcast.

Networking and Job Search Assistance

CBA Pilots Free Job Search and Career Transition Support Group
Attend any or all four of the brown-bag group sessions taking place July 7, 14, 21, and 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m. These sessions are facilitated by Patty Powell and Jennifer Loud Ungar, both of whom are former practicing attorneys and law school career development professionals. Participate in a safe, confidential forum where you can share your experiences, network and gather practical information to enhance your job search or career transition efforts. Click here for more information or RSVP to networking@cobar.org.

Coming Soon

CLE Programming in the Planning Stages

More Free Summer CLE Series

  • Retool Your Job Search — August 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is not yet available. Check www.cobar.org/etf for updates.
  • Marketing on a Shoestring and Social Media & Networking — Date TBD. Check www.cobar.org/etf for updates.

Pro Bono Series
Four short CLE programs on substantive areas of law to help volunteer attorneys begin their pro bono cases. These courses will be available at no cost to attorneys willing to take on a pro bono case. Topics include bankruptcy, foreclosure, landlord/tenant, and debtor/creditor. Date TBD. Check www.cobar.org/etf for updates.

Managing Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues (webcast only). Date TBD. Check www.cobar.org/etf for updates.

Networking and Job Search Assistance

Improved Find A Lawyer Directory Listings and Search Options
Soon you can customize your Find A Lawyer Directory listing with new options, such as: upload your resume or curriculum vitae to your profile and select it to be searchable by employers and potential new clients; update your employment status with a variety of options; and add your biography, list advanced degrees and certifications, multiple counties you practice in, and list your various local bars, and CBA section/committee memberships.

Miscellaneous News

CBA's Economic Downturn Survey Results
Thanks to all of you who participated in our survey to evaluate the effects of our economic downturn. Click here to see the full survey results. The following are some highlights from the survey results:

  • 1,923 members completed the survey.
  • 13% of those responding were currently unemployed or underemployed.
  • 23% of the law practices reported a significant decrease in profitability during the last six months.
  • Solo practitioners, small firms, and those who have been in practice for less than 4 years have been hit the hardest.
  • Those who were unemployed were most interested in job search assistance. Those who were employed were most interested in improving the efficiency of their practice and in low-cost CLE programs.

Summary of CBA Benefits and Economic Assistance

Dues Assistance Program
Any prospective or current member of the CBA may apply for a partial reduction or full dues assistance for general CBA dues (participating local bars are listed on the application). By assessing their own financial circumstances, applicants determine for themselves whether they need a full or partial assistance. For more information, please e-mail amberv@cobar.org.

Tuition Assistance Provided for CLE in Colorado Programs
CLE in Colorado consistently offers tuition assistance for members who are unemployed or are facing other financial hardships. For more information, please e-mail Gary Abrams.

Confidential Peer Support Groups for Substance Abuse
There are two programs that offer assistance to attorneys. Both the Colorado Attorney Assistance Program and the Peer Assistance Program are confidential and as such are exempt from reporting to the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. Financial assistance for attorneys may be available through the Waterman Fund.

$25 CLE coupons for all those who passed the February 2009 Bar Exam
If you were unable to attend the swearing in ceremony and would like a coupon, please e-mail Heather Clark.

Real Estate Section members receive $50 coupons
If you are new to the section and have not received your coupon, please e-mail Dana Collier Smith.

Benefit of the Week: Casemaker 2.1
The Casemaker Online Legal Research Library is provided to members at no charge. To access Casemaker, log on to the CBA Web Site and click on the Casemaker logo. If you have questions or comments about Casemaker, e-mail casemaker@cobar.org or call the CBA offices during regular business hours at (303) 860-1115 and ask for the Casemaker Hotline.

Member Privileges and Discounts

*To unsubscribe to this email please click here.

The ETF consists of the following volunteer CBA members: Daniel McCune, Chair, Paul Chan, Pat Furman, James Garts, Dave Johnson, Patty Powell, Kathryn Sellars, Claire Sollars, Karen Steinhauser, Andy Toft, Bill Walters, and Jennifer Wascak. If you have any comments or suggestions for the ETF, please e-mail Heather Clark at the Colorado Bar Association at (303) 824-5350.