"Iron Lawyer Competition" set for August 27, 2008

The Northern District of Ohio Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association are co-sponsoring a special CLE program, "Iron Lawyer Competition", on August 27, 2008 at the Carl B. Stokes U.S. Courthouse in Cleveland. Learn the art of the closing argument in a fun and innovative way. In addition to earning 3.5 CLE credit hours, attendees will gain insight into closing arguments from three different perspectives:

- Practicing attorneys delivering actual closing arguments in a competition format;
- A discussion panel of federal judges mediated by an advocacy professor; and
- A lay jury discussion led by a jury consultant.

At the end of the closing argument presentation, the attendees will vote on who they think delivered the best closing argument and the winner will be named Cleveland's first "Iron Lawyer". For additional information and to register, please click here.


Networking Breakfast Series for FBA Members Only

The Chapter is excited to announce a series of members-only networking breakfasts. Our purpose is to bring local FBA members together four times a year to market themselves and their practices to each other. We will provide an informal opportunity for you to introduce yourself, explain your practice and network with other federal practitioners in the northern district of Ohio.

After each breakfast, you will have an opportunity to continue the exchange of dialogue by participating in an online discussion group. This online discussion group will be open exclusively to FBA-NDOC networking breakfast participants.

The next breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2008, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at the offices of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP in downtown Cleveland. For additional information and to register, please click here.


2008 State of the Court Luncheon

The Chapter's Third Annual State of the Court Luncheon is scheduled for September 22, 2008 at Noon at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center. Reports will be provided by 6th Circuit Chief Judge Danny J. Boggs, Chief Judge James G. Carr and Chief Bankruptcy Judge Marilyn Shea-Stonum. The Court Luncheon Planning Committee is composed of members Carter Strang, Ellen Toth, Steve Paffilas and Geri Smith.

The event has been very popular (has sold out both prior years). While some event details are still being finalized by the Planning Committee, firms/agencies/companies are encouraged to reserve tables (10 per table). Individual tickets will be available as well. Invitations will be e-mailed to all Chapter members later this month.

Mark your calendars now for the event. If you want to reserve your table or individual ticket now (rather than wait to receive an invitation), please contact the Chapter Administrator at admin@fba-ndohio.org.


Advanced Federal Practice Seminar

On November 14, 2008, the Chapter will be hosting an Advanced Federal Practice Seminar at the Carl B. Stokes U.S. Court House. Topics will include: an overview of the multi-district litigation process together with an update on our local practice; class action consumer claims; e-discovery; and effective tools in the taking and defending of corporate depositions. Watch your e-mail in the coming months for additional details.


Pro Bono Civil Case Protocol Adopted

In 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio adopted a Pro Bono Civil Case Protocol and launched a new initiative entitled the Civil Pro Bono Legal Services Program. Through this program, parties who cannot afford legal representation are provided experienced counsel who will provide their services on a pro bono basis. Upon a judicial officer's request, a case is referred to the Clerk's Office for the appointment of legal counsel. The Clerk's Office selects an attorney with experience in the subject matter of the case from a list of volunteer attorneys. After verifying that there are no conflicts and a willingness of the attorney to serve, the Clerk's Office will notify the judicial officer and the attorney is assigned to the case. To enhance the program, the Court also adopted a plan for reimbursement of certain expenses. Both the Court and the FBA Northern District of Ohio Chapter encourage all members of the bar to participate in this worthy program. For additional information about the Civil Pro Bono Legal Services Program and/or to register as an attorney volunteer, please visit the Court's Web page at www.ohnd.uscourts.gov.


Chapter Volunteer Opportunities

The Northern District of Ohio Chapter is actively engaged in numerous projects in support of our federal judiciary and the community as a whole. These activities provide excellent opportunities to work hand in hand with federal judges and fellow practitioners.

The Chapter has experienced dynamic growth over the past few years and can no longer rely on word of mouth to publicize volunteer opportunities. Going forward, the Chapter will post volunteer opportunities on this Web site and in the Chapter's newsletter, Inter Alia. The Chapter will also send out periodic e-mail notices. If you have any questions regarding volunteer opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact John Gerak at 216-479-6190.

For a list of current volunteer opportunities, please click on the link below:

2007-08 Volunteer Opportunities