Pennsylvania Association of Bar Executives
Minutes of the Meeting of Nov. 16, 2006
David |
Blaner |
(ACBA) |
Marianne |
Canning |
(Lehigh) |
Jessica |
Engel |
(Lycoming), via conference call |
Wendy |
Hoffman |
(Chester) , via conference call |
Susan |
Kenny |
(Monroe) |
Susan |
Kost |
(Schuylkill) |
Mary Beth |
Leeson |
(Northampton) |
Dan |
Levering |
(PA CLE) |
Heather |
Martin |
(Bucks), via conference call |
Roger |
Meilton |
(PBI) |
Don |
Morgan |
(Dauphin |
Becky |
Morgenthal |
(Cumberland) |
Nancy |
Paul |
(Montgomery) |
Elizabeth |
Price |
(Delaware) |
Kathy |
Sabol |
(Washington) |
Diane |
Krivoniak |
(Westmoreland) |
Elizabeth |
Kramer |
(PBA) |
Julie |
Sipe |
(PBI) |
Katey |
Buggy |
(PA CLE) |
Carolyn |
Seibert-Dragger |
(Franklin), via conference call |
Suellen |
Verlihay |
(Beaver), via conference call |
President Morgenthal called the meeting to order at 2:06 pm.
WELCOME
TREASURER’s REPORT/Minutes
Dan Levering asked to clarify the minutes from the June 6, 2006 business meeting stating that 4% of lawyers were using distance learning. Susan Kenny moved to accept the corrected minutes of the June 6, 2006 and the August 22, 2006. Liz Price seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
David Blaner move to accept the Treasurer’s Report as submitted. Liz Price seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Balance in PABE account is $8,785.68. CD investments total $9,310.92. Balance of all assets as of May 31st is $18,096.60.
Diane Krivoniak asked for what purposes should we be using the PABE funds. Discussion followed on the NABE convention and sending flowers to Ev Sullivan. Don Morgan moved that the PABE write a congratulatory resolution and send flowers to Ev Sullivan to be presented at the USI Colburn luncheon. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
REPORTS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
CAP ON ADVERTISING PRICING FOR LAW JOURNALS:
Liz Price reported that the resolution was sent to the PBA stating the PABE’s opposition to any form of cap on advertising pricing for law journals. No further business is expected in the Legislator on legal advertising in the near future.
JUDICIAL RETENTION
Action may be taken in the Spring of 2008 to eliminate retention election of judges. This action is the result of public opinion on the judicial salary increases.
INTERPRETERS
Senate Bill 669 which mandates interpreters for the Courts. Discussion followed on its implications on offering legal services and CLE.
UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
A bill was recently passed requiring the PA Treasury to publish Unclaimed Property Notices in legal journals. There was no indication when this might begin.
PBI
Roger Meilton welcomed the group to the PBI headquarters. He reported that 12000 out of 70000 enrollments are online. New programs the PBI is offering are Webinars, Podcasts and interactive classrooms setting broadcasted through the internet. He felt that the satellite broadcasts would still be available for the next four years. The PBI is maintaining its market share but not gaining as a result of the non-profit competitions.
Discussion followed on the different methods available for delivering CLE and the advantages and disadvantages of the electronics methods.
CLE BOARD UPDATE
Dan Levering advised the group of the new board member, Phyllis Beck from Philadelphia. He noted that 99.4% of the attorneys make their CLE requirements within their compliance period.
Katey Buggy reported on the teleconferencing as a method of fulfilling CLE requirements. There are 106 courses available and 24 attorneys have used this method in the first 30 days. Approximately 144 attorneys have taken a CLE course via a Podcast.
Dan Levering will provide information to the group on what types of courses are being provided by what organization.
Diane Krivoniak asked for ideas on ethic CLE tapes. She had asked Lawyers Concerned with Lawyers who did not have any.
PBA UPDATE
Becky Morgenthal noted that the resolution approved by the PABE for Art Birdsall’s retirement will be included in the program of his retirement party.
Elizabeth Kramer reported the PBA has a new teleconference provider “MeetingBridge” who will be conducting an online demonstration on December 5, 2006. Everyone was encouraged to participate. Elizabeth mentioned the PBA’s new website and requested comments from the group. She also requested ideas for programs for the Bar Executives at the Mid-Year meeting.
CCBL UPDATE
Becky Morgenthal reported that PNC is now the main corporate sponsor of the conference; however, the CCBL is still requesting sponsorships from the local bar association and the PABE to help cover the costs of the conference. Susan Kenny made a motion for the PABE to send $1000 to the CCBL. Kathy Sabol seconded. Discussion followed on the costs of the program and the lack of financial support from the PBA. Becky reported she had never seen a budget for the conference despite serving on the board and did not know how much money was being spent on the conference. David Blaner commented that in the past many of the programs were not relevant to the large bar association. He also suggested there be more leadership training programs that would be useful to any size bar association. Becky indicated she would contact the board and advise them of our concerns. The question was called and the motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS
STEPPING OUT
Becky Morgenthal relayed a message from Dale Schell of the PBA that the Stepping Out Program could not be continued. The reason was not clear so Susan Kenny offered to find out more details on the program.
OTHER BUSINESS
Becky Morgenthal noted that CLE program presented in her county on Unclaimed Property was only satisfactory and she would not recommend it.
David Blaner reported the salary survey was completed and would be emailed to those who had participated.
Carolyn Seibert-Dragger noted that the NABE Small Bar Conference would be held June 29 & 30, 2007 in St. Louis. She had attended the 2006 conference and felt it to be an excellent program. She explained you do not have to be a NABE member to attend and the conference is designed for Bar Association’s with budgets less than $300,000.
Nancy Paul made a motion to make Art Birdsall an honorary member of the PABE. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Roger Meilton introduced Carrie Larock who handled the video and satellite programs. He then offered to give a tour of the PBI headquarters to anyone interested.
No further business, meeting adjourned at 4:00 pm.