The Pennsylvania Bar Association Bar/Press Committee is composed of both members of the bar and members of the media. The committee is co-chaired by a member of the PBA and a member of the Pennsylvania Newspapers Association (PNA).

Several years ago, the committee assumed the responsibility for coordinating the William A. Schnader Print Media Awards Competition. The goal of the competition is to recognize journalism that enhances the public�s understanding of the justice system, the courts and the people who serve them. The efforts of the committee are coordinated with the Philadelphia-based law firm of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, which funds the competition. The awards are presented at the PNA Annual Meeting. A record number of reporters submitted articles for this year�s competition.

The committee supported the efforts of the PBA and PNA to work with the General Assembly on updating Pennsylvania�s Open Records law. This legislation was passed and signed by the governor this year. The committee will be presenting a CLE program on this topic at the 2003 PBA Annual Meeting.

The committee also is participating in education programs developed for district justices to assist them in dealing with matters that are often both sensitive and newsworthy. Members from both the legal profession and the media are participating in the programs at the district justice schools.

In addition, the Bar/Press Committee is developing a new educational program for the State Conference of Trial Judges that should be presented next year.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Balaban, Esq., Co-chair

  February 14, 2003