OSBA News Release RSS Feed

Forum on judicial selection continues today in Columbus

OsbaMembershipProvider:sbeougher — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:39:08 GMT

Categories: General, Journalist, OSBA

Item Link: Forum on judicial selection continues today in Columbus

Date: 12/4/2009

Text:

Columbus, Ohio (Nov. 20, 2009) – Ohio Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, Gov. Ted Strickland and House Speaker Armond Budish are among the Ohio leaders at a forum to discuss the process for selecting justices of the Supreme Court of Ohio that concludes today in Columbus.

Today’s sessions of “A Forum on Judicial Selection: A Time for Action” are being held at the Ohio Judicial Center and the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus. The conveners of the event are Chief Justice Moyer, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund. The forum is made possible by a grant from the Joyce Foundation.

Also scheduled to be in attendance are Justices Paul E. Pfeifer, Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, and Robert R. Cupp.

The purpose of the forum is to address the widespread public perception that campaign contributions influence judicial decision-making. Participants will explore whether Ohio should adopt a new selection method for Supreme Court justices and will learn about the various reforms that other states have implemented.

Forum participants include leaders of the judicial branch, the business community, organized labor, state elected officials, civic leaders and members of the legal community.

Following are media coverage opportunities:
Friday, Nov. 20, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Opening Remarks and Plenary Session
Center of Science and Industry (COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Columbus)
Remarks by Gov. Ted Strickland, Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, Meg Flack, president of the League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund, and OSBA President Barbara J. Howard; special video presentation.

Friday, Nov. 20, 12 – 1 p.m. Luncheon
Center of Science and Industry (COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Columbus)
Remarks by Armond Budish, Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, and Tom Niehaus, President Pro Tempore, Ohio Senate.

4 p.m. Closing - Media Availability
Center of Science and Industry (COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Columbus)
Question and answer opportunity with Chief Justice Moyer, Meg Flack, president of the League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund, and OSBA President Barbara J. Howard. The conveners will discuss what they think came from the forum and what will happen next.

For more information, contact:
Chief Justice Moyer: Chris Davey, 614-387-9257
OSBA: Ken Brown, 614-487-4426
League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund: Nancy Brown, 1-877-LWV-OHIO

The Ohio State Bar Association, founded in 1880, is a voluntary association representing approximately 25,000 members of the bench and bar of Ohio as well as nearly 4,000 legal assistants and law students. Through its activities and the activities of its related organizations, the OSBA serves both its members and the public by promoting the highest standards in the practice of law and the administration of justice.

--30--

State leaders to gather Thursday and Friday to discuss potential judicial reform

OsbaMembershipProvider:sbeougher — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:24:15 GMT

Categories: General, Journalist, OSBA

Item Link: State leaders to gather Thursday and Friday to discuss potential judicial reform

Date: 11/18/2009

Text:

COLUMBUS – Ohio Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, Gov. Ted Strickland and House Speaker Armond Budish will be among the Ohio leaders at a forum to discuss the process for selecting Justices of the Supreme Court of Ohio that will be held Thursday and Friday in Columbus.

“A Forum on Judicial Selection: A Time for Action” will be held Nov. 19 and 20 at the Ohio Judicial Center and the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus. The conveners of the event are Chief Justice Moyer, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund. The forum is made possible by a grant from the Joyce Foundation.

Also scheduled to be in attendance will be Justices Paul E. Pfeifer, Evelyn Lundberg Stratton, and Robert R. Cupp.

The purpose of the forum is to address the widespread public perception that campaign contributions influence judicial decision making. Participants will explore whether Ohio should adopt a new selection method for Supreme Court Justices will learn about the various reforms that other states have implemented.

Participants include leaders of the judicial branch, the business community, organized labor, state elected officials, civic leaders and members of the legal community.

Following are media coverage opportunities:

Thursday, Nov. 19, 3-5:30 p.m. Plenary Session*
Ohio Judicial Center South Hearing Room (65 South Front Street, Columbus)
A Panel discussion and overview of the current situation, other states selection methods, public financing, and options for Ohio. Moderator: Yvette McGee Brown (president of The Center for Child and Family Advocacy at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital). Panelists: Bert Brandenburg (executive director, Justice at Stake), Seth Anderson (executive director, American Judicature Society), Rep. Christopher Heagarty (member of the North Carolina House of Representatives), Judge Wanda Bryant (North Carolina Court of Appeals), Ruth McGregor (former Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court), and Dr. Daryl R. Yost (member of the Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission)

*This session will be streamed live at www.judicialselection.net.

Friday, Nov. 20, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Opening Remarks and Plenary Session
Center of Science and Industry (COSI, 333 W Broad St, Columbus)
Remarks by Gov. Ted Strickland, Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, Meg Flack, president of the League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund, and OSBA President Barbara J. Howard, special video presentation.

Friday, Nov. 20, 12-1 p.m. Luncheon
Center of Science and Industry (COSI, 333 W Broad St, Columbus)
Remarks by Armond Budish, Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives and Tom Niehaus, President Pro Tempore, Ohio Senate.

4 p.m. Closing Media Availability
Center of Science and Industry (COSI, 333 W Broad St, Columbus)
Question and Answer opportunity with Chief Justice Moyer, Meg Flack, president of the League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund, and OSBA President Barbara J. Howard. The conveners will discuss what they think came from the forum and what will happen next.

For more information and complete briefing material, please visit: www.judicialselection.net.

CONTACT:
Chief Justice Moyer: Chris Davey, 614-387-9257
OSBA: Ken Brown, 614-487-4426
League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund: Nancy Brown, 1-877-LWV-OHIO

Columbus lawyer models career after leaders in the African-American legal community

OsbaMembershipProvider:sbeougher — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:42:25 GMT

Categories: General, Journalist, OSBA

Item Link: Columbus lawyer models career after leaders in the African-American legal community

Date: 11/10/2009

Text:

CONTACT: Kenneth A. Brown, OSBA, 800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426

Columbus, OHIO (Nov. 10, 2009) – Ever since Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) member Anthony M. Sharett was invited to a John Mercer Langston Bar Association (JMLBA) meeting fresh out of law school, he has been hooked. Sharett joined JMLBA for the sense of community and the opportunity to network with successful legal practitioners from the African-American community. Fast-forward seven years, and he is now the president of the association named for the first African-American admitted to the Ohio bar.

“The JMLBA is fortunate to have passionate, active members who understand the importance of having a thriving African-American bar association in Central Ohio.” Sharett said. “Our members’ engagement in the legal community to promote equity and professionalism and mentoring of law students and young attorneys is what excites me about leading this great organization.”

Sharett feels there are topics and issues that are unique to the JMLBA’s demographics. The ability to share experiences and discuss these important matters only improves member attorneys’ chances of being successful practitioners, and also provides them with an opportunity to mentor those who are growing within the profession and community. As president, Sharett will be working with an advisory board of seasoned practitioners who will meet to help the executive board set an organizational agenda. Sharett also wants to establish a committee to determine additional benefits for JMLBA members.

In addition to his role in the JMLBA, Sharett is the founder and chair of the Free Legal Clinic hosted by the First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio. The clinic operates on the first Tuesday of every month and has saved people from wrongful eviction, counseled clients regarding debt collection and foreclosure, and retrieved money for clients wrongly collected due to identity theft. Commenting on the clinic’s success Sharett said, “The clinic has provided a valuable service to those in need and the volunteers have benefited from the appreciation that our clients have shown us due to the representation.”

Sharett has been a member of the OSBA for seven years. He is a former member of the Young Lawyers Section, a current member of the Administrative Law Committee, and a member of Ohio State Bar Foundation’s 2010 Fellows class. He also has participated in OSBA-sponsored dialogues concerning racial justice.

Sharett serves on the Board of Governors for the Columbus Bar Association, the Executive Committee and Board Member of the Columbus Early Learning Centers and as vice-chair of FIRSTLINK. He also serves on the African-American Advisory Council for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio and is a member of the United Way of Central Ohio’s Income Impact Council. Sharett is an attorney at the Columbus law firm of Bricker & Eckler, as is his wife, Hope. They live in Reynoldsburg with their four-year-old daughter, Ava.

--30--

A message from OSBA President Barbara J. Howard on National Pro Bono Celebration

OsbaMembershipProvider:sbeougher — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:06:33 GMT

Categories: General, Journalist, OSBA

Item Link: A message from OSBA President Barbara J. Howard on National Pro Bono Celebration

Date: 10/21/2009

Text:

Pro bono publico. A Latin phrase meaning "for the public good." In practice, it means lawyers providing free legal services for many of those in need. The week of Oct. 25-31, 2009, has been designated as the first National Pro Bono Celebration. During this week, the lawyers of Ohio pledge to continue their commitment to provide free legal services for many who cannot otherwise afford them.

The lawyers of Ohio answer the call every day to help those in need of legal assistance. In addition to serving those who pay for legal advice or representation, Ohio lawyers provide literally thousands of hours of free legal services and make significant financial contributions to organizations that provide legal services to persons of limited means.

What does this mean for the citizens of Ohio? Here are just a few examples.

An Elyria attorney uses his legal and banking experience to save homes from foreclosure. He is one of the more than 1,300 attorneys who are providing legal services free of charge for “Save the Dream,” a statewide foreclosure assistance program that connects qualified homeowners with lawyers.
A Youngstown attorney who has volunteered for the last six years at the Mahoning County Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian Ad Litem Program provides countless hours of legal advice, on a pro bono basis, filing legal paperwork, preparing volunteers for court and representing the program in appeals.
An Allen County attorney has volunteered for the Salvation Army and does pro bono work for Allen County-Blackhoof Area Legal Services.

There are countless more stories like these where Ohio attorneys give of their time, talent and treasure to assist individuals and organizations with their legal needs. Can Ohio lawyers provide free legal services for everyone? Obviously not. Can, and do, they make a difference in the lives of many Ohioans in need? Absolutely.

To mark the National Pro Bono Celebration, the lawyers of Ohio are participating in as many as 42 client-centered events, including legal clinics to serve low income Ohioans all across the state.

During this National Pro Bono Celebration, we recognize those Ohio lawyers who are already providing pro bono legal services. We also take the opportunity to encourage more lawyers to get involved in pro bono activities. Lawyers interested in pitching in are urged to contact the Ohio State Bar Association, their local bar association or their local legal aid society. The need continues to grow and the lawyers of Ohio continue to answer the call.

--30--

For more information about Pro Bono Week celebrations, click here. View an OSBA news story about pro bono.

To authenticate this statement, please contact Ken Brown, OSBA Director of Public & Media Relations, 800-282-6556 (toll free), 614-487-4426 (office), or 614/746-2457 (mobile).

Cleveland attorney becomes State Bar’s president

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:12 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: Cleveland attorney becomes State Bar’s president

Date: 5/17/2007

Text:

CONTACT: Kenneth Brown - 800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426

Columbus, Ohio (May 17, 2007) - Rob Ware, partner in the Cleveland law firm of Thompson Hine LLP, will become the Ohio State Bar Association's (OSBA) president July 1, 2007. He was officially recognized today at the Association's Annual Convention in Cincinnati.

During his campaign, Ware identified three priorities for his administration. The first is to strengthen and energize the association. Ware said: "Ohio lawyers are fortunate to have a robust and innovative state bar association. OSBA has fought for the interests of lawyers statewide and been on the leading edge in developing new member benefits and services. While some would suggest it is sufficient merely to stay the course, OSBA did not achieve its remarkable success by sitting still. We are continually faced with new challenges, and we cannot be satisfied with the status quo. I am committed to moving OSBA forward by encouraging active participation in OSBA, increasing diversity in OSBA and the legal profession and maintaining the fiscal health of OSBA."

Ware's second priority is to enhance services to members. He said, "Membership in OSBA is voluntary. To maintain our vitality, we must remain relevant to the needs of practicing lawyers. To that end, every OSBA member should benefit from the organization's products and services. As president, I will work to ensure that membership in OSBA is indispensable for every Ohio lawyer, focusing on supporting and energizing sections and committees, expanding Casemaker -- the OSBA's online legal research tool, and offering affordable, convenient and relevant continuing legal education programs."

Ware's third priority is to contribute to improvements to the system of justice in Ohio. He said, "As the largest and most prominent organization of lawyers in Ohio, the OSBA must continue to develop and actively promote improvements to our justice system. I know that lawyers are accountable not just to their clients, but to the public, whose respect for the rule of law is the bedrock of our system of justice. I am committed to these principles and will work to maintain the highest professional standards of ethics and competence for Ohio lawyers, ensure that threats to judicial independence are exposed, work to ensure equal access to justice, and improve the reputation of the profession and the OSBA."

Ware earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, and his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia.

Ware's practice focuses on complex business competition matters, including counseling and litigation involving antitrust, trade secret and intellectual property issues. He currently serves as firm wide chair of Thompson Hine's new lawyer committee, responsible for lawyer recruiting and hiring in the firm's seven domestic offices.

His activities for the OSBA include service to the Board of Governors, Council of Delegates and Antitrust Section. He serves on the Ethics & Professionalism Committee and Certified Grievance Committee of the Cleveland Bar Association. He is a member of the American Bar Association's Antitrust and Litigation Sections.

He serves as a trustee of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic railroad and the Bainbrook/Laurel Springs Association. He is a vestry member of St. Martin's Episcopal Church.

Ware and wife Victoria are the parents of four children and reside in Bainbridge Township in Geauga County.

OSBA announces essay contest call for entries

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:11 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Date: 1/1/1900

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT: OSBA announces essay contest call for entries

CONTACT: Kenneth A. Brown - 800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426

Columbus (Oct. 4, 2004) - The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) is calling for entries from students in grades 7 – 12 across Ohio for its sixth annual “There Ought To Be A Law” Essay Contest in celebration of Law Day 2005. Entry forms and guidelines may be obtained by contacting the OSBA Public Relations department at (800) 282-6556 or (614) 487-4425, or though the “public/ programs” area of the OSBA Web site at: http://www.ohiobar.org/pub/?articleid=112 . Deadline for contest entry is January 31, 2005.

Focusing on how laws are developed, the project asks each participating student to write an essay identifying what he or she believes “ought to be a law.” The essay must include reasons why that particular law should be enacted, taking into account its impact on the community.

Essays will be evaluated on local, regional and state levels by volunteer lawyers. Regional finalists will be recognized at a special Law Day luncheon on May 5, 2005, and six essayists (two from the Junior High Division—grades 7 and 8, two from the Junior Division—grades 9 and 10, and two from the Senior Division—grades 11 and 12) will be chosen from among the regional finalists to receive prizes. Senior Division first- and second-place winners receive $600 and $400 U.S. Savings Bonds, respectively. Junior Division first- and second-place winners receive $500 and $250 U.S. Savings Bonds, respectively. Junior High Division first- and second-place winners receive $300 and $150 U.S. Savings Bonds, respectively.

“The essay contest provides an opportunity for Ohio lawyers and educators to help students understand how the lawmaking process works and how laws impact their society,” said OSBA President Heather G. Sowald. “We look forward to the students’ insight and creativity in developing what they think ‘ought to be a law.’”

Bar associations throughout the state are partnering with the OSBA in the contest by coordinating classroom visits and/or conducting local judging. To date, the following bar associations have agreed to participate in the contest: Ashland County, Champaign County, Columbiana County, Knox County, Tuscarawas County, Warren County and the Women Lawyers of Franklin County bar associations.

Students should submit their entries to teachers or administrators, who will send one entry per division from each school directly to the OSBA. Students whose schools choose not to participate or who are not affiliated with either a public or a private school may send their essays and entry forms directly to the OSBA. All essays must be faxed or postmarked by January 31, 2005.

The Ohio State Bar Association, founded in 1880, is a voluntary association representing approximately 25,000 members of the bench and bar of Ohio as well as nearly 4,000 legal assistants and law students. Through its activities and the activities of its related organizations, the OSBA serves both its members and the public by promoting the highest standards in the practice of law and the administration of justice.
-30-

OSBA president honors senior lawyers in Canton

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:11 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Date: 1/1/1900

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT: State Bar President to Honor Area’s Senior Lawyers

CONTACT: Kenneth A. Brown—800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426

COLUMBUS (Oct. 1, 2004) - The president of the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) will visit Canton on Thursday, October 14 to speak to area attorneys about current issues facing the legal profession, and to honor local lawyers for their service to the profession.

Heather G. Sowald or Columbus, 2004-2005 OSBA president, will address the annual luncheon meeting of OSBA District 14 at the Marriott McKinley Grand Hotel (320 Market Ave. South, Canton). OSBA District 14 includes 722 members who practice in Carroll, Stark and Tuscarawas counties.

Attorneys being honored for 50 years in practice include Canton resident George J. Aman and Massillon resident Richard G. Reichel.

Thomas P. Moushey, District 14 representative to the OSBA Board of Governors, will preside over the meeting, which will include the election of three members to the OSBA Council of Delegates. Pericles Stergios, Stark County Bar Association president, will deliver welcoming remarks. OSBA members are welcome to attend the business meeting at no charge.

Following the noon luncheon meeting and recognition, optional continuing legal education (CLE) seminars will be offered from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. for a total of 2.5 CLE hours. Advance seminar/lunch registration is $72 for OSBA members and $87 for non-members; seminar registration is $50 for members and $60 for non-members; lunch-only registration is $22 for members and $27 for non-members. After Oct. 7, $25 will be added to the total registration fee.

The Ohio State Bar Association, founded in 1880, is a voluntary association representing approximately 25,000 members of the bench and bar of Ohio as well as nearly 4,000 legal assistants and law students. Through its activities and the activities of its related organizations, the OSBA serves both its members and the public by promoting the highest standards in the practice of law and the administration of justice.
-30-

EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS PLEASE NOTE: Media personnel are welcome to attend and cover this meeting of state bar leaders and local attorneys and judges. OSBA President Heather Sowald’s remarks begin at 12:30 p.m., and she will be available for one-on-one interviews. To confirm exact times or to make special interview/talk show arrangements, please call OSBA Public Relations Director Ken Brown at 800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426.

OSBA hosts Law & Media Conference

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:11 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Date: 1/1/1900

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT: State Bar Association hosts Law & Media Conference for journalists, lawyers, judges, academics

Contact: Kenneth Brown – 800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426

Columbus, Ohio (Oct. 1, 2003) – The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) will host its annual Law & Media Conference on Friday, October 15 at OSBA headquarters in Columbus (1700 Lake Shore Drive). Bringing together lawyers, reporters, editors, judges, academics and others, the conference deals with hot issues affecting both media and legal professionals.

Jeff Bruce, Dayton Daily News editor; Stan Sanders, vice president of news for NBC 4 in Columbus; Dayton media attorney Robert P. Bartlett Jr. of Faruki Ireland & Cox; and Cincinnati attorney Susan Grogan Faller of Frost Brown Todd LLC will demonstrate mock pre-publication and pre-broadcast reviews and discuss ways media can minimize legal risks.

Richard M. Goehler of Frost Brown Todd LLC in Cincinnati will moderate a session on the latest issues in privacy and libel law, including public vs. private figure plaintiffs, protection of opinion speech in Ohio, libel by implication, publication of private facts, misappropriation and rights of publicity, and intrusion and interceptions (wiretapping). He will be joined by Ronald S. Kopp of Roetzel & Andress LPA in Akron; Prof. Annette Taylor, University of Dayton Dept. of Communications; and Kenneth A. Zirm of Walter & Haverfield in Cleveland.

Journalists will learn the ins and outs of covering the courts from Prof. Timothy D. Smith, attorney and professor at Kent State University’s (KSU) School of Journalism and Mass Communication. His panel includes Dennis D. Lager, Portage County Public Defender; Kevin Mayhood, Columbus Dispatch reporter; Hon. Christine T. McMonagle of the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court; and Stephen L. McIntosh of the Columbus City Attorney’s Office. Smith also will moderate a journalist ethics session that will feature panelists Jan Leach, former Beacon Journal editor, now professional-in-residence in the KSU School of Journalism and Mass Communication; and Benjamin Marrison, Columbus Dispatch editor.

Attendees will get a behind-the-scenes review of the statewide public records audit and enjoy a discussion of public records issues with Avon attorney William F. Kolis Jr. of Wickens Herzer Panza Cook & Batista; Tom O’Hara, Plain Dealer managing editor; and attorney Mark R. Weaver of Isaac Brant Ledman & Teetor in Columbus. In the afternoon, attendees will take a look at how privacy legislation has affected public access. William Kolis will team with Michael Throne, managing editor of the Chillicothe Gazette and attorney William M. Todd of the Columbus office of Squire Sanders & Dempsey.

A lunch plenary session and post-plenary breakout session will engage panelists and attendees in a discussion about trying to ensure free press and fair trials, especially in high-profile cases. The session will be moderated by Plain Dealer managing editor Tom O’Hara. Panelists include Toledo reporter Dale Emch of The Blade; Gregory Lockhart, U.S. Attorney – Southern District; Hon. Christine T. McMonagle, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court; Cleveland attorney Niki Z. Schwartz; and Columbus attorney Lloyd Pierre-Louis.

Columbus Attorney Benson A. Wolman will moderate a session called, “The Patriot Act and You.” He will be joined by panelists Paul Kostyu of Copley Newspapers’ Columbus Bureau, U.S. Attorney Gregory Lockhart, and Raymond V. Vasvari, Cleveland attorney with Berkman Gordon Murray & DeVan and former ACLU director.

The conference, which will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 3:45 p.m., includes lunch; handout materials, including the 2002 edition of the Legal Handbook for Ohio Journalists; and 4.25 hours of continuing legal education credit for attorney attendees. The cost of the conference is $30 for registrations mailed by October 8, and $50 for late registrations. Students may attend at a reduced cost of $15. The Ohio Newspaper Association (ONA), one of the conference’s sponsors, is offering a $30 scholarship to the first conference attendee from any ONA member newspaper. The Ohio Association of Broadcasters (OAB) is offering a $15 coupon to OAB members, which is accessible through the OSBA Web site. To register, call the OSBA at (800) 232-7124 or (614) 487-8585 or register online at www.ohiobar.org (click on “Public,” “Programs” and “Law & Media Conference”).

The Ohio State Bar Association, founded in 1880, is a voluntary association representing approximately 25,000 members of the bench and bar of Ohio as well as nearly 4,000 legal assistants and law students. Through its activities and the activities of its related organizations, the OSBA serves both its members and the public by promoting the highest standards in the practice of law and the administration of justice.
-30-

OSBA announces Supreme Court candidate ratings for November 2004 general election

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:10 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: OSBA announces Supreme Court candidate ratings for November 2004 general election

Date: 10/10/2004

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT:
OSBA Announces Supreme Court Candidate Ratings
For the November 2004 General Election

CONTACT:
Reginald S. Jackson, Jr. Commission Chair 419/213-5033

COLUMBUS (September 10, 2004) – The Ohio State Bar Association’s (OSBA) Commission on Judicial Candidates completed its evaluation of four candidates in this year’s Ohio Supreme Court race, and today released the following ratings:

Candidate Rating
C. Ellen Connally...................... ADEQUATE
Thomas J. Moyer......................HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Terrence O’Donnell……………………..HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
William M. O’Neill………………………….RECOMMENDED

Justice Paul E. Pfeifer is running unopposed and did not participate in the Commission’s evaluation process. Supreme Court candidates running in contested primary races were rated by the Commission in February. Those ratings remain in effect for the general election:

Candidate Rating
Nancy A. Fuerst.........................ADEQUATE
Judith Ann Lanzinger..................HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The 25-member panel chaired by OSBA past-president, Toledo attorney Reginald S. Jackson, Jr., evaluated this year’s candidates according to eight non-political criteria: legal knowledge and ability; professional experience; judicial competence; integrity; diligence; health; personal responsibility; and public/community service.

According to Jackson, the OSBA evaluation process rates each candidate individually according to the Commission’s eight criteria. The individual rating process makes it possible for two or more candidates to receive the same rating.

The rating of “Adequate” means that a candidate received a favorable overall evaluation by at least 55 percent of the Commission members. Candidates who fail to receive favorable evaluations from 55 percent of the Commission members are rated “Not Recommended.” A vote of the Commission members of at least 65 percent is required for a candidate to receive the OSBA’s “Recommended” rating. The superior rating of “Highly Recommended” is awarded to any candidate receiving favorable votes from at least 75 percent of the Commission members.

The Commission reviewed references and materials submitted by the candidates and conducted personal inquiries among lawyers, judges and other sources. The Commission interviewed the candidates in person and determined its ratings by secret ballot.
Jackson said the Commission was comprised of himself as chair and one representative from each of the OSBA’s 18 geographic districts. Additionally, six at-large members who reflect the diversity of the organization’s 25,000 members serve as appointees of the president and board of governors.

Members of the 2004 OSBA Commission on Judicial Candidates are: Reginald S. Jackson, Jr., (chair, Toledo); Roger S. Gates (Hamilton); Robert N. Farquhar (Dayton); Norman E. Cook (Paulding); John F. Hayward (Toledo); Linden J. Beck (Carey); William R. McCarty (Fairborn); Thomas J. Bonasera (Columbus); Michael H. Mearan (Portsmouth); William J. Taylor (Zanesville); Patricia A. Walker (Medina); Richard T. Cunningham (Akron); John B. Robertson (Chesterland); William Davis (East Liverpool); Douglas N. Godshall (Akron); David B. Bennett (Cambridge); Kraig E. Noble (St. Marys); Frederick L. Oremus (Athens); Curtis J. Ambrosy (Warren); C. Lynne Day (at-large, Chardon); Thomas J. Escovar (at-large, Cleveland); Ricardo A. King (at-large, Toledo); Dianne F. Marx (at-large, Dayton); Doloris F. Learmonth (at-large, Cincinnati); Virginia R. Robinson (at-large, Akron).

The Ohio State Bar Association, founded in 1880, is a voluntary association representing more than 25,000 members of the bench and bar of Ohio. Through its activities and the activities of its related organizations, the OSBA serves both its members and the public by promoting the highest standards in the practice of law and the administration of justice.

-30-

Supreme Court voter guide to be released

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:10 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: Supreme Court voter guide to be released

Date: 1/1/1900

Text:

Media Advisory

Contact: Matt Rolf, League of Women Voters of Ohio, (614) 469-1505

SUPREME COURT VOTER GUIDE TO BE RELEASED MONDAY

Members of the media are invited to attend a news conference announcing the 2004 voter guide for Supreme Court elections.

WHEN:
Monday, September 13, 2004, 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Ohio Statehouse Atrium, Columbus

WHO:
* Donald A. Stenta, Ph.D., Associate Director, John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy
* Linda Lalley, Vice President, League of Women Voters of Ohio Education
* Catherine Turcer, Legislative Director, Ohio Citizen Action
* Bill Woods, Ohio Common Cause Education Fund
* Heather Sowald, President, Ohio State Bar Association
* Dr. Rick Farmer, Fellow, Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics

South Carolina Bar joins Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:10 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: South Carolina Bar joins Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations

Date: 12/18/2003

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT: South Carolina Bar Joins

Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations

Contact: Kenneth Brown, Director of Public & Media Relations

800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426

Columbus, Ohio (December 18, 2003) –Keith Ashmus, president of the Ohio State Bar Association, (OSBA), today announced the addition of the South Carolina Bar to the Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations, bringing the total to 13 states. The Casemaker Consortium serves nearly 200,000 American lawyers to date. The goal is to include Casemaker members in all 50 states.

The South Carolina Bar joins bar associations in Ohio, Indiana, Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Oregon, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island, to make available to its members the Casemaker Web Library’s vast legal research tools. A host of other states are currently considering proposals to join the Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations to offer similar online legal research services to their members.

“Casemaker puts online legal research at the fingertips of lawyers as part of their bar association membership,” said OSBA President Ashmus. “This Casemaker consortium of bar associations is strong, composed of organizations dedicated to providing their members with innovative and meaningful services.”

“Casemaker will be a tremendous benefit for our members,” said Kenneth C. Anthony Jr., president of the South Carolina Bar. “Having a comprehensive South Carolina online research library as part of bar association membership is an amazing idea.We are very excited about bringing this service to the legal profession.”

According to Bob Wells, executive director of the South Carolina Bar, “ Casemaker was enthusiastically received by our voting delegates, and I’m taking calls asking when it will be available.”

The South Carolina Bar was established in 1884 and today serves more than 11,000 lawyers.

Launched by the Ohio State Bar Association in 1999, Casemaker is a unique online legal research tool with a powerful search engine providing access to a combination of state and federal materials. Casemaker is changing the way many lawyers conduct legal research, and it is leveling the playing field to provide to more attorneys access to reliable and affordable online legal research. Because Casemaker is a member benefit with no additional monthly or hourly charges, it has the potential to drastically reduce law firm overhead expenses for legal research.

According to Denny L. Ramey, executive director of the Ohio State Bar Association, “ Many lawyers in the consortium states can fulfill most, if not all, of their computer-assisted online legal research needs with Casemaker. For some practitioners, Casemaker augments other online legal research tools. Casemaker is a cost saver – a benefit for practice management and potentially for consumers of legal services.”

The Casemaker library features state-specific and federal materials. Members of bar associations that are part of the Casemaker Consortium are able to access the libraries of all member states now including Maine, Indiana, Idaho, Ohio, Oregon, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as case law from Michigan.

--30--

Independent Review of Casemaker™:

Ohio Incubates Another Legal Information Service
http://www.llrx.com/features/casemaker.htm

Judge Zachman vividly recalls Brown County Courthouse fire

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:10 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: Judge Zachman vividly recalls Brown County Courthouse fire

Date: 1/1/1900

Text:

For immediate release
Subject: Judge Zachman vividly recalls Brown County Courthouse fire

ED IT ORS/NEWS DIRECTORS PLEASE NOTE: The following is the account of a Brown County judge who, when a young lawyer and volunteer fireman, helped to save the courthouse he regards as his symbolic “home” today. You are authorized to use it as a feature article. If you have questions or wish to interview Judge Thomas Zachman, please call OSBA public relations director Kenneth Brown at 800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426.

Ripley to the Rescue -The Memory Still Lives

By Judge Thomas F. Zachman

In 1970, I was serving as a summer intern at the Brown County Courthouse for Attorney Arch Hicks following my second year of law school as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, awaiting an active duty assignment. My introduction to the Brown County Courthouse was a mix of history, courthouse lore, and rapid adaptation to a pronounced lack of space as well as central air-conditioning. The core of this historic courthouse built before the Civil War had changed little since lawyers first began arguing within its hallowed walls, other than the addition of two small wings in 1909. Almost every county officeholder was crammed into tiny partitions, and during the summer months wearing a suit coat and tie in the courtrooms and county offices was tantamount to a harsh sentence of hard labor in the blazing sun. But the excitement of applying the scholarly tenants of law school to the practicality of searching a title or watching a contested hearing was joy enough, and the courthouse had a majesty all its own. The sound brick walls and high ceiling of the Common Pleas Courtroom, and the musty paper records manifested an aura of changeless strength and stability. Years later that vision would be shattered amid flames and destruction.

Released from active military duty, our family returned to Ripley, Ohio, and began to integrate into small town life. My wife, a skilled mathematics instructor with dual elementary and high school certifications, had no problem getting a job in the local schools. As a young lawyer familiar with village traditions and expectations of making a difference though community service and industry, I immediately sought out numerous civic organizations to join. Of the many choices, joining the Ripley Volunteer Fire Department was a top priority for me. Growing up in the shadow of the fire hall in Ripley as a child, I admired the volunteer firemen for their silent courage and commitment in the face of adversity. So join I did, and began my training as a novice volunteer firefighter.

While my skills as a volunteer fireman matured, the Ripley Fire Department grew in scope and capability.In the fall of 1976, Ripley acquired the first aerial ladder fire truck in the county. Designed to fight large industrial or high risk fires, the Ripley Fire Department aerial ladder fire truck was the pride of the town. As firemen, we reflected that pride and toiled long hours to learn every facet of the new fire truck and its powerful capabilities. Within a very few months that training and power would be put to the ultimate test.

In the early summer morning of June 18, 1977, the fire sirens wailed and awakened me from a deep sleep. As my firefighter suit-up drill proceeded smoothly, visions of a routine fire call swept before me. Perhaps a chimney or wood stove had overheated or an electrical appliance had malfunctioned. I was hoping it was a minor fire that had been caught early enough so the night’s work would be short. But years of experience on the fire department and memories of past fires had taught me that, until arrival at the scene of the fire, pre-run guessing was tenuous at best. Upon arriving at the fire hall, and looking into the grim faces of the men assembled for duty even before a single word was spoken, I instantly realized this would be no ordinary run.

Chief Klump spoke clearly and bluntly. He advised that the Brown County courthouse was in flames and mortal danger. Dividing the first responding firemen into two teams, one to go to Georgetown and the other to stay and guard Ripley, the chief ordered me to climb into a steel well in the fire truck. With the aerial ladder fire truck as fully manned as possible, the diesel engines coughed to life, and we raced to Georgetown, the county seat of government, more than fourteen miles away.

Every man on that speeding fire truck fully understood that every single second counted and, if we were to be successful, the hose lays, vehicle placement, and firefighting tactics had to be flawless. Arching over the ridgeline, the glow of a massive fire in the distance radiated through the night mists. Approaching the burning courthouse, the full impact of that horrible specter hit home. The courthouse cupola had collapsed, and the common pleas courtroom was fully engulfed by flame. Brown County’s grand historic courthouse was dying. If the courthouse was to be saved, it was up to us. The Georgetown Fire Department wisely saved a hydrant exclusively for the Ripley aerial ladder fire truck to use in the upcoming fire fighting attack, and we went into action.

Firemen riding on the rear tailboard caught the hydrant with perfect precision as the fire truck dropped section after section of hose lines in rapid succession. Right behind us, a second Ripley fire truck, acting as a hose tender, laid an additional hose line to maximize the potential water flow from the hydrant to the aerial ladder truck. I could see the pained faces of local onlookers reflected by the flames, and sensed their silent plea to save the courthouse. Angling to avoid overhead power lines, Chief Klump and Captain McCaughey spotted the truck, set the outriggers into the asphalt street, and began to raise the telescoping ladder. The chief, knowing my skills as a ladder man, said, “Tom, get up that ladder, keep in communication with me, put out that fire and be careful.” His orders were crystal clear and my response was immediate.

After climbing to the top of the seventy-five foot ladder and anchoring my feet into the steel frame I was able to get a clear and unobstructed view of the flaming structure directly below me. The deteriorating conditions revealed were not good as the partly collapsed roof of the courthouse was preventing water from numerous ground-based hose lines from reaching the center of the inferno that was engulfing the courtroom. Remembering from my training that the high speed pumps on the aerial ladder fire truck would drive one thousand gallons of water per minute out of the nozzle at my command, there was no doubt that the Ripley snorkel fire truck was up to the job. By switching the controls to full open-narrow stream, the nozzle was directed into the heat and flames swirling beneath me. Like a liquid laser beam, the water smashed into the red hot roof and began rolling it back exposing the hellish fire consuming the courtroom. With the roof peeled back, the stream of cascading water smashed into the heart of the fire. Within seconds, the firefighter’s prayers were answered as steam and white smoke rose from the smoldering bricks and stone, signaling victory. The fires within the courtroom were under control, and the courthouse was saved.

There would be continuing firefighting mop-up operations all day, but the worst was over. Exhausted but proud beyond words of all the firefighters who fought to save the courthouse from destruction, I climbed back into the aerial ladder fire truck for the ride home at much slower speeds. Looking at my soot-blackened fire coat, I silently laughed at the thought of my prior complaints of the hot summer days at the courthouse. Glancing back at the badly burnt but still-standing grand old courthouse at Georgetown, I knew she would be rebuilt stronger and better than before and perhaps, with a little luck, even fully air-conditioned. In due course it would be so.

Hon. Thomas F.Zachman is a Brown County municipal court judge who practiced law in Ripley, Ohio for more than two decades.

Advance directives can prevent outcomes like those in the Schiavo case

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:10 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: Advance directives can prevent outcomes like those in the Schiavo case

Date: 11/4/2003

Text:

MEDIA ALERT November 4, 2003

Advance Directives Can Prevent Outcomes Like Those in the Schiavo Case

A statement by
Keith Ashmus, President, Ohio State Bar Association
Ronald Dougherty, President, Ohio State Bar Foundation

EDITOR’S NOTE: Keith Ashmus and Ron Dougherty are available for interviews, as are several other attorneys with expertise in this area. Please contact Ken Brown, OSBA Director of Public & Media Relations, at 614/487-4426 for more information. This document may also be used as a letter to the editor or Op-Ed piece.

The current controversy surrounding Terri Schiavo, a 39-year-old Florida woman, is a classic example of why Ohioans need to have advance directives – living wills and durable powers of attorney – in place. In 1990, at age 26, Schiavo experienced severe brain damage. Since then, her husband and legal guardian, Michael Schiavo, has been making decisions for Terri. For the past eight years, Michael and Terri’s parents have been engaged in a legal battle, vying for nothing less than Terri Schiavo’s life. Written advance directives would have made this process easier for all concerned.

Terminal illness. Becoming incapacitated. Dying. Many of us would prefer to hide these topics in the back of our minds. However, not sharing our thoughts and feelings about these sensitive subjects can turn a medical crisis into a legal and family battleground.

The Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio State Medical Association, Ohio Hospital Association and the Ohio Hospice and Palliative Care Association worked together to develop advance directive forms and the mechanisms for Ohioans to get them in place. The Ohio State Bar Foundation’s “Light the Way” program is aimed at informing Ohioans about the need for advance directives. Attorneys across Ohio are well-versed in the preparation of these forms and the integration of an individual’s wishes into their long-term life plans. More information and advance directives forms are available at www.ohpco.org/living_will.htm or www.osbf.net .

Advance directives help medical professionals and families respect the wishes of a person in a health crisis. Accidents, terminal illness and unforeseen complications in medical procedures make completing these documents a sensible precaution. However, surveys indicate that fewer than 25% of adults have advance directive forms, leaving families or guardians guessing at the types of medical treatment the patient would desire.

Two of the most common advance directive forms are a Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. The Living Will outlines the types of medical treatment a person would or would not want to receive if they become permanently unconscious or terminally ill. In a Health Care Durable Power of Attorney, a person designates someone to authorize or refuse medical treatments on their behalf.

Advance directives are available through medical and legal providers, and a step-by-step format makes it possible for adults to fill out their own forms. An attorney can help create an overall end-of-life planning strategy, which may include wills and trusts.

Once these forms are complete, family members should be made aware of their existence and location. Studies show only one third of completed advance directives can be located in a crisis, so steps should be taken to see that the right people have copies. It is also important to give a copy of the forms to a personal physician and an attorney. The OSBF’s “Light the Way” program also offers wallet cards that alert others to the existence of your advance directives.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Terri Schiavo and her family. We urge all Ohioans to consider completing advance directives – living wills and durable powers of attorney – to be sure their voices are heard loud and clear by those who will be making decisions for them when they are no longer able to do so for themselves.

# #

OSBA announces essay contest call for entries

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:10 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: OSBA announces essay contest call for entries

Date: 10/13/2005

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT: OSBA announces essay contest call for entries

CONTACT: Kenneth A. Brown – (800) 282-6556 or (614) 487-4426

Columbus (Oct. 13, 2003) - The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) is calling for entries from students in grades 7 – 12 across Ohio for its fifth annual “There Ought To Be A Law” Essay Contest in celebration of Law Day 2004. Entry forms and guidelines may be obtained by contacting the OSBA Public Relations department at (800) 282-6556 or (614) 487-4425, or though the OSBA Web site at: www.ohiobar.org/pubpro/lawday/ . Deadline for contest entry is January 31, 2004.

Focusing on how laws are developed, the project asks each participating student to write an essay identifying what he or she believes “ought to be a law.” The essay must include reasons why that particular law should be enacted, taking into account its impact on the community.

Essays will be evaluated on local, regional and state levels by volunteer lawyers. Regional finalists will be recognized at a special Law Day luncheon on May 5, 2004, and six essayists (two from the Junior High Division—grades 7 and 8, two from the Junior Division—grades 9 and 10, and two from the Senior Division—grades 11 and 12) will be chosen from among the regional finalists to receive prizes. Senior Division first- and second-place winners receive $600 and $400 U.S. Savings Bonds, respectively. Junior Division first- and second-place winners receive $500 and $250 U.S. Savings Bonds, respectively. Junior High Division first- and second-place winners receive $300 and $150 U.S. Savings Bonds, respectively.

“This contest brings together Ohio lawyers and educators to help students understand how the lawmaking process works and how laws impact their society,” said OSBA President Keith Ashmus. “We hope students will be creative in developing what they think ‘ought to be a law.’”

Students should submit their entries to teachers or administrators, who will send one entry per division from each school directly to the OSBA . Students whose schools choose not to participate or who are not affiliated with either a public or a private school may send their essays and entry forms directly to the OSBA. All essays must be received by the OSBA by January 31, 2004.

-30-

Indiana State Bar Association joins Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:09 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: Indiana State Bar Association joins Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations

Date: 7/14/2005

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT:	Indiana State Bar Association Joins Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations Now nine states comprise the Casemaker Consortium
Contact:	Kenneth Brown, Director of Public & Media Relations 800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426

Columbus, Ohio (May 8, 2002) -Mary Jane Trapp, president of the Ohio State Bar Association, (OSBA), today announced that the Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA) has become the newest addition to the Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations, bringing the total to nine states. Indiana joins Ohio, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island to make available to its members the Casemaker Web Library's vast legal research tools. A host of other states are currently considering proposals to join the Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations to offer similar online legal research services to their members.

"The Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations is rapidly growing," said OSBA President Trapp. "Indiana is the fifth state to join since the first of the year, and a host of others are presently examining proposals. This consortium of bar associations is strong, composed of organizations dedicated to providing their members with innovative and meaningful services."

The Indiana State Bar Association represents 11,500 lawyers. The Casemaker Consortium serves more than 150,000 American lawyers to date. The goal is to include Casemaker members in all 50 states.

Launched by the Ohio State Bar Association in 1999, Casemaker is a unique online legal research tool with a powerful search engine providing access to a combination of state and federal materials. Casemaker is changing the way many lawyers conduct legal research, and it is leveling the playing field to provide to more attorneys access to reliable and affordable online legal research. Because Casemaker is a member benefit with no additional monthly or hourly charges, it has the potential to drastically reduce law firm overhead expenses for legal research.

"Casemaker provides a powerful online legal research tool to our members," said Kristin G. Fruehwald, ISBA President. "We work hard to bring innovations to our members that assist them in their practice of law. Casemaker may be the best member benefit we've ever added."

According to Denny L. Ramey, executive director of the Ohio State Bar Association, "Many lawyers in the Consortium states can fulfill most, if not all, of their computer-assisted online legal research needs with Casemaker. For some practitioners, Casemaker augments other online legal research tools. Casemaker is a cost saver - a benefit for practice management and potentially for consumers of legal services."

The Casemaker library features state-specific and federal materials and, as part of the Casemaker Consortium, the Indiana State Bar will be able to access the libraries of Ohio, Nebraska, North Carolina, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as case law from Michigan.

Indiana State Bar Association members will be able to access Casemaker through the Bar's Web site, www.inbar.org, with an assigned password.

--30--

OSBA announces state essay contest winners

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:09 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: OSBA announces state essay contest winners

Date: 7/14/2005

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT:	OSBA announces state essay contest winners
CONTACT:	Ken Brown - 800-282-6556, 614-487-4426 or 614-746-2457 (mobile)

»Law Day Home Page

Columbus (May 1, 2002) - The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) today announced the state finalists in the association's "There Ought To Be A Law" Essay Contest. The winners were chosen from a field of 18 regional competitors who were recognized during a luncheon held at the Columbus Athletic Club in celebration of Law Day.

Diana Elizabeth Haller of Padua Franciscan High School in Parma took top honors in the Senior Division, and Brittni Beck of Holgate Local Schools in Holgate was the first-place finisher in the Junior Division. Haller proposed, in her essay, the "Ohio Mobile Telephone Communication Law" that would affect not only cell phone use by drivers, but would also impact corporations and cell phone companies. She was awarded a $600 U.S. Savings Bond, and her school will receive a plaque recognizing her achievement. Beck, who proposed a law that would ask high schools to synchronize their starting times with teenagers' body clocks, received a $500 bond, and her school will receive a scholarship to send a student to Camp & Academy, a summer program sponsored by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE).

Molly Hummel of Crestwood High School in Mantua earned second place in the Senior Division for her essay urging legislation to require married couples to renew their marriage contracts every five years. Junior Division second-place honors went to Kendra Moll of John Glenn High School in New Concord, who proposed a law that would require drivers to be completely tested every eight years. Hummel received a $400 savings bond and Moll received a $250 bond.

Jaclyn Olsson, Senior Division, and Elizabeth Hackworth, Junior Division, received honorable mention for their essays. Olsson proposed a law against leaving children unattended in vehicles, and Hackworth suggested legislation to allow critically ill patients to use marijuana as medicine.

Focusing on how laws are developed, the project asked high school students to write about what they believe "ought to be a law" with reasons why that particular law should be enacted, and taking into account its impact on the community.

"More than 850 students across the state participated in the Law Day essay contest this year. I commend all of the participants - the planning committee, participating bar associations, teachers, students, parents, and contest judges for their efforts," said OSBA President Mary Jane Trapp. "Congratulations to the state finalists and to all of the 18 regional finalists, who did a fine job of exploring the many facets of the lawmaking process."

Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer and Trapp were the featured speakers at the luncheon, Columbus newscaster Colleen Marshall served as emcee, and a jazz ensemble from the Fort Hayes vocational music program. The luncheon was sponsored by the Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company, and by the Columbus law firms of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP and Thompson Hine LLP.

The prizewinners were selected by Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Thomas Moyer; Rep. Jamie Callender of Willowick; Rep. Timothy Grendell of Chesterland; Rep. Joyce Beatty of Columbus; and Rep. Eileen Krupinski of Steubenville.

As part of the OSBA program, local bar associations provided lawyers to visit classrooms to discuss the lawmaking process and/or judged essays at the local level. These included the following bar associations: Allen County, Belmont County, Cincinnati, Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati, Columbiana County, Columbus, Crawford County, Defiance County, Delaware County, Fairfield County, Greene County, Guernsey County, Henry County, Hocking County, Holmes County, Huron County, Licking County, Marion County, Miami County, Pickaway County, Portage County, Richland County, Ross County, Scioto County, Shelby County, Stark County, Tuscarawas County, Vinton County, Wayne County, Williams County, Wood County, and Wyandot County.

The Ohio State Bar Association, founded in 1880, is a voluntary association representing approximately 25,000 members of the bench and bar of Ohio, as well as nearly 4,000 legal assistant and law students. Through its activities and the activities of its related organizations, the OSBA serves both its members and the public by promoting the highest standards in the practice of law and the administration of justice.

-30-

Note to editors:
Following is a complete list of essay contest finalists:

Junior Division (9th and 10th grade students)
  Brittni Beck, Holgate Local Schools, Holgate (first place)
  Melissa Browne, David Anderson High School, Lisbon
  Elizabeth Hackworth, Vanlue Local Schools, Vanlue (honorable mention)
  Bennie Heard, Warrensville Hts. High School, Warrensville Hts.
  Lindsay Mendenhall, Springfield North High School, Springfield
  Kendra Moll, John Glenn High School, New Concord (second place)
  Julie Tucker, Bryan High School, Bryan
  Laura Willis, Lynchburg-Clay High School, Buford

Senior Division (11th and 12th grade students)
  Lauren Kelsey Hall, Wellston High School, Wellston
  Diana Elizabeth Haller, Padua Franciscan High School, Parma (first place)
  Molly Hummel, Crestwood High School, Mantua (second place)
  Trent Kugler, Purcell Marian High School, Cincinnati
  Jessica Matsko, West Geauga High School, Chesterland
  Richard McCarthy, Ursuline High School, Youngstown
  Jaclyn Olsson, Defiance High School, Defiance (honorable mention)
  Leah Recht, Manchester High School, Clinton
  Jacob Winger, Columbus Alternative High School, Columbus

Vermont Bar Association joins Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:09 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: Vermont Bar Association joins Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations

Date: 7/14/2005

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT:	Vermont Bar Association Joins Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations
Contact:	Kenneth Brown, Director of Public & Media Relations 800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426

Columbus, Ohio (April 24, 2002) - Mary Jane Trapp, president of the Ohio State Bar Association, (OSBA), today announced that the Vermont Bar Association (VBA) has become the newest addition to the Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations, joining neighboring New England states New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, along with Ohio, Nebraska, and North Carolina, to make available to its members the Casemaker Web Library's vast legal research tools. A host of other states are currently considering proposals to join the Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations to offer similar online legal research services to their members.

"The Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations is growing," said OSBA President Trapp. "Vermont is the fourth state to join since the first of the year, and a host of others are presently examining proposals. This consortium of bar associations is strong, comprised of organizations dedicated to providing their members with innovative and meaningful services."

When Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire launch their Casemaker services by the end of 2002 and join with Connecticut, five New England states with a total of over 40,000 members will have access to the online legal research service. The Vermont Bar Association, a voluntary bar founded in 1878, currently serves some 2,100 lawyers. All tolled, the Casemaker Consortium serves more than 150,000 American lawyers to date. The goal is to include Casemaker members in all 50 states.

"We are pleased to bring to the lawyers of Vermont a powerful online legal research tool as part of their bar association membership," said Matthew F. Valerio, VBA President. "The mission of the Vermont Bar Association is to cultivate the science of jurisprudence, to promote reform in the law, to facilitate the administration of justice, to elevate the standards of the legal profession, to cherish a collegial spirit among its members and to perpetuate their memory. Casemaker is a perfect match to our mission"

The Casemaker library features state-specific and federal materials and, as part of the Casemaker Consortium, the Vermont Bar will be able to access the libraries of Ohio, Nebraska, North Carolina, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as well as case law from Michigan.

Vermont Bar Association members will be able to access Casemaker through the Bar's Web site, www.vtbar.org, with an assigned password.

--30--

OSBA offers new lawyer training

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:09 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: OSBA offers new lawyer training

Date: 7/14/2005

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT:	OSBA offers new lawyer training
Contact:	Kenneth Brown - 800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426

Columbus, Ohio (April 23, 2002) - The Ohio State Bar Association, the leading provider of continuing legal education (CLE) in Ohio and the first organization to be approved by the Supreme Court of Ohio to offer New Lawyer Training programs, will offer its next New Lawyer Training course June 5-6, 2002, in Columbus at the Wyndham Dublin Hotel.

The Ohio Supreme Court's "Bridge-the-Gap" New Lawyer Training requirement is mandatory for all lawyers passing the bar beginning in July, 2001. Until recently, new attorneys have not been required to take continuing education courses during their first two years in practice. The new court-mandated specialized training for lawyers entering the profession promotes professionalism and provides the know-how required for putting theory into practice. The 12-hour training will cover three areas: professional relationships and obligations of attorneys, development of lawyering skills, and practical knowledge and practice techniques in a variety of subject areas.

"The OSBA's New Lawyer Training program far exceeds the minimum requirements set forth by the court and will assist beginning practitioners in establishing good practices in running their offices and in working with their clients, colleagues and the courts," said Mary Jane Trapp, OSBA president. "It serves as an excellent capstone to traditional legal education and we are excited to be a leader in providing the program."

OSBA's New Lawyer Training program will provide 12 hours of NLT credit and will encompass the history and structure of the legal profession, the lawyer's role in the legal profession, ethics, the Code of Professional Responsibility, professionalism, how to practice law and stay out of trouble, time & stress management, integrating technology into the law practice, and skills development.

The course also covers probate and the administration of estates, residential real estate, basics of civil litigation from both the plaintiff and defendant perspectives, criminal litigation, law practice management, basic estate planning, trial advocacy, employment law basics, landlord-tenant relations, DUI, business law, juvenile law, collection of money, alternative dispute resolution and domestic relations. A high-powered group of attorneys and judges with outstanding credentials has been gathered from across the state to serve as presenters.

Reservations for the New Lawyer Training program can be made by contacting the OSBA at 1-800-232-7124 or 614/487-8585. Special early bird pricing is available for the New Lawyer Training program. This is the only New Lawyer Training program being offered mid-year. The course covers all topics required by the Supreme Court of Ohio, includes expert faculty providing practical how-to-do-it instruction, a multi-track program on day two that offers break-out sessions on substantive areas of the law, and includes a multi-volume desk reference with sample forms.

-30-

Rhode Island Bar Association joins Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:09 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: Rhode Island Bar Association joins Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations

Date: 7/14/2005

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT:	Rhode Island Bar Association Joins Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations
Contact:	Kenneth Brown, Director of Public & Media Relations 800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426

Columbus, Ohio (March 22, 2002) - Mary Jane Trapp, president of the Ohio State Bar Association, (OSBA), today announced that the Rhode Island Bar Association has become the newest addition to the Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations, joining neighboring New England states New Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts, along with Ohio, Nebraska, and North Carolina, to make available to its members the Casemaker Web Library's vast legal research tools. A host of other states are currently considering proposals to join the Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations to offer similar online legal research services to their members.

"The Casemaker Consortium of Bar Associations is growing," said OSBA President Trapp. "Rhode Island is the third state to join since the first of the year, and a host of others are presently examining proposals. This consortium of bar associations is strong, comprised of organizations dedicated to providing their members with innovative and meaningful services."

When Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire launch their Casemaker services by the end of 2002 and join with Connecticut, four New England states with a total of nearly 40,000 members will have access to the online legal research service. All tolled, the Casemaker Consortium serves more than 150,000 American lawyers to date. The goal is to include Casemaker members in all 50 states.

"The lawyers of Rhode Island will soon have a powerful online legal research tool at their fingertips as part of their bar association membership," said Rhode Island Bar Association President, Vincent A. DiMonte. "I can't think of a more meaningful service to provide our members."

The Casemaker library features state-specific and federal materials and, as part of the Casemaker Consortium, the Rhode Island Bar will be able to access the libraries of Ohio, Nebraska, North Carolina, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, as well as case law from Michigan.

Rhode Island Bar Association members will be able to access Casemaker through the Bar's Web site, www.ribar.org, with an assigned password. Casemaker will also provide the Bar Association with CD-ROMs of the library, which will be available for purchase and will be updated four times per year.

--30--

OSBA announces essay contest regional winners

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:09 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: OSBA announces essay contest regional winners

Date: 7/14/2005

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT:	OSBA announces essay contest regional winners
CONTACT:	Kenneth A. Brown - 800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426

»Law Day Home Page

Columbus (March 20, 2002) - And the winners are…18 students from high schools across the state who have become regional finalists in the Ohio State Bar Association's (OSBA) "There Ought To Be a Law" essay contest held in celebration of Law Day 2002.

Regional entries were evaluated by the OSBA's Young Lawyers' Section and 18 finalists were selected. They are:

Junior Division	Senior Division

Brittni Beck of Holgate	Lauren Kelsey Hall of Wellston
Melissa Browne of Lisbon	Diana Elizabeth Haller of Parma
Elizabeth Hackworth of Vanlue	Molly Hummel of Mantua
Bennie Heard of Warrensville Hts.	Trent Kugler of Cincinnati
Bill LaCava of Novelty	Jessica Matsko of Chesterland
Lindsay Mendenhall of Springfield	Richard McCarthy of Youngstown
Kendra Moll of New Concord	Jaclyn Olsson of Defiance
Julie Tucker of Bryan	Leah Recht of Clinton
Laura Willis of Buford	Jacob Winger of Columbus

These 18 regional finalists will be honored at a luncheon on Wednesday, May 1 at the Columbus Athletic Club in Columbus, sponsored by the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company, and the Columbus law offices of Thompson Hine LLP and Squire Sanders & Dempsey LLP.

"Though we may not realize it, the legislative process directly affects all of us," said OSBA President Mary Jane Trapp. "The Ohio State Bar Association's Law Day essay contest is designed to help students think critically about the lawmaking process and to instill in them a better understanding of the law and the role lawyers play in our legal system."

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Moyer and OSBA President Trapp will be the featured speakers at the luncheon. Columbus television newscaster Colleen Marshall will serve as emcee, and a jazz band from the Fort Hayes Career Center will provide entertainment. First- and second-place contest winners from each division will be announced and prizes awarded (U.S. Savings Bonds -- Senior Division: first place $600; second place $400; Junior Division: first place $500; second place $250). The school of the first place Senior Division essayist will receive an inscribed plaque, and the school of the first place Junior Division essayist will receive one scholarship for a student to attend the Ohio Center For Law-Related Education's Summer Camp or Academy.

A prestigious panel is selecting state prizewinners: Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Thomas Moyer; Rep. Jamie Callender of Willowick; Rep. Timothy Grendell of Chesterland; Rep. Joyce Beatty of Columbus; and Rep. Eileen Krupinski of Steubenville.

As part of the OSBA program, local bar associations provided lawyers to visit classrooms to discuss the lawmaking process and/or judged essays at the local level. These include the Allen County, Belmont County, Cincinnati, Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati, Columbiana County, Columbus, Crawford County, Defiance County, Delaware County, Fairfield County, Greene County, Guernsey County, Henry County, Hocking County, Holmes County, Huron County, Licking County, Marion County, Miami County, Pickaway County, Portage County, Richland County, Ross County, Scioto County, Shelby County, Stark County, Tuscarawas County, Vinton County, Wayne County, Williams County, Wood County, and Wyandot County bar associations.

-30-

Rules governing IOLTA/IOTA accounts change

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:09 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: Rules governing IOLTA/IOTA accounts change

Date: 7/14/2005

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT:		Rules Governing IOLTA/IOTA Accounts Change
Contact:		Ken Brown, OSBA Director of Public & Media Relations 614/487-4426

COLUMBUS, OHIO (March 18, 2002) -- On April 1, 2002, new rules governing Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA) and Interest on Trust Accounts (IOTA) become effective. Of particular interest are provisions dealing with the participation by attorneys in IOLTA and IOTA .

The effect of Ohio's new IOLTA and IOTA rules is the modification and adoption of past policies and practices of the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation (OLAF) and Public Defender's Office (which administered the legal aid fund prior to the creation of OLAF). The rules, adopted following extensive publication, notice, comment opportunities and a public hearing, are divided into the following sections: OLAF operational rules; Administration of the IOLTA/IOTA program relating to financial institutions; Administration of the IOLTA/IOTA program relating to depositors; and, Ohio's legal aid societies and the legal aid fund. The new rules:

require each attorney, law firm, legal professional association, or ancillary business related to the practice of law in which the attorney is the principal to establish and maintain and IOLTA or IOTA account for the deposit of client funds held in a common escrow or trust account;
prescribe when and how the attorney must establish the account and how to notify the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation (OLAF) once the account has been established;
require that the depositing attorney cooperate with and assist OLAF to ensure that the deposits are maintained by an eligible, participating bank and in an account providing the greatest return; and
summarize the consequences for an attorney who fails to comply with these provisions.

A full text version of the rules, explanations of the program and rules, ordering options, and information about selecting an appropriate bank, appear on the OLAF web site at www.olaf.org/ioltaiota/Rules/rulesfinal.shtml. For further information from OLAF, call 614/752-8919.

The Ohio State Bar Association, founded in 1880, is a voluntary association representing approximately 25,000 members of the bench and bar of Ohio. Through its activities and the activities of its related organizations, the OSBA serves both its members and the public by promoting the highest standards in the practice of law and the administration of justice.

OSBA offers certification in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:09 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: OSBA offers certification in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate

Date: 7/14/2005

Text:

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT:		OSBA Offers certification in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate
CONTACT:		Kenneth Brown, 800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426

Columbus, Ohio (March 15, 2002) - The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) today announced that the Supreme Court Commission on Certification of Attorneys as Specialists has accredited the OSBA to certify attorneys as specialists in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law. The Supreme Court of Ohio established the Commission on Certification of Attorneys as Specialists to identify specialties and set minimum standards for specialty certification.

"With the addition of Estate Planning, Trusts & Probate to the OSBA's certification programs, we can now offer our members additional opportunities to expand their knowledge in a specific area of the law," said OSBA President Mary Jane Trapp.

Attorneys interested in becoming certified specialists in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law should take note of the following deadlines:

* Application deadline date:

July 5, 2002

* Examination date:

November 18, 2002

To obtain an application or to obtain more information about becoming a certified specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, call Melissa Quick at 614/487-4411.

Attorneys who elect to become certified specialists in Ohio are required to attend additional hours of continuing legal education, devote a substantial portion of their practice to a specific area of the law, and earn the respect of their colleagues. Attorneys who have earned a specialty certification must be recertified at least every seven years.

The Ohio State Bar Association is the largest certifying agency in Ohio. The OSBA is also accredited by the Supreme Court of Ohio to certify attorney specialists in following areas:

Family Relations Law
Application Date	June 7, 2002
Examination Date	November 13, 2002
Federal Taxation Law
Application Date	May 3, 2002
Examination Date	November 13, 2002
Labor and Employment Law
Application Date	May 24, 2002
Examination Date	December 9, 2002
Ohio Workers' Compensation Law
Application Date	June 21, 2002
Examination Date	November 13, 2002

Information on these areas is available on the OSBA web site at www.ohiobar.org.

OSBA to offer Ohio Jury Instructions

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:09 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: OSBA to offer Ohio Jury Instructions

Date: 7/14/2005

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT:
OSBA To Offer Ohio Jury Instructions

Becomes part of the Casemaker Web Library
Included in membership dues; no additional charge
OSBA to expand, enhance OJI

Contact: Ken Brown, OSBA Director of Public & Media Relations, 614/487-4426

COLUMBUS, OHIO (February 28, 2002) The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA), has signed an agreement with the Ohio Judicial Conference (OJC) to include Ohio Jury Instructions (OJI) as part of the Casemaker Web Library. As a result, Ohio lawyers belonging to the OSBA will have unlimited access to Ohio Jury Instructions online through Casemaker as part of their membership and at no additional cost.

Casemaker is a unique online legal research tool with a powerful search engine providing access to a combination of state and federal materials. Casemaker is provided as part of OSBA membership. Casemaker is changing the way many lawyers conduct legal research, and it is leveling the playing field to provide to more attorneys access to reliable and affordable online legal research. Now Ohio Jury Instructions will be a part of this online legal research tool.

"Not only will we include existing Ohio Jury Instructions in Casemaker," said Mary Jane Trapp, OSBA president, "we will be enhancing Ohio Jury Instructions with our own additions, making this a very powerful resource for our members. This service will eliminate the need for attorneys to maintain paid subscriptions for Ohio Jury Instructions."

The OSBA is already preparing Ohio Jury Instructions for inclusion in the Casemaker Web Library, and anticipates having the current OJI online by the third quarter of 2002. Enhancements to OJI will follow.

Bench-Bar Conference to be held March 7 and 8

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:09 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: Bench-Bar Conference to be held March 7 and 8

Date: 7/14/2005

Text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUBJECT:
Bench-Bar Conference to be held March 7 and 8

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to participate
Dr. Pat Heim to deliver keynote address
Focus on gender and diversity matters in the legal system

Contact: Ken Brown, Director of Public & Media Relations, 614/487-4426

COLUMBUS, OHIO (February 27, 2002) The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA), the Supreme Court of Ohio and the Ohio Judicial Conference (OJC) will jointly host 200 judges and attorneys at the 2002 Ohio Bench-Bar Conference on March 7 and 8 at the Hyatt on Capitol Square. The theme for the conference is "What I Say, What You Hear: Communication Skills in a Diverse Justice System."

The event is designed to generate discussion among and between lawyers and judges across the state of Ohio in order to help improve the legal system. This year the focus is on gender and diversity matters.

At 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 8, The Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States, will engage in a "conversation" with panelists on subjects pertaining to the conference theme.

"We are honored to have Justice Ginsburg participating this year," said OSBA President Mary Jane Trapp. "She brings with her a national perspective on gender and diversity issues that will help Ohio focus on strategies to improve the state's legal system. This bench bar conference promises to turn the spotlight on issues that I know are important to the future or the legal profession and the citizens it services."

The conference opens with a keynote address by Dr. Pat Heim, a nationally recognized expert in gender and communication issues in the workplace. Dr. Heim will moderate a panel discussion of highly recognized individuals active in the justice system to conclude the morning session.

During lunch, the Honorable Janet E. Jackson, City Attorney, City of Columbus, will address the convocation about her experiences as a minority woman lawyer. Jackson has long championed the rights of women and minorities in the legal system, strives to make the legal system work for all citizens, and has a strong interest in the futures of children and families.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, Ohio Judicial Conference Chair Phillip H. Rose, and OSBA President Trapp will provide remarks. There will be nine small breakout sessions and three panel discussions focusing on the following topics and resulting in a report of the group's findings:

Juvenile Justice-Addressing the Girls in the System. More young women and girls are finding themselves in the system for non-violent offenses as well as more violent offenses. These breakout groups will discuss the system's ability to respond to the needs of delinquent girls.
Customer Service: Workplace Communications Skills - How to Avoid Litigation and Being a Party Rather than a Decision Maker. This topic will focus on issues related to women and minorities in the legal workplace.
Effective Trial Practice: Changing Demographics in the Justice System. Who Are the Players; What Are Their Backgrounds, Their Cultures, Their Languages? These groups will address the challenges of effectively communicating with those who interact with the justice system.

"Bringing together judges and attorneys to discuss, indeed dissect, some of the pressing contemporary issues related to gender and diversity in the legal system is critical," said OJC Chair Phillip Rose. "This will be an historic bench bar conference that will, I believe, help identify ways to make the system work better for all those who enter it."

EDITOR'S NOTE: An agenda for the two-day conference is attached. The media is invited to attend any of the sessions. For security reasons, reporters wishing to attend the session on Friday with Justice Ginsburg must register in advance NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, MARCH 5 AT NOON with the OSBA Office of Public & Media Relations by contacting Ken Brown, Director, at 614/487-4426. In addition to required pre-registration, reporters must bring press credentials (photo ID) with them on Friday to be admitted to the session. No one can be admitted without prior registration and press credentials. Justice Ginsburg will not be available for individual interviews.

2002 OHIO BENCH-BAR CONFERENCE
March 7-8, 2002
Hyatt on Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio

AGENDA

Thursday, March 7, 2002

10:00 AM - Noon	Opening Plenary Session Keynote address: Dr. Pat Heim
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	Luncheon & Address: Honorable Janet E. Jackson City Attorney, City of Columbus
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM	Panel Discussion and Breakout Sessions The first part of the afternoon program (1:30 PM - 3:15 PM) will be a panel discussion with the entire group assigned to the topic. The panelists will utilize outlines distributed to the participants and set the stage for smaller breakout sessions that will commence at 3:30 PM following a short refreshment break.

Friday, March 8, 2002

8:30 AM - 10:15 AM	Participants in each subject-matter topic will meet as a committee of the whole to formulate findings and recommendations to be presented at the closing plenary session
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM	Refreshment break
10:30 AM - Noon	Closing plenary session Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States Justice Ginsburg will be joined for the closing session by Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, Associate Justice Alice Robie Resnick, Judge Ronald B. Adrine, Judge Philip H. Rose, and OSBA President Mary Jane Trapp to receive the reports from the breakout group

Representative Tim Grendell and the Ohio State Bar Association announce Operation Legal Shield

System Account — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:34:09 GMT

Categories: Journalist

Item Link: Representative Tim Grendell and the Ohio State Bar Association announce Operation Legal Shield

Date: 7/14/2005

Text:

For Immediate Release

Subject:	Representative Tim Grendell and the Ohio State Bar Association Announce Operation Legal Shield
Contacts:	Anna Rankin, 614-466-9211 Ken Brown, 614-487-4426

COLUMBUS, OHIO (February 26, 2002)- Representative Timothy J. Grendell (Chesterland), and Stephen Chappelear, president-elect of the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA), along with several other Ohio Legislator-attorneys, today announced plans to create Operation Legal Shield. The program is a joint venture between the Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio's legislators who are lawyers, and the Ohio Attorney General's Office to establish a network of attorneys who will provide free legal service to Ohio's military personnel deployed to active duty.

"This program will benefit the men and women from Ohio who are protecting our constitutional freedoms by providing them with legal assistance while they focus on keeping America safe from terrorists and other threats of evil," stated Rep. Tim Grendell. "I applaud the Ohio State Bar Association and the Attorney General's office for working with us on this unique program. As a former Army Judge Advocate General officer, it is my pleasure to participate in and support this program."

"I am proud to join with Ohio's lawyer/legislators as we announce a program designed to provide those who are defending our democracy with the peace of mind that their legal needs are being met - so they can do their jobs well," said Chappelear.

The network of lawyers participating in this program will be able to assist military personnel with wills and trusts. They will also be able to guide them and their families through the intricacies of the "Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act" of 1940.

Ohio's lawyer/legislators have come forward to serve as the conduit for Ohio servicemen and women, and their families, in finding the legal services they need. The Ohio State Bar Association has lawyers in nearly every community across Ohio. Many of the metropolitan and local bar associations in Ohio have initiated programs to serve those called to active duty, and the OSBA will connect with them where appropriate. The OSBA and Ohio's legislators also will work with the Ohio Attorney General's office, which already has a network of lawyers ready, willing and able to aid Ohio's military personnel with their legal needs.

To obtain more information on this program or to request legal services, please contact your state representative or senator, the Ohio Attorney General's Office, or the Ohio State Bar Association.

Representative Grendell welcomes the opportunity to hear from his constituents. You can write to his office at: State Representative Timothy J. Grendell, 77 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215. He can also be reached by telephone at (614) 644-5088 or by e-mail at: rep68@ohr.state.oh.us.