2006 Legislative Session Updates
Throughout the legislative session, weekly updates will be added to the Bar's website at www.gabar.org/programs/legislative_program. Review the Bar's legislative tracking document, or click on one of the links below for specific legislative information:

• Bar's position on H.B. 150
• 2006 State Bar Legislative Agenda Summary
• State Bar Legislative Policy
• Standing Board Policy 100: Legislative Procedures
• Legislative Session (House/Senate/Legislation Info)
• Georgia House of Representatives E-Mail Directory
• Georgia Senate E-Mail Directory

Make sure to provide the Membership Department with your home address so you can be a part of the Bar's legislative grassroots efforts and receive legislative action alerts throughout the session. Update your membership information, or call the Bar's Membership Department at (404) 527-8777.

Annual Meeting Scheduled Earlier Than in Past Years
The 2006 State Bar of Georgia Annual Meeting is scheduled June 1-4 at The Westin Resort Hilton Head Island, SC. In addition to taking place two weeks earlier than in past years, the meeting dates fall within the same week as the Memorial Day Holiday, so consider planning a week-long family vacation in conjunction with the meeting. Additional information regarding the Annual Meeting will posted to the State Bar's website at www.gabar.org later this month.

5th Annual Chief Justice Thomas O. Marshall Professionalism Awards
The Bench and Bar Committee invites you to nominate one lawyer and one judge who have demonstrated the highest professional conduct and paramount reputation for professionalism for its 5th Annual Chief Justice Thomas O. Marshall Professionalism Awards. Previous year’s nominations, and any supporting materials, will also be considered. Past recipients of the awards include:

2004-05
Hon. Harold L. Murphy
Manley F. Brown
2003-04
Hon. Philip F. Etheridge
Thomas C. Chambers, III
2002-03
Hon. Ronald H. Ginsberg
W. Wycliffe Orr
2001-02
Hon. E. Purnell Davis
Edward E. Tolley

The deadline for submitting nominations is February 28, 2006 Download a nomination form.

Law Practice Management Enews Tip
Office Procedures Manuals Make Your Workplace Policies Clear -- Having an office procedures manual will contribute to a more efficient, less disruptive work-flow. Creating an office procedures manual does not have to be such a daunting chore that no one wants to spend precious work time getting it together. Following are some simple steps to get started:

• Have everyone create a checklist of all the tasks they do. (We all like to brag about all the things we do!)
• Review checklists with each individual. (For completeness, etc.)
• Have everyone expand on each checklist item by writing one paragraph for each task on how it is performed. (This does not have to be a novel, just relevant information that would allow the reader to perform the task without having to ask someone else!)
• Gather everyone's input and combine in a 3-ring binder under identifying tabs. i.e. Reception Area, Mail Room, File Room, Secretarial Area, Paralegal Area, Production Area, Bookkeeping Area, etc.
• Update as needed.

If you have questions about this tip or other law practice management questions, contact LPM Director Natalie Kelly at (404) 527-8770 or natalie@gabar.org.

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 tyler@gabar.org.

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