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Differing Views on Federal Agency Preemption of State Tort Laws Voiced at ABA Panel

The American Bar Association sponsored a forum on October 1, 2009 to gather expert views and opinion on the issue of federal agency preemption of state tort laws.

ABA Testifies at Sotomayor Hearing

Members of the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary testified at the confirmation hearing of Judge Sonia Sotomayor, explaining their unanimous "Well-Qualified" rating. Kim J. Askew of Dallas, Texas, is the chair of the Standing Committee, and Mary M. Boies of New York, is the Second Circuit representative and the lead evaluator on the committee's investigation of Judge Sotomayor.

Mexico: Justice in the Rough

ABA Journal Managing Editor Allen Pusey discusses his July 2009 cover article on significant changes to the Mexican justice system in light of unprecedented narco-violence and talks about why the rule of law matters on both sides of the border.

ABA Presidential Summit — Diversity in the Legal Profession: The Next Steps?

ABA President H. Thomas Wells Jr. pledges to compile ideas generated by the lawyers, judges and academics at the summit into an agenda for enhancing diversity in the legal profession.

ABA Presidential Summit — Diversity in the Legal Profession: The Next Steps?

ABA President-Elect Carolyn Lamm describes how she-ll build on the momentum of this meeting.

ABA Presidential Summit — Diversity in the Legal Profession: The Next Steps?

President-Elect Nominee Stephen N. Zack discusses next steps for the ABA and summit participants.

ABA Presidential Summit — Diversity in the Legal Profession: The Next Steps?

Keynote Speaker: Cruz Reynoso, Boochever & Bird Professor of Law (Emeritus), University of California School of Law

ABA Presidential Summit — Diversity in the Profession: The Next Steps?

Plenary III - Responsibility & Relevance: Diversity in the Legal Profession's Impact on Society
Moderator: Scott C. LaBarre, LaBarre Law Offices PC
Speakers:
Hon. Ming W. Chin, Associate Justice, Supreme Court of California
Michele Coleman Mayes, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, The Allstate Corporation
Simone Wu, General Counsel, XO Holdings

ABA Presidential Summit — Diversity in the Profession: The Next Steps?

Plenary II - Retaining Diversity - How to Improve Retention of Diverse Persons
Moderator: Juanita Hernandez, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
Speakers:
Holly Fujie, Shareholder, Buchalter Nemer; president, The State Bar of California
José Roberto Juarez, Jr., Dean, University of Denver Sturm College of Law
John Lewis, Jr., Senior Managing Counsel � Litigation, The Coca-Cola Company

ABA Presidential Summit — Diversity in the Profession: The Next Steps?

Plenary I - Reasoning: Why Diversity?
Convener & Moderator: Arin Reeves, The Athens Group
Speakers:
Irene M. Recio, Counsel, Reed Smith LLP
John C. Brittain, Chief Counsel and Senior Deputy Director, The Lawyers- Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Linda R. Crump, Assistant to the Chancellor for Equity, Access & Diversity Programs, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

ABA Presidential Summit — Diversity in the Profession: The Next Steps?

Keynote Speaker: Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy

ABA Presidential Summit — Diversity in the Legal Profession: The Next Steps?

Keynote Speaker: Rep. G.K Butterfield (D) North Carolina

ABA Presidential Summit — Diversity in the Legal Profession: The Next Steps?

Keynote Speaker: Weldon H. Latham, Senior Partner; Chair, Corporate Diversity Counseling Group, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

Dear Sisters, Dear Daughters—Strategies for Success from Multicultural Women Attorneys

Four of the 44 women lawyers of color who contributed letters to this inspirational book share their strategies for success.

ABA Presidential Summit — Justice is the Business of Government: The Critical Role of Fair and Impartial State Courts

Closing Remarks: Hon. Margaret H. Marshall, Chief Justice, Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts; Chair, Board of Directors, National Center for State Courts

ABA Presidential Summit — Justice is the Business of Government: The Critical Role of Fair and Impartial State Courts

President-Elect Sees ABA's Role as Facilitator — Carolyn Lamm counts on state and local bars to move interbranch efforts forward.

ABA Presidential Summit — Justice is the Business of Government: The Critical Role of Fair and Impartial State Courts

Adequate Funding — How to ensure adequate funding for the state courts and related services in good and bad economic times
Presenter: Rosalyn W. Frierson, State Court Administrator, South Carolina
Panel:
Hon. Shirley S. Abrahamson, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Wisconsin
David Adkins, Executive Director, Council of State Governments
Carolyn B. Lamm, President-Elect, American Bar Association
Mary Campbell McQueen, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Center for State Courts
David C. Quam, Director, Federal Relations, National Governors Association

ABA Presidential Summit — Justice is the Business of Government: The Critical Role of Fair and Impartial State Courts

Innovative Solutions — How to foster innovative solutions to challenges in state court justice systems
Presenter: Hon. Rebecca L. Kourlis, Executive Director, Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System
Panel:
Hon. Shirley S. Abrahamson, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Wisconsin
David Adkins, Executive Director, Council of State Governments
Carolyn B. Lamm, President-Elect, American Bar Association
Mary Campbell McQueen, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Center for State Courts
David C. Quam, Director, Federal Relations, National Governors Association

ABA Presidential Summit — Justice is the Business of Government: The Critical Role of Fair and Impartial State Courts

Interbranch Communication — How to improve cooperation and communication among the three branches and among local governmental stakeholders
Presenter: Thomas W. Ross, President, Davidson College
Panel:
Hon. Shirley S. Abrahamson, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Wisconsin
David Adkins, Executive Director, Council of State Governments
Carolyn B. Lamm, President-Elect, American Bar Association
Mary Campbell McQueen, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Center for State Courts
David C. Quam, Director, Federal Relations, National Governors Association

ABA Presidential Summit — Justice is the Business of Government: The Critical Role of Fair and Impartial State Courts

Public Respect — How to maintain and increase public respect for the fairness and impartiality of state courts
Presenter: David B. Rottman, Principal Court Research Consultant, National Center for State Courts Panel:
Panel:
Hon. Shirley S. Abrahamson, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Wisconsin
David Adkins, Executive Director, Council of State Governments
Carolyn B. Lamm, President-Elect, American Bar Association
Mary Campbell McQueen, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Center for State Courts
David C. Quam, Director, Federal Relations, National Governors Association

ABA Presidential Summit — Justice is the Business of Government: The Critical Role of Fair and Impartial State Courts

President Wells: Where Do We Go From Here? Ensuring adequate justice in state courts is not a one-size-fits-all proposition

ABA Presidential Summit — Justice is the Business of Government: The Critical Role of Fair and Impartial State Courts

Sandra Day O'Connor: "The health of the entire legal system depends on our having a strong, appropriate state judicial system." Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice outlines problems facing our courts; praises ABA and the National Center for State Courts

The 9th Annual Leon Jaworski Public Program, Lincoln as Lawyer, Lincoln as Orator

Panelists discuss how Lincoln's experience as a lawyer influenced his political values and practices, the relationship between Lincoln the lawyer and Lincoln the orator, and examined the presence of "Lincoln as a lawyer" in his most famous speeches and public pronouncements.

Radio News Release: "A Legacy of Liberty—Celebrating Lincoln's Bicentennial"

Law Day 2009 pays tribute to America-s greatest lawyer, Abraham Lincoln.

The Critical Role of Fair and Impartial State Courts

President Wells: The ABA, in cooperation with the National Center for State Courts, is bringing together officials from nearly 40 states to focus on ways to assure adequate funding to keep state courts strong, efficient and responsive to their citizens.

Justice Gap Widens as Economy Weakens

President Wells: When the economy goes down, the need for legal help goes up

Justice Gap Widens as Economy Weakens

President Wells Leads ABA Day efforts seeking more funding for Legal Services Corporation

Justice Gap Widens as Economy Weakens

President Wells: Unemployed lawyers are stepping up to help those who cannot afford a legal help

Radio News Release: National Healthcare Decisions Day

Spare your loved ones the agony of making health care decisions for you by planning now.

Radio News Release: Got Taxing Economic Woes? ABA has Good News for Those Who Cannot Afford an Accountant

With the April 15th tax deadline looming, the American Bar Association says you may qualify for free income tax assistance.

Stephen N. Zack of Florida Named ABA President-Elect Nominee

Acceptance Speech Emphasizes Civics Education and Judicial Independence

House Amends Model Rule on Lateral Hires, Easing Ethics Rules on Conflicts of Interests

Vigorous Debate Centers on Whether to Require Client Consent

ABA Executive Director Henry F. White, Jr. asks House of Delegates to Promote Membership in the ABA Every Day

Human Rights in a New Administration � Establishing a New Moral Leadership in International Human Rights Law

H. Thomas Wells, Jr. ABA President Steve T. Walther, Center for Human Rights, John Shattuck, CEO John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and Former Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

Robust Collaboration Between Conference of Chief Justices and ABA Critical to Administration of Justice in Our State Courts

Hon. Margaret H.Marshall, Chief Justice Massachusetts Supreme Court and President Conference of Chief Justices

America's Greatest Lawyer: Abraham Lincoln in Private Practice and Public Life

Lincoln Scholar Walter E. Dellinger, III Addresses ABA House of Delegates

Resolution on Due Process for Guantanamo Detainees Passes ABA House of Delegates After Vigorous Debate

"Advocates Urge Trying Detainees in U.S. District Courts, Releasing Those Who are Not "Enemy Combatants": Fernando A. Bohorquez, Jr.

ABA House of Delegates Votes to Change the Impact and Cost of Catastrophes

Effort to Reduce Litigation, Broaden Availability of Insurance Protection, and Address Financial Hardships of Victims Part of Comprehensive New ABA Policy

Expand Pro Bono Work and Funding for Legal Services: ABA President H. Thomas Wells, Jr tells House of Delegates

ABA President Warns of Impact on Economic Recession on Justice System: News Conference by H. Thomas Wells, Jr.

Cites Need for Bipartisan Judicial Selection Process and Immigration Reform.

House of Delegates Approves Measure Calling For Prompt Access to Legal Counsel and Specialized Service for Child Victims of Criminal Conduct:

Neal R. Sonnett, Chair Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities.

Seven Honorees Win Spirit of Excellence Award from the ABA Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity

William A. Von Hoene, Jr. (Corporate Award): Spirit of Excellence Award Winner

Chief Justice Daniel Sosa, Jr. (Ret.): Spirit of Excellence Award Winner

Richard A. Soden: Spirit of Excellence Award Winner

Professor Charles J. Ogletree, Jr.: Spirit of Excellence Award Winner

Joan Mei Haratani: Spirit of Excellence Award Winner

Senator Colleen Hanabusa: Spirit of Excellence Award Winner

Julius L. Chambers: Spirit of Excellence Award Winner

Potomac "Insiders" Predict Hot-Button Judicial Issues in This Recession

This panel discusses what we can expect from the new administration--from judicial appointments to compensation, court-stripping to how the current economic crisis will affect the judiciary. Speakers include:

Hon. Eleanor D. Acheson, Former Assistant Attorney General for Policy Development
James C. Duff, Director, Administrative Office of the United States Courts
Hon. D. Brock Hornby, United States District Judge, District of Maine
Dean Kenneth W. Starr, Pepperdine University School of Law; Former Solicitor General and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge
Moderator: Professor Judith Resnik, Arthur Liman Professor of Law, Yale Law School
Program Chair: Hon. Mary Ann Vial Lemmon, U.S. District Court of Louisiana

Health Care for Immigration Detainees: What Should Be The Standard?

This panel addresses issues related to detainee medical care and explores the critical role health care professionals play in ensuring successful service delivery, and equip lawyers with a more in-depth understanding of the detainee health care system in order to more effectively assist their clients. Speakers include:

Laura Rotolo, American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, Boston, MA
Rebekah Tosado, DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Washington, DC
Dr. Homer Venters, Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture, New York, NY
Megan Mack, ABA Commission on Immigration, Washington, DC
Robert Juceam, Fried Frank Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, New York, NY

Program Explores the Question: "What do Judicial Clerks Do?"

Panelists include:

Hon. William J. Caparathe, Bay County Circuit Court, Michigan
Dennis Archer, Former ABA President
Hon. Mary M. Lisi, Federal District Court, District of Rhode Island
Hon. Margaret H. Marshall, Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts
Hon. William D. Missouri, Chief Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit, Maryland
Radhika Bahattacharya, Former Law Clerk
Zakyyah Salim-Williams, Former Law Clerk

Pipeline to Judicial Clerkships is Focus of Program for Minority Law Students

The Judicial Clerkship Program offers law students involvement in panel discussions, research and writing exercises and a variety of informal social events, all with judges and designed to introduce the realities and expectations of a law clerkship. Speakers include:

Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn, Chair, ABA Judicial Division
Ruthe C. Ashley, Chair, ABA Presidential Advisory Counsel on Diversity in the Profession
President ABA President H. Thomas Wells Jr.
Judge Ramona G. See, Chair, ABA Judicial Clerkship Program

Judicial Clerkship Program: Hon. Frank Sullivan, Indiana Supreme Court

Judicial Clerkship Program:

Hon. Ramona See, Chair Judicial Clerkship Program Los Angeles Superior Court

Judicial Clerkship Program:

Lee Powell, Law Student Detroit Mercy School of Law

Judicial Clerkship Program:

Ruthe C. Ashley, Chair ABA Presidential Advisory Council on Diversity in the Profession

Judicial Clerkship Program:

Diana Baquero, Law Student Northeastern University School of Law

President Wells: ABA Membership is More Valuable than Ever

When President H. Thomas Wells Jr. took the ABA gavel six months ago, the economy was in trouble but the present severity of the crisis was unimaginable. He emphasizes that economic hard times make ABA membership even more valuable.

Radio News Release: ABA Complete Personal Legal Guide—The Essential Reference for Every Household

Some of the finest legal minds in the country collaborated on this practical, easy-to-understand guide aimed at answering everyday legal questions.

Radio News Release: Avoid Legal Problems as You Ring in the New Year

ABA President offers advice for hosts serving alcohol at New Year's celebrations

Prosecuting Animal Cruelty Cases � Panel Discussion

At the ABA's Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section's Animal Law Committee conference, K. Michelle Welch of the Richmond, VA's Assistant Attorney General's Office talks about general legal issues relating to animal cruelty. Joining her on the panel is Jennifer Cifaldi, Assistant State's Attorney, Adam's County, Quincy, IL, who recites some extremely disturbing stories about neglected and abused animals.

Lessons Learned as a Special Master/Guardian of the Vick Dogs

Professor Rebecca Huss of Valparaiso University discusses the legal process for making sure that the Vick dogs are put in the appropriate hands, at the ABA's Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section's Animal Law Committee conference.

Evaluating and Caring for the Victims � Where are They Now? Panel Discussion

Dr. Pam Reid of the ASPCA, Donna Reynolds and Tim Racer of BAD RAP &mdash Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls, and Francis Battista of the Best Friends Animal Society, discuss the misconceptions about pit bulls and the challenges they face in acclimating them to society. This panel discussion was held at the ABA's Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section's Animal Law Committee conference.

Defending a Dog Fighting Case

At the ABA's Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section's Animal Law Committee conference, Claire Cardwell, a defense attorney voted one of Virginia's top criminal lawyers by her peers, details the struggle between being both a dog lover and a "lover of the Constitution."

Prosecuting the Michael Vick Case

At the ABA's Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section's Animal Law Committee conference, Brian Whisler, Former Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, talks about his role as counsel in the successful prosecution of the Michael Vick Case, arguably the most high-profile animal abuse case ever.

Forensic Veterinary Medicine at Work: Case Histories

Dr. Melinda Merck of the ASPCA explains how authorities investigate a variety of animal crimes, from hoarders to people who randomly torture animals, at the ABA's Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section's Animal Law Committee conference. Dr. Merck is introduced by Ledy VanKavage, Program Chair and Vice-Chair of the ASPCA's Animal Law Committee.

Guantanamo Detainee Lawyer Would Urge Next Administration to Reform Detention Policy

In the first of a series of ABA Public Programs, Joseph Margulies—lead counsel in Rasul v. Bush (2004), the landmark Guantanamo detentions case—discusses his views on the treatment of detainees, the Geneva Convention, and how the U.S. can "restore substantial credibility."

Radio News Release: ABA to U.S. President-Elect: Take Immediate Action on Vital Justice Initiatives

Memorandum focuses on six justice issues the next chief executive should address in first 30 days in office.

Mark Cuban on the Future of Entertainment and Sports

Billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks and Landmark Theatres, engages in a no-holds-barred conversation about the future of the movie business and what it takes to stay ahead of the curve. Hosted by leading Hollywood attorney and ABA member, Peter Dekom during the ABA Forum on the Sports and Entertainment Industries Fall Meeting in Los Angeles.

ABA President: Lawyers' Core Values

"We share four common core values: access to justice, independence, diversity, and the rule of law."

ABA President: Fair and Impartial Courts

"We need to respond to attacks on judges, reduce the excessive partisanship in state judicial elections, and work across political parties to ensure the highest quality nominations to the federal courts."

ABA President: We Need Justice for All

"As many as 80 percent of low income people have legal needs that are currently unmet. We need justice for all--not just those who can afford it."

ABA President: Judicial Independence

"By ensuring that our judiciary is competent and accountable to standards of professionalism and ethics, we ensure our legal and judicial system remains the gold standard or the rest of the world."

ABA President: Developing a Legal Profession that Reflects America

"When gifted women and men of diverse backgrounds face systemic barriers to entering law school and climbing the ranks of our profession, it-s not just a lack of opportunity for them, it-s a lost opportunity for all lawyers."

Supreme Court of the United States -- Year in Review and Look Ahead at the 08-09 Term

Only days before that first Monday in October, Yale Law Professor Bill Eskridge spoke to attendees of the Fall Leadership Meeting of the ABA Section of Litigation in Chicago. (running time: 1hr. 12 minutes)

Fair Measure: Toward Effective Attorney Evaluations, Second Edition

Video Roberta D. Liebenberg, chair of the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession talks about the commission-s latest efforts to help women lawyers achieve equality.

Audio Co-author Joan C. Williams, law professor and co-director of the Project for Attorney Retention at UC Hastings College of Law discusses this new book that outlines a step-by-step process for unbiased performance evaluations

Constitution Day: 221st Anniversary of the 1787 Signing of the U.S. Constitution Spotlights Voting Rights and Election Law

Tax Relief for Victims of Mortgage Meltdown

Safeguard Your Important Documents Before Disaster Strikes

Is It Time to Reconsider Privacy Rights in Third Party Records?

Presented by ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security

Local Police Fighting International Terrorism

Presented by ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security

ABA President Elect H.Thomas Wells Jr. Becomes ABA President, Focuses on Core Values of Profession

William C. Hubbard Takes Over as Chair of ABA House of Delegates

Turn the Page on Discrimination to Create a Diverse Profession: ABA President-Elect Carolyn B. Lamm

ABA Executive Director Henry F. White Reports on State of the ABA

"Politics must play no role either in the hiring of career employees or in the investigation and prosecution of cases" at Justice Department: Attorney General Mukasey tells ABA House of Delegates

New ABA President Encourages Lawyers to Help Our Heroes

Radio News Release

New Mission Approved by House of Delegates After Vigorous Debate

ABA President-Elect H. Thomas Wells Jr. to Promote Core Values that Make a Difference to the Profession

ABA House of Delegates Moves to Improve Federal Judicial Selection Process

ABA Medal Winner Patricia M. Wald: The ABA "enlarges our vision of where the law can take our nation"

Former International War Crimes Judge Patricia M. Wald Honored with ABA Medal

ABA Gavel Passes to H. Thomas Wells Jr. of Birmingham, Alabama

ABA Urges Laws to Ban Law Enforcement's Use Of Racial Or Ethnic Profiling

The Use of Subpoenas to Compel Reporters to Disclose their Sources � Expert Panel Discussion

ABA President William H. Neukom Lauds ABA Policies To Protect Civil Liberties, Ensure Access to Justice, and Advance The Rule Of Law.

"We must not terrorize detainees in our efforts to protect Americans from terror." ABA President William H. Neukom

Full News Conference ABA President-Elect H. Thomas Wells Jr.

www.abavoteinfo.org

ABA President-Elect H. Thomas Wells Jr."The Legal Profession is a Calling"

Hon. Ruth Cooper Burg Honored with Margaret Brent Award

Roberta Karmel, Centennial Professor of Law at Brooklyn Law School Honored with Margaret Brent Award

Mary Jo White Honored with Margaret Brent Award

Col. Linda Strite Murnane, USAF (retired) Honored with Margaret Brent Award

Sarah Weddington, Adjunct Professor, University of Texas at Austin Honored with Margaret Brent Award

Hon. Ann Claire Williams, Circuit Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit Honored with Margaret Brent Award

After Boumediene v Bush: Habeas, Detainees and Military Commissions

Pakistani Lawyers and Judges Honored with ABA Rule of Law Award

Expert Panel Debates What Presidential Candidates Should be Saying About Judicial Selection

ABA President William H. Neukom Kicks Off Annual Meeting with News Conference

Radio News Release

World Justice Project Measures Successes, Breakdowns in the Rule of Law Around the World

How Judges Think: Rule of Law or Rule of Man?

ABA Day of Equality: A Celebration of Accomplishments; A Look at Challenges Ahead

Gender Diversity: Not Just a Woman's Issue

A conversation with male leaders of the legal profession who will discuss what they have done to advance women in the profession and why gender equity matters to everyone.
Panelists: Dennis W. Archer, Chair, Dickinson Wright LLP and Past ABA President;
Timothy J. Mayopoulos, General Counsel, Bank of American Corporation;
Thomas L. Sager, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, DuPont Legal
Moderator: Raymond L. Ocampo Jr., Former General Counsel, Oracle, and member of the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession

World Justice Forum: Reaching Across Profession and Border to Move Toward Justice

Neukom Reflects on World Justice Forum: "First Step Toward a Fully Just and Peaceful World"

Closing Remarks: Neukom Issues Statement of Principles, Urges the UN to Establish a World Justice Day

Former President of Ireland: Rule of Law can Unlock the Potential of the Poor--Interview with Vienna Radio FM4

Welcome Remarks and Keynote Addresses: Why the Rule of Law Matters?

ABA President William H. Neukom, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and former President of Romania Emil Constantinescu kick off the three-day World Justice Forum in Vienna, Austria.

World Justice Forum Welcome Remarks

ABA President William H. Neukom
PowerPoint

Keynote Address: Why the Rule of Law Matters

Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland
Speech text

Keynote Address: Why the Rule of Law Matters

Emil Constantinescu, former President of Romania

After the Program: One-on-One with the Panelists

Justice and the Rule of Law: Pakistan

Full Audio Podcast

Introduction: Don DeAmicis, Program Chair