GPSLD

08/24/2021

Public Employees: Technology, Social Media, and the First Amendment [CC]

Public Employees: Technology, Social Media, and the First Amendment
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
1:00-2:00pm Eastern

The government relies on technology and social media to facilitate both the rapid sharing of information and the public’s interaction with decision makers. But this has created challenges for government agencies. This webinar will explore security of government information laws, authorized-use policies, and First Amendment implications.

Register today! https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/414977910/

The government increasingly relies on technology and social media to facilitate both the rapid sharing of information and the public's interaction with agency staff and decision makers.

07/19/2021

More than a Mask: Surviving a Pandemic with Your Ethics Intact [CC]

Don't miss out on our ethics CLE webinar! Join us tomorrow, July 20, for "More than a Mask: Surviving a Pandemic with Your Ethics Intact [CC]" Register now: https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/413313257/

Practicing law during a pandemic raises unique ethical dilemmas. Using an engaging format, expert panelists will discuss realistic situations involving professional conduct rules including Declining/…

07/14/2021

More than a Mask: Surviving a Pandemic with Your Ethics Intact [CC]

Don't miss out on our 7/20 Ethics CLE Webinar! Register today for "More than a Mask: Surviving a Pandemic with Your Ethics Intact": https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/413313257/

Practicing law during a pandemic raises unique ethical dilemmas. Using an engaging format, expert panelists will discuss realistic situations involving professional conduct rules including Declining/…

05/10/2021

Summer Camp Legal Skills Conference

Register today for our Summer Camp Legal Skills Conference, featuring experienced practitioners who will provide strategies and information to build your legal skills including deposition, ethics, writing, negotiation, and tips for remote hearings. Produced in partnership with the ABA Young Lawyers Division, this virtual conference, running June 9 - 11, is a great way to gain valuable, practical knowledge without a major time commitment.
https://web.cvent.com/event/bc8dd707-9878-487e-b882-ea0f06e415c3/summary

Summer Camp Legal Skills Conference. Online registration by Cvent

05/03/2021

Villainy Gone Viral: The Many Faces of Fraud in a Pandemic [CC]

Don't miss out on our CLE webinar tomorrow, May 4! Register now for "Villainy Gone Viral: The Many Faces of Fraud in a Pandemic [CC]" https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/410964758/

Fraud has been one of the most difficult challenges facing governments during the pandemic. Bad actors have sought to unlawfully benefit themselves using procurement fraud, price gauging and other sc…

04/23/2021

Villainy Gone Viral: The Many Faces of Fraud in a Pandemic [CC]

Don't miss out on our May 4 webinar, "Villainy Gone Viral." Expert panelists discuss the many faces of fraud in the pandemic, ways to detect it, what has been or can be done to deter or prevent it, and lessons learned for our next public health crisis. http://ow.ly/9nD050EwcCi

Fraud has been one of the most difficult challenges facing governments during the pandemic. Bad actors have sought to unlawfully benefit themselves using procurement fraud, price gauging and other sc…

01/14/2021

On this day in 1784, the Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, establishing the US as an independent nation.

01/06/2021

Check out the latest of our podcast series, "Compelling Conversations with Colleagues!" In this episode, we chat with State Court Staff Attorney Lyndsey Siara about what her day-to-day is like, and the pathways that led her to her position.
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/government_public/resources/podcasts/

12/16/2020

Public Sector Employees and First Amendment Issues

Did you know that as a public employee you could be disciplined for something you say verbally, or something you post to social media? Yes, free speech is a little bit different when it comes to public sector employment. This program will examine relevant caselaw and some pertinent recent examples. Join us January 12 at 12 noon central for “Public Sector Employees and First Amendment Issues.” This 45 minute non-CLE program is FREE!
https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/408076476/

Public sector employees are in a unique position when it comes to the First Amendment. They can be disciplined if their speech disrupts the efficient operation of their office.

12/11/2020

Preparing for 2021 and Beyond: The Outlook for Public Interest Lawyers and Advocacy

Don't miss out on this FREE program on Tuesday, December 15, "Preparing for 2021 and Beyond: The Outlook for Public Interest Lawyers and Advocacy"
To learn more & register, visit https://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/events_cle/program-archive/preparing-for-2021-and-beyond/

This webinar discusses what 2021 holds for public interest lawyers and the clients you serve, how your work and the issues you care about are being supported by ABA advocacy efforts, and what you can do to get connected and make an impact through involvement with the ABA.

11/23/2020

Here's a quick tip for remote team-building: consider scheduling a weekly (virtual) coffee break when employees can chat about non-work topics!

11/17/2020

On this day in 1800, Congress met for the first time in its new capital of Washington.

11/16/2020

CRSJ Events & CLE

Join the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice and the ABA Diversity and Inclusion Center for two FREE events this week in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. For details and to register for the Wednesday, 11/18 event, visit https://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/events_cle/program-archive/nahm-signature-event/; and for the Friday, 11/20 event, visit https://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/events_cle/program-archive/sliver-of-a-full-moon/

The Section of Civil Rights and Social Responsibility regularly sponsors a variety of events, including quarterly Council Meetings, in-person panels, on-demand webinars, and more!

11/09/2020

https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/405560379/
Qualified immunity shields police and other government officials from personal liability for constitutional violations, as long as officials have not violated “clearly established” statutory or constitutional rights. Many are now seeking reforms for this judge-made doctrine. Panelists will discuss the theory behind qualified immunity, the elements of the doctrine, how and when it is asserted as a defense, and some of the proposed reforms. CLE Webinar- Nov. 19 at 1pm Eastern.

11/03/2020

Happy Election Day. Vote and make your voice heard!

10/28/2020

Register today for our 11/19 CLE webinar, "The Ins and Outs of Qualified Immunity: Ready for Reform?" https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/405560379/
Qualified immunity is a complicated doctrine. It shields police and other government officials from personal liability for constitutional violations, as long as officials have not violated “clearly established” statutory or constitutional rights. Many are now seeking reforms for this long-established judge-made doctrine. Panelists will discuss the history and theory behind qualified immunity, the elements of the doctrine, how and when it is asserted as a defense, and some of the proposed reforms.

10/22/2020

“Glass, China, and Reputation, are easily crack’d, and never well mended.” – Ben Franklin

10/08/2020

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
- Maya Angelou
(image attribute: Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA)

09/29/2020

Meet our newest council member! Trish Conners is Chief Associate Deputy Attorney General under Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, overseeing the Antitrust and Complex Enforcement, Consumer Protection, Lemon Law Arbitration and Civil Rights Divisions. She also serves as the Director of the Antitrust Division for the Attorney General's Office. In addition to her work with the GPSLD, Trish is active in the Antitrust Law Section of the ABA. She received both her undergraduate and J.D. degrees from the University of Florida.

09/21/2020

The Americans with Disabilities Act: What You Need to Know Amid the COVID-19 Crisis [CC]

When your clients’ employees return to work, you need to know the law. The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission just issued new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidance. Learn from EEOC Associate Legal Counsel, Carol Miaskoff, about the updated guidance and how you should instruct your clients to follow the law by registering for "The Americans with Disabilities Act: What You Need to Know Amid the COVID-19 Crisis" CLE Webinar on September 24 https://americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/402536631/

During a pandemic, a host of issues can arise that implicate the ADA. Screening job applicants for COVID symptoms, asking questions about whether an employee is at a higher risk of severe symptoms if…

09/15/2020

Want to improve your legal writing? These quick tips will do wonders for your brief, memo or article:

Revision is arguably the most important part of writing well. Edit your writing line by line and cut unnecessary words, then read it out loud at least once to gauge the rhythm and flow.

Want to learn more? GPSLD members can access our exclusive practice pointers on improving your legal writing here: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/government_public/resources/improve_your_legal_writing/

09/10/2020

New article for law students: "Diploma Privilege: Compassion in a Time of Crisis." Do we need bar exams? https://www.americanbar.org/groups/government_public/law-students/diploma-privilege-crisis-covid/

09/08/2020

American Bar Association

To address the shortage of poll workers due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ABA, the National Association of Secretaries of State, the National Association of State Election Directors and state, local and affinity bars are working together to ask lawyers to become poll workers. Sign up today! https://ambar.org/eej8t
#PollWorkerEsq

09/02/2020

The Americans with Disabilities Act: What You Need to Know Amid the COVID-19 Crisis [CC]

Don't miss out on our new CLE Webinar, "The Americans with Disabilities Act: What You Need to Know Amid the COVID-19 Crisis" on 9/24! For details and to register, visit https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/402536631/

During a pandemic, a host of issues can arise that implicate the ADA. Screening job applicants for COVID symptoms, asking questions about whether an employee is at a higher risk of severe symptoms if…

08/24/2020

The Americans with Disabilities Act: What You Need to Know Amid the COVID-19 Crisis [CC]

Join us September 24, 2020 for our CLE webinar, "The Americans with Disabilities Act: What You Need to Know Amid the COVID-19 Crisis." For details & to register, visit https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/402536631/

During a pandemic, a host of issues can arise that implicate the ADA. Screening job applicants for COVID symptoms, asking questions about whether an employee is at a higher risk of severe symptoms if…

08/18/2020

Valuing Black Lives: A Case for Ending the Death Penalty [CC]

The ABA Death Penalty Due Process Review Project has developed a three-part FREE CLE webinar series exploring the fundamental issues in using the death penalty, how the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these issues, and recent legal developments in death penalty practice, implementation, and legislation. In these free CLE webinars, panelists will explore the intricacies of the death penalty, identifying certain elements as barriers in our collective pursuit of advancing law and justice.
Register here: https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/402928100/

The program will cover the relationship between racial disparity and the use of the death penalty and recent case law when outright blatant discrimination was belatedly uncovered.

06/26/2020

Best Practices for Government Lawyers: Managing High Profile Litigation While Minding Ethics Rules [CC]

Register today for our 7/14 CLE Ethics webinar, "Best Practices for Government Lawyers: Managing High Profile Litigation While Minding Ethics Rules"
https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/401001992/

When public entities are sued, their actions are not only scrutinized in the litigation process but often in the media and the public eye and by ethics regulators.

06/10/2020

ABA honors 2020 recipients for government and public sector service

Announcing the winners of our GPSLD 2020 Awards! https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2020/06/aba-honors-2020-recipients-for-government-and-public-sector-serv/

WASHINGTON, June 10, 2020 — The American Bar Association Government and Public Sector Lawyers Division (GPSLD) has chosen the recipients of its 2020 Dorsey, Hodson and Nelson Awards. The annual awards are for outstanding work in the government and public sector.

06/02/2020

New CLE Webinar Wednesday, June 3! Join the ABA Section of State and Local Government for "Voter Suppression Tactics: Voter Fraud claims, Voter ID restrictions, Voter Purges and Post-Shelby County Electoral Barriers"
https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/398732810/

05/05/2020

On #GivingTuesdayNow help domestic violence survivors, older Americans, homeless families, detained unaccompanied migrant children, & many more rebuild their lives through legal services. #Give5on5 ($5, $50, $500 or more) & stand with the ABA. ambar.org/together

05/04/2020

Virus Pushes a Staid Supreme Court Into Revolutionary Changes

Virus Pushes a Staid Supreme Court Into Revolutionary Changes
The court is set to depart from history twice on Monday: The justices will hear arguments by conference call, and the public will be able to listen in. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/03/us/politics/supreme-court-coronavirus.html

The court is set to depart from history twice on Monday: The justices will hear arguments by conference call, and the public will be able to listen in.

05/04/2020

Virus Pushes a Staid Supreme Court Into Revolutionary Changes

Virus Pushes a Staid Supreme Court Into Revolutionary Changes
The court is set to depart from history twice on Monday: The justices will hear arguments by conference call, and the public will be able to listen in. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/03/us/politics/supreme-court-coronavirus.html

The court is set to depart from history twice on Monday: The justices will hear arguments by conference call, and the public will be able to listen in.

04/27/2020

Stay at Home Orders in the Wake of COVID-19 [CC]

Don't miss out! Last call to register for our #FREE CLE webinar, "Stay at Home Orders in the Wake of COVID-19: Determining Essential Employees, Enforcement, and Inconsistencies Between Neighboring Jurisdictions," TOMORROW, Tuesday, April 28.
https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/399263353/

Many governmental entities have issued Stay at Home Orders to decrease the spread of the coronavirus. However, these orders can lead to confusion for the general public and enforcement agencies if th…

04/24/2020

Stay at Home Orders in the Wake of COVID-19 [CC]

Join us Tuesday, March 28 for a #free CLE webinar, "Stay at Home Orders in the Wake of COVID-19: Determining Essential Employees, Enforcement, and Inconsistencies Between Neighboring Jurisdictions"!
https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/399263353/

Many governmental entities have issued Stay at Home Orders to decrease the spread of the coronavirus. However, these orders can lead to confusion for the general public and enforcement agencies if th…

04/22/2020

Colleagues Under the Influence: Licensure and the Impaired Lawyer

Last chance to register for our CLE webinar "Colleagues Under the Influence: Licensure and the Impaired Lawyer," tomorrow at 1 pm EDT. Learn more & register at: https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/398531119/

Substance abuse and addictions affect attorneys and their licenses and are expected to rise as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts people's lives. Learn how to recognize a legal professional with an impai…