BAR BLAST 7-30-2013

July 30, 2013

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Annual Membership Reporting and Fees 2013-14

On June 17, all members were mailed a membership reporting and fees post-card. Click here for a sample copy of the post card. This post-card will give you instructions on how to pay your 2013-14 membership fees and complete your FRD and IOLTA reporting online. You are encouraged to use the online reporting option. Although this method of submission differs from past paper reporting, the new system will be easier in the long run and is a much more cost effective method of reporting. A firm administrator may also register to do all the payment of fees and reporting of FRD and IOLTA for the entire firm. If you wish to continue with paper reporting, forms will be available on The State Bar’s website. There is a $10.00 processing fee for all paper FRD & IOLTA submissions, which must be paid at the time of submission. Questions: contact Anita Casey atcaseya@wvbar.org.

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Lawyer Disciplinary Board Request for Comments

The Lawyer Disciplinary Board is soliciting public comments on the following Legal Ethics Opinions:

– L.E.O. 2013-02 The Duty of Counsel to Treat a Child Represented by Counsel (A Guardian Ad Litem) the Same as Any Other Person or Party in Terms of Prohibited Direct ContactPlease submit your written comments to the following address: Prohibited Direct Contact Issues, c/o Office of Disciplinary Counsel, 4700 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Suite 1200C, Charleston, WV 25304. Deadline for submissions:

September 20, 2013.

– L.E.O. 2013-03 Potential Conflicts of Interest for Federal Government or Military Attorneys Defending Agencies Against Furlough-related Complaints. Please submit your written comments to the following address: Conflicts for Federal/Military Attorneys, c/o Office of Disciplinary Counsel, 4700 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Suite 1200C, Charleston, WV 25304. Deadline for submissions:

September 20, 2013.

Legal Services Day For Sexual Assault and Stalking Victims

Legal Aid of West Virginia and CONTACT Rape Crisis Center are hosting a free legal services day for sexual assault and stalking victims. The event is scheduled for Friday, August 16, 2013, at the Huntington Legal Aid office (1005 Sixth Avenue, Huntington, WV). Legal Aid is looking for attorneys to volunteer for the free legal services day.

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Notice and Invitation – New Bar Committee – Professional Discipline and Ethics

Due to the recognized increase in professional disciplinary cases and ethics investigations across all professions and in all segments of public service, a new State Bar Committee is being created so that interested members of the Bar can come together to discuss and share information, ideas and issues affecting those who need legal representation in this specialized area.

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The West Virginia Department of Transportation Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) Notice

Effective July 1, 2013 the rules set forth in 105CSR1 will apply to all matters pending before OAH.

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WVU College of Law Campus Interviews

It is time to register for Fall 2013 on campus interviews (OCI)at the West Virginia University College of Law. There are two on campus interview sessions for law firms, courts, government agencies and corporations.

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Search for New State Superintendent of Schools

The Office of the West Virginia Attorney General has issued a Request for Proposal on behalf of the West Virginia Board of Education, seeking legal representation to assist with the search for a new state superintendent of schools . The West Virginia Board of Education specifically is in need of legal assistance as it performs a nationwide employment search. Outside counsel will be expected to work with the Attorney General’s Office to advise the West Virginia Board of Education throughout the employment process. Particular experience in education law, contract law, and labor & employment law is sought. Qualified law firms or attorneys are invited to submit a proposal to represent the West Virginia Board of Education to the Attorney General’s Office on or before Friday, August 2, 2013. For additional information regarding the Request for Proposal, please click here.

Attention All Government Lawyers or Lawyers who Practice in Areas Involving Governmental Entities

Government Law is one of the largest legal practices in West Virginia. The State Bar Government Lawyers Committee membership includes lawyers who serve or practice at all governmental levels. The Committee tackles probative issues relevant to our practice and would welcome your participation in the group’s activities. The Committee’s 2013 organizational meeting is August 27, 2013 at the State Bar Center in Charleston, West Virginia at noon. Please contact Kathy Henning, henningk@wvbar.org, if you are able to attend, would like lunch or, if you are unable to intend in person, would like instructions on how to participate by conference call. If you are unable to attend this meeting but wish to be part of the Committee, please contact Kathy Henning. I look forward to seeing you in August!! – Martha J. Hill, chair

Upcoming Events

July 31, 2013

Professional Discipline and Ethics Committee Meeting

Location: The State Bar Center – Charleston, WV

Host: The West Virginia State Bar

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August 15-17, 2013

WVBA 127th Annual Meeting

Location: The Homestead
Host: The West Virginia Bar Association

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August 16, 2013

Legal Services Day For Sexual Assault and Stalking Victims

Location: Huntington Legal Aid office (1005 Sixth Avenue, Huntington, WV)

Host: Legal Aid of West Virginia

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August 30-31, 2013

Practicing Law Ethically Update: Bridging the Digital Divide