BAR BLAST – May 27, 2014

You are required file an annual renewal application of your PLLC with The State Bar. Any change in the corporate organization from the prior year must be reported and a copy of the current certificate of insurance in the name of the PLLC is required.

The State Bar is offering a 30 minute training session on June 9th, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. for members and firm administrators to learn about recent changes in our reporting and fees process. If you have more than 5 members within your organization and wish to participate please register by clicking here.

The session will be recorded if you are unable to attend and wish to review at a later time.

Request for Comment on Proposed Revisions to the Rules of Profession Conduct and Ancillary Matters

By order entered April 14, 2014, the Court approved a 60-day period of public comment on major revisions to the Rules of Professional Conduct that are intended to update the rules in conformity with West Virginia law, and are largely patterned after the American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct.  As a consequence of the proposed revisions to the Rules of Professional Conduct, two additional subject matters are affected: admission of out-of-state lawyers pro hac vice and the administration of client trust accounts, including the Interest on Lawyer’s Trust Accounts (IOLTA) Program. These two subject matters are addressed in Rule 8 of the Rules for Admission to the Practice of Law and proposed State Bar Administrative Rule 10, respectively. State Bar Administrative Rule 10 will form a part of a new set of rules that will replace the existing State Bar Rules and Regulations. The new State Bar Administrative Rules are still under development, and the remaining portions will be released for comment later this year. Because State Bar Administrative Rule 10 relates to the subject matter in the proposed amendments to Rule 1.15 of the Rules of Professional Conduct, it is appropriate for consideration as part of this package of rule changes. All practicing lawyers are encouraged to review the revisions carefully and submit comments. The public comment period closes on Friday, June 13, 2014. To review the proposed changes, click here.

Establishment of Unified Electronic Filing System

Adoption of Amendments to the West Virginia Trial Court Rules, Rules of Civil Procedure and Rules of Criminal Procedure. Effective May 1, 2014.

Amendment to Rules of Procedure for Child Abuse

By order entered on April 24, 2014, the Court approved amendments to the Rules of Procedure for Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings, guidelines for children’s guardians ad litem in child abuse and neglect proceedings, and a required form guardian ad litem report.

More Information

Hot Topics for Government Lawyers

Don’t miss the Friday, June 6, 2014, CLE.  The seminar will be held in the State Capitol Complex Building 7, Training Center, Capitol Room.  Not only will you get 7.0 MCLE credits, including 2.0 Ethics, but the topics are diverse and thought-provoking!! This is your chance to learn about state liability for misbehaving public officials, how to be nice in the practice of law, and ways to keep your laptop or smart phone from telling all.  Plus, you have the opportunity to network with other practitioners who share a common interest! Click here to sign up and see the full agenda. Contact Martha Hill, martha.hill@wvinsurance.gov,  if you have any questions.

WV Ethics Commission to Conduct Training on Governmental Ethics Act  

The West Virginia Ethics Commission will offer a one-hour ethics training session on the West Virginia Governmental Ethics Act on Thursday, May 29, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Cabell County Courthouse, located at 750 5th Avenue in Huntington.

The session is free and open to state and local public employees, government lawyers, media and the general public. The West Virginia State Bar has approved the course for 1.2 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit, which includes 1.2 hours of Ethics credit.

 Attorney General Employment Opportunity 

The Attorney General seeks attorneys, of varying levels of experience, to fill a number of litigation positions. Ideal candidates will have top academic credentials, outstanding transcripts, a minimum of three years of litigation experience, and strong written and oral communication skills. Successful candidates will be expected to work extended hours, produce a high-quality legal product that meets exacting standards, and seek to enhance the reputation of the Attorney General’s Office as a top law firm in the State of West Virginia.

The West Virginia State Bar is excited to announce that its Lawyer Referral Service website is up and running.  The website contains both general information and definitions on specific areas of the law.  The site also provides links to other related websites and service providers.  Members of the public are able to “surf” the site at any time.  Contact information for attorneys, who have indicated they may be willing to provide services in specific practice areas, is immediately available.

As a service to both the Bar staff and the public,

PLEASE DO NOT SEND INDIVIDUALS TO THE STATE BAR for attorney referrals.  Our limited staff is unable to provide the quick and efficient services which can be obtained through the Lawyer Referral website, located at www.wvlawyerreferral.org.   Please click here to print a flyer

which can be used as an information source for your staff when calls are received or walk-ins come to your office who you are unable to assist.  Similar postings have been provided to all 55 circuit and county clerks, as well as many public libraries.

Thank you for your assistance with providing this information.  Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mark Adkins, Chair of the State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service Committee at madkins@bowlesrice.com or Anita Casey atcaseya@wvbar.org or 304-553-7228.

Host: WVCLE

Host: WVCLE

Host: WV State bar Government Lawyers Committee

Host: US District Court Northern District
About: The United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia requires all attorneys to electronically file all pleadings using the Court’s Case Management Electronic Filing System (referred to as CM/ECF). The Court is offering a two and one half (2 ½) hour training course for attorneys and/or their support staff on the use of the CM/ECF filing system on the following dates at the Martinsburg point of holding court:

Tuesday, June 10 – 9:00a.m. and 1:30p.m.
Wednesday, June 11 – 9:00a.m.
Thursday, June 12  – 9:00a.m.

Friday, May 30th is the last day to make a reservation. Please direct questions to Connie Diamond at (304) 267-5682. Interested parties please contact: Connie Diamond via email –
connie_diamond@wvnd.uscourts.gov.

Host: WV Public Defender Services

Host: WV State Bar ADR Committee

Host: WVCLE
About: This seminar is accredited for 7.5 WV MCLE credits, including 1.5 Ethics/L.O.M.

Registration will open this spring, when information will be posted on  www.wvcip.com.

Host: WV State Bar ADR Committee
Click here for online registration
Click here for the agenda
Note: There is no requirement to have completed Basic Mediation Training before attending the Advanced Program.
Questions? Contact Monica Haddad

Host: The West Virginia Bar Association