ABA Young Lawyers Division Committee Guide€¦ABA YLD STAFF DIRECTORY (22-23) CONTACT INFORMATION (24) Page 4 ABA Young Lawyers Division Committee Guide ABA Young Lawyers Division

Committee Guide 2011 - 2012

Page 2 ABA Young Lawyers Division Committee Guide

ABA Young Lawyers Division Committee Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTSABOUT THE DIVISION

mission (4)history (4)

COMMITTEE OVERVIEWcommittee benefits (5)

SUBSTANTIVE COMMITTEESaccess to legal services (6)

administrative law (6)air and space law (6)

antitrust law (7)bankruptcy law (7)

business law (7)children and the law (7)

corporate counsel (8)criminal justice (8)

dispute resolution (8)entertainment and sports industry (9)

environmental, energy and resource law (9)ethics and professionalism (9)

family law (10)general practice, solo and small firm (10)

government military and public section lawyers (10)health law (11)

individual rights and responsibilities (11)intellectual property law (11)

www.ambar.org/younglawyers Page 3

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TABLE OF CONTENTSSUBSTANTIVE COMMITTEES

international law (11)labor and employment law (11)

law practice management (lpm) (12)litigation (12)

public contract law (12)public education (12)

public utility, communication and transportation law (13)real property, probate and trust law (13)

science and technology law (13)tax law (13)

tort trial and insurance practice (14)

DIVERSITY COMMITTEESlaw student outreach (LSOC) (14)

minorities in the profession (MIPC) (15)women in the profession (WIPC) (15)

HOW TO JOIN (16)

DIVISION HIGHLIGHTS (17)

DIVISION LEADERSHIP (18-21)

ABA YLD STAFF DIRECTORY (22-23)

CONTACT INFORMATION (24)


ABA Young Lawyers Division Committee Guide

ABOUT THE DIVISION

MISSION

Th e Division’s mission is to further the Association’s goals and purposes, and thereby to serve the community and the legal profession; to represent young law-yers in the Association, and to represent the Association to young lawyers; to help shape the policies and priorities that af-fect young lawyers and the legal culture in which they practice; and to create a deliberative forum for the exchange and expression of younglawyers’ views, and a voice to advocate those views.

HISTORY

Th e American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (ABA YLD) is the home for young lawyers. With over 130,000 members and 300 affi liated groups, the ABA YLD is the largest young lawyer organization in the world.

Individual membership is open to American Bar Association members who have been admitted to practice in his or her fi rst bar within the past fi ve years, or is less than thirty-six years old. Affi liate membership is open to young lawyer organizations and special interest bars. Th ere are no additional membership dues.

Th e YLD serves the public, its members, and the profession through its many public ser-vice projects, resources, and involvement in the entities programs. YLD members are active throughout the ABA and in their communities.

Th e conferences and meetings of the YLD bring together hundreds of young lawyers four times during the bar year for networking, idea exchanges, policy making, and skills train-ing. Additional resources are made available to members online, in print publications, and through webcasts and teleconferences.


COMMITTEE OVERVIEW

Th e YLD committees are the heart of the Division and provide the powerful professional resources you need to grow as an attorney. Th ese committees deal with emerging legal is-sues and equip you with cutting-edge articles on hot issues in specialized areas of the law and in-depth CLE through the 101 Practice Series, teleconferences and live CLE events. Each committee off ers members the opportunity to meet and work with colleagues expert in the committee’s area of interest and helps you connect with the nation’s leading experts in various legal fi elds, network with employers and mentors, and distinguish yourself as a leader among the nation’s best young lawyers.

How much time is required for committee membership? As much or as little time as youwould like to devote. Th e choice is yours. You can choose to be an active member and in-volve yourself into the committee’s work (e.g. by writing articles or speaking on panels). If you are short on time or are being pulled in too many directions, you can choose to simply be informed of committee activities and news via the committee list serves and website.

COMMITTEE BENEFITS INCLUDE

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Timely, in-depth analysis of legal issues and trends in your practice area through the 101 Practice Series.

Powerful professional resources that can boost your career.

Th e chance to network with hundreds of top young lawyers at CLE and networking events.

Th e opportunity to exchange ideas and gain insight from other practi-tioners who share your interests and expertise.

Th e opportunity to become a published author by contributing articles to Committee websites.

Th e chance to expand your curriculum vitae by becoming a speaker on CLE panels or programs.


Young lawyers practice in a broad spectrum of substantive practice areas. That’s why we have 33 substantive and special interest committees, focusing on a special aspect of the law.

SUBSTANTIVE COMMITTEES

Access to Legal ServicesTh is committee focuses on issues related to legal access for low income persons in those categories of adversarial proceedings where basic human needs are at stake, such as those involving shelter, sustenance, safety, health or child custody, as determined by each jurisdiction. Th is committee tracks these issues nationally, informing their members of changes, updates and areas where advocacy for legal access is required.

Administrative LawTh e Administrative Law Committee focuses on issues relevant to lawyers who work for, interact with, or study government entities. Th e committee aims to keep its members ap-prised of the latest in review agency actions, new legislation and case law in areas such as rulemaking, adjudication and judicial review and other relevant subjects such as health care access proposals, federal agency preemption, fi nancial regulations, modifi cations to the MSAPA, etc. Th e committee holds teleconferences and publishes articles to contrib-ute to the professional growth of its members.

Air and Space LawTh is committee’s activities aim to inform attor-neys interested in all aspects of domestic and in-ternational air and space law, including airlines, airports, labor, fi nance, litigation, environment and antitrust, as well as regulatory issues arising from governmental entities such as FAA, DOT, NASA and EASA of emerging issues in this area through articles and CLE. Th e committee will provide opportunities to build your resume. For example, you can become a published author in the YLD’s 101 Practice Series writing about Air or Space Law. Th e YLD also off ers a brownbag lec-ture series and would welcome your contributions as a panelist or moderator.

The best part? Committee membership is FREE with Young Lawyers Division Membership!


Antitrust LawTh e Antitrust Committee addresses developments in case law and legislation as they af-fect antitrust and trade regulation and explores and analyzes substantive antitrust issues with respect to government and private practice. Many of our programs are co-sponsored with the Section of Antitrust Law and we would encourage you to get actively involved in both the YLD Antitrust Law Committee and the Section of Antitrust.

ABA YLD Committees

Bankruptcy LawTh e Bankruptcy Committee works with the substantive and procedural aspects of bank-ruptcy both in the bankruptcy courts and in-state or federal courts to the extent aff ected by bankruptcy and insolvency laws. Programs and articles cover a wide range of topics, includ-ing use of ADR in bankruptcy, seminal work in developing model bankruptcy pro bono

programs, the impact of bankruptcy on pending complex civil cases, eth-ics, and model jury instructions for preference and fraudulent transfer actions.

Business LawTh e Business Law Committee focuses on all types of business torts, including fraud, mis-representation, breach of fi duciary duty, bad faith, duress, interference with contractual relations or prospective advantage, inducing breach of contract, trademark infringement, trade secrets, confusion of source, injurious falsehood, RICO, unfair trade practices, employment-related torts and banking torts, as well as related evidence, remedies, and technology issues.

Children and the LawTh e Children and the Law Committee is comprised of a wide range of legal professionals such as children’s lawyers, guardian ad litems, family law attorneys, agency attorneys, and others who are dedicated to using the law to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children. Th e main purpose of our committee is to have a forum where lawyers can share ideas, experiences, advice, and resources about children’s legal issues.


Corporate CounselTh e Corporate Counsel Committee focuses on solutions to corporate law and practice issues through dialogue between inside and outside counsel representing corporations. Its membership is balanced between inside and outside counsel. It works to keep young lawyers informed on methods of controlling the cost of corporate litigation through the study of innovative billing and budgeting techniques and new client relations techniques.

Criminal JusticeTh e Criminal Justice Committee is concerned with the defense and prosecution of com-plex white-collar cases and regulatory enforcement matters. Substantive fi elds covered by the Committees’ jurisdiction include procurement fraud, banking off enses, tax fraud, se-curities off enses, environmental crimes, program fraud and forfeitures, economic crimes and offi cial corruption, and civil and criminal RICO. Procedural areas include grand jury reform, government investigative procedures, and guideline sentencing.

Dispute ResolutionTh e Dispute Resolution Committee is concerned with developments and optimum use of all forms of alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration, mediation, summary jury trials, mini-trials, early neutral evaluation, as well as eff ective settlement and negotia-tion techniques. Th e committee sponsors numerous programs to enhance the advocate’s ADR skills, which are essential for trial lawyers.

ABA YLD Committees


Entertainment and Sports IndustryTh is committee’s focus is to serve the needs and in-terests of young lawyers whose clients are in these industries. Th e committee keeps members up-to-date on issues related to motion pictures, television, cable and radio; music and personal appearances; sports; Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts; Th eater & Performing Arts; literary publishing; litigation; arts and museums; licensing and merchandising; and media, gaming and new technologies.

Environmental, Energy and Resources LawTh is committee provides practitioners of environ-mental, natural resources, and energy law with re-sources to become better attorneys--opportunities to deepen, broaden, and sharpen their skills and a forum to connect with those with similar interests. Th e EER Committee’s activities include publishing articles, holding teleconferences, making presen-tations at ABA meetings, coordinating pro bono initiatives, and keeping members abreast of other opportunities for engagement with environmen-tal, energy, and resources law as well as interaction with each other.

Ethics and ProfessionalismTh e Ethics and Professionalism Committee ex-amines issues of ethics and professionalism for new attorneys. Th e committee identifi es potential changes to the Model Rules of Professional Con-duct as they aff ect practitioners; comments on pro-posed rule changes initiated by others; and strives to educate attorneys about the boundaries within which they are required to navigate their practices. Th e committee also promotes professionalism in the law.

ABA YLD Committees


Family LawTh e Family Law Committee seeks to utilize and share the expertise of young lawyers who practice in all areas of family law to provide resources, scholarship and networking opportunities to our members. Th e Committee recognizes that the subject matter of fam-ily law proceedings are oft en deeply personal to the parties involved and that many proceedings that our members encounter in their daily practice are incred-ibly contentious. Th erefore the Committee seeks to provide support to our members that are both rel-

evant to their practice areas and aimed at avoiding attorney burnout. Th e Committee strongly encourages members to use their legal skills to provide pro bono representation in family law proceedings to some of the most vulnerable members of society such as children, or survivors of domestic violence.

General Practice, Solo and Small FirmTh e General Practice, Solo & Small Firms Committee’s goal is to enhance the ability of the small fi rm and individual lawyer to build and maintain an eff ective and competitive practice in any fi eld of specialization.

Government, Military and Public Sector LawyersTh e Government, Military, Public Sector Lawyers (GMPSLs) Committee consists of a diverse group of attorneys from all three branches and all levels of government, i.e., local, state, and federal, as well as military lawyers active duty, reserv-ists, national guardsmen, and the civilians who represent the armed forces. Last but not least, public sector attorneys represent a variety of publicly-funded groups. Our concerns focus not merely on issues of law generally or those peculiar to GMPSLs but also upon personal and professional develop-ment, including career satisfaction and progression and our lives outside of work. We seek to achieve these goals through presenting CLE programs at conferences, conducting telecon-ferences, publishing newsletters, and sponsoring resolutions.

ABA YLD Committees


Health LawTh e Health Law Committee is concerned with health care is-sues in courts and administrative proceedings especially areas aff ected by changes throughout the health care industry, includ-ing professional negligence, privacy, credentialing, electronic discovery, managed care, as well as fraud and abuse.

Individual Rights and Responsibilities (IRRC)Th is committee seeks to inform members about complex and diffi cult civil rights and civil liberties issues in a changing and diverse society; and ensuring that protection of individual rights remains a focus of legal and policy decisions.

Intellectual Property LawTh e Intellectual Property Committee’s focus is on trademark, copyright, trade secrets, the internet, and related unfair competition cases. Th e wide scope of this committee runs from technical products to artistic works. Th ough focusing on federal law, it also touches upon state law and international concerns.

International LawTh e International Law Committee focuses on all aspects of in-ternational law and arbitration. Th e committee works closely with local, state, national and international bar associations to present seminars in the U.S. and abroad on topics of current interest.

Labor and Employment LawTh e Labor & Employment Law Committee serves as a re-source for attorneys, whose practice involves employment and traditional labor practice, including litigation in the courts, administrative agencies and arbitrations. Th e committee pro-vides a forum for discussion and serves as a resource for attor-neys who handle employment discrimination and harassment claims, retaliation and whistle blower claims, wage and hour claims, breach of employment contract claims, employment torts, unfair labor practice claims and other types of employ-ment or labor related claims.

ABA YLD Committees

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Law Practice Management (LPM)Th is committee is dedicated to providing practical resources and tools to young lawyers who fi nd themselves either taking on some aspects of legal management, or have an inter-est in developing the skill necessary to successfully lead a legal organization. More spe-cifi cally, we are young lawyers concerned with marketing, technology, management and fi nance, as they relate to the legal services industry. Th e committee has traditionally been an excellent platform for YLD members to network and develop relationships with ABA committees and members.

LitigationTh is committee is dedicated to helping litigators become more eff ective advocates for their clients by staying abreast of the latest trial techniques and informed about is-sues at every stage of trial including voir dire, discovery and post trial. Th is com-mittee produces articles, teleconferences and live CLE events to serve its members.

Public Contract LawTh is committee works to inform its members of timely is-sues related to public contract law and to improve pub-lic procurement and grant law at the federal, state and lo-cal levels and promote the professional development of attorney and associate members in public procurement law.

Public EducationTh e YLD Public Education Committee focuses on increasing the public’s under-standing of and access to the legal system. Th e committee also has a liaison relation-ship with the Division for Public Educa-tion. Th e committee works to promote the

highest-quality education about law in schools and in community settings, to stimulate public awareness of, and dialogue about, law and its role in society, to establish mechanisms that encourage and recognize individuals and institutions for advancing public under-standing of law, to include diverse peoples, organizations, and per-spectives in the planning and implementation of programs and in the audiences our programs serve.

ABA YLD Committees


Public Utility, Communications and Transportation LawTh is committee addresses the legal issues that impact the regulation and operation of public utilities, telecommunications industry and transportation systems. Our commit-tee is comprised of young lawyers worldwide who practice before federal and state utilityregulators and whose practice includes litigation, corporate transactions, and environ-mental issues that may aff ect our industries. If you are a young attorney who practices in the area of public utility, telecommunications, or transportation law, joining our com-mittee is a great opportunity for you to improve your skills while networking with other lawyers in the fi eld. Th e committee also provides its members with opportunities to con-tribute including writing and speaking opportunities.

Real Property, Probate and Trust LawTh e Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Committee deals with issues relating to real property, REITS (real estate investment trust), leasing, hotels, and various other is-sues relating to real property. It also deals with probate issues involving wills, trusts, guardianships, and creditor claims against estates.

Science & Technology LawTh is committee provides information on emerging issues at the intersection of law, science, and technology; promotes sound policy and public understanding on such is-sues; and works to enhance the professional development of its members.

Tax LawTh e Tax Law Committee provides young tax attorneys and new attorneys interested in tax law an opportunity to network and to gain access to a number of educational resources. Th e committee aims to keep its members educated about the tax system and advocates for policy to achieve an equitable, effi cient, and workable tax system.

ABA YLD Committees


Tort Trial and Insurance PracticeTh is committee addresses current and emerging issues that arise when a large number of plaintiff s is asserting torts claims. Th is committee focuses on the substantive and pro-cedural developments in the case law, proposed reforms, and best practice techniques in torts cases that may involve environmental, toxic torts, pharmaceutical, products liabil-ity, aviation, antitrust, securities litigation, and employment claims. Th is committee also deals with all aspects of investigation, evaluation, litigation, settlement and trial of any personal injury and property damage caused by allegedly defective products. It provides a forum for interaction among plaintiff s’ counsel, outside defense counsel, corporate coun-sel, and the judiciary.

DIVERSITY COMMITTEES

Th e ABA Young Lawyers Division has a long tradition of supporting diversity and pro-motes full and equal participation in the Division for a membership inclusive of lawyers of varying gender, national origin, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation and gender identity, and of lawyers with disabilities. We recognize that our strength and suc-cess is due, in large part, to the diversity that our membership and leadership brings and we are continually recognized as the most diverse entity within the ABA. In furtherance of our goals to promote diversity we have several committees that work with specialized groups.

Law Student Outreach (LSOC)Th e focus of this committee is to give law students and new lawyers the opportunity to learn strategies that will help them succeed in both law school and in their chosen career.

Th e committee works to increase our member-ship by working together with the various Stu-dent Bar Associations and by implementing a plan where everyone will have the opportunity to become involved if they choose. LSOC helps to make the transition between law school and career life smoother by providing articles and networking events.

ABA YLD Committees


Minorities in the Profession (MIPC)Th e Minorities in the Profession Committee is dedicated to securing full and equal access to the ABA, the legal profession, and the justice system to young minority lawyers. Th e MIPC addresses important issues aff ecting minority lawyers’ participation in the profession from around the country. Each year the committee off ers CLE programs and teleconferences.

Women in the Profession (WIPC)Th e Women in Profession Committee (WIPC) is dedicated to securing the full and equal participation of women in the ABA, the legal profession, and the justice system. Th e WIPC’s mission is to ad-vance these women’s interests, by being a voice for their concerns and by forging coalitions with other groups to advance shared objectives. Th e WIPC Commit-tee endeavors to keep young lawyers informed and to give them opportuni-ties to improve them and have a positive impact on the future of our profession.

ABA YLD Committees


How to Join

Join any Committee(s)* online!

1. Go to www.ambar.org/younglawyers

2. Click on “Committees” on the left hand side.

3. Scroll down and click on a specific committee name.

4. Click on “Join Our Committee.”

5. Enter ABA membership ID number and password. Then click on “Log In.”

6. Click on “Confirm.”

7. You will receive a confirmation via email.

*You must be a member of the Young Lawyers Division to join a committee. Division membership is open to American Bar Association members under thirty-six years old or admitted to practice for fi ve years or less. Th ere are no additional membership dues to join the Division if you are a member of the ABA. You can check your Division mem-bership status or join the ABA by contacting the ABA Service Center at 800-285-2221 or visiting www.ambericanbar.org/membership.


Division Highlights

DIVISION HIGHLIGHTS

Gain KnowledgeReview Th e Young Lawyer, the Division’s practice-oriented publication focusing on mat-ters of interest for young lawyers. Read the more than 300 checklists and articles provid-ing practical advice available via the 101 Practice Series. Learn from some of the top practitioners in the country at over 50 individual CLE programs produced each year.

Develop SkillsAccess more than 75 professional development and hot topic downloads including the Career Development Initiative, which highlights a diff erent career path each month. Attend exclusive training and networking events.

Build NetworksConnect with the nation’s top young lawyers. Attend in-person events and join up to 33 substantive and professional committees focusing on practice areas, practice types and special interests. Join us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Be HeardShape ABA policy and the profession by sharing your thoughts and concerns as a Divi-sion leader or Assembly Delegate, which includes over 200 of the nation’s young lawyers.

Give BackLend your time and talents to Division-sponsored projects. Each year, the Division pro-vides free legal assistance to thousands of disaster survivors, sponsors a major public ser-vice project, hosts a Law Day Video Contest for U.S. students in grades 9–12, and is com-mitted to increasing diversity in the legal profession pipeline.


ABA YLD Division Leadership

DIVISION LEADERSHIPOfficers

2011 -2012

Chair

Michael G. BergmannChicago, IL

Chair-ElectChristopher A. Rogers

Dallas, TX

Secretary-Treasurer

Mario A. SullivanChicago, IL


DIVISION LEADERSHIPOfficers

2011 -2012

Assembly SpeakerLatanishia WattersBirmingham, AL

Assembly Clerk

Jennifer DaughertyMinneapolis, MN

CONSTITUTIONAL REPRESENTATIVESABA Board of Governors

Kendyl HanksNew York, NY (2012)

Michael PellicciottiSeattle, WA (2013)

ABA Board of Governors NomineeBill Ferreira

Englewood, NJ




ABA House of DelegatesJonathan Wolfe

Livingston, NJ (2014)

Kelly-Ann ClarkeGalveston, TX (2013)

Ethan TidmoreBirmingham, AL (2013)

Elizabeth AceeNew Haven, CT ( 2012)

ABA Nominating CommitteeDavid Wolfe

Livingston, NJ

DIRECTORSAdministrative Director

Rachel KoppPhiladelphia, PA

Affiliates DirectorSarah Sharp Th eophilus

Sioux Falls, SD

Committee/Liaison Director: Membership EntitiesDavid Scriven-Young

Chicago, IL

Committee/Liaison Director: Public & Special Interest EntitiesAnna Romanskaya

San Diego, CA


Communications/Technology DirectorGenevieve SpiresMorristown, NJ

Conference, Programs & Products DirectorAndrew Schpak

Portland, OR

Disaster Legal Services DirectorDavid Nguyen

Indianapolis, IN

Diversity DirectorMyra McKenzieBentonville, AR

Membership DirectorKeri-Ann Baker

West Palm Beach, FL

Public Service DirectorJill HasegawaHonolulu, HI



ABA YLD Staff Directory

Rachel A. [email protected] oversees all staff and Division activities; provides guidance and support to YLD Council; handles BOG, HOD relations and overall ABA relations.

Jennifer McQuillan312-988-5665Associate [email protected] oversees all aspects of Affi liate outreach including our Public Service Projects, membership development, Fellows eff orts, and Division sponsorship programs.

Tracy Kaempf312-988-6235Marketing [email protected] develops, implements, and manages the communication and marketing plan; coordinates activities to market all YLD projects; manages our two publica-tions; and oversees our Member Service Projects.

Meaghan Cotter Sherer312-988-5612Meetings [email protected] oversees planning, administration, management, and implementation of all YLD meetings; develops meeting-related policies; oversees implementation of all YLD CLE/PD programs.


Renee Lugo312-988-5626Program [email protected] provides support for YLD Committees and Liaisons; oversees YLD’s Diver-sity initiatives, National Representative Activities, the Diversity Scholars program, YLD Awards and Public Service Projects.

Gina Sadler312-988-5671Business [email protected] manages YLD day-to-day business operations; facilitates budget development; provides support for Disaster Legal Services Team, and District Representative activities.

Adam Arrington312-988-5716Marketing [email protected] manages YLD communications eff orts with regard to message, theme, look, and website content; manages and maintains YLD technology use; develops mar-keting materials promoting YLD activities.

Tara Blasingame312-988-5611Administratortara.blasingame@americanbar.orgTara assists the Director and Associate Director; Handles offi ce administration; Assists in reimbursement process; Responds to general inquiries; Provides gover-nance support; Oversees interns and temps.

ABA YLD Staff Directory

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATIONyoung lawyers division

312 North Clark Street Fl:18Chicago, IL 60654

www.ambar.org/younglawyerse-mail: [email protected]

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Documents

ABA Young Lawyers Division Committee Guide€¦ABA YLD STAFF DIRECTORY (22-23) CONTACT INFORMATION (24) Page 4 ABA Young Lawyers Division Committee Guide ABA Young Lawyers Division