YLS Young Lawyers Section
In Brief A Periodic Newsletter of the Young Lawyers Section of the Arkansas Bar Association
Vol. 16 #3
Hats Off 2
In this issue
Meet the 2012-13 YLS Executive Council
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YLS Council at Work 6 Arkansas Traveler 7 Robin Sullivan Tips 8 YLS Report 9 CLE Calendar 12 Tasty Tips 12 Bill Woodell, Jr. Lawyer-2-Lawyer Mentor Program 13
Arkbar Young Lawyers Section
Write for In Brief!
Opportunities to write for YLS In Brief include: • Tech Tips (discuss technology that you use in your practice, etc.) • Legal Articles (use this as an opportunity to tell us about your favorite practice area, discuss rule changes, analyze recent cases, etc.) • Arkansas Traveler (play the part of a critic as you share your unique dining experiences, shops, hotels, entertainment venues, etc.) • What Judges Want (volunteer to interview a judge and share the judge’s answers to your questions with other young lawyers) • Tasty Tips (if you have a fun recipe you would like to share, submit it and it might be selected to be included in the newsletter) If you are interested in writing for a future issue, please contact Tasha@TaylorLawFirm.com.
Graphic Design & Layout Anna Hubbard Assistant Editors Andrew M. Taylor Tasty Tips Editor Rashauna Norment Tech Tips Editor Anthony C. Johnson
Young Lawyers Section Chair: Vicki S. Vasser Chair-Elect: J. Cliff McKinney II Sec-Treas: Grant M. Cox Immediate Past Chair: Brian M. Clary Executive Council: District A: C. Michael Daily Matthew L. Fryar Ryan Blake Pettigrew District B: Cory D. Childs
District C: Timothy R. Leonard Ryan M. Wilson Jessica S. Yarbrough At Large Representatives: Jessica Middleton-Kurylo Law Student Representatives: University of Arkansas at Fayetteville School of Law: John B. Crabtree UALR William H. Bowen School of Law: Matthew Pedicini
Hats Off
In brief
Editor-In-Chief Tasha C. Taylor
Smith Hurst, PLC is excited to announce that Nicole LeCointe and Nick Reynolds have joined the firm as attorneys. Smith Hurst’s primary practices focus on entrepreneurial, business and corporate formation, transactional, course of business, taxation and governance matters, mergers and acquisitions, and asset protection and wealth preservation planning. Smith Hurst, PLC can be found online at www.smithhurst.com. Toney Brasuell and Jason Files recently formed the firm of Files & Brasuell. Their law practice focuses on criminal defense and civil litigation and is located at 300 South Spring Street, Suite 604, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201.
William “Zac” White was elected as the Democratic Nominee for Arkansas State Senate District 18. The general election will be held on November 6th. You can learn more about Zac’s campaign on his website www.whiteforarkansas.com. His campaign can also be found on facebook, and twitter (@whiteforsenate). Vince Morris, the Director at the Arkansas Legal Services Partnership, is profiled in this month’s American Bar Association Journal as one of the nation’s 2012 Legal Rebels. You can view the entire article and video interview covering Vince by clicking here. Justin Zachary and Heather Zachary welcomed their first born son, Shepard David Zachary, on June 1, 2012. Travis L. Starr was married to Heather L. Rouse on May 12, 2012 in Marshalltown, Iowa. Dr. Heather L. Rouse-Starr is the Director of Health Policy Research at the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement. On May 23, 2012 Travis L. Starr was made the Managing Attorney at Honey Law Firm, P.A. Ashley Jacks Young was married on April 21, 2012, to Harper Mathis Young, Jr. of Memphis, Tennessee. Chris Burks recently joined The Sanford Law Firm as an Associate Attorney in their Little Rock office. Haley Burks recently joined The Rose Law Firm in Little Rock as an Associate Attorney. Joshua D. McFadden was appointed to the Arkansas Bar Association’s Long Range Planning Committee and the Jurisprudence and Law Reform Committee. Evan Bell, his wife Rachel, and their son Seth, celebrated the homecoming of their new baby girl, Audrey Elizabeth Ann Bell, on July 12. Evan will be joining the firm of Wallace, Martin, Duke and Russell, PLLC in Little Rock as an Associate Attorney on October 1st. Jose Alfaro recently joined the Monterrey & Tellez Law Firm as an Associate Attorney.
If you have information on YLS Members who deserve a “Hats Off” or would like to submit ideas for articles, please contact the editor of “In Brief,” Tasha Taylor at Tasha@TaylorLawFirm.com. 2
YLS In brief
www.arkbar.com
Leo Monterrey and Christina Monterrey are expecting a little girl in January of 2013. Joseph L. Jordan just launched a new website for his law practice, which details the services he provides: www.jordanucmjlaw.com.
upcoming events
Friday, October 5th Swearing-In Ceremony for the New Admittees Justice Building, Little Rock Please join the YLS Executive Council as we welcome the latest members of Arkansas Bar.
Thursday and Friday, October 18-19th Bridging the Gap CLE Seminar Embassy Suites, Little Rock This two-day CLE seminar is presented by our YLS. Please encourage new lawyers in your respective organizations to attend this seminar. Two full days of CLE for $35 (to members if early register). Please keep on the lookout for additional information about a possible social in conjunction with this CLE.
YLS Wants YOU! YLS volunteers are needed to assist with the following projects: Updating and revising the YLS Senior Citizens Handbook. If you are interested SENIOR CITIZENS’ HANDBOOK in helping with this handbook update, please contact Vicki Vasser at vvm@mcrmt.com. Arkansas Bar Association Young Lawyers Section
Drafting a Domestic Violence Victims Handbook. If you are interested in assisting with this initiative, please contact Stephanie Linam at slinam@tripconylawfirm.com.
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Lawyer-2-Lawyer
Friday, September 21st (all-day) Minority Outreach “Campus Road Tour” goes to Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia Please mark this date on your calendar and make plans to join Cory Childs and Tessica Dooley at SAU.
Arkansas Bar Association Mentor Program
Friday, October 26th 9 a.m. - Noon YLS Volunteers at Rice Depot in Little Rock Friday, October 26th Noon- 4:30 p.m. YLS Executive Council Meeting Arkansas Bar Center - Little Rock Friday, October 26th 5 - 7 p.m. YLS Happy Hour/Tailgating Party Patio at Arkansas Bar Association Friday, November 9th Professional Practicum, Little Rock Please come out and help the YLS Executive Council promote the Lawyer-2-Lawyer Mentor Program. If you have not already signed up to serve as a mentor or mentee, please see form attached to the InBrief.
Serving as a mentor in the YLS Lawyer2-Lawyer Mentor Program. Please see mentor forms attached to InBrief.
Applications for the Next Leadership Academy due October 1, 2012 Take Leadership to the Next Level. The Leadership Academy is an exciting program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of participating attorneys and produce higher level leaders with skills that can transform the community and revolutionize the legal profession. 3
Meet the 2012-2013 YLS Executive Council
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YLS In brief
www.arkbar.com
Vicki S. Vasser Chair
J. Cliff McKinney II Chair Elect
Grant M. Cox Secretary-Treasurer & Citizen Education Committee Co-Chair
Brian M. Clary Immediate Past Chair & Disaster Relief Committee Chair
C. Michael Daily District A Representative
Matthew L. Fryar District A Representative & Legal Eductaion Committee
Ryan Pettigrew District A Representative
Cory D. Childs District B Representative & Minority Outreach Committee Co-Chair
Meet the 2012-2013 YLS Executive Council
Tasha Taylor Communications Committee Chair
Jennie Clark Recruitment and Social Committee Co-Chair
Timothy R. Leonard District C Representative
Ryan M. Wilson District C Representative
Jessica Yarbrough District C Representative & Recruitment and Social Committee Co-Chair
Stephanie Linam Pro Bono Commitee Co-Chair
Jessica Middelton-Kurylo At Large Representative
Erica Miller Citizen Education Committee Co-Chair
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Meet the 2012-2013 YLS Executive Council
John Benjamin Crabtree Law Student Representative University of Arkansas
Matthew Pedicini Law Student Representative UALR William H. Bowen School of Law
YLS Executive Council at Work The Arkansas YLS Executive Council conducted its planning retreat on Friday, July 13th at the law firm of Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure, & Thompson PA in Rogers, the office of the 2012-13 YLS Chair, Vicki Vasser. The Council spent the day discussing its strategic plan for the 2012-13 bar year and conducted a successful brainstorming session about potential projects for each of the YLS standing committees. The list below contains the results from the Council’s brainstorming sessions. Hopefully, after you review the list, you will find something in which you wish to participate. We want YOU to get involved during the 2012-13 bar year. Please note that adjacent to each standing committee or category you will find the name of the 2012-13 committee chair or co-chairs. Social / Recruiting (Jennie Clark / Jessica Yarbrough): • Conduct more social events & have more executive council participation at each social • Co-sponsor more events with law schools to encourage future YLS members • Flyers for bar membership put in law school cubbies & get involved in list serv at each law school • Participate in end-of-year banquets at law schools • Conduct lunch seminars geared to YLS member; use webex • Conduct and promote YLS sponsored CLE Legal Education (Matt Fryar / Kristin Lausten) • Guidebooks for new attorneys (new admittee survival guide) • Create videos of seasoned attorneys / interviews accessible through www.Arkbar.com ( “mentor minute” videos) • Create an I-phone app or I-book of Statute of Limitations 6
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handbook with auto date calendar for SOL expiring, etc. Have tables with mentor program displayed at law school events Conduct Lunch & Learns Create guidebook for probate law (and maybe other areas of law) – geared toward new lawyers Hold YLS non-traditional CLE events (i.e. CLE on dram shop law @ distillery / CLE on gun laws at weapon manufacturing facility / target shooting after) Partner with paralegal programs and conduct continuing education for paralegals
• Citizenship Education (Grant Cox / Erica Miller) • Conduct YLS host Q&A sessions around the state targeting interested citizens • Review “18 & Life” handbook – make sure current / Translate to Spanish (explore possible ABA grants available for cost of translation ) • Host Community Center / After School programs – talk to kids about the law • Local Shelters (domestic violence) Q& A programs (in partnership with community / pro bono committee) • Draft Victim Rights handbook • Law Week – Revamp week - have activities planned for week – have week end with special speaker/luncheon – possible at Clinton School or some other large venue Community / Pro Bono (Ryan Wilson /Stephanie Linam) • Create Disaster Resource Guide
Down at the Farm!
▲Vicki Vasser, Matthew Pedicini, Matthew Fryar and Erica Miller
▲ Matthew Pedicini
▲ Erica, Matthew Fryar & Vicki
▲ Erica & Benjamin
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YLS Executive Council members braved the July heat by volunteering at the Cobblestone Project Farm in Fayetteville. The Farm is designed to use sustainable agriculture to help the under-resourced in Northwest Arkansas. For more information on the initiative click here.
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Coordinate pro bono estate planning event for Habitat for Humanity participants or other similar groups (similar to “Serving Our Seniors” or “First Responders” partnering with law schools and Legal Aid) Update Consumer Law Handbook Explore a medical / legal partnership pro bono (like Walmart/ ACH) Recognize YLS members annually who have donated significantly to pro bono legal efforts across the state (recognize at annual mtg) Conduct collection drive for supplies – targeting needy – Annual meeting and Mid-Year meeting
Minority Outreach (Cory Childs/Tessica Dooley): • Conduct after school programs targeting minorities (Q&A w/ kids & parents) • Continue college campus road tours – SAU, UAPB, Philander Smith • Expand college campus road tours to include Hispanic law student groups – partner with UALR HLSA • Partner with Asian law student group for outreach as well as women in the law profession group • Roundtables with various minority groups – at law school and at high schools • Attend HLSA banquet at UALR law school
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Michael Daily
Revamp the 2008 hunger guide – in partnership with citizenship educ / community committees
Mentoring • Increase the number of mentors • Enhance communication and awareness of the mentor program • Have tables at law schools promoting mentor programs • Launch “mentor minute” web videos for practical skills • Conduct a “meet and greet” for the mentor-mentee matches – perhaps at Bridging the Gap • Use Bridging the Gap as way to promote the mentor program Communication • Utilize the YLS web portal on Arkbar.com more often and more effectively • Create a YLS E-bulletin – focused just on YLS events, activities • Use facebook and twitter to reach members about YLS events, activities, and recruit for more involvement
Disaster Relief (Brian Clary) • Create a preparedness handbook or a disaster tip sheet • Organize team of attorney volunteers from YLS that would serve as the disaster team (go to site once declared disaster area) 7
Arkansas Traveler
Photos courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
SKY (‘skī, noun, 1. the upper atmosphere or expanse of space that constitutes an apparent great vault or arch over the earth 2. An amazing new Japanese Fusion restaurant in Little Rock.) Sky, a chic new Japanese restaurant, recently opened in the Pleasant Ridge Mall, has unveiled a cosmic world of culinary pleasures as its skillful chefs and dedicated wait staff enthusiastically pursue the pleasing of all five senses. Sky’s edgy approach to food and ambiance make this a culinary journey reminiscent of trendier spots found in lower Soho. The silver tree that vaults the restaurant and the cloud covered ceiling help transform diners to an ethereal dimension. Three separate bars dedicated to Sushi, Hibachi and Exotic Drinks provide enough of a show to keep the atmosphere lively and entertaining. Sky embraces traditional Japanese fare while incorporating contemporary Western trends without compromising the essential integrity of the food. Whether seated in the main dining room, or at one of the bar areas, food can be ordered from the main kitchen, the hibachi bar or the sushi bar. Signature dishes such as Seared Divers Scallops are served on a bed of creamy risotto with wild mushrooms and pea tendrils. Salmon with Citrus Aioli and Peking Duck Breast with sour cherry chutney are just a few among many of the chefs’ specialties. My guests and I started our culinary journey by ordering sushi appetizers. The Dragon Roll, artfully prepared to look like a dragon, had an entire broiled eel atop a snowcrab roll. The Sky Roll, my favorite, encased eel, tomago, tuna, salmon and avocado, and was delicately fried and drizzled with a sweet, freshly-made eel sauce and spicy mayo. The Cherry Blossom Roll, with fresh salmon, crab and avocado on the inside and fresh tuna on the outside, demonstrated the sushi chef’s ability to create the perfect harmony of fish and rice. The rolls were satisfying and unique and tickled my taste buds with the ferocity of a thousand flaming samurai. As our main fare we shared plates of chicken, shrimp and steak from the hibachi. The meats were tender and exceptionally flavored. The hibachi chef’s skill extended to the fried rice that accompanied the meal and is worthy of special note. Finally, although gloriously sated, we sacrificed ourselves for the sake of this review and ordered a decadent dessert. We all shared some fried ice cream, a tempura battered ball of vanilla ice cream, topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, cherries and mint, and as a special treat, we were presented with a plum wine soaked orange that was truly one of the most unique and wonderful tastes I have ever experienced. Sky is an epicurean experience that foodies both young and old will enjoy. Upon leaving the restaurant, I raised my arms in praise to the SKY, as I now understood why it had been so aptly named. Robin Sullivan is a member of the Bankruptcy Section at Mackie Wolf Zientz & Mann, P.C. She served as a Law Clerk for Chief Judge Audrey R. Evans at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, and has experience representing both Debtors and Creditors in bankruptcy related matters. She graduated with honors from the Bowen School of Law, and was nominated as a Distinguished Law Student by the American College of Bankruptcy. Prior to law school, she received a B.A. from Dartmouth College. She serves on the Board of the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers and is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association and Debtor-Creditor Bar of Central Arkansas. She can be reached at Mackie Wolf Zientz & Mann P.C., Union Bank Building, 124 West Capitol, Suite 1560, Little Rock, AR 72201, (501)218-8726.
This is the place to share your tips and reviews of the unique restaurants, hotels, B&Bs, hiking trails, entertainment venues, etc., that you have encountered while traveling around Arkansas. To submit your Arkansas Traveler review (in 150 words or less) about your unique 8encounter YLS In brief with allwww.arkbar.com things cool in Arkansas, e-mail Tasha@TaylorLawFirm.com.
American Bar Association’s Law Practice Today recently published online a sec-
tips
ond issue in the series, Survival Guide for Young Lawyers.
Disaster Readiness Tips Randy Powell of Innovative Systems, Inc. recommends this brief list of risk areas to help you prepare for a natural disaster.
• Data Back-up: Do you have a complete and up-to-date copy of your critical data? •
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Better yet, is this copy stored somewhere other than your business? There are manual and automated ways to ensure your data is backed up and taken offsite. Power Outages: These happen quite a bit in Arkansas. Do you have the right power supply unit? How much time would you need to shut everything down properly if power went out for an extended amount of time? Confirming you have the right sized APC UPS battery back-up system will ensure it functions properly in the event your power goes out. Surge Protection: Are all incoming electrical and data connections to your office protected against electrical surges? We have found that many companies will have their outlets protected. But not their internet connections, etc., which could cause a lot of damage to your network. Flooding/Water Damage: Is your server or other networking equipment physically placed in a spot where rising water could easily get to them? Have you considered the placement of your equipment in conjunction with where the sprinklers are located? Phone System: How many days can you go without a phone system? There are also plans available for phone systems that can provide an alternative solution if the need arises. Email, Programs and File Access: Would your business be able to function without email and file access for a day? Two or three days? With today’s technology, it is very feasible to have the ability to access everything that was on your server at another location. This is a tremendous tool in the event you’re not able to use your server for any reason (flood, theft, fire, hardware issues, etc.). We have implemented this for several businesses and have been very successful.
We know that Abe Lincoln would have loved the Solo & Small Firm Conference. However, the ArkBar has yet to figure out time travel so that he can attend.
Articles include: • Elevate Your Career by Getting Involved • Lost in Translation: Communication Tips for Summer Associates and New Lawyers • Going solo? Go niche! Why Selecting a Niche Practice Over a General Practice is a Favorable Option for a New (or Any Solo) Attorney • Make it Count: Practical Ways to Make Lasting Impressions • Tips and Strategies for Getting Overflow Work from Other Attorneys • Talk Your Way to the Top: 7 Practical Tips on Disproving Assumptions About Young Attorneys Through Clear and Strategic Communication • Be Smart? Start Your Practice With a Plan • Law Firm Leadership: Creating a Culture Where People Do What They Say • Predictive Coding What’s New and What You Need to Know Check out the full issue here.
Solo & Small Firm Conference S e p t e m b e r 2 1 - 2 2 , 2012 DeGray State Park Lodge, Bismarck Register at the door after September 14, 2012 6.5 CLE Credit Hours • Includes 1 Ethics Hour Hotel -DeGray State Park Lodge, 800-737-8355 (TDD) or 501-865-5850 Member online by 9/14 $250 Mailed/Faxed by 9/14 $270 onsite $285 Non-member $320
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Young Lawyers Section Report
by Vicki S. Vasser
Relay Team of Service for the Arkansas Bar The Summer Olympic games occur every four years. This July, we had an opportunity to watch athletes from around the globe compete in London at the Games of the XXX Olympiad. Having been more exposed to the sports that compete in the summer games, every four years, I have always followed the Summer Olympics with great enthusiasm. As I have followed the U.S. teams on their quest for Olympic gold, my all-time favorite sport has been track and field, in particular the sprint relay events. As a former track athlete myself, I have always admired the dedication, the talent, and the determination of these amazing track athletes. If you have ever watched an Olympic 4 x 400 relay team or observed any 4 x 400 relay team compete at a local meet, you are probably aware that in order for the team to finish the relay, a baton must successfully travel around the entire track, four separate times, without error, with each leg of the race playing a critical role of carrying the baton a complete lap of 400 meters. If you follow track and field, you are probably also aware that often times, the 4 x 400 relay or the mile relay, as it commonly referred, is one of the final races in most track meets and often determines the overall winner of the meet. The American Bar Association is very much like the United States Summer Olympic team—comprised of thousands and thousands of attorneys from every corner of our country, who collectively possess expertise in every legal area imaginable. Similarly, our Arkansas Bar Association could be analogous to perhaps one team participating in the summer Olympics—the US track and field team. Following this same analysis, one could view our Arkansas Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section (YLS) as a track relay team. In keeping with this same analogy, the 10
YLS In brief
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YLS is made up several standing committees or members of the relay team of service: Citizenship Education, Communication, Disaster Relief, Legal Education, Minority Outreach, Pro Bono, and Recruitment/ Social. Collectively, these standing committees and those who participate as a part of the work of these committees resemble members of a track relay team. Just as the Olympic track relay team members must carry a baton during their leg, so do the YLS committees and their respective members carry the “baton” throughout the Bar year on the “relay of service” that has always been the mark of the Arkansas Bar’s YLS—making a difference in our profession, in our Bar, and in our local communities. Without each leg of the team doing its part, the “relay of service” would not be a success. As the June 2012 Annual Bar Meeting ended, it was with great pride and honor that I accepted the baton of the YLS Chair leadership from 2011-12 YLS Chair Brian Clary. The 2012-13 YLS “relay teams” or committees have an exciting year ahead. As a part of the Legal Education team, YLS will build upon the successful foundation laid by Brian Clary and Tasha Taylor this past year and create additional tools for the Lawyer-2-Lawyer Mentoring Program Toolkit. Two such mentoring tools that will be considered in the coming year will be the Ten-Minute Mentor video clips (which would be short video clips accessible from the Bar website) and a New Admittee Survival guide. This team will also facilitate the annual two-day “Bridging the Gap” CLE seminar on October 18-19 and the 2013 YLS annual meeting speaker. If you are interested in assisting with Legal Education efforts, please contact co-chairs, Matt Fryar or Kristin Lausten.
By now, I hope that most of you are already familiar with the “18 and Life to Go: A Legal Handbook for Young Arkansans.” This past spring, a YLS member developed an iPhone application for the “18 and Life to Go” handbook. The Citizenship Education team will be continuing the distribution of this valuable resource. Thousands of copies of this resource are available at the Bar Center for distribution. Over the course of the next year, YLS will make this handbook available to every high school senior in the state, to place copies in every public library across the state, and to continue the promotion of the iPhone app. Distribution of the handbook would be focused on Constitution Day (September) & Law Day (May). If you are interested in assisting with these efforts, please contact Grant Cox or Erica Miller. A priority for YLS this year is pro bono and community service. Throughout the Bar year, the YLS Executive Council meets four to five times. Each time the Executive Council conducts a meeting during 2012-13, YLS will conduct a community service project or pro bono legal service project in the respective area in which the Council meets. This community service outreach will commence in July when the Executive Council meets in Northwest Arkansas. This initiative will be called “LAWYERS FOR CHANGE”. When the Council meets, hopefully local YLS members and other interested attorneys will join us by participating in the service projects help make change happen in our communities. YLS will also determine ways we can celebrating MLK Jr. Day as a “Day of Service.” If want to become more involved in pro bono or community service, please contact Stephanie Linam or Ryan Wilson. Two additional pro bono projects are also a priority for YLS in the coming year.
“Serving Our Seniors” is a pro bono estate planning project created by the American Bar Association. At the past two Annual Bar Meetings, members of the first two classes of the Arkansas Bar Association Leadership Academy program had an opportunity to participate in such a program with the help of Legal Aid of Arkansas and Mercy Senior Center in Hot Springs and provided pro bono estate planning services to area senior citizens. Similar programs have been conducted in partnership with Legal Aid and the two law schools to provide estate planning for first responders. YLS would like to partner with the two law schools and Legal Aid of Arkansas and provide at least two similar pro bono estate planning workshops during the next year. This past year, Cory Childs did an outstanding job chairing the Minority Outreach efforts. Because of the great work of Cory and his committee, I am pleased to announce that YLS will receive a $1,000.00 grant from the American Bar Association. This grant will enable YLS to continue and enhance its College Road Tour program. An outreach event is already scheduled for Southern Arkansas University in the fall, and plans are developing to revisit campuses previously vis-
ited as well as expand outreach to Northwest Arkansas to NWACC targeting Hispanic students interested in law. Cory Childs and Tessica Dooley will be co-chairing the Minority Outreach committee. Tasha Taylor has done an amazing job with YLS InBrief for several years. Tasha will continue to be involved, but YLS will be welcoming new faces to the Communications Committee to assist with the InBrief. Also, YLS will attempt to launch a periodic “e-bulletin” targeting YLS members only to keep members informed of service projects and other YLS events. Our state was quite fortunate to avoid any major natural disasters in 2011-12; however, YLS Disaster Committee is always ready to step in the event that disasters arise. The ABA hotline stands ready for activation in the event of a natural disaster in the state. Additionally, YLS will work on developing a disaster preparedness guide for citizens, accessible electronically through our Bar website. Brian Clary will be serving as chair of this Committee. Our Section membership is huge! As a result, YLS can encounter difficulties getting every member engaged. The Social/ Recruitment team will be working to get
YOU involved this year. YLS hopes to conduct a variety of social events outside the annual and mid-year meetings as well as have a presence on both law school campuses, targeting the future YLS members. Jennie Clark and Jessica Yarbrough are co-chairs of this committee. ****** The 2012-13 YLS relay team officially left the starting blocks on the relay of service for the Arkansas Bar at the conclusion of the June 2012 Annual Meeting. We are officially off and running! To make the relay of service a success, it will take participation in each leg of race, each Committee, and each YLS member. Won’t you come join the YLS relay team of service? n
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Bridging the Gap O ctober 18- 19, 2012 Embassy Suites, 11301 Financial Centre Parkway Little Rock
Thursday
Friday
8:00 - 8:25 a.m.
Registration
8:00 - 8:30 a.m.
Registration
8:25 - 8:30 a.m.
Welcome, Announcements & Introductions • Vicki Vasser, Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure, & Thompson, P.A.
8:30 - 8:40 a.m.
Welcome • Charles Harwell, Cypert, Crouch, Clark & Harwell
8:40 - 8:45 a.m. 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Appellate Court & Practice • Troy Price, Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP • Andy Taylor, Taylor & Taylor Law Firm, P.A.
Announcements & Introductions • Cory Childs, Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C.
8:45 - 9:45 a.m. 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Hanging Your Shingle & Other Solo Practice Tips S. Renee Brida, Attorney at Law
Criminal Law Practice • William O. “Bill” James, Jr., James Law Firm
9:45 - 10:00 a.m.
Break
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. Break
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Juvenile Law & Practice • Hon. Rhonda Wood, Faulkner County Circuit Court, 5th Division
10:45 - 11:45 a.m. Your First Trial-Start to Finish • Zac White, Attorney at Law • Matt House, James, Fink & House, P.A.
11:00 - 11:45 a.m. Civil Litigation & General Practice • Brandon Moffitt, Moffitt & Phillips, PLLC
11:45 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch (Provided)
11:45 - 12:25 p.m. Lunch (Provided)
12:30 - 1:15 p.m.
Fastcase Legal Research Cathy Underwood, Pulaski Technical College
1:15 - 2:00 p.m.
The Courthouse: Interaction with the Judiciary Staff • Leslie Ligon, Law Clerk to the Honorable Harry F. Barnes and the Honorable Susan O. Hickey, United States District Court, Western District of Arkansas • Clarke Tucker, Quattlebaum, Grooms,Tull & Burrow PLLC
2:00 - 2:15 p.m.
Break
2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Family Law and Domestic Relations Practice • Lauren Hamilton White, Hilburn, Calhoon, Harper, Pruniski and Calhoun, Ltd.
3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Ethics
12:25 - 12:30 p.m. Announcements & Introductions • Grant Cox, Perkins & Trotter, PLLC 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
How To: Consultations with Clients —Your Client is Facing Foreclosure • JP Sellers, Wilson & Associates, PLC —Your Client Is Facing Bankruptcy • Leon Jones, L. Jones Law Firm, PLLC
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Accounting for Attorneys • Anthony Hilliard, Ramsay, Bridgforth, Robinson and Raley LLP
2:30 - 2:45 p.m.
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2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Establishing Your Business: Choice of Entity, Insurance and Agreements • Anthony Hilliard, Ramsay, Bridgforth, Robinson and Raley LLP
Client Fees and Trust Accounts • Stark Ligon, Executive Director of the Supreme Court Committee on Professional Conduct
Program Planner - Vicki Vasser, Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure, & Thompson, P.A. Presented by - the Arkansas Bar Association Young Lawyers Section CLE -12.25 CLE Credit Hours • Includes 1 Ethics Hour Hotel - Embassy Suites, 1-800-embassy Join the Arkansas Bar Association and the Young Lawyers Section at Bridging the Gap. This seminar offers a ton of great CLE credits packed into 2 days.The seminar includes several hot topics and new law changes in a variety of practice areas. The course was originally designed for newly-admitted attorneys, but the materials are useful to any lawyer no matter how long they have been in practice.
Cost Member (Lawyers admitted after 1/11/11) online by 10/11/12 $35 Mailed/Faxed by 10/11/12 $50 onsite $75 Member (Lawyers admitted before 1/11/11) online by 10/11/12 $275 Mailed/Faxed by 10/11/12 $290 onsite $315 Non-member $345 Register at the door after October 11, 2012
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Tasty Tips
A new business concept is approaching the Arkansas border— a corporation with a social conscience. This business model takes two forms: Benefit corporations and Certified B Corporations. Both forms allow companies to make profits while striving to create positive environmental and social change. Since 2010, seven states have passed legislation enabling the creation of benefit corporations: California, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Virginia. Seven more states have legislation pending, including Louisiana, which introduced proposed legislation on April 4, 2012. A white paper with model statutes can be found at http://www.benefitcorp.net/storage/ The_Need_and_Rationale_for_Benefit_ Corporations_-_April_2012.pdf. Benefit corporations differ from traditional corporations in that they commit to socially conscious corporate purposes, they expand fiduciary duties, and they are required to transparently report their progress on a number of socially relevant measures. Benefit corporations have a broader mission than just maximizing profits for shareholders. The directors of benefit corporations may consider more than potential financial gain when making decisions; they may also weigh the potential impact on the environment, the community, the workforce, or consumers. In states where benefit corporation legislation has not yet been established, businesses can join the movement by becoming Certified B Corporations. A Certified B Corporation may be an LLC or a traditional corporation, or even a sole proprietorship. The business, regardless of its current structure, must work with the nonprofit B Lab (http://www.bcorporation.net), which cer14
YLS In brief
www.arkbar.com
Cool Beans! Salad 1 can red beans 1 can black beans 1 can white beans 1 can shoepeg corn 1 can medium pitted black olives 1 can Rotel tomatoes 1 small can diced jalapeno or green chili peppers 1 medium (8 or 10 ounce) jar of Italian salad dressing. Rinse and drain all beans, olives, and corn and put into a big mixing bowl. Add Rotel and peppers and salad dressing, then stir. Even better if left overnight, covered in the fridge. For a hotter salad, use the hot Rotel, or add some Louisiana hot sauce. For more sour, add some dill relish, or pitted green olives.
tifies, educates and monitors Certified B turers of organic skin-care products. A Corporations. Currently, 510 businesses dozen law firms have become Certified B have become Corporations. Arkansas does not yet have Certified B any Certified B Corporations, but there Corporations, are now two in Missouri, two in Louisiana, Bill Woodell, has started the Woodell LawinFirm, ranging fromJr. three in Tennessee, and twelve Texas. PLLC. Lawbecome Firm is currently a solo, general d i s t r i bThe u t oWoodell rs To a Certified B Corporation, practice with an emphasis on family law.anThe number for of free-trade a business must file impact assessment the Woodell Law is (501) 744-7871 and Bill’s email coffee to Firm with the B Lab, amend its governing docuaddress isenergy b.woodell.esq@gmail.com. solar ments, broaden its concept of stakeholdspecialists to manufac-
ers, and submit annual progress reports. Every year, ten percent of the Certified B
Lawyer-2-Lawyer
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Introducing the new Lawyer-2-Lawyer Mentor Program The Arkansas Bar Association’s new Lawyer2-Lawyer Mentor Program is designed to provide a variety of mentor relationships to young lawyers who have been licensed in Arkansas for five or fewer years. Mentees can choose from the following three options:
What Type of Mentor Do You Want?
❒ The Mid-Day Mentor
❒ The One-Year Mentor
1-2 Hours per Mentor Relationship
1 Year Traditional Mentor Relationship
The Mid-Day Mentor Program is meant to be an informal and relaxed program that allows experienced lawyers (the Mentors) and young Lawyers (the Mentees) the opportunity to share in a brief Mentor relationship over lunch.
The One-Year Mentor Program is the Traditional Mentor-Mentee Relationship, where you will be paired with a Mentor for a period of one year. Mentees will be provided with contact information for their Mentors and will be encouraged to meet together quarterly.
When you sign up for the MidDay Mentor Program, you will receive a roster which will include the names of lawyers who have volunteered to be Mid-Day Mentors. If you are interested in one of the lawyer’s areas of practice and experience, simply contact that lawyer and offer to take him or her to lunch.
❒ The Mega Mentor (Both) Can’t decide what type of Mentor you want? Choose both! You can be paired with one Mentor in the One-Year Program and still peruse the Roster of Mid-Day Mentors to find other lawyers you might be interested in taking to lunch as part of the Mid-Day Mentor Program.
Simply fill out the Mentee Application and you will magically be paired with a Mentor who can help answer some of your questions and provide you with some guidance as you work to start your career.
The Arkansas Bar Association Mentor Program is sponsored by the Young Lawyers Section 15
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Lawyer-2-Lawyer
MENTEE APPLICATION FORM Introducing the New Lawyer-2-Lawyer Mentor Program The Arkansas Bar Association Mentor Program is designed to assist young lawyers with five years of experience or less (“Mentees”), in any particular practice area of law, by matching them with more experienced lawyers having five or more years of experience (“Mentors”). The purpose of the Mentor Program is to provide Mentees with professional, ethical and practical assistance on an individual basis. Mentors will be matched with associates based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, practice areas and geographic location. See the attached form for more information about the Mentor Opportunities available in the Lawyer-2-Lawyer Mentor Program.
Arkansas Bar Association Mentor Program
To participate in the Mentor Program, just follow the 3 easy steps below:
1st
Decide Which Program You’ll Participate In: ❒ The Mid-Day Mentor
1-2 Hours per Mentor Relationship
2nd
❒ The One-Year Mentor
1 Year Traditional Mentor Relationship
❒ The Mega Mentor (Both)
Tell Us a Little About Yourself
___________________________________________________________|_________________________________________________ Name Supreme Court ID ________________________________________________________________________________|____________________________ Company Name Number of Attorneys in Firm ___________________________________________________|___________________________|____________|_________________ Mailing Address* City State Zip Code *Please list your address you prefer to have closest to Mentor ____________________________|_____________________________________|__________________________________________ Telephone Number Fax Number E-mail Address __________________________________________|___________________________________________|______________________ County of Your Practice Bar Admission Date Birth Year ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Special Skills and/or practice areas and/or Special Preferences ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Professional Affiliations and Section/Committee Membership 16
YLS In brief
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How did you initially become interested in getting involved in the Mentor Program? ❒ I saw an article/ad in the Bar Association Publications ❒ E-Bulletin ❒ I had a mentor when I was changing area(s) of practice
❒ I had a mentor when I was newly admitted ❒ A Bar Association staff contacted me ❒ A Bar Association member contacted me
Areas in which you practice – please indicate and rank the top five areas comprising your practice. (i.e., 1 being most relevant and 3 being of lesser relevance). __ Administrative Law __ Appellate Litigation __ Bankruptcy __ Business & Commercial Litigation __ Civil Trial Practice __ Commercial Law __ Consumer Law
__ Corporate Law __ Criminal Law __ Debtor/Creditor __ Elder Law __ Family Law __ General Practice __ Intellectual Property
__ Taxation __ Personal Injury __ Public Sector __ Real Estate Law __ Wills/Trusts/Estates __ Other __ Other
Please select any of the following areas of experience that you would like to discuss with your Mentor. ❒ Building and Developing Networking Skills ❒ Following the Rules of Professional Conduct ❒ How to Become a Partner in your Firm ❒ How to Build a Good Resume ❒ How to Develop Good Interview Skills ❒ Landing a Nontraditional Legal Job ❒ Law Office Management ❒ Litigation Skills
❒ Running for Judge ❒ Running for Other Political Offices ❒ Single Parents Who are Lawyers ❒ Starting Your Own Law Firm ❒ Transition from Government Lawyer to Private Practice ❒ Transition from Student to Employee ❒ Work-Life Balance ❒ Other
Signature ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature* Date *Your signature above acknowledges that you have been licensed in Arkansas for five years or less and are a member in good standing of the State Bar of Arkansas.
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Arkansas Bar Association Mentor Program
Please Fax, E-mail, or Mail your completed form to the Arkansas Bar Association Fax to: (501) 375 -4901 E-mail to: mglasgow@arkbar.com Mail to: Mentor Program, Arkansas Bar Association 2224 Cottondale Lane Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
The Arkansas Bar Association Mentor Program is sponsored by the Young Lawyers Section 17