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). This year, the committee met via conference call and in person three times. The co-chairs also had several calls.

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 law firm of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, which funds the competition. The awards were presented at the PNA Annual Meeting. The committee attended the presentation. A record number of reporters submitted articles for this year�s competition.

At the request of PBA President Thomas Golden, the Bar/Press Committee participated in the efforts of the newly created Public Relations Task Force to discuss the image of lawyers in Pennsylvania. Through two conference calls, the committee developed ideas that could assist with public relations/public education outreach efforts. A formal report was forwarded to the task force chairs for possible use in a report to the PBA House of Delegates in May.

The committee continues its efforts to monitor legislation of interest to both the PNA and the PBA. The committee also has been working to develop educational programs of interest to outside groups. This year, the committee sponsored a panel discussion on what happens when a big case hits a county at the Conference of County Bar Leaders annual seminar.