Daily Briefs (March 16)

SBM seeks law firm apps for Pro Bono Circle of Excellence

The State Bar of Michigan invites all law firms of two or more attorneys to apply for the Pro Bono Circle of Excellence, which recognizes every firm that has fully complied with the State Bar’s Voluntary Pro Bono Standard. The application deadline is Wednesday, March 31.

“The Pro Bono Circle of Excellence is important, not only because it provides much deserved recognition to law firms, but also because their examples of service inspire others to meet our pro bono standard and underscore the importance of pro bono assistance for those in need,” said SBM President Charles Toy, who noted that legal service to the poor is the legal profession’s first public service priority.

Both volunteer legal services for low-income individuals and organizations, and financial support for eligible nonprofit organizations providing free civil legal aid for the poor are included in the Voluntary Pro Bono Standard. For a full explanation of the Voluntary Pro Bono Standard, visit http://tinyurl.com/yznfeuo. Contributions to the Access to Justice Fund (www.atjfund.org) count toward fulfilling the Standard. For other ideas on how to fulfill the Standard, or to share the story of your pro bono contribution, visit the State Bar’s “A Lawyer Helps” Web site at www.alawyerhelps.org.

The Circle of Excellence is published frequently in the Michigan Bar Journal, posted on the State Bar and the Michigan State Bar Foundation’s Web sites, and is distributed at the Annual Meeting.

To apply for the Pro Bono Circle of Excellence, visit http://msbf.org/2010COEApplication.pdf.


The ethical issues of snooping discussed at OCBA seminar April 13

The Oakland County Bar Association (OCBA) Professionalism Committee will host a seminar titled “Mining Metadata: The Ethical Ramifications of Snooping” on Tuesday, April 13, from 8:30  a.m. to 10 a.m. at the OCBA Center in Bloomfield Hills.

The computer applications and platforms people use generate metadata, leaving attorneys vulnerable to breach of confidentiality and malpractice. Those attending will learn about the digital DNA of their documents and the professional and ethical obligations they have to protect their clients and law firm.

Richard W. Paige of Bush, Seyferth, & Paige PLLC will moderate the seminar and Thomas M. Cooley Law School Auburn Hills campus Assistant Dean Martha Moore will be the speaker.

The cost to attend is $45 for OCBA members and $60 for non-members who pre-register. OCBA members will be charged $60 at the door and non-OCBA members will be charged $80 if registering at the door.

To register, visit www.ocba.org.

For more information, call (248) 334-3400.


NALS of Detroit to hold meeting and election of officers April 12

NALS of Detroit will hold its election  at a meeting on Monday, April 12, at 6 p.m. at the Detroit offices of Miller, Canfield, Paddock, & Stone.

There is no fee to attend, but attendees are asked to bring an item for NALS’ “Summer Survival Basket,” which is the chapter’s fundraiser for the state annual meeting at Doubletree in Bay City.

To confirm attendance, contact NALS Treasurer Cindy Taylor via e-mail at ctaylor@thetaylorhome.org or send name, address, phone, and e-mail to Cindy Taylor, 21368 Green Hill Road, Farmington Hills 48335-4506 by Thursday, April 8.

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