Mindfulness, meditation delivered nonlawyerly for lawyers, by @Jeena_Cho and @2Civility @NABE_News

In the current issue of Arizona Attorney Magazine, a book review explores what attorneys can learn about themselves and their world via meditation.

If you’re unsure about that idea and cotton toward the tried and true, let’s remember that meditation has been around for millennia. So it should be acceptable, even to your firm’s management committee. Just sayin’.

The review author is attorney Juliet Peters, and you can read the entire review here.

And the book co-authors are Jeena Cho and Karen Gifford—lawyers themselves, in case lawyers are the only ones you trust with your self-improvement.

Happily, Jeena will be a panelist on a program I’m co-producing in just a few weeks. Unhappily, the program will be in Miami, not Phoenix. But if you happen to be at the midyear meeting of the National Association of Bar Executives, drop in! Or if you’re in the environs that week for the ABA meeting, drop me a line at arizona.attorney@azbar.org, or tweet to me @azatty. It’d be great to meet and compare mindfulness strategies! (Spoiler alert: You’ve got me beat, and I don’t even know you.)

Here is a link to the conference. And here is a description of the panel, titled “Mindful Lawyer, Mindful Bar,” which also features Jayne Reardon, Executive Director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism:

“Mindfulness has become top-of-mind for many people, including your members. Even as work–life balance, meditation, and increased fulfillment and satisfaction have become a more central part of a professional’s goals, those aspirations may seem harder than ever to achieve. Our panelists have learned through law and life experience how challenging incorporating practices such as self-care and mindfulness can be—but they have discovered the many wonderful benefits of these practices, including more joy and satisfaction. They will talk about the importance of mindfulness for the attorney. They also will offer practical tips and next steps to create robust mindfulness programs at your bar.”

See you in Miami … or wherever thoughtful lawyers gather.

Jayne Reardon

Jeena Cho

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Women lawyers honored in @StateBarofGA magazine

I just flew in from Savannah, and boy are my arms—empowered.

A communications conference hosted by ABA-affiliate NABE is what took me to the Garden City. And the sessions—not to mention the city itself—provided eye-opening moments of wonder.

Today, though, I mention not the great conference, but a magazine—specifically the Georgia Bar Journal. On a routine basis, they put out a great journal. But this month, their entire issue is an idea worth stealing: They explored the history of women lawyers in Georgia.

You can see the entire issue here.

Leading off the package of stories is a gem that tells the story of Minnie Hale Daniel, who fought for and won the right to be admitted as Georgia’s first woman lawyer. The article opens:

“A woman lawyer! Help us to keep our girls at the fireside and let our young mothers raise, by the help of God, boys to speak and vote and live the life they would live if He had made them men; and O for a Paul to command our women to keep silence and be keepers of the home,” exclaimed a Georgia state legislator in August 2011, quoting a mother’s letter to him.

Hale eventually won her fight—and her fight on behalf of countless other women—and was licensed to practice law on August 21, 1916. Her achievement has had no noticeable impact on the ability of boys to speak and vote and live.

Wisely, the magazine issue is not merely a history piece captured in amber. It includes articles on the engagement and promotion of women lawyers, and the value—and challenges—of mentoring.

If you’re wondering why this is still important and crucial in 2016. Just. Don’t. Even. I mean, even the economic challenges still faced by women attorneys are substantial. And those are merely the most quantifiable slights; things get worse.

I’m helping to produce a panel discussion on gender equity in the legal profession for a national conference in Miami next February, and I’m pleased to have this magazine issue as a resource. And as we look toward 2017 and beyond at Arizona Attorney Magazine, we would do well to follow the lead of our smart friends in Georgia. Well done.

Below is an image of a letter Winnie Hale sent to Georgia lawmakers. You have to love her line, “It is my one ambition to be granted a license in Georgia. I am entitled to such, whether I practice LAW in Georgia or China.” Pioneering spirit, that.

Letter sent to Georgia legislators by Minnie Anderson Hale (later Minnie Hale Daniel): “It is my one ambition to be granted a license in Georgia. I am entitled to such, whether I practice LAW in Georgia or China.”

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Your ethical leadership examples sought

We may not all mean the same thing when we discuss workplace ethics. I’d like to hear your ideas, and stories too.

What are we talking about when we talk about ethics in the workplace? Like most important topics, it may be more difficult to define than we typically imagine.

At the end of this month, I have the opportunity to present on the topic of the ethical workplace. The audience will be organization leaders at the National Association of Bar Executives annual meeting, so my focus will go beyond “Please don’t steal the Post-Its” (though they shouldn’t). Instead, I’m aiming to discuss the ethical decision-points that leaders face daily—hidden as they may be among the workaday grind.

My presentation is nearly done, but I’d like to include some other examples of noteworthy leader ethics, so I invite you to write me at arizona.attorney@azbar.org. The anecdote may come from your own organization or from one you’ve heard about. And it can be for attribution or entirely anonymous. In fact, feel free to cast your story to me as a hypothetical. That works just fine.

To help you cogitate on this, here is my presentation description:

“Ethical Decision-Making: The Courage to Say No. Leadership requires making decisions that affect people and resources. This session’s speaker prompts us to consider how we make those important decisions, how to sustain an ethical workplace, and how to deal with the many pressures to do all things and be all things for our members and the public.”

Thank you for sharing your ideas and stories; I look forward to connecting with you!

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Share your blogging ideas, gain fame and fortune

First of all, the second half of that title is highly unlikely. I will speak to my titling minions right away.

But what I’m curious about today is: What can you tell me about your blogging successes?

Or at least about your blogging not-disasters?

Why do I ask? Well, later in March I will be delivering a webinar to attendees across the country on the topic of blogging. It’s titled “Top Tips for Bar Bloggers,” and you can read more about it (and even register!) here.

Screenshot of a teaser for my upcoming blogging webinar (yes, I know, they put too many words on the slide).

Two little boggles about that title:

1. I definitely should have added a number. You know, “Tim’s 7 Blogging Tips,” or “11 Blogging Tips That Will Make You More Attractive.” After all, we know from SEO and just, y’know, people that folks respond to numerals, and they like to be told there will be a takeaway they can count on.
2. The other thing about the title: I’m not sure blogging strategy for bars should be any different than blogging strategy for any other niche. It’s about differentiation, writing, and (relatively) compelling content.

That’s why I’d like your thoughts on blogging:

• Are you a blogger who has a top tip or two?
• Do you read blogs that seem to “get it” and that serve your needs well? If so, what single thing do you like about those blogs?

If I steal/use one of your ideas, I promise to give you credit in the nationally delivered webinar (I joke about a lot, but never about giving credit for great ideas).

Deal? Deal.

Write to me at arizona.attorney@azbar.org.

And here is a screen-shot of the registration page. No reason that you too could not register, right here!

If you’ve read this far, you deserve a treat. Here is a GIF I am expecting to use in my webinar. It’s about the importance of timing in blogs. But moving cats is always a win.

Blog content is important. But your timing is important too. Because cats.

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Dallas Sight Suggestions Sought, and @jordan_law21 To Explore Future Legal Market at #NABEMYM

Dallas building housing the former Texas School Book Depository

First things first. I am in Dallas this week, for the first time ever: Any tips?

A friend from Alabama also will be in the city known to “Live Large. Think Big” (whatever that means), and he made a pretty good suggestion: We should visit the Texas School Book Depository. For some people, that may not ring any bells, but it is the structure in which Lee Harvey Oswald crouched as he fired fatal shots at President John F. Kennedy back in 1963.

The building is still on Dealey Plaza, and the sixth and seventh floors have been converted into a museum commemorating the awful day. Read more about it here.

Yeah, we may be downers. But what history-lover is not?

But because I may find myself with any additional free time, I would appreciate some tourist insight from folks who know this town. Write to me at arizona.attorney@azbar.org.

On the focused-on-the-conference-front, I will be enjoying quite a bit of learning at the hands of presenters at the NABE midyear conference. And I’m happy to add that I will be one of those presenters. (Thanks again to those who offered suggestions for our panel on social media!)

Jordan Furlong

On Wednesday, just before we present, we’ll have the opportunity to hear from Jordan Furlong. (Follow him on Twitter here.)

Furlong, a Canadian lawyer, is one of a handful of people focused with clear eyes on the future of the legal profession.

I have mentioned Furlong more than once in my blog, but for a real education, head over to his own page. There, you can read his insights on, most recently, legal education. (See posts here and here.)

That’s it for now. I eagerly await your Dallas suggestions!

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If a Workshop Is Titled “Advanced Social Media,” What Would You Expect To Learn?

Next February, I’ll be part of a panel communicating all we know for a “Social Media Master Class.” At the moment, I’m feeling vaguely outclassed.

Sure, by February, I plan to have a vast knowledge to impart. But right now, I’d appreciate your insight on what you would expect if you passed by a hotel conference room and spotted the following sign:

“Social Media Advanced Class”

That, essentially, is what we’ll cover in our session.

We will be presenting at the ABA/NABE Midyear Meeting in Dallas, and our audience will be chock full of bar association executives and lawyers.

I didn’t write the copy for the program description, but I am looking for ways to meet its expectations. Here’s what it says:

“If you have not seen the very latest features for Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and other leading social media platforms, you may be living under a rock. Delve into the newest add-ons and enhancements that will bolster your messaging workflow while optimizing your Association’s exposure. Learn how to navigate unexpected (and sometimes unwelcome) redesigns of leading sites. Plus, get recommendations on the best shortcut tools like HootSuite to ease the pains of posting. Whether you’re a seasoned social media junkie or the new kid on the block, you’ll find something valuable to take away.”

I love this social media “map” by Fred Cavazza.

Hmmm. We’d better bring our A game.

I figure one of the best ways to stretch your audience’s knowledge is to stretch your own. That’s why I’ve reached into a few new worlds this past month, to Quora and even Instagram. And I’ve also been examining the old standards (Facebook and Twitter) for what I think are best practices. But Pinterest hasn’t yet sucked me into its vortex.

Later today, I meet (via conference call) will the other panelists (from Ohio, San Francisco, Philadelphia and the District of Columbia). We’ll be strategizing the best way to communicate valuable content to attendees.

Your insights would be appreciated. Write to me at arizona.attorney@azbar.org.

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Denver Photos: Mile-High City Memories of @NABE_news

Museum of Contemporary Art, Denver

Earlier this week, I shared the magazine’s good news about our national award (press release here). But today is Change of Venue Friday, so we’re on a related but lighter topic: Here are some photos from my trip to Denver (nothing says Change of Venue better than few words, more pics).

I’ve placed a few photos in this blog post; the rest are here, on the Arizona Attorney Facebook page.

But before you head over yonder, you really have to watch a brief video. No, not by me, but by a friend and talented communicator named Patrick Tandy. He’s the Communications Director at the Maryland State Bar Association. Besides all the work that goes into attending a conference (it’s true), Patrick also lugged his iPad around, snapping pictures and capturing the flavor of Denver (and the funky Curtis Hotel).

Patrick teamed up with everyone’s favorite songwriting buddy, Warren Zevon, who provided the appropriate track: “Things To Do in Denver When You’re Dead” (communicators – so so dark).

Enjoy his video, and then go look at my non-videofied photos. Have a great weekend.

By the way, have you Liked the Maryland State Bar on Facebook yet? Whatcha waiting for?

Larimer Street, Denver

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Arizona Attorney Magazine Wins National Luminary Award From @NABE_News

2012 Luminary Award, Arizona Attorney Magazine

Last Friday, October 12, 2012, Arizona Attorney Magazine received a Luminary Award at a national conference in Denver. Given by the Communications Section of the National Association of Bar Executives (NABE), the award “recognizes excellence in bar association communications by honoring the outstanding communications projects of the past year.”

NABE is an affiliate of the American Bar Association.

In each of the six competition categories, the Section gives awards in three categories of bar associations: large, medium and small. Our Bar—the State Bar of Arizona—is in the large-bar category.

A complete list of winners is here.

We won a Luminary in 2001 and in 2009. But as the challenges stacked up against print magazines grow, success this year is especially welcome.

Congratulations to our stellar staff and our talented Editorial Board, all of whom go above and beyond to produce a magazine that excels. And kudos to all of our great NABE colleagues on magazines and in communications departments all across the country. (Thank you also to the terrific folks at Fastcase, who sponsor the Section awards.)

What follows is the news from NABE (including the terrific judges’ comments about our magazine; I bolded that part!).

Actors have the Oscars. Advertisers have the Clios. Bar association communicators have the Luminaries.

REGULAR PUBLICATIONS

• (Small Bar) DCBA Brief – The Journal of the DuPage County Bar Association Submitted by Jacki Hamler, Financial Manager Judge’s Comment: A truly impressive volunteer-written publication, the content of which is better than many state bar journals. This is a “by lawyers, for lawyers” magazine, and you can tell the contributors and editors bring tremendous energy and dedication to its production.
• (Medium Bar) San Diego Lawyer – San Diego Bar Association Submitted by Karen Korr, Communications Director Judge’s Comment: Kudos! This publication is truly outstanding. Graphics, layout and design are superb. Articles are well-written and edited, and the publication features an eclectic mix of information that is informative and entertaining, in keeping with the mission of the publication. Congratulations on producing a highly professional publication! 
• (Large Bar) Arizona Attorney – State Bar of Arizona Submitted by Tim Eigo, Editor, Judge’s Comment: Arizona Attorney continues to be the most innovative and interesting state/local bar publication in the country, and it has to be one of the most profitable. Tim Eigo’s embrace of new media has informed his approach to the magazine in an enlivening way, and Karen Holub’s remarkable design work is arresting but not distracting – her illustrations help tell, but never overwhelm, the story. And the ads, good gawd, the ads! Just an inspiring model of excellence from stem to stern.

SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS

• (Small Bar) The Annual Membership Directory – Nashville Bar Association Submitted by Nikki Gray, Director of Communications Judge’s Comment: This directory clearly meets its goal and provides information in an easy-to-use format. For the editor/producer to be able to jump into this project and quickly create and invent the process, layouts, and design is truly amazing.
• (Medium Bar) “Welcome to Your State Bar of Nevada” (new attorney orientation kit)  – State Bar of Nevada Submitted by Lori Wolk, Programs & Services Manager and Jennifer Smith, Publications Manager Judge’s Comment: Nevada’s approach to welcoming new attorneys to the practice of law is a perfect example of bar excellence. This welcome packet is visually appealing, innovative and has a wealth of pertinent information for new lawyers.
• (Large Bar) “The North Carolina Constitution Explained” (publication for high school students and teachers) – North Carolina Bar Association Submitted by Anne Strickland, Assistant Director of Communications, Publications & Print Media Judge’s Comment: As a wife of a schoolteacher, this publication proves to be such a valuable resource to the intended audience. In fact, I found some of the “explanations” very valuable! Overall, I think it’s a great publication, certainly worthy of recognition.

ELECTRONIC PUBLICATIONS

• (Small Bar) New Matter (monthly e-newsletter) – The Chester County Bar Association, New Matter Committee Submitted by Wendy C. Hoffman, Executive Director Judge’s Comment: I was very impressed with the quality and breadth of content in New Matter. Clearly the editorial board and staff work to address topics that are timely and topical. Additionally, I found the Uberflip layout easy to use and it was very well branded. The design is simple and clean. New Matter also has a very high readership, so it would appear that moving to an electronic format has been a very positive benefit for members.
• (Medium Bar) This Week at the Bar (weekly e-bulletin) – San Diego County Bar Association Submitted by Karen Korr, Communications Director Judge’s Comment: San Diego’s e-publication has a clean, uncluttered design and provides its readers with targeted messages that are easy to scan. The content is excellent and I admire the staff’s ability to solicit and edit such solid content, including a weekly President’s Message, under such time constraints. The publication appears to be very effective, with online registrations up and less emails sent overall.
• (Large Bar) OSBA Report Online (case digest e-bulletin delivered in a daily or weekly format) – Ohio State Bar Association Submitted by Nina Corbut, Director of Publications Judge’s Comments: The Ohio State Bar’s online report with case summaries, legal and association news, events and job openings is an extremely well-designed, content-rich, and targeted electronic publication. The ability to customize the interaction with the Ohio State Bar, including the type and frequency of content received, is an amazing member benefit. The staff’s editorial skills and ability to deliver case summaries up to six weeks sooner than a print publication are another invaluable member benefit. The publication is easy to navigate and a pleasure to browse.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

• (Small Bar) Central Texas Wildfire Legal Response Team Free Legal Clinics (campaign to assist Central Texas wildfire evacuees with their legal problems) – Austin Bar Association, Communications Department Submitted by Kat Hinson, Director of Communications Judge’s Comment: This is an excellent example of crisis communications at its best. From recruiting volunteer attorneys to getting the word out to the public on where to seek help, the Austin Bar Association not only met but exceeded the need for legal help in the time of disaster. An effective public relations campaign is measurable by coverage by the media, but this was not only effective but really was able to help lots of people, evidenced by the need to expand the clinics as the disaster progressed. A stellar job and a model for all – showcasing attorneys at their best and having a plan to help in a disaster.
• (Medium Bar) Why Lincoln Was a Lawyer (community outreach program which included attorneys speaking in elementary classrooms) – Indiana State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section Submitted by Carissa Long, Assistant Director of Communications Judge’s Comment: The Indiana State Bar Association’s submission is some of the best PR I have seen recently, and not just for a legal submission, for its all-around excellence. The quality of the communication and design, the honing of the message, and an excellent and diverse collection of support materials, is all spot-on. The photo documentation within the classrooms is excellent and continues to carry on the message. This is a great example of a thoroughly researched and developed idea that is well implemented, and it should be used as an example for other bars. Excellent, excellent work!
• (Large Bar) Oyez, Oyez, Oh Yah! Civics Resources for Texas Students and Teachers (interactive web-based project to assist Texas students in preparing for the new Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKs) standards) – State Bar of Texas, Communications Division Submitted by Kelley Jones King, Deputy Executive Director Judge’s Comments: The State Bar of Texas’s Oyez, Oyez, Oh Yay! program is a clever and successful civics resources initiative that is well-branded, catchy, educational, and wide-reaching. It is a fun rendition of important educational information that is well placed and promoted. The use of branded media and swag is effective and memorable. The brand and message are cohesive, well-communicated, and engaging. This is an exciting program and a great example of effective public relations and good design that show off the great concept and thoroughly researched and executed message. I love this program for its legal and educational successes as well as its PR and marketing successes. It is exemplary.

MARKETING

• (Small Bar) Electronic Communications Campaign for a Collection of Events- Montgomery Bar Association Submitted by Jim Mathias, Director of Marketing, Communications & Public Affairs (and including Nancy R. Paul, Jack Costello & George Cardenas) Judge’s Comment: The online Member Resource Center defines a useful Bar member interactive experience and is so elegant. I wish the websites for every conference that I attend were as straight-forward and useful as this bar’s Bench-Bar webpage.
• (Medium Bar) 2012 Solo & Small Firm Conference Social Media Marketing Campaign – Indiana State Bar Association Submitted by Carissa Long, Assistant Director of Communications Judge’s Comment: A very detailed and strategic execution of a marketing plan via social media channels and nice signage. Definitely one to copy!
• (Large Bar) Membership Marketing Materials for Lawyers, Law Students and Paralegals – North Carolina Bar Association Submitted by Anne Strickland, Assistant Director of Communications, Publications & Print Media Judge’s Comment: Excellent campaign, messaging and layout. I was engaged throughout both pieces in their entirety. This is an example of branding consistency done right

WEBSITES

• (Small Bar) Kane County Bar Association, Website Committee Submitted by Jan Wade, Executive Director (on behalf of the KCBA Website Committee) Judge’s Comment: Great website for a small bar. I particularly liked the splash photos that mixed current as well as historical bar pictures. There’s plenty of content available without having to login. I especially liked the history page for content. Overall, I like the way this website works.
• (Medium Bar) San Diego County Bar Association Submitted by Karen Korr, Communications Director Judge’s Comment: I thought this was a great design. I liked the hub concept with the various groups on the outside and the connection point in the center. I particularly liked the use of black and white photos. These days, that makes it stand out. Throw in the fact that they change to color when your mouse passed over (just like in the Wizard of Oz!) and it’s a great design. I also liked that they didn’t try to cram too much on the homepage. Users can access a lot through the tabs without making the front page messy.
• (Large Bar) State Bar of Georgia, Submitted by Sarah Coole, Director of Communications (on behalf of the SBG Communications Department) Judge’s Comment: This is a very appealing, well organized, and informative website, without being cluttered.  They’ve incorporated a great use of color and graphics and I thought it was a wonderful idea to have a calendar appear on every page. I also liked that the page is full screen. Great job!

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Sweet City on the Mississippi

This week, I will be attending a conference in New Orleans. There, the National Association of Bar Executives gathers to share best practices and find new ways to do recurring things. You can read more about the conference and its diverse sessions here.

And yes, I assume I’ll fit in the time to have a few oysters and listen to some Blues (after each day’s sessions, of course!).

I wrote before about The Big Easy, a city that provides unique experiences at every turn. And later in the week, I’ll write a few words about the legal and other topics covered at the NABE conference.

Today, though, you read this as I sail through the skies via Southwest, first to Houston and then to New Orleans. So to prepare both of us Blues Travelers, let me point you to a few NOLA stories that caught my eye. Each comes from the delightfully titled Times-Picayune, and is part of a series the newspaper did on the 175th birthday of the Crescent City.

The paper did a remarkable job of telling multiple tales. On Thursday, I’ll pass on some about judges and laws. But today? How about dunces?

That’s right. The paper wisely covered the topic of the phenomenal New Orleans novel A Confederacy of Dunces, written by John Kennedy Toole. Haven’t yet read the book that won the Pulitzer Prize in 1981? Then start here with some well-written background.

Cafe du Monde

And let’s end with a sweet, sweet part of New Orleans: the beignet. This fried treat is perhaps most famously served at the city’s Café du Monde. As the Times-Picayune reporter noted humorously:

“[Café du Monde] now has a number of other locations in the New Orleans area, and in addition to Cafe du Monde and Morning Call, a few other places feature beignets on the menu. One is at Louis Armstrong International Airport. Twice during the mail-borne anthrax scare of 2001, the airport’s hazmat team was called out to inspect a powdery residue reported by travelers. Both times that white residue proved to be leftover powdered sugar from someone’s beignet.”

Read the whole story here. And I’ll see you tomorrow.

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Communicators Prize Fight

I wrote yesterday about the terrific programs offered at the NABE Communications Section workshop. In that post, I bemoaned the fact that I had failed to snap a photo of some participants.

Barry Kolar, of the Tennessee Bar Association, righted that wrong by sending me the evocative photo below (click to make the great picture larger).

Congratulations again to the panelists in “The Title Fight: Print v. Digital”:

• Dan Wise, New Hampshire Bar Association, emcee
• Brad Carr, Alabama State Bar
• Marilyn Cavicchia, ABA Division for Bar Services
• Kerstin Firmin, Contra Costa County Bar Association
• Anne Strickland, North Carolina Bar Association
  

  L to R: Brad Carr, Anne Strickland, Kerstin Firmin, Marilyn Cavicchia and Dan Wise

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