CBA Record

As mentioned above, on-line dispute resolution faces Constitutional hurdles because due process cannot be satisfied by serving someone with a summons via e-mail. Yet voluntary electronic dispute resolutions is perfectly Constitutional, and we are exploring this possibility with some of our technology partners as well as with the courts. Stay tuned. These advancements in technology are also impacting our daily involve- ment and interactions at the Chicago Bar Association. Each month, more and more members are participating in committee meetings on-line and attending seminars remotely through videoconferencing. These advancements have proven to be a wonderful option for members, resulting in unprecedented strong attendance at committee meetings and record-breaking success of our CLE programs. Unfortunately, however, all of these technological advances do not take place without some collateral damage. As a result of conducting so much of our professional lives over our smart phones and computers, our profession no longer requires the face-to-face interactions which give us, as practicing lawyers, opportuni- ties to actually meet each other. For more than 200 years, interpersonal, face-to-face relationships have been fundamental to our legal system. Not only do such interactions facilitate dispute resolution and business development, but they also promote col- legiality and comradery in an otherwise very stressful profession. Although cynics may say that times are changing and the days of lawyers interact- ing with each other in the same room will soon be a thing of the past, the Chicago Bar Association rejects this premise, will con- tinue to embrace these interactions, and will always promote events that encourage direct, in-person contact among lawyers. On that note, I have observed three recent events which support the conclusion that lawyers still appreciate time spent together. First, the CBA will soon be completing its first year-long Leadership Institute. In this program, a select group of law firm associates participate in regular sessions to learn necessary skills for leadership and business development. Feedback from

participants thus far indicates that they not only find the monthly programs interesting and valuable, but many of themwould like the two-hour sessions to last even longer . We may accommodate this request for next year’s class. Second, and perhaps equally encourag- ing, was the YLS Meet the Committees Night that took place in early September at the CBA. On that evening, after work, more than 200 law students and young lawyers came to the CBA to learn about and sign up for the nearly 30 committees that our Young Lawyers Section operates. The energy from that event bodes well for the future of the CBA. Third, and as even further evidence of the benefits of direct interaction, our friends at Lawyers Lend-A-Hand to Youth are launching a one-on-one tutoring pro- gram from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays at the CBA. There is already great interest in the program, but volunteers are needed. If you can help out, please contact Execu- tive Director KathrynMcCabe at 312/554- 2041 or kmccabe@lawyerslendahand.org. So, as I conclude this column, we vow to continue adapting and striving to help our members and our legal system keep pace with a rapidly changing society. Yet, at the same time, we will never lose sight of the importance and value of lawyers spending time with one another in the same room. To that end, we will continue to facilitate and promote social, professional, and edu- cational events at and around the CBA. Pro Bono Support Are you looking for a pro bono opportunity that fits your skills, interests and availability? The CBF Pro Bono Support Program is here to help connect you to meaningful pro bono volunteer opportunities that are a good fit for you.To learn more about potential volunteer opportuni- ties, go to www.chicagobarfoundation.org/ resources/pro-bono or Contact Angela Inzano at 312/554-4952 for assistance getting involved.

Master Trial Prep You Have a Trial Date. NowWhat? Wednesday, October 19, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Webcast Available. 2.75 IL PR-MCLE Credit Presentedby:CBACommercialLitigationCommittee Considerations of jury and bench trials, opening and closing arguments, cross examination and expert testimony will be discussed. Trial Preparation and Presentation Wednesday, October 26, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Webcast Available. 2.75 IL PR-MCLE Credit Presented by: YLS Tort Litigation Committee Circuit Court judges and local trial attorneys will discuss all aspects of trial preparation and presentation. Receive practical writtenmaterials and first-hand guidance on how to effectively try a case. Registerandlearnmoreatwww.chicagobar. org/cle. We welcome your ideas, submissions, and feedback! Visit the CBARecord online at www. chicagobar.org to learn how to submit articles and send your feedback to us at publications@ chicagobar.org. The CBA Record would like to thank Amy Cook for her years of service as Editor-in-Chief (2014- 16).With JusticeMichael B. Hyman returning to the helm, Cookwill remain active in her position as Managing Editor, joining Associate Editor Anne Ellis and Publications Director David Beam in the work of the CBA Record.

10 SEPTEMBER 2016