Philadelphia Bar Association | Today's News

Volunteers Needed for Get Help Now PA!

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The initiative encourages Americans to create meaningful change in their communities by engaging in service. The Philadelphia Bar Association is working in conjunction with its Young Lawyers Division, Lawyers in Transition initiative, the Philadelphia Legal Secretaries Association and Philadelphia Association of Paralegals to bring Get Help Now Pennsylvania! to Philadelphia.

Starting Tuesday, July 7 through Friday, Sept. 11 (from 1 to 6 p.m.), President and Mrs. Obama are asking legal professionals and bankers to staff offices around the state to help direct individuals with legal or financial issues to agencies that can provide help. Here in Philadelphia, the office will be located at the Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law. As Philadelphia is the state's largest city, volunteers are greatly needed. The session are held twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Get Help Now Pennsylvania is a collaborative effort of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bankers Association, the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers, the Mortgage Bankers Association of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Association of Mortgage Brokers, the Pennsylvania Financial Services Association, the Office of the First Lady and Pennsylvania Department of Banking.

For questions or to volunteer, please contact Brian Sims, staff counsel for policy and planning at the Philadelphia Bar Association at bsims@philabar.org or call (215) 238-6353.

PHILADELPHIA BAR ASSOCIATION CALLS ON LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL FUNDING FOR STATE JUDICIARY IN 2009-2010 STATE BUDGET

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

As the deadline to approve the Pennsylvania state budget nears, the Philadelphia Bar Association urges legislators to provide essential funding for the state judiciary – a system integral for the preservation of Pennsylvanians’ lives and livelihoods.

“There is not one aspect of our lives that is not touched by the law,” says Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Sayde Ladov.

Currently, the state judiciary budget represents just 0.6% of the total Commonwealth budget. The proposed budget would cut judiciary funding six percent from current funding levels – resulting in a $34 million gap in fiscal year 2009-2010.

“An open, operating and fully-funded court system does more than keep our towns safe by prosecuting criminals and holding businesses accountable when their actions harm people,” Ladov says. “The courts have a hand in many day-to-day issues.

Below are matters that would be impossible to resolve without the help of the courts.

Problems with a hunting, gaming or boating license
Problems with a building permit
Restoring a suspended driver’s license or resolving a traffic citation
Child custody and divorce disputes
Collecting delinquent child support payments
Settling landlord/tenant and lender/debtor disputes
Bankruptcy issues
Mortgage issues

“Delaying access to the courts is denying access to the courts,” Ladov says. “Cutting the state judiciary’s budget could prevent citizens from the timely resolution of life’s important matters and have a ripple affect on police forces and other emergency personnel who sit in on trials. A reduced budget could lead to trial delays, which would keep these important people in court, rather than on the streets where they are really needed.

“We call on the state legislature to provide adequate funding to the state judiciary in order to preserve our essential court system.”

(Go here to send a letter to your legislators calling for a fully-funded Pennsylvania judiciary.)

Philadelphia Bar Association Wins Prestigious ABA Honor: 2009 Harrison Tweed Award

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Philadelphia Bar Association will receive the 2009 Harrison Tweed Award, one of the American Bar Association’s most prestigious honors, for its work with the Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program.

This program, which has enabled nearly 1,000 low-income Philadelphia homeowners to keep their homes, is a collaborative effort between Philadelphia’s courts and judges; city government; borrowers and lenders; credit counseling associations and Philadelphia Bar Association leaders, public interest attorneys, volunteer attorneys and judges pro tem.

The program has attracted dozens of visitors from other states and counties who are interested in duplicating its success.

“There is no higher accolade than winning the Harrison Tweed award,” says Sayde Ladov, Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. “It exemplifies the spirit of cooperation between bench and bar and honors the work of all involved.”

The Tweed award was created in 1956 to recognize the extraordinary achievements of bar associations in creating access to justice for the poor. The award is given annually by the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defendants and the National Legal Aid and Defender Association.

The award will be formally presented on July 31 at the ABA Annual Meeting in Chicago during a joint luncheon of the National Conference of Bar Presidents, National Association of Bar Executives and National Conference of Bar Foundations.

As the number of mortgage foreclosure filings reached record levels in 2008, the leadership of the Philadelphia courts turned to the Mortgage Foreclosure Steering Committee, chaired by former Court of Common Pleas President Judge C. Darnell Jones II and Judge Annette M. Rizzo. The committee includes representatives from the City Solicitor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, attorneys representing lenders and borrowers, housing and community activities, and Philadelphia Bar Association members and committee representatives.

Together, they formed the Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Pilot Program. Since its introduction in June 2008, the program has allowed nearly 1,000 low-income Philadelphia homeowners to keep their homes.

Pamela Dembe, President Judge of Common Pleas Court, says, “By keeping working families in their homes, this program is directly addressing the effects of recession on Philadelphia. Its benefit in human terms is incalculable.”

She adds, “The Bar Association, the courts, and normally antagonistic attorney groups have forged trust, communication channels and pride. It has also energized everyone to look at new ways that the Court and Bar can develop other programs to benefit our region.”

How the Program Works

Once a mortgage foreclosure is filed in Common Pleas Court, homeowners receive a conciliation conference date and are urged to call the Save Your Home Philly Hotline. Homeowners work with the counselor to develop a new finance plan that is delivered to the lender 10 days before the conciliation conference.

Special conciliation conferences are held weekly where volunteer layers and private attorneys gather with their clients, housing counselors and lenders to work out affordable loan modification or repayment plans.

Judges and judges pro tem are on hand to work out compromises as needed. The Bar Association has played a key role by recruiting and training more than 250 volunteer attorneys who assist homeowners, along with more than 50 high-level members to serve as judges pro tem, presiding at the weekly conferences.

Among U.S. cities, Philadelphia has been particularly vulnerable to the crash of the economy since rowhomes and other single-family dwellings for low-income residents form such a large percentage of the total housing stock. As Judge Annette Rizzo explains, “The Philadelphia Bar Association has shown unparalleled leadership in responding to a most pressing need.”

This is the fourth time (2009, 1996, 1988, 1970) that the Philadelphia Bar Association has been recognized with the Tweed Award.

Association Launches PhilaBenchBar.org

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Philadelphia Bar Association has launched PhilaBenchBar.org, a web site devoted entirely to the Association's Bench-Bar and Annual Conference on Oct. 23 and 24 at Harrah's Atlantic City.

PhilaBenchBar.org contains all the details about the annual conference, including details about CLE programs and speakers. Members can also register for the conference and view photos from past events.

Visit PhilaBenchBar.org and register today.

JoAnne Epps, Dean of Temple University Beasley School of Law, Received Philadelphia Bar Association’s Sandra Day O’Connor Award, June 9

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

JoAnne Epps, dean of Temple University Beasley School of Law, received the Philadelphia Bar Association's Sandra Day O'Connor Award at its Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon, June 9 at the Bellevue, Broad and Walnut streets.

Established in 1993, the Sandra Day O’Connor Award is conferred annually on a female attorney who has demonstrated superior legal talent, achieved significant legal accomplishments and has furthered the advancement of women both professionally and in the community. Epps will also deliver the Judge A. Leon Higginbotham Jr. Memorial Public Interest Lecture at the event.

A leading scholar in the areas of trial advocacy and criminal procedure, Epps took over as dean at Temple Law in July. Prior to assuming this role, Epps was a Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Before joining Temple, Epps was a deputy city attorney for the City of Los Angeles and an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. She is a frequent speaker on evidence and advocacy, both domestically and internationally.

In June 2007, Epps traveled to London as the only law professor member of a nine-person American team that provided training to Sudanese lawyers representing victims of the Darfur crisis. In 2005 and 2006, she taught jury trial advocacy to more than 20,000 members of the Japanese Bar Association in anticipation of the re-institution of jury trials in criminal cases in Japan.

Also at the Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon, Alan W. Margolis, a founding partner of Margolis Edelstein, was inducted into the Bar Association’s 50-Year Club and speak on behalf of this year’s other Year Club inductees – distinctions awarded to 50-, 60- and 70-year members of the Bar Association.

The event was held at 12 p.m. at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue.

Young Lawyers Division to Award Five Area Law Students “Diversity Scholarships” at Annual Diversity Happy Hour, June 16

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Young Lawyers Division will award its “Diversity Scholarships” to five local law students at its annual Diversity Happy Hour, Tuesday, June 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Mexican Post. The event is co-hosted by the Barristers Association of Philadelphia, the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia, the Hispanic Bar Association of Philadelphia, the Asian-Pacific American Bar Association of Philadelphia, and the South-Asian Bar Association of Philadelphia.

The scholarships will be awarded to: Priya DeSouza of Temple's Beasley School of Law, Earthen Johnson of Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law, Samea Lee of Temple's Beasley School of Law, Maricruz Melendrez of Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law, and Jennifer Supplee of Temple's Beasley School of Law.

Pre-registration is encouraged as the first 200 to RSVP will be given two complimentary drink tickets for each attendee. Appetizers will also be available throughout the night.

James DeCrescenzo Reporting LLC and Trial Technologies, Inc. are sponsoring the event. To pre-register for this event, click here

MAJORITY OF AMERICANS HARD-HIT BY RECESSION, STAND FIRM BEHIND FEDERAL FUNDING FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Tue, 5 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

New Survey Offers New Insight on Legal Ripples from Financial Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 20, 2009 - Many Americans report their financial fortunes are falling, but a new survey commissioned by the American Bar Association and conducted by Harris Interactive records high support levels for provision of the basic legal help for those in crisis.

More than half of all Americans (53 percent) said their family's financial situation had worsened in the past six months. In the wake of the recession, grantees of Legal Services Corporation in all regions of the country are reporting a wave of new clients seeking help. Agencies say that common issues include: foreclosure prevention, late payments on medical bills, car and credit cards, and delinquent child support.

The survey, commissioned by the American Bar Association, was conducted by phone by Harris Interactive between April 1-5 among 1,016 U.S. residents aged 18 and older. Results were weighted as needed for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income.

"For many Americans, their financial problems are becoming legal problems," noted ABA President H. Thomas Wells, Jr. "In many circumstances, legal assistance can prevent families and individuals from going into a financial free-fall that could lead to homelessness, bankruptcy or dropping out of school."

U.S. adults overwhelmingly back provision of legal services for those facing serious legal and financial problems who could not hire a lawyer: Over two-thirds (68 percent) say it's extremely or very important that Americans have access to legal resources and advice when they are in crisis.

"Good advice leads to the best, fastest resolution for all parties before things reach a crisis point," said Wells. "The laws involved are complicated for anyone to navigate. Legal aid providers are the critical source of help to many in trouble."

Americans also strongly support the existence of, and federal funding for, the work of Legal Services Corporation and its grantees. Eighty-eight percent agreed that it is essential that a non-profit provider of legal services is available to assist those who could not otherwise afford legal help. Two thirds support federal funding to help Americans who need that assistance.

Survey results also show a high awareness of the work LSC grantees do: 71 percent of Americans are aware that, in most communities, free legal help is available to some people faced with serious legal and financial problems.

"Communities are very aware of the positive impact legal aid providers have and they are crying out for strong federal support of this program, especially during a time of crisis when a variety of other funding sources are sharply down," stated Wells. "That's why, this year, the presidents of all state and territorial bar associations and the leaders of four major U.S. minority bar associations joined with the ABA to send a letter to Congress clearly stating the need for a strong Legal Services Corporation. America's lawyers are trying to help those caught in the financial downturn in numerous ways. Ensuring we have a strong LSC is an important piece of the puzzle."

A one-page summary of the results can be found here: click here

The full study can be found here:click here

Increased Fees for Lawyers Called a Shared Sacrifice

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Calling the fee increase nominal at seven cents a day, the Philadelphia Bar Association stated its admiration for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision to order a $25 increase in the annual registration fee for Pennsylvania lawyers, which will be used to help support legal aid programs for the poor.

“In these difficult economic times, we recognize the need for shared sacrifice. For less than seven cents a day, we can do our part as lawyers to help those most desperately in need,” says Sayde Ladov, Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. “We admire the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s tough decision in stepping up on behalf of the most vulnerable in our society. We’re grateful that the Court has seen to it that lawyers across the Commonwealth continue to have a financial stake in providing access to justice for all its citizens.”

The funds from this increase - the first such adjustment in eight years – will be used to bolster the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account Program (IOLTA), which distributes funds for civil legal assistance to Pennsylvanians unable to afford lawyers. Because of plummeting interest rates on lawyers’ trust accounts with banks, IOLTA’s ability to provide grants to legal aid organizations has decreased from $13.5 million in 2008 to a projected $6.5 million this year. (source: Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts)

For years, Pennsylvania’s attorney registration fee of $175 has been among the lowest in the nation. Even with this increase, the new annual fee will be lower than fees across 39 states.

The Philadelphia Bar Association has a long and proud history of supporting legal services at public service organizations, both through the Philadelphia Bar Foundation and by its support of individual programs. In 1981, the Philadelphia Bar Association co-founded the Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program (VIP), which serves as the hub of pro bono legal services in Philadelphia. VIP continues to serve as the Bar Association’s premier pro bono referral agency.

Ladov adds, “ Although this is a small increase, it’s a big help during tough times.”

Philadelphia Bar Association Supports Supreme Court Decision in Luzerne County Case

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Philadelphia Bar Association applauds the action taken by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court yesterday in its unanimous order giving a judge the discretion to overturn the cases of as many as 1,200 juveniles sentenced by a corrupt Luzerne County judge.
“This is definitely a step in the right direction,” says Sayde Ladov, Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. “The action taken by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court not only begins to restore justice to the youth and families personally affected by this tragedy, but it also helps to restores the public’s faith and confidence in our justice system.”

Two Luzerne County judges recently pled guilty to charges that they had accepted secret payments from owners of two juvenile detention centers, where they routinely sentenced juveniles who appeared without counsel.

“This issue speaks loudly about the power of the bench,” Ladov adds. ”Choosing judges is serious business, with outcomes that literally affect our daily lives. That’s why, during election years, the Philadelphia Bar Association performs an extensive evaluation of judicial candidates, and we issue our findings of ‘recommended’ or ‘not recommended’ to the public.”

The Philadelphia Bar Association is set to release its recommendation shortly for this year’s primary election, set for May 19.

Ladov says, “We applaud the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, for their action demonstrates its dedication to ensuring the integrity, honesty and fairness of the bench. While the behavior of these corrupt Luzerne County judges was and remains absolutely outrageous, this is an important step in reassuring the public that our system of justice is working on behalf of its citizens.”

Stop Court System Budget Cuts, Association Urges City

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Philadelphia Bar Association is calling upon the city government to reconsider proposals to further reduce the budget of the city’s court system, stating that doing so would adversely impact the administration of meaningful justice.

“While we understand the economic difficulties facing our city, the Mayor’s proposed budget cuts are shortsighted and would be a severe detriment to Philadelphia’s justice system,” says Chancellor Sayde Ladov.

“The Bar is dedicated to maintaining access to justice for all people,” she continues. “Making additional budget cuts not only compromises our justice system but the order that governs and sustains our lives.”

The court system’s budget has already been slashed $4.3 million, leading to 92 vacant jobs, less funding for prosecutors and the District Attorneys’ office as well as a reduction in jury panels, causing trial delays. According to the Criminal Justice Advisory Board, the city’s proposed plan would shut down all courtrooms for 15 days in 2010.

“That’s three business weeks of suspended justice for countless members of the community,” Ladov says. “That’s unacceptable. To delay justice is to deny justice. Judges are already being forced to postpone trials due to unavailable juries. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are facing significant challenges. Further cuts would be a serious mistake.”

Philadelphia Bar Association Mourns Loss of Wolf Block

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Philadelphia Bar Association expressed profound sadness over news that the venerable Philadelphia law firm Wolf Block has decided to unwind its business due to economic difficulties.

“This is a sad day for Philadelphia,” says Sayde Ladov, Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. “Our hearts and thoughts go out to our friends and colleagues at Wolf Block.”

She continues, “Philadelphia is a city brimming with history, and as a century-old institution, Wolf Block is an important part of that tradition. Wolf Block lawyers have been at the forefront of litigation that has changed the face of Philadelphia. In addition, Wolf Block has been an outstanding corporate citizen that has contributed to the common good, producing judges of state and federal courts, former city officials, chancellors of the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association and even a president of the American Bar Association.”

Ladov adds, “This is a difficult day for Philadelphia’s lawyers, reminding us that no one is immune to current economic challenges. Despite the loss of this venerable law firm, however, we remain confident that Philadelphia’s legal community will weather this storm and emerge stronger as a result.”

“As Philadelphia lawyers, we have a responsibility to ensure continued access to justice,” she says. “For more than 200 years, the Philadelphia Bar Association has fought to protect legal rights, advocate due process and ensure the rule of law. We have survived a civil war, two World Wars and a Great Depression.

“I want to assure citizens that Philadelphia’s legal community will survive this economic crisis, too, and that the Philadelphia Bar Association will continue on its mission of promoting access to justice.”

Philadelphia Bar Association Elects New Treasurer to Board of Governors

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The Philadelphia Bar Association’s Board of Governors has appointed Joseph A. Prim Jr. as treasurer of the Board, replacing Jeffrey M. Lindy, who stepped down to seek election to public office in Montgomery County. Prim has already served two years as assistant treasurer.

Prim is a partner with Duca and Prim and a graduate of the Boston University School of Law. He served as co-chair of the Law Practice Management Division in 2008 and served as Workers’ Compensation Section representative to the Board of Governors in 2003. He was co-chair of the Solo and Small Firm Committee in 2001, 2002 and 2004 and co-chair of the Workers’ Compensation Committee in 1994.

A member of the State Civil Litigation Section, Prim served as treasurer of the Workers’ Compensation Section (1996 to 2008) and was a member of the Strategic Planning and the Long Range Planning Committees.

The Board of Governors also appointed Wesley R. Payne IV to assistant treasurer, filling the role vacated by Prim. Payne is currently a member of the Board of Governors and is chair of the Military Affairs Committee. He is a partner in the Litigation Department at White and Williams LLP and is a member of the Life, Health and Disability and Insurance Fraud Practice Groups. He is also chair of the Diversity Committee at White and Williams.

In addition, the Board also appointed Stacey A. Tees to fill the seat vacated by Payne. Tees is an associate at German, Gallagher & Murtagh, P.C. and a graduate of Duquesne University School of Law. She has been active in the Association’s Workers’ Compensation Section, having served as secretary (2005-2006) and co-chair in 2008. She was the Section’s representative to the Board of Governors in 2008.

All interested candidates had an opportunity to present before the Board. Results were tallied following a secret ballot.

Saving Your Business

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

It’s a Philadelphia phenomenon. A snowstorm hits, and we all make a run on the supermarket to buy out the bread, milk and eggs.

But what would you do in a real emergency, asks Sayde Ladov, Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. If you’re a small business owner, what’s your equivalent of milk and eggs? Fact is, 25% of businesses don’t reopen after a disaster.

“Whether the disaster is natural or man-made, there will be no federal bailout to save you,” she adds. “Business owners, both large and small, must develop the skills to save themselves, especially in this economy.”

That’s why the Philadelphia Bar Association, in partnership with the Center City District, is sponsoring a series of free workshops for Philadelphia-area businesses. The workshops are led and coordinated by the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management.

What: Emergency Preparedness training workshop for area businesses
When: Friday, January 30, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Philadelphia Bar Association
1101 Market Street, 11th Floor (Aramark Tower)
Philadelphia, PA 19107