In Brief: The Columbus Bar Blawg

Because I’m going on vacation next week, I thought I’d send out an update on all that I was involved with at the bar this week.  It was a busy one:  meetings about the future of the bar; two new Committee Chair orientation sessions; welcoming a large crowd at a CLE on the new e-filing at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas; and the swearing in of a slate of officers at the Paralegal Association of Central Ohio 2011 Installation Ceremony. 

Also, I was remiss in failing to mention that our Board last week approved the addition of three new Committees to the CBA:  Sports Law Committee; International Law Committee; and the Future of the Legal Profession Committee — a “virtual” committee. 

If you’re interested in learning about what I’ve been up to at the bar, join me after the jump for more naming/hyperlinking of names….

Tuesday, July 19 was a busy one for me with the bar.  I began the day with a breakfast meeting with Executive Director Jill Snitcher McQuain and President-Elect Brad Wrightsel where we discussed, among other topics, the upcoming NABP meeting in Toronto.  

At noon, Jill, Donna Sweet (CBA Director of Committees & Special Events), Amy Randall (CBA CLE Director), and I had lunch with several new Committee Chairs for the second committee Chair orientation.  We discussed the expectations of Committee chairs, their Board liaisons, and other how-tos about being a chair.  During the session, I met with Greg Daugherty, new Chair of the Employee Benefits Committee; Sarah Huffman, new Chair of the Common Pleas Committee; Bryan Griffith, new Chair of the Small Firm/Solo Committee; Brian DePew, new Chair of the Health Care Committee; Vicki Jenkins, new Chair of the ADR Committee; Tom Addesa and John Porter, new co-Chairs of the LGBT Committee; and Brad Bennett, new Chair of the Labor & Employment Law Committee.

Mid-afternoon, I had a conference call with Jill and members of the ABA Division of Bar Services (DBS), Elizabeth Derrico and Jennifer Lewin where we discussed the upcoming CBA Board retreat — and the bar’s long range plan.  The DBS is helping to facilitate at the retreat, and I’m looking forward to hearing from our Board about what they see as the future of the CBA.

That evening, I welcomed Dallas Powell of Tybera, who spoke to a sold-out CLE regarding e-filing in Franklin County.  During the CLE, we learned that next week seven or eight firms in the area of foreclosure filings are going to pilot the system with actual case filings.  Dallas mentioned that the civil docket of the Court hopes to go “live” in mid-September, with attorney registration beginning in August.  For more on e-filing, see the Clerk’s page here — and please read the Court’s Administrative Order on e-filing, which will be crucial to the implementation. 

On Wednesday, July 20, I was fortunate enough to install Renee Tomko of Baker & Hostetler as PACO’s new President.  I also “swore in” the other PACO Board members, Treasurer, Karen Stone (Slowik & Robinson); Secretary – Angela Assi (Columbus Bar Association); Assistant Vice President – Kathy McGranahan (Nationwide); Vice President – Rebecca Cain (Nationwide); and President-Elect – Mindi Schaefer (Poling | Petrello).  Renee gave a wonderful “acceptance” speech, during which, among other things, she singled out her daughter, Haylee, for her support.  It was a very nice speech and event.

Finally, today, Friday, July 22, Donna Sweet, Amy Randall and I led the third Committee chair orientation session.  This session featured Erin Waltz, new Chair of the Legal Research & Information Resources Committee; Christy Prince, new co-Chair of the New Lawyers Committee; Rep. Michael Stinziano, new co-Chair of the Government Agencies Committee; and Justin Hunt, new Chair of the new Sports Law Committee.

With that, I’m off to vacation with my family!  I’ll be in touch soon….