Nominate Judges and Lawyers for the Justice Benham Award
The State Bar of Georgia and the Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism invite nominations for the Ninth Annual Justice Robert Benham Awards for Community Service. Awards will be presented at a special ceremony in Atlanta in January 2008. Nominations must be postmarked by Oct. 5. Visit the website for more information and a nomination form.

Atlanta Chapter of the Federal Bar Association Offers CLE Opportunity
The Atlanta chapter of the Federal Bar Association will be hosting the FBA's 2007 National Convention Sept. 5-8. Featured speakers include Former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Larry D Thompson, White House Homeland Security Advisor Frances Fragos Townsend and numerous federal judges and distinguished practitioners from Georgia and all around the country. CLE courses (which are open to non-FBA members) will cover topics such as e-discovery issues, a preview of the upcoming term of the U.S. Supreme Court, and civil rights cases including a historic perspective of Atlanta cases. For more information and to register for specific CLEs, visit www.fedbar.org.

Proposed Sales Tax on Legal Services
House Resolution 900 proposes a comprehensive revision to Georgia's tax code. Property tax is eliminated, and a 4 percent sales tax on all services including legal services is added. Income tax adjustments and other changes are also included. The Executive Committee encourages all members to study HR 900 and give their advice to their Board representatives before the Fall BOG Meeting on Friday, Nov. 2, 2007, at Callaway Gardens. Please visit our website for more information.

State Bar Seeks Chief Financial Officer
The State Bar is seeking a Chief Financial Officer. Active CPA license plus at least 5 years experience in a similar position required. Responsible for all treasury, accounting and financial functions of a 38,000+ member non-profit organization. Must be proficient in budgeting and forecasting. Peachtree Accounting experience a plus. Great opportunity with excellent benefits. Must be a "hands on" team player with strong organizational, interpersonal and communications skills. Salary commensurate with experience. Fax resume with cover letter and salary history/requirements to COO at 404-527-8717 or via e-mail to sharon@gabar.org.

Membership Dues Reminder -- Final Notice
If you have not paid your dues this year, please mail your check as soon as possible to remain in good standing. We must receive your dues payment by Sept. 1 to ensure your name is included in the 2007-08 printed Membership Directory. Visit the website to pay online or print an invoice, or call 404-527-8777. (Please note: you must include your bar number on all correspondence.)

State Bar of Georgia Membership Directory -- Update Your Information
It's almost time for us to print the 2007-08 Membership Directory. Please confirm that we have your correct contact information. Simply look up your information on the Directory Search function of our website. If needed, updates to your Member Profile can be made online. Sept. 1 is the deadline to ensure that your information will be printed correctly in the new Membership Directory. If you need additional assistance with updating your information, please call 404-527-8777.

Georgia Law-Related Education Coordinator Needed
The Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia invites nominations and applications for a Public Service Faculty position in the Governmental Training, Education and Development Division of the Institute. The successful applicant will coordinate the Institute’s Law-Related Education Program. The faculty member in this position will serve as the Executive Director of the Georgia Law-Related Education Consortium and will have major responsibility for implementing policy decisions made by the Consortium’s Board of Directors. The Consortium works in close partnership with the State Bar of Georgia's law-related education programs and the coordinator’s primary office will be located at the State Bar of Georgia Headquarters in downtown Atlanta. An office will also be maintained at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government in Athens. More information.

BAR/BRI Class Action Litigation
If you purchased a bar review course from BAR/BRI anywhere in the United States anytime from August 1997 through July 31, 2006, (the "Class"), you may be affected by a proposed settlement of a class action lawsuit pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California called Rodriguez, et. al v. West Publishing Corp., d/b/a BAR/BRI, and Kaplan, Inc., Case No. CV-05-3222 R (MCx). More information.

Free Online Legal Research Offered Through the State Bar
Did you know that Casemaker, an online legal research tool, is available free of charge to all Bar members as part of their membership? Come learn about this powerful resource at one of our trainings. Training classes will be offered at the Bar Center on Monday, Aug. 27 and Thursday, Aug. 30 from 10 am. to 12 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Each session is limited to the first 10 attendees. Download the registration form and fax it to Kim Henry at 404-287-8394. Please register for the class by 12 p.m. the day before the class is scheduled.

Law Practice Management Enews Tip
Customizable Time and Billing Software
Most time & billing programs such as Timeslips, PCLawJr., TABS III, etc., are all customizable allowing the user to customize the layout and appearance of the bill. Most clients expect to see exactly what they're being billed for. These programs will allow attorneys to customize their bills to adhere to the specifications of the client.

Upcoming ICLE Offerings
For a complete list of ICLE seminars, visit www.iclega.org.

Please do not respond to this e-mail address. Send questions or comments to sarah@gabar.org.

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