Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, site of the annual State Bar of Arizona Convention, June 19-21, 2013.

This is annual Convention week at the State Bar of Arizona. As always, a dizzying array of educational seminars (and fun activities) are packed into the three-day event held in Phoenix at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa.

More detail about the Convention is here.

Over the years, Arizona Attorney Magazine staff have covered the heck out of the annual event, and this year will be the same. In a later post, I’ll detail some of the tools I lug about to do just that.

As in the past, we will not print a once-a-day hard-copy “Convention Daily.” Instead, we will cover Convention news closer to real time. We will use multiple channels to communicate what’s going on. But the surest way to be sure you see everything is to follow us on Twitter. My name in Twitter is @azatty. You can view all the evolving content here (or at https://twitter.com/azatty, to be specific). I will be tagging everything with the hashtag #azbarcon – so be sure to search for that.

Want to participate? Send me brief stories or story suggestions. Or if you have convention photos, we’d be glad to share them with readers.

And don’t forget to tweet from convention. Use the hashtag #azbarcon.

Questions or suggestions? Reach the Editor, Tim Eigo, on-site at the Biltmore, at 602-908-6991.

And always feel free to stroll up and say hello. I’ll be hiking all over the Biltmore to cover the goings-on. Or you may catch me at the Arizona Attorney table in the Exhibitor area. If you miss me there, leave your card or a note.

State Bar of Arizona Board officers 2013-2014: L to R: Lisa Loo, Richard T. Platt, Whitney Cunningham, Bryan Chambers, Alex Vakula

At its regular annual meeting at the State Bar Convention this afternoon, the State Bar of Arizona Board of Governors confirmed its slate of officers for the coming year. The new roster includes the newest officer, Secretary/Treasurer Alex Vakula, elected today: 

• President: Whitney Cunningham
• President-Elect: Richard T. Platt
• First Vice President: Bryan B. Chambers
• Second Vice President: Lisa Loo
• Secretary/Treasurer: Alex Vakula

Following board bylaws, the new slate of officers assume their positions at the close of the annual meeting.

State Bar of Arizona Board of Governors 2013-14

Follow more news via this Convention Daily and on Twitter, hashtag #azbarcon

Last year, I explained all of the materials I had to schlep around to cover the State Bar Convention. You can read about that here. And here’s a shot of what I schlepped.

Covering last year’s State Bar Convention (no legend needed; I’ll let you guess what these are).

I don’t want to sound lazy, but I plan to mount a more stripped-down operation this year. Here is a photo of what I’m carrying at the Biltmore this week (followed by a legend):

Covering this year’s State Bar Convention: stripped-down

A. Droid Smartphone (the workhorse)
B. Notepad
C. Camera (smaller and updated from last year, for when I really need a slightly better shot than the cellphone can provide)
D. Heavily annotated Convention brochure
E. Cables/cords
F. Pen
G. Pencil (for when the pen inevitably dies)
H. Business cards
I. Mints and Advil

Let’s hope that all does the trick.

Please stop by the Arizona Attorney table just outside the Exhibitor Hall. If I’m not there and you have a question or idea; I’m probably only 5 minutes away. Call me at 602-908-6991.

What follows is a great summary of this week’s State Bar of Arizona Convention, as written by my colleague Alberto Rodriguez:

The State Bar of Arizona today kicks off its 2013 Annual Convention at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix. More than 1,700 attorneys from across the state will convene and participate in the 80^th annual convention on June 19-21.

This year, the convention will offer more than 45 seminars, nationally recognized speakers, unique social and networking opportunities, along with a silent auction benefitting the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education.

The State Bar of Arizona’s ongoing commitment to technology has lead to several cutting-edge advances. Among them, the popular mobile app that provides convenient access to seminar schedules and speakers, social events and locations, as well as a sitemap to help attendees navigate through the convention with ease. 

Convention Highlights:

• Hon. Alan C. Page, Minnesota’s first African American Supreme Court Justice and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, will deliver an inspiring keynote address at the State Bar Luncheon on Friday, June 21 from noon to 2 p.m.
• A distinguished panel including Hon. Ruth V. McGregor, Retired Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court; Hon. Mary Murguia of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; Hon. Scott Bales, Vice Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court; and Debra Erenburg, Director of State Affairs for the Justice at Stake Campaign will explore the history of judicial independence and current trends developing on the national stage and Arizona. They will prompt discussions regarding attacks threatening the independent administration of justice on Friday, June 21, 2013 from 8:45 a.m. to 12 noon.
• Whitney Cunningham of Flagstaff will be introduced as incoming president of the State Bar of Arizona.

Amelia Craig Cramer opens her gift of a bound volume of Arizona Attorney Magazine, while State Bar CEO John Phelps looks on, June 18, 2013.

On the Tuesday before the State Bar Convention begins, the Board of Governors holds its June board meeting. It takes most of the afternoon (OK, the whole afternoon), but it does have its charms.

First of all, it’s the last board meeting over which the outgoing President presides. That means Tuesday was Amelia Craig Cramer’s last meeting. She was a pleasure to work with, and we were lucky to have her lead the Bar in the past year.

Others, too, cycle off the board at that meeting. And it is always great to hear the warm best wishes uttered among people who work hard together and often do not have a free minute to commiserate and visit as friends. The June meeting provides that opportunity.

The passing of the gavel includes a few gifts to the outgoing President. Amelia wanted the Bar to donate to the Foundation the money they would have spent on her gift—and so they will. But she still receives (whether she likes it or not) a gift of a leather-bound year of Arizona Attorney Magazine. She opened the gift, smiled, and then mentioned that with the Bar’s green and paperless initiative, this may be the last year the gift will be possible. Gulp. I’ll take that as being part of her great sense of humor!

Another tradition that’s arisen is the oh-so-brief crowning of the Incoming President. And so we got to view the already-tall Whitney Cunningham achieve a truly regal height. He generously allowed a photo or three as Amelia placed the velvet and ermine piece on his head, but then declined to wear it further—being a man of the people, I suppose (me, I would have worn that around the Biltmore throughout the Convention’s duration!).

Bar President Amelia Craig Cramer crowns her successor, Whitney Cunningham, June 18, 2013.

Congratulations and thanks to Amelia, Whitney and all those others who offer their time and more in service to Arizona’s lawyers.

During Convention, the Arizona Attorney Facebook page sported a new button in recognition of the AWLA Breakfast.

Amidst the bustle of an annual conference, it’s always a pleasure to find a quiet but impressive respite.

That is the dual role played annually by the breakfast of the Arizona Women Lawyers Association, this year held on Friday, June 21.

The breakfast is a scholarship fundraiser, but it’s also an opportunity to honor a recipient for the Sarah Herring Sorin Award, AWLA’s top recognition.

This year’s honoree was Dee-Dee Samet, Tucson lawyer and member of the State Bar of Arizona Board of Governors.

Dee-Dee Samet receives the Sarah Herring Sorin Award, June 21, 2013.

Dee-Dee was introduced by friend and attorney Jean Gage, who pointed out that the recipient was “president of almost every board she’s a part of.”

Gage praised Samet and offered the large audience a “double-dose of Dee-Dee.” She reminded listeners that Samet is “a tenacious fighter for the underdog” as well as a tireless fundraiser.

“She is the only person I know who can be in two places at the same time.”

Attendees at AWLA Breakfast, June 21, 2013.

Audience members smiled when Gage said, “If the measure of wealth is friends, Dee-Dee is fabulously wealthy.”

Samet has always been willing to offer a hand or advice, Gage said. She encourages women to apply for the Board of Governors, get on the bench or to change their career path to another legal practice area. And in so doing, she conveys to mentees a confidence Samet herself possesses: “Dee-Dee does not stay at the back of any line.”

When Samet rose to accept her award, she promised to “keep it short and sweet, like me.”

That she did, as she encouraged all lawyers to help others: “That’s how you make your life worthwhile.”

The persistent advocate reminded the audience to be persistent but enjoy life.

“As opponents, we fight hard, then look for some shoes, and then drink some wine.”

Finally, Dee-Dee remained indefatigable, encouraging her colleagues to participate in the Convention’s silent auction.

“Don’t forget to contribute,” she exclaimed that morning, and always.

Great Convention addition: My AWLA pin (click to enlarge)

Is the attorney job picture improving in Arizona? A recent study says yes.

Do you have all your financial and law practice questions answered? I didn’t think so.

In the September issue of Arizona Attorney Magazine, we will include an article that points toward a few answers. The piece will preview some of the findings from the State Bar of Arizona Economics of Law Practice Report.

The Bar surveys its members and compiles the data every three years. The 49-page book contains detail on billing rates, salaries, staffing, collectibles and more.

To preview our preview, I point you to an article the Arizona Republic ran this week. It explains a few of the significant findings (with a predictably specific headline on a topic that is pretty complex). Read the Republic article here.

Here is some news from my colleague Alberto Rodriguez:

The State Bar of Arizona and 12 News hosted the July Lawyers on Call on Tuesday, July 9, focused on employment and labor law issues. The following is a recap of the public service program.

There were nine attorney volunteers: Denise M. Blommel, Dawn Farrison, Trey Dayes, Richard Galvan, Don P. Johnsen, Leah Lewandowski, Michelle Matheson, Shari C. Mauney and Jessica L. Post. Seven of the nine attorneys were first-time volunteers.

The volunteer attorneys answered an impressive 124 calls on employment and labor law issues.

Here is a sample of the consumer questions:

• Exempt vs. Non-Exempt: Should I be getting paid for excessive/overtime hours?
• Do I qualify for worker’s compensation? What is the process?
• I believe I’m being sexually harassed at work. What can I do?
• I am the fifth person over fifty years of age to be fired recently. Is this age discrimination?
• Can I be fired without knowing the reason?
• How do I collect unpaid wages?
• How do I know if I qualify for the Family Medical Leave Act?

The overarching topics were wrongful termination, unemployment benefits, worker’s compensation, wage disputes, and age/race discrimination.

The 12 News team was successful in adding a social media component to the phone bank. Consumers were able to ask their questions via the 12 News Facebook page, and attorney Trey Dayes responded with his recommendations/advice.

We’re sprouting bollards today. Here’s a mushroom one in Belgium (Wikipedia)

When I received an email this week from the State Bar of Arizona CEO and glanced at the subject line, my first thought was: I must have really irked him.

After all, my speedy glimpse revealed what I thought was a British obscenity. Upon closer examination, though, I could read it accurately: “Bollards”

Whew. Not an Anglo–Saxon expletive, after all.

Once I got past my concern about the subject line and read John Phelps’ email, I realized that he was informing State Bar staff about the installation of new short vertical posts, placed outside the building’s front doors as security devices.

Safe and sound? Warm and fuzzy?

John took the moment to make it more than a construction update. He informed us why they were appearing (no specific concerns, but let’s be safe out there). And then, because he knows how much some of us enjoy the oddities of life, he included the link to the Wikipedia page on bollards.

Yes, there is one. And yes, you should click it. (That’s where I got a few nifty bollard photos, natch).

So John’s email was helpful, but I still was concerned. Would we step outside and see yellow pylons, a la Safeway or Costco? Or, even worse, had the charming entrance been transformed into a Benghazi streetscape (or a tourist’s modern-day view of the U.S. Capitol)?

Imagine my pleasure at seeing the result. The bollards complement the building and surrounding planters nicely. Security appropriate to its surroundings—well done!

Bar bollards bloom

Immediately after snapping this shot, I was able to get confirmation that the good taste of Bar deciders is not universal. Twenty minutes later, I was at the downtown Phoenix Police station for a meeting, where I strode up to the brutalist architecture (which undoes any good done by the officers’ community policing).

Phoenix Police Department headquarters

There, I spotted the alternative to the Bar’s approach: the police bollards.

Bollards protect and serve up some hurt

Yikes. They were what I had feared. Fierce and menacing, they ensure a visitor does not feel welcome. (And before you say “unfair,” the ones at the front of the building are pretty grim, too.)

Well done, State Bar.

Back to the Wikipedia page.

A big fan of tugboats, I was pleased to see the entry’s nautical bent. Here are a few more bollards that add quirkiness to function.

Well-dressed bollards in Victoria, B.C.

And for those of you whose hopes were raised upon mention of the British expletive, I offer a Change of Venue Friday video: a banned VW ad that prominently features the word “bollocks.”

Let’s see if that irks John.

Have a great weekend.

This month, the State Bar of Arizona launches a collaboration with an organization committed to making legal service more available to former military personnel. Here is news about how you can participate and lend a hand.

Since 9/11, many of those deployed have been National Guard or Reserve component servicemembers. They leave behind jobs, families, friends and civilian life to face the stress of combat, long deployments, and painful reintroductions to everyday life.

Coming home can mean facing difficult changes, reemployment and financial challenges, stressful family conditions, and in many cases legal issues that developed while on deployment. Help them face their legal battles at home.

Become a part of the State Bar of Arizona’s statewide effort to make military legal assistance more accessible.

Here are some of the ways you can help:

• Represent – Provide pro bono or reduced-rate legal representation
• Advise – Listen and offer direction and advice on legal issues
• Mentor – Assist another attorney or supervise a law student in a legal clinic
• Educate – Present a workshop at a Yellow Ribbon, Drill Weekend, or other event

Please help make military legal assistance available throughout the state.

To sign up, go here.

Follow the effort on Twitter.

Over the past month, I have shared information from a collaboration of the State Bar of Arizona in an initiative to assist military personnel who were formerly deployed. As the organizers point out, those former servicemembers may face numerous challenges, including legal obstacles.

The campaign recommends ways that Arizona lawyers may get involved.

In the multi-week information campaign, this week’s message relates to the important matter of jobs, specifically as it relates to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. (Read our previous Arizona Attorney Magazine coverage of the Act here).

As the campaign’s organizers say:

Servicemembers return home from deployment believing their jobs are waiting for them. For some, the joy of coming home is short lived when they find their employer has replaced them.

After serving their country, their jobs should be waiting.

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) prohibits employer discrimination because of military service and protects job rights and benefits for servicemembers.

Many employers are not aware of these protections.

USERRA provides protection for:

• Military leave of absence
• Job seniority
• Status
• Pay and benefits
• Promotion and pension
• Disability as a result of military service

Returning servicemembers are entitled to jobs comparable to their peers whose careers were not interrupted by military service. Employers are required to make reasonable efforts to upgrade the skills of returning employees so they can qualify for the positions they would have earned had they not left for military service.

Learn how you can help protect their employment rights.

To sign up, go here.

Follow the effort on Twitter.

Here is some news from my colleague Alberto Rodriguez. He regularly reports on a successful program providing legal information to the public. Congratulations and thanks to those lawyers who shared their time and talent.

The State Bar of Arizona and 12 News hosted the August Lawyers on Call on Tuesday, August 6. The topic covered in that evening’s public service program was immigration law.

Eight attorneys volunteered their time and experience to help inform callers about immigration issues. Seven of the eight attorneys were first-time volunteers. The lawyers were (click their names for more information):

• Bami Adelayo
• Simona Dima
• Mark Egan
• Magaly Fontes
• Roya Habich
• Jared Leung
• Mac Nayeri
• Cynthia Perez

A total of 51 calls were answered by the volunteer attorneys—which is substantially lower when compared to other phone banks. This is the second immigration Lawyers on Call phone bank that has resulted in low numbers—an issue we’ll consider when planning for 2014. As always, our volunteers offered helpful information, solutions and resources to callers.

Here is a sample of consumer questions:

• Can I have dual citizenship? If so, how do I go about it?
• How do I get legal status for my undocumented fiancé?
• What are the requirements for Deferred Action?
• Will a minor criminal charge affect my eligibility for citizenship/Deferred Action?
• Can children petition on behalf of their parents?

Overarching questions were related to qualifications for citizenship and how to proceed with the citizenship petition.

State Bar of Arizona CEO John Phelps, interviewed by CBS5 regarding a free seminar on protecting yourself against workplace violence in the legal profession.

How substantial is violence in the legal profession? And how much is security at the top of lawyers’ minds?

“Very” appears to be the answer to both questions. That is based a recent survey that sought the views of Arizona attorneys.

In the November issue of Arizona Attorney Magazine, we will publish an article by Steve Kelson, a lawyer and the survey’s organizer. I am reading a draft of the article now, and violence and the threat of it are more pronounced in the profession than I would have supposed.

As attorneys struggle with those concerns, the State Bar of Arizona decided to confront the issue head-on. Besides the survey publication next month, the Bar is offering a free seminar tomorrow that you may want to attend. It’s called “Expecting the Unexpected: How to Prepare You and Your Staff for Violence in the Workplace.”

It will occur at noon tomorrow (Tuesday, August 20). You can view the program live at the Bar office in Phoenix, simulcast in the Tucson Bar office, or via livestream from wherever you are.

Before I give the details, you may also want to watch a brief news story that describes the risks and in which Bar CEO John Phelps is interviewed.

The news story also points out that the seminar has been opened up to attendees nationwide; as of the story’s airing, there were 375 registrants (and that includes far more people, as many law offices have registered as an entity and will gather many staff for the viewing).

Here is the detail you need about the free seminar.

Workplace violence happens.

How will you respond?

Lawyers, judges and public figures are at increased risk for workplace violence. Knowing how to respond is a necessity in today’s world. Join the State Bar of Arizona and InReach, a leading provider of online continuing education management solutions, for a free seminar designed to promote personal safety and create a safer work environment. 

During this program, you will hear from:

• a police sergeant trained to counteract shooters and apprehend violent offenders,
• a former police officer turned litigator,
• a lawyer experienced in disaster preparation and
• a psychologist who is an  expert in situational awareness.

SEMINAR CHAIRS:

• Douglas C. Northup, Director, Fennemore Craig PC
• Susan Wissink, Director, Fennemore Craig PC 

FACULTY:

• Sgt. Phil Brailsford, City of Mesa Police Department
• Amy D. Paul, Psy.D, Crisis Preparation and Recovery, Inc.
• John Phelps, CEO/Executive Director, State Bar of Arizona

WHEN: Tuesday, August 20, 2013, Noon to 1:15 p.m.

LIVE SEMINAR: McAuliffe CLE Center, State Bar of Arizona, 4201 N. 24^th Street, Phoenix

TUCSON SIMULCAST: Southern Regional Office, 270 N. Church Ave., Tucson

WEBCAST: Live streamed to your office or home computer

This seminar is a member service and does not qualify for MCLE credit.

View the CBS5 story here: http://www.kpho.com/video?clipId=9201215&clipFormat=&topVideoCatNo=208625

This is week 4 in the State Bar of Arizona effort to assist formerly deployed military servicemembers. (You can read more about it here.)

Over the next two years, large numbers of servicemembers will return home from deployment. Coming home from combat can present a difficult reintegration with family, friends and community. Many will face legal issues, increasing the overall demand for military legal assistance.

Help make military legal assistance available for returning servicemembers.

Waves of returning servicemembers will strain existing military legal assistance programs. Civilian attorneys can help meet the growing need by becoming a part of the State Bar of Arizona’s statewide effort to increase access to military legal assistance.

Help servicemembers, veterans and their families resolve their legal issues.

More attorneys are needed to assist with:

• Family law
• Finance/banking
• Employment
• Health care
• Immigration
• Elder law

Learn how you can provide critical legal services to our returning servicemembers.

To sign up, go here.

Follow the effort on Twitter.

Here is some great news I pass on from the State Bar of Arizona. Congratulations to all the lawyer–leaders of the Bar Leadership Institute.

Sixteen attorneys from across the state have been selected to participate in the State Bar of Arizona’s 2013-14 Bar Leadership Institute (BLI).

For the seventh year in a row, the BLI will provide its participants with a nine-month leadership program that will foster their professional growth and enhance their leadership skills.

2013-14 Participants:

• Jason Barraza, Veridus, LLC
• Brandon Brown, Pima County Attorney’s Office
• Patrick Camunez, Solo Practitioner
• Thomas Chiang, Maricopa Public Defender’s Office
• Charity A. Collins, Goodyear City Prosecutor’s Office
• Joni Lawrence, Thermo Fluids Inc.
• Francesca Montenegro, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP
• Nora Nuñez, Federal Public Defender’s Office
• Javier Puig, Schiffman Law Office PC
• Andrew Reilly, Office of the Attorney General
• Denise Ryan, Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community
• Brenda Sandoval, Federal Public Defender’s Office
• Laura Schiesl, Farhang & Medcoff
• Natalya Ter-Grigoryan, Tiffany & Bosco PA
• Michael Valenzuela, Office of the Attorney General
• Janina Walters, Pinal County Attorney’s Office

Bar Leadership sessions cover topics ranging from leadership, ethics and career development to conversations with judges, government attorneys, in-house counsel and executives. Participants can receive up to two years of CLE credit.

The participants were selected based on their legal and non-legal community contributions, as well as their statements of interest and qualifications. All participants must be active Bar members in good standing. The participants represent a diverse range of racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious communities, among others.

Upon completion, the BLI participants must commit to a full year of active involvement with the State Bar and/or the community.

More information on the Bar Leadership Institute is here. For more detail, contact Elena Nethers at 602-340-7393.

Here is a photo of the BLI’s recent graduates from the 2012-13 class, whom I reported on here.

2013 BLI Graduates—Back row, L to R: Brad Martin, Blair Moses, Elizabeth Kruschek, Buck Rocker, Doreen McPaul, Ray Ybarra Maldonado. Front row, L to R: Chris Tozzo, Tabatha LaVoie, Nicole Ong, Laura Huff, Annamarie Frank, Cid Kallen, Jessica Sanchez. Not pictured: Heather Baker.

The State Bar of Arizona is now at the end of its multi-week campaign to help military servicemembers get the legal assistance they need. (Read more about it here.)

The strain of deployment isn’t just felt by servicemembers. Military families live with the pressures of war thousands of miles away. Lengthy separations, the realities of single parenting, financial stress, constant worry for loved ones’ safety, and difficult communications—these all take a toll that is sometimes irreparable.

Military families need local legal assistance.

What should be a joyful reunion can turn painful when family life becomes an unexpected casualty of war. The life they thought they were getting back, in some cases, has ceased to exist. Military families often need local legal help or mediation to face failing marriages, custody and child support issues, and the division of assets.

Sometimes they need help moving forward.

An attorney from their community who understands the intricacies of the state and federal laws affecting military personnel and family law is the kind of advocate military families need most.

Attorneys may sign up here.

Follow the initiative on Twitter.

Happy Monday morning! If you meet your work-week head-on, ready to take on the world, today’s post is probably aimed right at you!

I yield the floor to State Bar Counsel David Sandweiss, who also happens to be the team captain of the Bar’s marathon-running team. Interested? Want to get involved? Here’s David:

As in years past, the State Bar has entered a team in the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon “Get Fit Challenge,” this year to be held January 19, 2014. All State Bar of Arizona members and their employees, and Arizona law students and faculty members, are eligible to join Team “Bar Flys” for this event. The Get Fit Challenge is a friendly competition not for which team has the fastest time but, rather, the highest participation. As an incentive to join our team, the State Bar is subsidizing half of the registration fee to the first 65 people to sign-up for either the full or half marathon.

For information about the event and to register, click here.

Follow the links through “Register” and “Join a Team,” then select “Bar Flys” when prompted. When it comes time to pay, enter RCBARFLYS14 in the promotional code box. Please do not share this code with anyone other than those whom you know to meet Bar Fly eligibility criteria.

This year, we are adding a charitable endeavor initiated by the 2013 Bar Flys. We are inviting all Arizona lawyers to choose a Bar Fly runner and pledge some amount of money per mile completed of his or her chosen event. This means that if you join the Bar Flys, you agree that your name can be included on a publicly released team roster so lawyers can choose in whose name to pledge donations. Last year, proceeds went to the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law Judge John Roll Memorial Scholarship Fund. This year, we are raising money for the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University, Professor Joseph Feller Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is for law students seeking a career in natural resource law/policy or environmental law/policy issues. It is both merit and financial need-based, and is given once a year to one student.

Whether you’re an avid competitive runner, a weekend warrior, or just looking for a sociable way to get some exercise, this event is fun for all. For those who have never before attempted anything like a full or half marathon, daunting though it sounds, it is do-able with proper training, commitment and setting reasonable goals. We encourage everyone to consider becoming a Bar Fly!

If the mark of a great blog post is a gorgeous graphic, I’m starting off the week with an epic fail.

But gauging posts by their relevance and praiseworthy content, this kind of offering is among my favorites.

Once again via my colleague Alberto Rodriguez, I pass on the great news of Arizona attorneys who stepped up to offer free legal advice. (As I’ve said before, no other profession that I’m aware of does so on such a routine basis.)

On Thursday, September 26, the State Bar of Arizona joined with Univision 33 to host the consumer call-in program Abogados a Su Lado. This most recent public service program covered bankruptcy and foreclosure issues.

Congratulations to the lawyers who stepped up to participate:

• Claudia Lopez
• Alex Sanchez
• Katey Sanchez
• Gerald Shelley

Those generous lawyers—all four were first-time participants—answered 67 calls during the two-hour phone bank. The following is a sample of the questions received:

• Do I qualify for bankruptcy?
• How does bankruptcy work?
• Do I need an attorney to handle my bankruptcy or can I file on my own?
• I’m behind on my house payment, how long before the foreclosure process begins? Can I save my home from foreclosure?
• Am I automatically entitled to half of our assets if I file for divorce?
• How do I qualify for a home loan modification?
• The home I rent is being foreclosed on. What are my rights?

Congratulations and thanks to all the attorneys.

The following news arrives via John Phelps, the State Bar of Arizona CEO/Executive Director. He writes on a topic that should be of great interest to most all lawyers: scams aimed at those in the legal profession. Such efforts have been around for quite awhile, but as John writes, “This latest twist is just another reminder that you have to be constantly vigilant with your
business practices.”

Here’s John opening on the topic:

We want to warn you about a phishing scam that is directed at lawyers. The latest twist is that the scam email is mentioning IOLTA accounts. The email implies that the account doesn’t have enough money to pay an outstanding check. It then asks for the attorney to contact the sender to clear up the matter.

Scammers are always looking for new ways to find victims. They’re hoping that by creating confusion, you’ll provide them with information they can use to access your account and steal your money. Always take a moment to read the email carefully. If it claims you have an outstanding problem, contact your own banking institution. If you do contact the sender, do not give them any account information.

Read the entire article here.

Last Friday, as folks were clearing out of work and looking forward to a holiday weekend, staffers at the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education were putting the final touches on a new website—one dedicated to aiding veterans and their families.

LawforVeterans.org is a creation of the Arizona Supreme Court, in cooperation with the AZFLS&E and the Military Legal Assistance Committee of the State Bar of Arizona.

The site aims to be a “one-stop clearinghouse for access to legal and other important veteran benefit information,” providing legal information, articles, resources and forms.

The Court explains that the site features 10 specialty subject areas “ranging from identity theft to employment law. There are sections with helpful Q&A topics as well as a place to ask legal questions, find a lawyer, or locate other resources veterans might need.”

The site “will be the public face of a broader support network.” The Court announced that more than 270 volunteer legal professionals will “respond to questions and help match veterans with the resources they need.”

Hon. Rebecca White Berch

Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch says, “Veterans Day 2013 marks the initial public launch of the site, but we realize the site itself is a platform upon which we will build and add content, based on the needs and input of veterans and service providers that stand ready to assist them.”

Polsinelli attorney Kris Carlson is cheered by the website’s creation. He is a former Green Beret and co-chair of the Military/Veterans Group of the American Health Lawyers Association Behavioral Task Force. He views the site as a great resource.

“‘Law for Veterans’ is absolutely fantastic,” Carlson says. “This resource was badly needed.  Transitioning from the military into civilian life can be difficult. Behaviors that kept the service member alive during time of war are not easily forgotten, and some can leave veterans at a disadvantage when re-integrating into civilian life.”

Carlson continues, “The site’s comprehensive approach can provide assistance to Arizona’s men and women veterans in many critical areas as they struggle to leave the war behind them.”

Many veterans struggle with reintegration into civilian life, which can be difficult. As a result, some may become involved in the criminal justice system; claims denials; insurance problems; family law issues; or physical, mental or substance abuse challenges.

Kris Carlson, Polsinelli

AZFLS&E CEO Kevin Ruegg says, “The Foundation is thrilled to have the Supreme Court entrust us with this project and very grateful for the partnership with the Bar’s Military Legal Assistance Committee. We hope to accomplish two things: furthering our mission of promoting access to justice for all Arizonans, and assuring our veterans know that we understand that our justice system would not be here without their fight for this country’s freedoms.”

Staffers at the Foundation who led the rollout effort included Public Legal Information Manager Kim Bernhart and CTO Al Flores, along with Lara Slifko and Dan Hall. Bernhart points to this effort as another in a successful line of sites launched by the Foundation, including Law for Seniors and Law for Kids.

Brigadier General Gregg Maxon (ret.) is a special adviser to the Administrative Office of the Courts, where he assists jurisdictions in their efforts to create veterans courts. The Supreme Court said he was “a key advocate in the planning and development” of the new website.

Among the data he gathered:

• 2.4 million men and women served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• 1.44 million are now eligible for V.A. health care.
• 774,000 have obtained V.A. health care.
• Of those receiving treatment, 52 percent are diagnosed with mental disorders such as PTSD, depression and substance abuse.

“A unified treatment and rehabilitation approach brings better results,” says General Maxon. “Through partnerships with the Department of Veterans Affairs and local, state or national non-profits and community-based organizations, we can honor our veterans with the resources they deserve.”

Vice Chief Justice Scott Bales adds, “Courts and the legal community are recognizing that we can better serve certain populations by tailoring website content and court services to meet their needs. Our veterans deserve this help. We don’t want them hurting, alone or in trouble with nowhere to turn.”

The Court encourages businesses, government agencies, chambers of commerce, associations, and non-profits to add a link to www.LawForVeterans.org.