Philadelphia Bar Association | Today's News

Chancellor Elected to NCBP Executive Council

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Chancellor Scott F. Cooper has been elected to the National Conference of Bar Presidents Executive Council. The election was held during the 2010 ABA Annual Meeting in San Francisco in August.

The NCBP provides information and training to state and local bar association leaders. The Executive Council is open only to current and former state and local bar presidents. Each year, only five new members are elected to the Executive Council. Cooper was interviewed for and nominated to the position during the NCBP’s most recent meeting.

The current members of NCBP include state, local and special-focus bars from more than 50 states and territories. The executive council includes past bar presidents who want to continue serving the legal community.

The primary purpose of NCBP is to provide high-quality programming to current bar leaders at two meetings held each year contemporaneously with the annual and midyear meetings of the ABA. The NCBP presents workshops focused on bar association programming, membership, continuing education, access to justice, community outreach, education, diversity, finance and other issues of current interest to the profession. the NCBP also provides a forum at which current bar leaders can share ideas on solving common challenges.

By holding its meetings jointly with the National Association of Bar Executives and the National Conference of Bar Foundations, NCBP participants can additionally share experiences with professional bar staff and bar foundation leaders from all over the country.

"The Philadelphia Bar Association is an active participant in the NCBP. To be able to continue with this group in a leadership role, after I complete my term as Chancellor, is a tremendous honor for me personally and our Association," said Cooper.

Cooper’s election provides the Philadelphia Bar Association with representation in both policy and programming matters on the executive council. The interview process focused largely on the innovative programs the Philadelphia Bar Association has done and is doing this year.

Cooper was particularly appreciative of past Chancellor Robert C. Heim, former Pennsylvania Bar Association President Andrew F. Susko and Roberta D. Liebenberg for their supporting nominating letters.

UPDATE ON THOSE INSURED UNDER INDEMNITY PLANS: INDEPENDENCE BLUE CROSS TO INTRODUCE NEW LINE OF PRODUCTS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2011—COVERAGE OPTIONS WILL CHANGE

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Effective with renewals that take place on January 1, 2011, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) will no longer offer the current HMO, POS, and PPO products under which groups with 100 or fewer employees are now insured. This will impact most Association members who have their coverage through IBC. Existing customers will not be able to renew their current plans. All insureds will have to select a new plan from IBC’s new product line (Blue Solutions), which will include new HMO, POS and PPO options. At renewal, a recommended option(s) will be provided to customers that are most like their current option (s). If a customer does not make a benefit election, IBC will automatically default the existing coverage(s) to the recommended option(s).

There will be a total of 25 different new options available to groups comprised from firms that have less than 51 employees. The number of plan options which may be offered will be determined by the total number of employees that a firm has. All the new plans include those benefits mandated by recent Health Care Reform legislation including coverage for dependent children up to the age of 26.

In order to address your questions and concerns regarding these changes that have been mandated by IBC, the Association will be keeping you informed through various ways about the new products. You will receive ongoing additional information from USI Affinity, the Association’s broker. By now, you should have received your first e-mail communication from USI Affinity announcing the coverage changes. In addition, on or about August 23, 2010, IBC sent a letter directly to each insured outlining the changes and elimination of the old plans.

Your health insurance choice for 2011 will take more time and consideration as you examine the available options. On September 7, 2010 at 8:30 A.M. at the Association offices, 11th Floor, 1101 Market Street, the Association will hold an open meeting with representatives of USI to explain in detail the information that they have received, how it will impact the insureds and what the open enrollment process will entail for 2011 (click here to register). This program will be repeated at 8:30 A.M. on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 again at the Association’s 11th Floor conference center (Click here to register). A free continental breakfast will be provided at both sessions.

Solo practitioners, actively practicing law and currently insured, will not lose coverage. Unless covered under grandfathered traditional indemnity plans, they will however, have to choose from the new Blue Solutions offerings.

On Wednesday, August 25, 2010 we were able to confirm that those members, including solo practitioners, covered under the grandfathered traditional indemnity plans will be able to continue that indemnity coverage for 2011. This will however, be subject to the underwriting guidelines that impact the number of plans that can be offered depending on group size.

For members with questions about these changes, a special number has been set up for you to communicate directly with USI Affinity. You may call 1-800-265-2876 and press prompt #4.

At this time we are taking steps to educate our members about this development. No decisions about which new coverage you will pick has to be made at this point. Those decisions will have to be made once actual rates for each plan are made available by IBC, sometime during the end of October. However, because both the Association and USI Affinity recognize how important health care coverage is to both you and your employees, the Association in a coordinated effort with USI Affinity will be keeping you apprised of all developments as we learn about them.

A Conversation with Judge Pirro Presented by the Women in the Profession Committee, Sept. 8

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Judge Jeanine Pirro, host of the television program "Judge Pirro" seen locally weekdays at 12:00 p.m. on The CW Philly and a respected legal analyst who has appeared on "Larry King Live," "Good Morning America" and "60 Minutes," will discuss issues confronting women in the legal field and weigh in on today's legal headlines on Wednesday, September 8 at 12:45 p.m. in the 11th Floor Conference Center at Bar Association headquarters, 1101 Market St. The event, which is presented by the Association's Women in the Profession Committee, is free and open to all Bar Association members. Lunch can be purchased for $8. Click here to register.

Judge Pirro was the first woman District Attorney in Westchester County, New York, elected in 1993. She also became the first woman to sit on the Westchester County bench in 1989. Prosecuting murder, rape, domestic violence and other serious cases, Judge Pirro received considerable recognition for her work as a leading advocate for victims of domestic abuse and hate crimes. She has authored several articles for The New York Law Journal and The New York Post as well as wrote the acclaimed book "To Punish and Protect: Against a System That Coddles Criminals." Judge Pirro was chosen as the Republican Party's candidate for New York State Attorney General in 2006.

Meet the Legal Blawgers Sept. 16

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The Bar-News Media Committee will present "Meet the Legal Blawgers: An Insiders' Perspective on Connecting with the Legal Blogosphere" on Thursday, Sept. 16.

Panelists include Jeff Blumenthal, staff writer, Philadelphia Business Journal; Hugh E. Dillon, editor, PhillyChitChat.com; Hank Grezlak, associate publisher and editor-in-chief, The Legal Intelligencer; Catherine Lucey, staff reporter, Philadelphia Daily News, co-writer, PhillyClout; and Saul Segan, contributor, The Huffington Post.

The program begins at 12 p.m. in the 11th floor Conference Center of Bar Association headquarters, 1101 Market St. Lunch is available for $8. Click here to register.

Chancellor's Statement on the Passing of Attorney Charles W. Bowser

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Scott F. Cooper issued the following statement on the passing of attorney, civil rights advocate and politician Charles W. Bowser, who passed away on Aug. 9 at the age of 79:

Charles W. Bowser was an extraordinary lawyer and powerful advocate in the courtroom. He tried to move a social agenda that would benefit everyone in the city.

He inspired a generation of African Americans to follow him into public service. He ran twice for mayor during the 1970s and his campaign volunteers included former Mayor John Street, state Rep. Dwight Evans and U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah. His campaigns inspired John Street and W. Wilson Goode to run for mayor. Governor Rendell called him the most effective African-American politician and leader who never held office. Many notable African-American attorneys and politicians sought out his advice, including Mayor Michael Nutter and Luther Weaver of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Bowser, who served as a deputy mayor under James Tate in the 1960s, was city managing director under former Mayor Bill Green. He held a number of positions with the city, including a seat on the Police Advisory Commission and executive director of the Philadelphia Anti-Poverty Committee. He also served on the commission that investigated the 1985 bombing of MOVE headquarters in West Philadelphia. He wrote a book about the siege. He was the first leader of the Philadelphia Urban Coalition, promoting the development of the minority business community.

He graduated from Temple University Law School in 1957 and litigated many high-profile civil rights cases.

His passion and brilliance will be missed, not just by those who knew him, but by the city he loved and called home.

Business Development Skills Series Starts Sept. 10

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The Training Resource Group will present a series of programs to introduce business development skills to attorneys beginning on Friday, Sept. 10.

The program is designed for attorneys who are now expected to develop business for themselves or their firms. Learn these essential skill sets that were never taught in law school.

The sessions will be held at Bar Association headquarters, 1101 Market St., from 12 to 2 p.m. The Sept. 10 session will cover building a network for business development and designing a business plan. The Sept. 17 session will discuss the basics of networking and building a memorable 30-second commercial. On Sept. 24, attendees will learn how to build a stronger network. The Oct. 1 session will provide an introduction to a systematic approach to client development.

The cost is $795 per participant which includes four training sessions, one individual coaching session and materials. For more information call (215) 320-4650 or visit trainingresourcegroup.com.

Managing Risks, Benefits of Technology Sept. 14

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0400

BlackBerrys, netbooks, laptops, USB drives, iPhones, cloud computing and virtual law offices all can provide great benefits for attorneys, including dramatic improvement in efficiency and virtually unlimited access to information.

This intersection of technology and law also raises ethical concerns. On Tuesday, Sept. 14, the Professional Responsibility Committee, Young Lawyers Division and Law Practice Management Committee will sponsor a program to discuss the issues raised by these new high-tech tools, as well as potential solutions that allow lawyers to identify risks before using the latest and greatest technology.

Daniel J. Siegel, a local attorney who operates the Law Offices of Daniel J. Siegel, LLC and president of Integrated Technology Services, LLC, will be the featured speaker for this program, "Managing the Risk and Benefits of Technology in Your Law Practice." Siegel is a former co-chair of the Law Practice Management Division's Technology Committee.

Registration and lunch begin at 12 p.m. in the 11th floor Conference Center of Bar Association headquarters, 1101 Market St. Click here to purchase lunch. The program begins at 12:30 p.m. One ethics CLE credit is available. Visit pbi.org for registration information.

Terrorism Awareness, Prevention Event Sept. 8

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

A National Preparedness Month program on Terrorism Awareness and Prevention will be held Wednesday, Sept. 8 at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.

The program begins at 10 a.m. and includes sessions on terrorism awareness and prevention, critical infrastructure protection and how to stay informed during an emergency. The sessions will be presented by the Philadelphia Police Department, Department of Homeland Security, Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management and Center City District.

Reservations are required. RSVP by Friday, Sept. 3 by e-mailing oem@phila.gov.

YLD 2010 Photography Contest Presents Chance to Win Gift Certificate to Ruth's Chris Steak House

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The YLD welcomes submissions from all members of the Bar Association for "Eyes on the Environment," a late summer photography contest in which the winner and runner-up will receive $200 and $100 gift certificates, respectively, to Ruth's Chris Steak House as well as have their images featured in The Philadelphia Lawyer, the Association's quarterly magazine.

Entrants are asked to consider the following: "As you embark on late summer vacations or enjoy the remainder of the season here in Philadelphia, the Young Lawyers Division asks you to capture particularly compelling images of environmental awareness and natural conservation. What did you witness during your travels that showcases nature's untouched beauty? What efforts did you see toward preserving it?"

One submission per entrant can be emailed to tplmag@philabar.org in JPG format. A professional panel of judges will select the winner. The deadline for entries is September 20.

Philadelphia Bar Association to Present Six-Week Legal Education Program, "The People's Law School"

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Area residents can receive basic information about areas of the law most likely to impact daily life at The People's Law School, a six-week legal education program presented by volunteer attorneys from the Young Lawyers Division of the Philadelphia Bar Association.

The program, which features 11 unique courses on a range of legal topics, takes place every Tuesday from 6:15-8:30 p.m. beginning September 21 through October 26 in the Jury Assembly Room at the Criminal Justice Center, 1301 Filbert St. The cost is $40.00 and includes access to all seminars and the complete course materials book.

The course schedule for The People’s Law School is:

September 21
• Social Security & Disability (6:15-7:15 p.m.)
• Trusts and Estates (7:30-8:30 p.m.)

September 28
• Small Claims & Landlord/Tenant (6:15-7:15 p.m.)
• Consumer Credit (7:30-8:30 p.m.)

October 5
• Personal Injury (6:15-7:15 p.m.)
• Criminal Law (7:30-8:30 p.m.)

October 12
• Real Estate (6:15-7:15 p.m.)
• Employment Law (7:30-8:30 p.m.)

October 19
• Bankruptcy (6:15-7:15 p.m.)
• Workers' Compensation (7:30-8:30 p.m.)

October 26
• Family Law (6:15-8:30 p.m.)

The People’s Law School is open to all citizens. Registration and more details are available here, by calling 215-238-6393, or through email at pls@philabar.org. Registration can also be completed through mail with this form. To ensure all attendees have a copy of the course materials book for the first session, registration is required by September 10. Those registering after this date cannot be guaranteed the immediate availability of the course materials.

Please note that while The People's Law School will provide attendees information on different areas of the law, the program is not accredited and no degree or certificate will be conferred upon its completion.

Zenger Trial Reenactment Kicks Off Bench-Bar Conference

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

A dramatic re-enactment commemorating the 275th anniversary of Andrew Hamilton's historic 1735 defense of printer John Peter Zenger will be offered for CLE credit as the opening program of the Bar Association's 2010 Bench-Bar and Annual Conference beginning on Oct. 15. The case established the concept of freedom of the press and coined the term "Philadelphia lawyer."

Registration is now open for the Bench-Bar and Annual Conference at the Borgata in Atlantic City, N.J. on Friday, Oct. 15 and Saturday, Oct. 16.

Fourteen CLE programs in a variety of practice areas are being planned for the Bench-Bar and Annual Conference. The CLE programs, in which attendees can earn up to eight hours of credit (including the opportunity to earn two ethics credits), will feature judges and some of the city's most well-known practitioners, who will use their expertise and experience to enlighten attendees.

A State of the Court Presentation will also be offered for CLE credit as the closing program on Saturday, Oct. 16. Vice Chancellor John E. Savoth and Board of Governors Vice Chair Regina M. Foley are co-chairs of the 2010 conference.

Full-conference admission is $349 for members and $399 for non-members, if reserved by the early bird deadline of Friday, Sept. 17. For members of the Young Lawyers Division and government and public interest attorneys, admission is only $199. Visit philadelphiabar.org for a complete registration form and pricing guide.

Hotel reservations must be made separately by calling the Borgata directly at 1-866-692-6742. Guests must reference the Philadelphia Bar Association to receive the special rate. Discounted rooms are available from Thursday, Oct. 14 through Saturday, Oct. 16. if booked by Friday, Sept. 17.

Sponsors for the Bench-Bar and Annual Conference include Iron Mountain, Kaplan Leaman and Wolfe Court Reporters, American Express, CourtCall and IKON Office Solutions. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Michael Petitti at (215) 238-6342 or mpetitti@philabar.org.

Chancellor Scott F. Cooper Urges Family Court Building Project to Proceed Without Delay

Wed, 7 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Scott F. Cooper on July 7 urged that construction proceed immediately on the new Family Court building project. Citing that there is "presently no issue of justice more pressing to Philadelphians," he strongly disagreed with those who call for cessation of the project.

Each year, tens of thousands of people bring their family crises to the Court’s Domestic Relations Division. Cooper said that the Division cannot continue to adequately serve the needs of Philadelphians in its current condition and location.

“If we lose the hard-earned momentum now, the future of this critical project is very much in doubt,” Cooper said. “Time is not on our side."

Continuing, the Chancellor pointed out that "as an association of nearly 13,000 lawyers, we believe in a full and fair process concerning the funding of this project. But, on behalf of the citizens of this city, we cannot delay the building of a Family Court any longer."

"Our system of justice requires that a full and fair inquiry be made into the funding and that all sides are heard. That may not happen as fast as some would like. But until it is completed, and unless there are explicit findings of wrongdoing, Chief Justice Castille should keep his position and the project should move forward," Cooper said.

“We do not know where the facts will ultimately land,” Cooper added. "But what we know for certain is that bringing a newly constructed, desperately needed Family Court building to 15th and Arch streets is critical to the citizens of Philadelphia. Indeed, our institutions of justice require it. Family members should not have to cower in fear that the person who domestically abused them may sit across the waiting room because the current court has insufficient space.”

For seven years, the Philadelphia Bar Association has closely examined the need for a unified Family Court building.

In 2003, the Association’s Board of Governors unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at improving the delivery of justice in the Domestic Relations Division of Family Court.

The resolution expressed support for increased public accountability about funding and resources allocation in the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. It also supported increased funding, personnel and resources; the provision of assistance and information for pro se litigants; improved facilities, security, scheduling and timeliness; and the fulfillment of the constitutional mandate of open court.

Since that time, the Association, through its Family Law Section, has worked continuously with Court leadership to advance the effort. An Ad Hoc Family Law Construction Committee of the Association featuring numerous stakeholders – including representatives from the courts, the District Attorney’s Office, the private bar, court reform advocates, architects and others – was established in early 2009 to create a blueprint to help advance and ensure the ultimate success of the project.

“The Philadelphia Bar Association remains dedicated to moving this effort decisively and deliberately forward,” Cooper said. “This new facility must be up, running and serving Philadelphia families. We will keep pressing to make it happen.”

2010 Bench-Bar and Annual Conference Schedule Available Now

Wed, 7 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The schedule of CLE programs and events for the 2010 Bench-Bar and Annual Conference at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City is now available here. The event returns to the Borgata on October 15 & 16 for the first time since 2004.

The event is sponsored by Iron Mountain, Kaplan, Leaman and Wolfe Court Reporters, CourtCall and IKON Office Solutions.

Learn more by visiting the official website at www.philabenchbar.org.

Philadelphia Bar Association Seeks Director of Office of Diversity

Tue, 6 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Director of Diversity Job Description

The Director of Diversity will lead the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Office of Diversity. This Director level position has programming, management and administrative responsibilities and reports directly to the Executive Director of the Association.

The Mission of the Philadelphia Bar Association is to serve the profession and the public by promoting justice, professional excellence and respect for the rule of law. In so doing, the Association strives to foster understanding of, involvement in and access to the justice system. The Association has approximately 13,000 members, who practice in all areas of law.

The Office of Diversity strives to ensure greater opportunities for the inclusion of diverse attorneys in the legal profession. This is a fundamental element of the Association’s Mission. Objectives for the Office include partnering with hiring partners and managers at Philadelphia law firms, legal departments, and public agencies to develop educational and community outreach activities. In doing so, the Office guides, supports and leads the diversity efforts for the entire Association, including the Board of Governors, the Association’s Sections and, Divisions, Committees, tasks forces, and external efforts. The Office also acts as a resource for local Affinity Bar Association’s, attorneys, law firms and law students who seek support advancing diversity. The Director of the Office of Diversity is tasked with providing the expertise, vision, knowledge, and leadership in advancing the goals of the Association and of the Office of Diversity, and works strategically at all levels to encourage diversity within the greater Philadelphia legal community. The Director of Diversity will have a wide-range of responsibilities, including:

Developing, implementing and integrating short term and long term diversity programs and initiatives.
Working with Association leadership to develop a comprehensive strategic diversity plan.
Collecting and analyzing data, ensuring accuracy, and developing metrics, monitoring and reporting systems to benchmark Association, public sector and private sector legal organization’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
Acting as a resource for Association members on diversity issues, including development of best practices.
Identifying areas of opportunity for Association to better diversify Association Sections, Committees and Leadership.
Identifying and developing innovative programs that link Association with affinity Bar Associations/Organizations to: better facilitate the exchange of information; develop/promote minorities to leadership positions within the Association; and create an exchange of solutions.
Collaborating with public and private sector legal organizations to drive diversity and inclusion efforts and develop strategies for the recruitment and retention of diverse lawyers.
Developing diversity and inclusion communications, messages and marketing tools.
Developing and maintaining mechanisms to disseminate successful diversity efforts delivered via CLE’s, working sessions, and targeted diversity roundtables with diversity professionals, diversity chairs and managing partners.
Planning and organizing an annual diversity event sponsored by the Association.
Creating, planning and implementing programming of interest to a diverse segment of Philadelphia legal community.
Assisting in developing financial support for the Office of Diversity.
Serving as a resource to the Bar Association’s elected leadership on diversity issues.
Addressing other issues related to diversity as they may arise.

Reporting Relationship and Compensation

The Director of Diversity will report to the Association’s Executive Director and work closely with the Association’s elected and appointed leadership.

The Director of Diversity will have access to other Bar Association Professional Staff, but there are no direct reports to the Director.
Compensation is commensurate with other Director-level positions with similar education and experience.

Qualifications

Juris Doctor with three plus years experience developing, managing and/or designing diversity programs, preferably in a professional services environment.
Familiarity with the Philadelphia legal marketplace.
Knowledge of current trends, legal developments and best practices relating to diversity and inclusion.
Open communications style.
Self-starter.
Strategic thinker.
Ability to work with legal employers throughout Philadelphia.
Strong public speaking and written communication skills.
Ability to work well with elected officials of Bar Association, who change frequently.
Exceptional relationship building skills.
Experience working with diverse cultures.
Willingness to author publications and articles on topics of diversity.
Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Please send applications or questions to diversity@philabar.org

Bar Night at the Phillies Rescheduled to Sept. 6

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Due to a rainout on June 9, Bar Association Night at the Phillies has been rescheduled to Monday, Sept. 6 at 1:05 p.m. against the Florida Marlins.

Fans with tickets to the June 9 game should use those tickets for the 1:05 p.m. game. Please note that Monday, Sept. 6 is a day-night doubleheader. Your tickets are good for the 1:05 p.m. game only.

Philadelphia Bar Association to File Amicus Brief in Pennsylvania Supreme Court Case Concerning Attorney-Client Privilege

Tue, 4 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The Philadelphia Bar Association's Board of Governors has unanimously approved the filing of an amicus brief urging the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to reverse the Superior Court's decision in Gillard v. AIG Insurance Company.

In Gillard, the Pennsylvania Superior Court affirmed an order of the Court of Common Pleas that required appellants to produce communications containing their outside counsel's legal advice, analysis and opinions, holding that these documents were not protected by the attorney-client privilege because they were communications made by an attorney to a client.

The Superior Court cited its 2007 decision in Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. v. Fleming as precedent, which held that the privilege protects communications from an attorney to a client only to the extent such communications contain and would thus reveal confidential communications from the client. That case was appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which issued an evenly split decision resulting in the affirmation of the Superior Court's holding. In that appeal, the Bar Association filed an amicus brief arguing for reversal of the decision.

The Gillard case provides an opportunity to reverse the law created by the Fleming case. If not reversed, there will continue to be significant limitations on the protection of the attorney-client privilege afforded to lawyers practicing in Pennsylvania and their clients seeking confidential legal advice.

Arguing that the attorney-client privilege is socially beneficial and critical to our system of justice, the Gillard amicus brief states: "It is impossible for communications providing legal advice not to reveal, implicitly or explicitly, client confidences exchanged during the course of the professional relationship. As a result, the Superior Court's Opinion is inconsistent with the fundamental purpose of the attorney-client privilege of facilitating the highest quality legal representation and candid legal consultation."

The brief cites the position taken by the American Law Institute's Restatement of the Law Governing Lawyers that "the attorney-client privilege protects all communications between attorneys and their clients for the purpose of obtaining or providing legal advice, regardless of the content of the communications."

"The Superior Court's Opinion, and its opinion in Fleming, are unjustified and dangerous restrictions on the traditional scope of the attorney-client privilege," the brief reads. "[By ruling as it did in Gillard], the Superior Court has made Pennsylvania an outlier jurisdiction on this important issue."

The Association of Corporate Counsel, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Allegheny County Bar Association, and the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America joined the Philadelphia Bar Association in filing the brief.

Click here to read the amicus brief in its entirety.

Register for Bench-Bar and Annual Conference at Borgata

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Registration is now open for the Bar Association's Bench-Bar and Annual Conference at The Borgata in Atlantic City, N.J. on Friday, Oct. 15 and Saturday, Oct. 16 The Association’s Bench-Bar Conference features a large selection of continuing legal education seminars for practitioners in a variety of areas and topics. There is ample opportunity for attorneys to mingle and network with their colleagues and members of the bench. Vice Chancellor John E. Savoth and Board of Governors Vice Chair Regina M. Foley are co-chairs of the 2010 conference.

Hotel reservations must be made separately by calling The Borgata directly at 1-866-692-6742. Guests must reference the Philadelphia Bar Association to receive the special rate. Discounted rooms are available from Thursday, Oct. 14 through Saturday, Oct. 16. if booked by Friday, Sept. 17.

Sponsors for the Bench-Bar and Annual Conference include Iron Mountain, JAMS, Kaplan Leaman and Wolfe Court Reporters, American Express, CourtCall and IKON Office Solutions. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Michael Petitti at (215) 238-6342 or mpetitti@philabar.org.

USI Affinity Waives Administrative Fee for Sole Practitioners

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The Association is pleased to announce that USI Affinity has decided to eliminate the 2.75% administrative fee on Independence Blue Cross group policy for sole practitioners. As members had been previously advised in a letter from USI Affinity, the decision to implement the fee resulted from actions by Independence Blue Cross. However, USI has taken this latest action because of its commitment to providing Association members the highest level of customer service and advocacy at the lowest possible price.

Members who already paid their May bills and included the fee will receive a refund directly from USI within the next several weeks.

Individuals with any questions may call Paul Kazaras directly at 215-238-6328.

Legal Directory Unveils Optimized Web Site for Mobile Devices

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Purchase The 2010 Legal Directory and you'll receive access to mobile.thelegaldirectory.org, the new way to view The Legal Directory on your mobile device. Order The Legal Directory 2010 today to start taking advantage of this indispensable multi-platform legal resource. With this package, you'll also receive access to the online directory and the print directory. Using a laptop or desktop? The Legal Directory 2010's Web site (thelegaldirectory.org) is a fast, convenient way to not only find attorneys and firms, but to update your own information all year long. Our new mobile feature, tailored for use on your BlackBerry, lets you access The Legal Directory 2010's lawyer and law firm listings wherever there's an Internet connection. It's interactive: select a phone number and your device will call it; tap an e-mail address, and your device will generate an e-mail screen.

The print version of The Legal Directory 2010 lets you access all the information you need and rely on: find judges, complete with addresses and phone numbers, look up government agencies or corporate counsel and find alternative dispute resolution options - it's all there in one volume. All three resources offer revamped Areas of Concentration (AOC). This code at the end of a listing tells you an attorney's specialty. Organized by category, the new, enhanced list more closely reflects the current legal environment, helping you find the exact attorney and area of expertise you need. Every lawyer listing comes with a free AOC.

You can buy The Legal Directory 2010 three ways: visit thelegaldirectory.org to place your order online; e-mail legaldirectory@mediatwo.com to request an order form; or call 443-909-7843 to request an order form. The cost for all three platforms is just $79.95 (plus shipping and sales tax).

Bar Association Launches Presence on Facebook, Twitter

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Get instant access to up-to-the-minute news on Association programs and initiatives, photos from events, and breaking local and national legal news through the Association’s new Facebook page and Twitter feed, both available on many mobile devices as well as online.

At the same time, the Association has augmented and re-launched its LinkedIn page as a members-only resource.

The new services can be activated by visiting philadelphiabar.org and clicking on the Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn icons. Members must register with each respective Web site to gain access to the new services.

These sites enable the Association to expand its relationship with members by offering more convenient and immediate access to issues pertinent to the Philadelphia legal community.

Members with questions about the Association’s social media sites can contact Communications Manager Michael Petitti at mpetitti@philabar.org.

New Cool People Podcasts

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Michael Rosenzweig, president of the National Museum of American Jewish History, and Dr. Karen Wiley Sandler, chancellor of Penn State University's Abington College, are the latest "Hot Interviews with Very Cool People." Click here for the podcasts.

Chancellor Scott Cooper's Recent Television Interviews

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Click the image above to see Chancellor Scott F. Cooper's interview with Pat Ciarrocchi on CBS3's "Newsmakers."

Cooper talked about current legal issues in the news and his agenda for the year.

To watch Scott F. Cooper's interview with Jill Horner on "Comcast Local Edition" view the video above.

Cooper talked about current legal issues in the news and his agenda for the year.