SBN eNews: Six Nevada IOLTA Program Banks Become Platinum Partners

Thursday, March 14, 2024

State Bar of Nevada eNews

Six Nevada IOLTA Program Banks Become Platinum Partners

The State Bar of Nevada offers thanks to Bank of Nevada, Clark County Credit Union, Enterprise Bank & Trust, First Independent Bank, GenuBank, and MidFirst Bank for electing to become Platinum Partners. Platinum Partner banks pay 2.0 percent or more on Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA), which increases funding to help the neediest Nevadans facing critical legal challenges.

IOLTA is one of the top three sources of funding for legal aid in Nevada. Approved Nevada financial institutions for IOLTA pay favorable rates on IOLTA interest. That interest is pooled and granted by the Nevada Bar Foundation to legal related-organizations in Nevada with most funds directed to Nevada’s legal aid providers.

In fall 2023, a new voluntary tier of interest rates was added, Platinum Partner. From self-help to child advocacy, legal aid improves lives and communities and has a $7 return on investment for every dollar spent.

The State Bar of Nevada is grateful to all Nevada IOLTA participating financial institutions. This critical funding source helps ensure access to justice so everyone can seek a fair remedy to their civil legal needs.

See all Nevada IOLTA participating financial institutions.

This Week at the State Bar

Congratulations to Clark Hill.

This firm is the latest to receive the Partner in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Medallion from the State Bar of Nevada. The medallion is awarded to firms that complete at least five DEI initiatives in the categories of recruitment, retention, pipeline and community programs, and coaching and training. Download a flyer for more information on how to earn a DEI medallion, or contact Judi DeMarco at judid@nvbar.org.

Interested in attending the 2024 Bar Conference in Santa Fe? Attendees can now register to attend and book hotel rooms. Be sure to join us June 27-28, 2024!

View Upcoming Bar Events

Earn Points by Volunteering for Service to be Completed in 2024

As the Section Pro Bono Challenge progresses, the state bar reminds attorneys that you can pledge pro bono service during the challenge – now through May 31 – for a case or Ask-A-Lawyer to be completed by year-end, and it will count for the challenge.

Schedules vary and timing is important when taking on service, so this program feature recognizes that fact and allows everyone to participate. For donations to count, they must be registered by May 31.

Volunteering earns points for recognition at the bar conference in June and in a Nevada Lawyer spread, and the top 10 winners from the top 10 sections will be thanked at a luncheon this fall with the Nevada Supreme Court and Nevada Court of Appeals.

We invite you to join in – it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

Donate online and earn 1 point for every $500 in section donations. 100 percent goes to legal aid.
Volunteer online and earn 2 points for every Ask-A-Lawyer or Lawyer in the Library.
Volunteer online and earn 3 points for every case taken.

Attorneys can volunteer online or through their favorite legal aid provider.

Join in, give back, feel great, and enhance the image of the legal profession. See the leaderboard.

State Bar of Nevada Job Opening: Assistant Bar Counsel

The State Bar of Nevada is currently accepting applications for an Assistant Bar Counsel in the Las Vegas office. This is a full-time, exempt position with the Office of Bar Counsel. Key responsibilities and qualifications are listed on the state bar's website.

Qualified applicants may submit their resume, salary requirements, a writing sample and a completed state bar application for consideration to hrobc@nvbar.org.

Solo & Small Practice Section Hosting Annual Meeting April 28-29

The State Bar of Nevada’s Solo & Small Practice Section is hosting its annual meeting on April 28-29 at the Margaritaville Hotel in South Lake Tahoe. Join the section to enjoy a discounted rate on convention registration.

Guest room reservations will be made individually by each guest. The reduced conference room rate of $139 per night is good between April 26-30. The resort fee is reduced to $45, and valet daily parking has been reduced to $21. Please note that the deadline for hotel reservations is March 27.

Best-Selling Author to Speak at Annual Legal History Lecture

The William S. Boyd School of Law and the UNLV Department of History presents the 19 ^th annual Pro Lecture in Legal History from 6-7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Moot Court.

Heather Cox Richardson, historian and author of “Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America,” will be joined by Michael Green, Ph.D., professor and chair of the UNLV History Department, for a fireside chat to discuss her book and explain how America, once a beacon of democracy, now teeters in the brink of autocracy – and how we can turn back.

During this vital narrative, Cox will answer such questions as “What is the current state of our democracy?” “How did we get here?” and “what we can do to take our country back?”

First Judicial District Bar Association Hosting CLE Lunch in April

The First Judicial District Bar Association (FJDBA) is hosting a CLE titled “Preparing for Mediation and Arbitration of Claims Relating to Residential Real Property Within Common-Interest Communities (NRS Chapter 38)” at noon on Friday, April 12, at Red’s Old 395 Grill at 1055 South Carson Street in Carson City. Michael Matsuka of Matsuka Law Offices will be the speaker.

Cost is $25 for nonmembers and $20 for FJDBA members.

To RSVP, email fjdba1@gmail.com or call Anne Laughlin at 775-671-2414.

Legal Aid Center Hosting CLE on Tenants’ Rights

The Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada (LACSN) is hosting a free CLE, “Introduction to Tenants’ Rights,” from noon until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, in the Englestad Family Classroom A at the Legal Aid Center.

This course will be taught by attorneys of the Consumer Rights Project at Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, who will teach attendees how to give legal advice on issues relating to landlord-tenant law through LACSN’s Ask-A-Lawyer Program. To volunteer, no experience is necessary. This course will provide attendees with the training needed to volunteer. LACSN will provide a free lunch to in-person attendees.

Other upcoming pro bono opportunities sponsored by the Legal Aid Center:

Represent a client in a family law case: View Cases!
Represent a child in an abuse and neglect case: View Cases!
Volunteer for an Ask-A-Lawyer session: Click here for more information and to volunteer!

Featured CLE: Speak Up, Stand Out:

Mastering Oral Advocacy in State Courts

Attending a court hearing on a disputed matter is probably the most terrifying job that a new lawyer will be expected to do. Public speaking continues to be one of the greatest fears people face, and the practice of law is no different. Shirley Blazich, founder of Blazich Law Group, will lead this engaging course to help new lawyers learn how to put their best foot forward, appropriately prepare for a hearing, and concisely and effectively communicate your position (while simultaneously preserving your record for appeal).

Goals include:

Develop skills for preparing various types of hearings, including dispositive motions, summary judgment motions, and discovery motions.
Learn techniques for tailoring oral advocacy to key issues and preparing for potential court inquiries.
Master handling unexpected questions and issues during hearings with ease and persuasiveness.
Gain insights through specific examples of common challenges encountered at hearings.
Build confidence and advocacy skills through thorough preparation and strategic planning.

This CLE is part of the State Bar of Nevada’s Essential Trial Skills Series.

Program Date:

Tuesday, April 9

Time:

2 – 5 p.m.

Location:

Webinar

CLE Hours:

3 General Credits