E-Newsletter for the week of December 8, 2011

Bar Dues Deadline – Check the Box and Help Nevadans in Need

The time to renew your State Bar of Nevada membership is fast approaching. Members must pay their bar dues and submit their mandatory documents by January 1, 2012. Any payments postmarked after March 1 will incur a delinquency fee, per Supreme Court Rule 98(11). To make your dues payment visit the state bar’s website.

If you are going to be checking “no” next to that box on your dues statement asking if you performed pro bono services under RPC 6.1, please consider this: Last year, 67 percent of state bar members checked that box. If each person checking “no” donated $100 through the dues check-off option in lieu of services, those responses would become half a million dollars for state-wide civil legal aid next year.

Legal aid in Nevada is in terrible trouble especially in the rural communities. Almost a million Nevadans are now living 200 percent below poverty and Nevada is first in the nation for foreclosures and bankruptcy. Veterans, senior citizens, victims of domestic violence and consumer fraud, the working poor, those newly poor, and those children trapped in the foster care system all need access to the courts – access to justice.

So when you check “no” this year, please donate through the dues check-off option and turn your “no” into a “yes” for Nevadans in need of justice.

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New District Court Filing Coversheet

Nevada’s district courts have a new coversheet for civil, family and juvenile case categories filed throughout the state, except in Clark and Washoe Counties, which maintain their own separate cover sheets. State Court Administrator, Robin Sweet approved the new coversheet in accordance with NRS 3.275. It should replace all existing civil, family and juvenile coversheets for district courts outside of Clark and Washoe County.

The new coversheet can be found on the Supreme Court’s website.

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Join the Intellectual Property Section

The Intellectual Property Section is composed of a diverse group of lawyers with experience in all aspects of intellectual property including, but not limited to, trademarks, copyrights, patents and emerging technology. While the section offers traditional networking and continuing education opportunities, it also monitors relevant legislation and shares important updates via its group page on LinkedIn.  

To learn more or to join, visit the IP Section’s page on the state bar’s website.

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NLF Board of Trustees Invites Applications

The Nevada Law Foundation (NLF) is dedicated to serving the legal needs of disadvantaged Nevadans. From time to time, NLF has openings on its Board of Trustees and committees. 

NLF’s Board of Trustees and Executive Director are responsible for administering to, and implementing, all programs and organizations funded by the foundation. The board is comprised of six attorneys and three laypersons that may serve up to three two-year terms. The Nevada Supreme Court appoints five board positions and the State Bar of Nevada Board of Governors appoints four.

If you are interested in volunteering with NLF, visit the organization’s website and fill out an application.

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Clark County Bar Association Annual Meeting and President’s Luncheon

The Clark County Bar Association (CCBA) invites attorneys to attend its Annual Meeting and President’s Luncheon. The event takes place on Thursday, December 15, at the Las Vegas Country Club, 3000 Joe W. Brown Drive, Las Vegas, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Outgoing CCBA President Zachariah Larson will host the event. Guest speaker Judge Nancy Allf will be on hand to introduce SOLACE, a new State Bar of Nevada program designed to help the legal community reach out to its members in times of crisis.

Visit the CCBA’s website for more information and to register for the luncheon.