Committee Descriptions
The Northern District of Ohio Chapter of the Federal Bar Association has many committees in which to get involved. To find out more about these committees, contact the chairperson listed below.Board Development Committee
The Board Development Committee shall consider, formulate, and suggest to the Board of Directors ideas for the enhancement of the experience of chapter Board members. This will include procedures and policies for the recruitment and orientation of new board members; methods to facilitate a greater understanding of the functions and the responsibilities of Board members; and ways to enhance Board members' skills in rendering services to this chapter and in other civic and professional endeavors. Co-Chairs: Ellen Toth and Carter Strang.
Continuing Legal Education Committee
The CLE Committee plans the FBA Northern District's CLE programs. The Ethics, Professionalism and Substance Abuse CLE is held every December and the Criminal Law CLE is held every August. Other programs are scheduled based on interest. Other CLE programs have included: Federalism, Handling the Media, Complex Civil Litigation, Appellate Practice, and Brown v. Bd. of Education. In the planning stage are CLE programs on environmental law and advanced federal practice. Chair: Kip Bollin of Thompson Hine LLP.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee encourages lawyers and law students to join and become active members in the Northern District of Ohio Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. To further this objective, the Membership Committee disseminates information regarding the benefits of membership and the positive contributions that the Northern District of Ohio Chapter continues to make on a regular basis to our communities. Chair: John Gerak of Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease.
National Relations Committee
The National Relations Committee is an expression of our Chapter's recognition and appreciation that we are a part of a larger national organization with chapters across the range of the federal district courts. The functions of the Committee are to serve as the principal bridge between the Chapter and the national organization; to assist the Board in investigating, ascertaining, and utilizing the resources of the national organization, particularly with respect to awards, grants, training opportunities networking opportunities, leadership roles, and other available benefits, support or recognition; and to transfer knowledge regarding the historical and current relationship between our Chapter and the national organization to other members of the Board. This committee should also explore and, if appropriate, assist in implementing, ventures and projects with other FBA Chapters. Chair: Jim Satola of Squire Sanders & Dempsey.
Program Committee
The Program Committee, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, shall plan and conduct informative and entertainment programs consistent with the objectives of the Chapter, as provided in Article II of the by-laws. Chair: Bruce Wilson.
Nominations and Elections Committee
The Nominations and Elections Committee shall consist of a chairperson, the President-Elect, and at least 3 other members. The Committee shall have charge and control of the nomination and election of officers and directors as provided in Article V, Sections 3 and 4 of the by-laws. Chair: Steven J. Paffilas.
Publicity and Public Relations Committee
The Publicity and Public Relations Committee, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, shall inform the members of the Chapter and public about chapter activities and matters of interest through the preparation and distribution of announcements, press releases, and other such communications channels deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. Chair: Diana Thimmig of Roetzel & Andress.
Newsletter Committee
The Newsletter Committee, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, shall be responsible for the preparation of a Chapter Newsletter to be distributed to the Chapter membership at regular intervals deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. The Newsletter Committee shall take steps as are necessary to select the content of such newsletter, prepare the newsletter layout, and to arrange for printing and distribution of such newsletter. Chair: Stephen H. Jett of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP.
Younger Lawyers Committee
The Younger Lawyers Committee is comprised of all members of the chapter who are 36 years of age and under or who have been admitted to practice for 3 years or less. Our committee works hand-in-hand with our local federal judges on projects meaningful to the profession and to the community at large. For example, it was the Younger Lawyers that worked with Magistrate Judge Hemann to orgainize the "A Book of Your Own" book drive that collected over 5000 books for Cleveland City School students. More projects are always in the works, as are events planned to provide our younger members with the opportunity to work with and learn from our federal judiciary. Chair: Meggan Rawlin of Jones Day.