You know that saying that 50 percent of life is just showing up? Well that rings particularly true at legal conferences.
Showing up to breakout panels, general sessions, and even cocktail hours is part of the conference game. Sure, you may be tempted to skip sessions that don't count for CLE credit, but you would actually be doing yourself a disservice. Here are three reasons to attend legal conferences.
A great way to network and get your name out among your peers is to become a CLE speaker. But let's face it, not all CLE speakers are spectacular. How can you make sure you'll be invited back?
First, of course, you have to get selected to be a CLE speaker in the first place. There are several ways to do this, such as contacting the CLE organization with a brief biography and a description of your practice area. You can also select topics to talk about that are current and won't bore your potential audience.
However, the focus here is becoming such a great CLE speaker that you'll be called upon to return again and again. Here are some tips from the website Legal Productivity:
Earning CLE credits if often at the bottom of lawyer's to do list, somewhere below 'get dry cleaning done.' Part of the problem is lack of time but there's also the lack of interesting and informative opportunities.
Or is there?
It's no secret that there are a lot of substandard CLE courses out there. Many attorneys rely on the free CLE courses and unfortunately you often get what you pay for. But are the paid courses worth the price?
It's nearly that time of year again: continuing legal education (CLE) credits are due soon. The deadline to submit your CLE compliance may be coming up depending on your jurisdiction. This leaves many attorneys wondering where to find CLE courses.
First off, make a decision. Do you want to do online CLE courses or traditional in-person events? The former is probably easier to fit into your schedule. The latter will likely draw out more of your undivided attention.
Below are some simple tips you can use to find CLE courses to fit your needs:
Are you ready to do away with billable hours?
Some are calling for attorneys to stop billing altogether and opt for "value billing."
Value billing is being looked at very carefully, as the economy drives law firms to consider changing the way they charge clients, according to an ABA discussion Atlanta, reports ABANow.com.
Perhaps more important than ever in harsh economic times is the pro bono work legal professionals are committed to performing. Beginning October 21, the ABA will help law firms, bar associations and legal groups everywhere recognize Celebrate Pro Bono Week. From October 24 to October 30, the ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service will sponsor recognition of the work done to benefit the poor and underserved in our communities.
Pro bono work of course refers to legal services performed free of charge to benefit those in need. Pro bono work can be done on behalf of indigent clients needing representation, or even the cash- strapped family breadwinner out of work and facing foreclosure. According to ABA President Stephen N. Zack, pro bono work is a fundamental part of the practice of law. The ABA has set an "aspirational goal" for each of its practicing members to perform 50 hours of pro bono work a year.
Things just ain't what they used to be when it comes to earning those CLE credits. Remember the days of having to sit in some over-air conditioned conference room with a bunch of other lawyers as mad as you at giving up billable time to earn credits? Well, if those days aren't exactly gone, the times they are a-changin'. Below are a few less painful ways to get part of your required ethics CLE under your belt.
First, a few webinars soon will be broadcast. You can remain at your own desk, with your own chair, adjusted just the way you like it, and take in three important webcasts on topical ethics issues.
On July 21, a timely webinar will be broadcast by the American Bar Association. Courtesy of the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section, experts in mass torts, government, the insurance industry and environmental law will discuss the legal ramifications of what has been called the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history: the BP oil spill.
The webcast, entitled "Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: The Legal Fallout," will take place on July 21 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., (CT), or beginning at 12:00 p.m. noon (EST). The experts will address the legal framework of the spill, clean-up and resulting litigation, including: the Oil Pollution Act and the application of other laws; the role of the federal and state governments in regulating oil drilling and coordinating responses; the claims process; disaster response; insurance liability; pending and potential litigation, including civil remedies and economic damages; and insurance coverage and exclusions.
During the annual meeting of The American Bar Association in San Francisco on August 9, the ABA will announce the recipients of this year's 2010 Pro Bono Publico Awards. Each year, the ABA recognizes the outstanding contributions made by some of its members to volunteer legal services. Pro bono work is one of the duties and privileges of the practice of law.
The 2010 awards will be given to three individuals and two law firms by ABA resident Carolyn B. Lamm. Speaking about the recipients of this year's awards, President Lamm said, "The pro bono work that these individuals and firms contribute to their communities without charge demonstrates how the legal profession delivers on the promise of equal justice for all."
Learning some new and effective ideas for online legal marketing can be as easy as logging on. On June 15, a free webcast will be presented by Florida attorney Howard Weitzner, from the Miami firm of Greenberg & Stone, and FindLaw Senior Account Manager Stefani Link, who will speak about law firm marketing and how attorneys can use the power of the Internet to connect with new clients.
