Recent News

April 8, 2011

Open for Business - Columbus Bar inc!

Columbus Bar inc Professional Development Center officially opened its doors on Monday, April 4. A suite of offices located on the 10th floor (one drop down from the CBA) now the venue for six carefully chosen attorneys at law in practice at 175 S. Third Street, Suite 1050.

The solo practice incubator program is designed to offer new lawyers valuable experience and ongoing education to help build their professional career, develop sound business management skills, and engender high ethical standards. The new attorneys that have been accepted into Columbus Bar inc will receive extensive training on subjects such as client intake, billing practices, law office management, law firm marketing, lawyer ethics and professionalism, case management, court rules, discovery, and other practice-related topics. Columbus Bar inc will also offer on-site mentors who commit to provide guidance to the participants in building their own practice. In addition, participants will be given guidance on “best practices” for running a business. Sponsors are helping defray the costs to help keep the participants’ overhead costs to a minimum.

Columbus Bar inc applicants were required to create a business plan marketing plan, and budget for their solo practice; submit letters of reference; outline their career goals; and be part of an informal networking event. Ultimately, the Selection Committee extended invitations to six individuals to build and expand their solo practice.

Who are these up and coming soles?

Congratulations to the following individuals who were selected: Jocelyn Armstrong, ‘09 Capital University Law School; Sean Casey, ‘10 Capital; Micaela Deming, ‘09 OSU Moritz College of Law; Brian DePew, ‘10 Capital; Andrew Fuchs, ‘10 OSU Moritz; and Isaac Rinsky, ‘10 Capital. Over the next few weeks Columbus Bar Friday will showcase profiles of each of the new attorneys who are beginning their solo practice in Columbus Bar inc.

Even before the official start of Columbus Bar inc the new attorneys had proven their commitment and dedication to the incubator program. In March the applicants mingled with the Selection Committee at an informal mixer hosted in the Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer Memorial Courtroom at the Columbus Bar. The Selection Committee and the applicants had an opportunity to discuss the program and provide insight into the future success of Columbus Bar inc.

We would like to especially thank the Selection Committee composed of the following individuals: Jennifer Adair, Assistant Attorney General; Rick Colby, General Solo Practitioner and Committed Mentor for Columbus Bar inc; John McDonald, Partner at Schottenstein Zox & Dunn; LeeAnn Massucci, partner at Massucci & Kline; and Magistrate Mark Petrucci, Franklin County Common Pleas Court. The Selection Committee has been dedicated and resourceful within the application process for Columbus Bar inc.

Following their acceptance into Columbus Bar inc, participants attended a day-long training session, where they learned about client trust accounts, how to properly set up IOLTA accounts, ethics and professionalism, setting fees and formulating engagement agreements.

The CBA would like to thank Jeffrey Fortkamp, Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation; Cheryl Bundy, Key Bank; Bruce Campbell, Bar Counsel; and Jason Dolin, solo attorney and adjunct professor at Capital University Law School, for graciously donating their time to teach the new attorneys in Columbus Bar inc some basic fundamentals before initiating their solo practice.

We interrupt the program to bring you our sponsors

Columbus Bar inc would not be possible without the generous contributions of a number of key sponsors. Our special thanks to:

• The Columbus Bar Foundation for their grant
• Willis of Ohio
• Tiano & Associates, Ltd., made the office space available for Columbus Bar inc.
• Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease donated office furniture
• LexisNexis donated PCLaw software licenses for each of the attorneys
• Affinity Consulting Group has been an integral part of setting up the infrastructure for our office suite with internet and phones; much of which has been donated labor and reduced costs
• PIP Printing and Marketing Services donated office supplies specifically designed for Columbus Bar inc

Columbus Bar inc is still seeking additional financial contributions, in-kind donations of needed services, trainers, and mentors. If you are interested in being a part of this exciting program contact Program Administrator, Danielle Murphy at danielle@cbalaw.org.

Call for mentors!

Columbus Bar inc is currently seeking mentors who are willing to provide guidance to up-and-coming solo practitioners. One office within the Columbus Bar inc suite is dedicated for on-site mentors to be able to meet with the attorneys and provide guidance. The mentoring relationship is a fundamental part of what Columbus Bar inc is providing to new solo attorneys to enhance their likelihood of success.

Whether you are willing to commit regularly to mentoring on-site, or if you could be available via phone or e-mail for the attorneys, Columbus Bar inc would appreciate adding you to the existing list of retired judges, practice-area specific attorneys, and general practitioners.

In addition to the mentoring relationship, Columbus Bar inc is seeking professionals to provide seminars on a variety of topics:

• Creating a Business Plan
• Law Office Management
• Law Firm Marketing
• Billing Practices
• Lawyer Ethics and Professionalism
• Client Intake, Interviews, and Screening
• Case Management
• Court Appointment Lists
• Pro Bono Opportunities
• Legal Research
• Drafting Pleadings
• Discovery
• Court Rules
• Courtroom Proceedings
• Mediation/Arbitration

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or being a speaker on an educational topic, or both, contact the program dministrator at danielle@cbalaw.org.

Visit our website for more information about Columbus Bar inc