Here are the details on two interesting law-related events taking place this week.
The first is a speed-networking opportunity for lawyers and law-related organizations to extend their network. It’s sponsored by the El Paso County Bar Association. Here’s their description:
Thursday, April 22, 2010, 5:30 pm
The Ritz, Elbo Room (lower level)
Ready? Set. Go! 2 Minutes: Relate – Rotate- Repeat! Bring your pitch, business cards, and brochures.
We hope you will join us for this new and exciting event sponsored by the Solo and Small Firm Section. All attorneys from different fields of practice are encouraged to attend to broaden your referral network and meet other attorneys outside of your particular practice area. RSVP to Claire by April 20th at claire@elpasocountybar.org or 473-9700.
In Denver this week, there’s an interesting panel discussion on the topic of provided legal representation to indigent clients in civil cases.
Here’s a description from the Colorado Bar Association:
DENVER, COLO. – Some of the state’s leading names in the legal community are meeting Friday and Saturday, April 23-24, for a special conference titled “Moving Forward for Justice.”
Specifically, those who work in the access-to-justice field are collaborating to advance their cause: the best and most effective ways to provide access to justice for Colorado’s vulnerable populations.
The conference kicks off Friday morning with a keynote panel that will set a cutting-edge tone for the rest of the sessions. Titled “Civil Gideon: Exploring the Right to Counsel in Civil Case,” the panel of former Colorado Supreme Court justices and Court of Appeals judges will analyze the pros and cons of the national query into providing publicly funded counsel for indigent litigants in civil cases where basic human needs and rights are at stake. The debate does not mean participants necessarily endorse the idea, it is a way to raise the issue of lack of access to justice, with just one of many ideas that could be proposed. Cost is $50 for government attorneys, young lawyers and judges or $100 for private practice attorneys.
Other sessions during the conference will include:
- Civil Justice Reform
- Steering Clear of Ethical Problems when Using Technology to Make Your Pro Bono Hours Go Further
- Next Steps for Access to Justice in Colorado
The conference is centered around the Annual Colorado Supreme Court Pro Bono recognition ceremony, awards and luncheon on April 23. The Colorado Supreme Court annually recognizes lawyers and firms who last year contributed at least 50 hours per person in pro bono legal work. In addition to recognizing nearly 100 firms, this year the Court also will recognize eight Colorado banks for their role in maximizing resources for legal aid through the interest rates paid on trust accounts.
This conference does not occur on an annual basis, but only when the need to assemble arises. The conference is sponsored by the Access to Justice Commission, Colorado Bar Association, University of Denver Sturm College of Law and the University of Colorado Law School. For more information, to see the agenda or to register, go to www.cobar.org/atj or contact Jill LaFrenz jlafrenz@cobar.org or (303) 824-5333.
