Our goal at the Ohio State Bar Association is to make membership indispensable to Ohio lawyers. That means offering you the best programs and services to meet all of your professional needs, including unmatched benefits to help you through a rough economy. Some may think they cannot afford to be a member of the OSBA but, the reality is, you cannot afford not to.
Here are some of the valuable benefits you receive with your OSBA membership that are particularly attractive in today’s economic climate:
Casemaker
The new version of Casemaker, the OSBA’s online legal research tool, launched in early 2009. Casemaker is available 24/7 virtually anywhere in the world with an Internet connection to OSBA members at no additional charge as part of their OSBA dues. New features expand your research options.
OfficeKeeper
The OSBA developed OfficeKeeper, the Association’s award-winning online law office management resource, as a nuts and bolts resource guide to opening, maintaining and closing a law office, covering both the day-to-day operations of a law office as well as matters related to client relations. OfficeKeeper includes checklists, forms, references and links to Web sites and the new Model Rules of Professional Conduct. In today’s economic times, this is an even more valuable resource for OSBA members.
CLE
The OSBA remains the premier CLE provider in Ohio. Options are available 24/7 to the lawyers of Ohio through live presentations, video replays, Webcasts, podcasts and other online options. We are always ahead of the curve with new programs responding to current changes in the law.
Committees and sections
The OSBA’s 43 committees and 10 sections provide opportunities to gain valuable resources and insights. Committee and section members review pending legislation, draft legislative proposals and develop projects and programs designed to improve the legal system in Ohio. By joining a committee or section, members can increase their expertise in specific practice areas, accomplish collective goals and exchange ideas with their peers.
Insurance Alliance Program
The cost of health insurance is one of the many economic pressures facing Ohio law firms. The OSBA Insurance Agency understands and has responded with a new health insurance alliance with Medical Mutual of Ohio that provides access to exclusive savings opportunities through the pooling of interested OSBA members from across the state.
Silent Partner
"Silent Partner" is designed to provide OSBA members with confidential advice and guidance from experienced and successful members of the bar to you, the practicing lawyer, on a wide range of problems or concerns involving, but not limited to you and your law practice; your partners, associates or employees; your clients, family or friends; the Association or judiciary. Silent Partner panel members are attorneys who have gained the respect of their fellow attorneys through the successful practice of law.
OLAP
In tough economic times, there may be a rise in depression, substance abuse and/or other mental health matters. The Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program is a confidential way for lawyers to have access to assistance with these matters. This is another way the OSBA can assist members in tough economic times. Confidential assistance is available by calling (800) 348-4343.
Career Center
Now, more than ever, Ohio attorneys need programs and services to help them reach their highest level of professional success. The OSBA offers a variety of career services to assist attorneys with personal advancement, professional development, career satisfaction and legal workplace issues.
The OSBA’s powerful new online career center, powered by career services leader Job Target, connects job seekers with prospective employers in the legal field. Job seekers can post resumes, search jobs, access numerous career resources and manage their job search all in one place. OSBA members receive special rates on job postings, and all employers have access to numerous tools designed to help you find the right candidate for your job opening.
Job seekers should also make a habit of checking the weekly job postings found in the OSBA Report Online. Whether you are seeking new career opportunities, hiring new associates for a law firm, managing a law practice, or trying to strike balance with the day-to-day pressures of a demanding profession, the OSBA has programs that provide the expert advice and information you need.
Publications
OSBA members have access to the weekly OSBA Report, weekly OSBA Report Online, bimonthly Ohio Lawyer, all the section newsletters, the newsletters for associate members (students and paralegals) and our growing list of e-mail publications.
Financial hardship help
Members experiencing a period of financial difficulty may apply for up to 50 percent off their annual dues.
Member Service Center
The OSBA Member Service Center is available during regular business hours to answer questions about OSBA services, membership maintenance, to register for CLE courses or most other member needs. Please call the Member Service Center at (800) 232-7124.
Facilities
OSBA members who need a place for a meeting, conference calling, video conferencing or online meeting capabilities in Columbus can use facilities at the OSBA Headquarters building free of charge on an availability basis. Contact Joe Brancato for your technology needs and Jan Rose for room reservations. You can reach them both by calling (800) 282-6556.
News
Connect with Legal News for news items related to the current economic situation and the legal profession.