Utah State Bar eBulletin Special Edition
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Coronavirus and Self-Isolation Create Challenges for Legal Profession
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As we deal with the self-isolation to prevent the spread of coronavirus and COVID-19, it’s anything but business as usual for Utah attorneys. But there are tools available to help.
I've also
sent a letter
to Governor Herbert about the essential nature of legal services to society in the event of a statewide shutdown.
The Bar's Lawyer and Judges Well-Being Committee is posting regular resources on the Bar's Facebook page and Twitter feeds to help maintain your edge in this challenging time, and the live CLE requirement has been waived for this reporting cycle. (See article below.)
Finally, don’t forget to complete the
Women Lawyers of Utah
survey about the practice of law in Utah. The survey will provide data for the Women Lawyers of Utah about how to better serve members of the profession and the community.
Attorneys always rise to the occasion, and there's no doubt in my mind we'll do so during this challenge as well. Thanks for all you do to care for your clients. You are a tribute to the profession.
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Now is a Great Time to Take Advantage of Pro Bono Opportunities
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Utah Attorneys,
The Covid-19 outbreak has disrupted all of our lives – financially, socially, and mentally.
As we each adjust out schedules in these uncommon times, I would humbly recommend making pro bono a part of your life. Research has found that taking time to focus on others can bring great peace and satisfaction, especially during periods of unrest.
In an effort to make volunteering easier, the Bar has set up a new
virtual clinic
that allows attorney to provide brief advice to clients from the comfort of their homes (or offices). This clinic will take the place of the Tuesday Night Bar during the social distancing period.
I encourage you to take a moment to sign up. The commitment is minimal, and you will be providing a great benefit to the community in need. Just as important, you will benefit personally from using your skills to serve others.
Thanks,
Rob Jepson,
Access to Justice Director
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WELL-BEING BYTE: Handling Anxiety During the Coronavirus Pandemic
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If you're noticing increased anxiety in yourself, your clients, or those around you these days, you're not alone. It's grounded and normal to experience a certain amount of anxiety in times like these. When asked how they were
handling their stress
, members of The Well-Being Committee for the Legal Profession offered up some great suggestions. Hear what's working for them in this month's
well-being byte
.
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Live CLE Requirement Suspended for This Cycle: Here's a List of Resources
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Due to the CDC recommendations against gathering in large groups in order to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Supreme Court has authorized the Supreme Court Board of Continuing Education to suspend all requirements for in-person CLE attendance for the remainder of the current reporting cycle, which ends on June 30, 2020.
Accordingly, those Bar members who are required to report CLE compliance this reporting cycle may complete all required hours through
webinars and other self-study courses
in accordance with Rule
14-413
of the MCLE Rules. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this announcement, please email the
MCLE Staff
or call 801.531.9077.
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Utah State Bar Elections Scheduled
April 1 for President-elect and
Third Division Commissioners
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The Utah State Bar elections are coming April 1. Bar members will choose a President-elect and three Third Division Commissioners.
Heather Thuet is the sole candidate for President-elect, and will run in a retention election according to Bar bylaws. Third Division Commissioner Candidates are Traci Gunderson, Mark Morris, Andrew Morse, Michael Stahler and Brenda Weinberg.
More information on the Candidates can be found
here
.
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Heather Thuet, President-elect Candidate
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Traci Gunderson,
Third Division Candidate
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Mark Morris,
Third Division Candidate
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Andrew Morse,
Third Division Candidate
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Michael Stahler,
Third Division Candidate
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Brenda Weinberg,
Third Division Candidate
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Interactive Calendar Now Available for Legal Events
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In order to reduce scheduling conflicts arising too often with so many of the great events and seminars sponsored by groups of lawyers and bar-related affiliates and organizations, the Utah State Bar has now created an online calendar for your use. You can view the calendar
here
. Lawyer-related groups can review available dates for conflicts and place events directly on the calendar. Too often in the past different opportunities for socializing and learning have been scheduled over one another by groups simply because they have been unaware of conflicts. This shared calendar can help eliminate these unfortunate incidents in the future. To get access to the calendar for your group email
David Clark.
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Utah State Bar Legislative Positions Announced
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Positions taken by the Bar during the 2020 Utah Legislative Session and funds expended on public policy issues related to the regulation of the practice of law and the administration of justice are available
here
. The Bar is authorized by the Utah Supreme Court to engage in legislative and public policies activities related to the regulation of the practice of law and the administration of justice by Supreme Court Rule
14-106
. Lawyers may receive a rebate of the proportion of their annual Bar license fee expended for such activities during April 1, 2019 through March 30, 2020 by notifying Financial Director
Lauren Stout
.
The proportional amount of fees provided in the rebate include funds spent for lobbyists and staff time spent lobbying; a breakfast meeting with lawyer legislators; travel for the Bar’s three delegates to the American Bar Association House of Delegates; travel by Bar leadership to lobby in Washington DC with the American Bar Association; the Bar’s contribution to the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion; and Utah legislative lobbyist registration fees for the Bar’s Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director. Prior year rebates have averaged up to approximately $6.10 depending on the license fee paid. The rebate amount will be calculated April 1, 2020 and we expect the amount to be consistent with prior years.
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