PBA News & Information

PBA House of Delegates Approves a Commission to Study State Government Improvements
The PBA will launch a commission with designated subcommittees to study issues related to government improvements and to make recommendations that would alter Pennsylvania's existing government structure and the state Constitution, if needed. The PBA House of Delegates approved a resolution calling for the formation of the commission during a special meeting held on Oct. 19 in Camp Hill. Read the full resolution.

Awards Nominations Sought
� Higginbotham Award: The PBA Minority Bar Committee is accepting nominations for the 2010 A. Leon Higginbotham Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes the accomplishments of a lawyer or judge who has demonstrated dedication to the legal profession and to the minority community through civil, community or legal service for a period of at least 15 years. The award will be presented during the committee's 22nd annual Minority Attorney Conference, March 18-19, in Philadelphia. Download the nomination form. Nominations deadline: Jan. 8, 2010.
� Child Advocate of the Year Award: The PBA Children's Rights Committee is accepting nominations for the 13th annual Child Advocate of the Year Award. Click here for the nomination form. Nominations deadline: Jan. 22, 2010.
�Sir Francis Bacon Dispute Resolution Award: The PBA Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee is accepting nominations for the seventh annual Sir Francis Bacon Dispute Resolution Award, which recognizes excellence in alternative dispute resolution. Click here for more information about the award, including a list of past winners and nomination instructions. Nominations deadline: Feb. 15, 2010.

Plan Now for the Midyear Meeting!
The PBA Midyear Meeting, Jan. 20-24, 2010, offers opportunities for relaxation, networking and professional development at the Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas. Click here for the event brochure, including registration form. Click here for the Atlantis Paradise Island Web site.

2010 Pennsylvania Statewide High School Mock Trial Competition
The 26th annual Mock Trial Competition sponsored by the PBA Young Lawyers Division is now underway with the posting of case materials for Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Legan Arabach, a criminal case involving the murder of an immigrant financial analyst. Click here for more information, including a link to the case materials. Important contest dates: district competition, Jan. 25-Feb. 21, 2010.

Philadelphia to Host the 2010 National Mock Trial Competition
The 2010 National Mock Trial Competition will be held May 6-8 in Philadelphia, with Drexel University, a proud partner of the PBA Young Lawyers Division-sponsored Statewide Mock Trial Competition, acting as a leadership sponsor of the event. Click here to connect to the special 2010 National Mock Trial Web site and make a donation.

2009 Guide for Senior Citizens
The "Guide to Legal Issues for Pennsylvania Senior Citizens," developed by the PBA Senior Lawyers Committee, has been updated for 2009. The guide provides information about legal issues faced by older residents and their caregivers, helping them make appropriate choices in order to maximize personal autonomy, minimize costs, navigate through the maze of government benefits and protect against predators. Click here for the guide.

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