YesterdayHistorians have recognized the first State Bar Association in the United States as being organized in Natchez by a group of Mississippi lawyers in 1821. The association was created "for the purpose of mutual instruction and protection, and for the honor and respectability of the whole bar of the state." For whatever reason, this voluntary organization remained active for only four years. The Mississippi State Bar Association was not reorganized until 1886, when an organizational meeting was held for the election of officers and the adoption of a constitution and bylaws. Annual meetings of this voluntary bar association were regularly held until 1892 when the association was abandoned for the second time. The Mississippi State Bar Association was revived in 1905 and initially was able to stimulate and promote a number of worthwhile projects, such as the adoption of a code of ethics for lawyers and attempts to enforce high ethical standards for lawyers. During the first three decades of this century, the unified bar concept had been developed in a number of states. By 1918, both the American Bar Association and the American Judicature Society had formulated and published a model statute for bar unification. The experience of these states was studied by the leaders of the Mississippi State Bar Association in the early 1930s, and those leaders concluded that a unified bar would give Mississippi lawyers "adequate machinery for dealing with such questions as professional ethics, discipline, unlawful practice of law, educational requirements, distribution of information, public relations and research in problems of legislative and judicial reform." The legislature enacted the Unified Bar Act in 1932, to the end that every practicing attorney in the state was automatically made a member of the Mississippi State Bar subject to its rules and regulations. At the first annual meeting of the unified bar, held in September 1932, there was discussed "the purpose of the law which forms us into a statewide and all inclusive legal society." W.W. Venable, the President of the Bar when it was unified in 1932, state, "The Bar has asked for and has been given…the task of improving the conditions for justice under law. The people of Mississippi, through their legislature, had expressed a confidence that with our new and official status and with our forces combined, we can render a better public service."
Accomplishments of Yesterday for Today
Court Improvement Act of 1993
In 1993, acting on the recommendations of the Bar's Commission on the Courts in the 21st Century, the Mississippi Legislature passed legislation creating an Appellate Court for the state and creating the Administrative Office of the Courts. These changes along with others included in the legislation modernized Mississippi's Court system. Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project
Created in 1982 the Mississippi Pro Bono Project, now the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project, was the first statewide pro bono project in the United States and the first joint venture between federally funded legal services providers and a Bar association. The project received the prestigious Harrison Tweed Award from the ABA in 1983. Since its inception in 1982, the MVLP has served over 85,000 Mississippians. Mississippi lawyers participating in the project have provided over $15 million in free legal services to Mississippians whom otherwise could not afford legal assistance. Interest on Lawyers Trust Account
The Mississippi IOLTA program was established in 1983 by order of the Mississippi Supreme Court in response to a petition by The Mississippi Bar. The Court's order allows lawyers to convert their trust accounts to interest bearing accounts. The interest earned on the accounts is sent by financial institutions to the Bar Foundation and then awarded to law-related public service programs and to programs to improve the administration of justice. Since its inception, the IOLTA program has awarded over $3.9 million in grants in Mississippi. Mandatory CLE
A committee of the Bar recommended to the Mississippi Supreme Court the establishment of a mandatory CLE requirement in Mississippi. In 1984 the Supreme Court adopted Rules and Regulations for CLE in Mississippi. Sections
Prior to the creation of Sections there were only a few practice committees appointed from time to time. The Board of Commissioners established the first Sections of the Bar in 1987. Today there are 15 sections of the Bar with a total membership of over 2,100. Bar sections provide a variety of services to their members including newsletters, seminars, legislation, and other publications. Consumer Assistance Program
In 1994, a special committee of the Bar recommended the establishment of a Consumer Assistance Program to address complaints against lawyers that did not constitute ethical violations. When established, the CAP program was the first of its kind in the United States. Since its inception the CAP program has been emulated by 18 states. The Mississippi CAP program handles over 4,000 calls per year and over 1,000 docketed cases. Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program
The Bar's Lawyers and Judges Assistance program was founded in 1985 by voluntary lawyers to assist lawyers suffering from chemical dependency. Today's program is staffed by a full-time professional and assists lawyers with a range of problems including depression, and addiction illnesses such as alcohol, drugs, and gambling. Bar Center
The Mississippi Bar Center was completed in 1987. The 12,000 square foot facility provides a home for the Bar staff and much needed space for Bar committees and lawyers of Mississippi. Since its dedication in 1988 over 50,000 people have used the facilities at the Bar Center.
Today-Services for the Membership
DISCOUNT PROGRAMS
Airborne Express
Reliable overnight delivery. By leveraging the buying power of the Bar, individual lawyers and small law firms can save on air express shipping costs. MCI/WORLDCOM Savers Program
Group discount on MCI/Worldcom's long-distance service. LEXIS Law Publishing
Electronic research available to solo and small firms. Low monthly subscriptions and usage cost. ABA Retirement Plan
The Mississippi Bar endorses the ABA Members Retirement Program offered through State Street Bank and Trust Company. The program is designed exclusively for the legal community. With thousands of participants and $2.9 billion in retirement funds, the Program offers comprehensive services, competitive pricing and a wide range of investment options for law firms of every size. Pennywise Office Supplies Program
Office supplies at discounted prices. Order by phone, fax, mail or computer. Mention MS Bar Members Only Program. Jos. A. Bank Corporate Discount Program
Twenty percent off regular-priced merchandise. Corporate cards are available by request at any Jos. A. Bank store. Visit their website at www.josbank.com. Automatic Data Processing
Discounts offered for internet recruiting, increased confidentiality, increased security, timely accurate payroll tax deposit and filing, immediate response to government agency inquiries, integrated payroll/human resource databases, separation, unlimited client support and local representation. SERVICES FOR PRACTICE
Client Relations Handbook
The Client Relations Handbook is designed to assist the legal practitioner in making his or her law practice more profitable, while helping the attorney to avoid Bar complaints or malpractice lawsuits. This handbook is offered at no charge to Bar members. Funding for the Client Relations Handbook was provided by the American National Lawyers Insurance Reciprocal (ANLIR). Law Office Consultant Program
The Bar has arranged reduced rates for the independent consulting services of Jerry Schwartz of Legal Management Services of Memphis. Services offered include Administrative/Financial Analysis, Profit Improvement Analysis and Practice Management/Strategic Planning/Marketing Analysis. Lawyers & Judges Assistance Program
Confidential assistance for lawyers, judges, their family members and legal staff who experience problems from physical, emotional or mental disabilities including chemical dependency and depression that interfere with their personal lives or their ability to serve as lawyers. The program helps lawyers and judges through confidential assessment, resourcing and referral to appropriate professionals. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call today. All communications are confidential. Professional Liability Insurance
For information about obtaining professional liability insurance for yourself or your firm, call Fox-Everett in Jackson, MS. Group Life and Disability Programs
Health, life and disability insurance. For information on obtaining insurance for yourself or your employees, call Fox-Everett in Jackson, MS. Bar Center Meeting Facilities
Do you need a conference room for a deposition? A meeting room for a pretrial conference? You're welcome to reserve space at the Bar Center. The Mississippi Bar Center contains conference rooms and a multi-purpose room. Whenever space is available, use of the facility is FREE to Bar members and Bar-related organizations. Mississippi Rules Annotated
The Mississippi Rules Annotated book is published by the Litigation/General Practice Section of the Bar. It contains rules, committee comments, up-to-date rule changes and all annotations. Professionalism Handbook
Fifty-six page handbook produced by the Bar contains chapters on professionalism in your practice, with your clients and in the legal system. The book is made available at no charge to all members of the Bar. Desk Calendar
The calendar is published annually each fall by the Young Lawyers Division. Contents include County, Circuit, Chancery, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court Judges, U.C.C. Filing fees, Federal and MS Real Estate taxes and more. The cost is $10 per calendar plus $5 shipping and handling. Lawyer Trust Funds Guidelines
This handbook is provided at no charge to all attorneys in the state. It includes specific guidelines for lawyer trust funds as well as sample record-keeping documents. Mediators Directory
A directory listing Mediators in alphabetical order and by city listing is available to all active members of the Bar. This listing can also be found on the Bar's website at www.msbar.org. INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES The Mississippi Lawyer
All active Bar members receive a subscription to The Mississippi Lawyer, a bimonthly magazine containing substantive law articles, columns and news items important to all legal professionals. Additional subscriptions are available for $23/year. Membership Directory
Each year, the Bar publishes the Membership Directory which is funded by AmSouth Bank. It contains names, addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers and email addresses of all attorneys admitted to practice in Mississippi. It is distributed at no charge to all active members of the Bar. Additional copies are available for a nominal cost from The Mississippi Bar. Advisory Ethics Opinions
To help lawyers answer ethics questions that arise in their practices every day, the Bar has an active Ethics Committee. The committee issues opinions interpreting the Rules of Professional Conduct. Annual Meeting
A wide variety of seminars on current topics facing the legal profession, awards presented to outstanding Bar members and social receptions are highlights of The Mississippi Bar Annual Meeting. Vendors are also on hand to demonstrate diverse services and equipment for the legal community. Bar-Sponsored CLE Programs
The Mississippi Bar offers many CLE courses at reasonable costs around the state to help lawyers improve their knowledge and skills. Seminars on Risk Management, Technology and Ethics are offered annually. Check the CLE calendar in The Mississippi Lawyer or on the Bar's web site. Bar Admissions Ceremony
Two Bar Admission Ceremonies are held each year by the Young Lawyers Division. It enables new attorneys to be admitted to practice in all state trial courts, the Mississippi Supreme Court, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Law Practice Management Resource Center
Maintained to assist attorneys with the management of their practice, the Law Practice Management Resource Center covers subjects from new technologies, to office automation, to daily operations. The Center has over 200 volumes of books, manuals, videos and articles all at no cost to Bar members. Government Relations
The Government Relations Department of The Mississippi Bar was established so that lawyers' voices might be heard on issues that affect the administration of justice and the practice of law. The Mississippi Bar also has a statutory duty to make improvements to the courts and the law. The Governmental Relations Department deals almost exclusively with the state legislature and executive branches, but from time to time deals with the state's Congressional Delegation. The Director also make the resources of the Bar available to legislators throughout the year upon request. Membership Records
The Bar responds to over 500 calls per month seeking confirmation of membership and business addresses of Mississippi Bar members. Members can obtain up-to-date membership information or update the membership information. The Mississippi Bar's Web Site
The Bar's website at www.msbar.org is designed to provide users with information about the Bar's services, products and organization. Attorneys can locate information including Member Benefits, Ethics Opinions, CLE Calendar, Supreme Court Opinions, the Bar Directory and Bar Publications. Consumers can learn about the many services for the public. This site is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year. OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT
Sections
The 15 Sections of the Mississippi Bar offer a wide selection of professional activities, CLE seminars and newsletters. For the seasoned practitioner or the new attorney, Sections provide a myriad of opportunities to advance an individual's specialized interests. The Sections of The Mississippi Bar are: Administrative Law and Worker's Compensation
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Business Law
Estates & Trust
Family Law
Gaming Law
Government Law
Health Law
Intellectual Property
Labor & Employment Law
Litigation/General Practice
Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law
Prosecutors
Real Property
Taxation Committees
Responsibilities for project- and issue-oriented activities of the Bar are primarily those of the committees. Appointments to committees are reviewed and made annually by the President of the Bar. Interested members may submit their names for appointment considerations in the spring. The Committees are: Budget and Finance
Bylaws
Client's Security Fund
Court Liaison and Judicial Administration
Delivery of Legal Services
Elections
Ethics
Fee Dispute Resolution
Group Insurance
Lawyers and Judges Assistance
Long Range Planning
Membership Services
Memorial
Mississippi Lawyer
Multi-Disciplinary Practice
Nominating
Oral History Project
Professional Responsibility
Professionalism
Public Information
Resolutions
Solo and Small Firm
Summer School for Lawyers
Program 2001
Technology
Unauthorized Practice of Law
Women in the Profession Young Lawyers Division
Young Lawyers Division members include Bar members under the age of 37, as well as those who have been admitted to the Bar for less than 3 years. The YLD has many committees which oversee projects for the elderly, homeless, women, and youth in our state and which provide services for Bar members.
Today-Services for the Public
Consumer Assistance Program
This Program is designed to assist consumers and attorneys with problems that may arise during the lawyer/client relationship. The program handles over 1,000 docketed cases each year with 40% of those cases being resolved through contact with members of the Bar and their clients. If the request involves communication problems or other matters that do not rise to the level of an ethical complaint, the program attempts to resolve or informally mediate the situation to the satisfaction of the client, consumer and/or attorney. If the request or inquiry alleges an ethical complaint, the matter is then referred to the Bar's General Counsel's office for further action. Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project
Over 1,800 Mississippi attorneys volunteer their time and experience to participate each year. The project is a joint venture of the Bar and the Legal Services Program in our state. It assists over 6,000 low-income citizens each year in civil cases including free legal advice and services at Stewpot Ministries in downtown Jackson, assistance to victims of domestic violence, and a hotline to assist SSI recipients whose benefits have been terminated. Each year, more than $5 million in free legal services are provided by private attorneys through this project. Guide to Women's Legal Rights Handbook
Because women often do not have access to legal services, the Young Lawyers Division published a 152 page guidebook which is distributed statewide free of charge to women's and children's shelters, rape and domestic violence shelters, United Way agencies, victim-witness coordinators and local libraries. The guidebook is intended to be used by groups and individuals as a resource through community service organizations. Juror's Handbook
50,000 Juror's Handbooks have been distributed to Circuit and County judges to instruct their jurors. The handbooks include Jury Qualification, Selection, Compensation, Oath, Kinds of Cases and the Stages of a Jury Trial. Lawyer in Every Classroom
Lawyers across Mississippi celebrate National Law Week, May 1-7, each year by visiting classrooms in their communities. Approximately 350 lawyers participated in last year's program. Mississippi students also celebrate their freedom by participating in a poster contest sponsored by the Young Lawyers Division. Each student is challenged to creatively express their personal ideas concerning our system of justice using the theme "Celebrate Your Freedom." Statewide High School Mock Trial Competition
The Competition has been in existence for the past 18 years and is sponsored annually by the Young Lawyers Division with a grant from the Mississippi Bar Foundation. Each year, approximately 600 students and 100 teachers from 40 schools throughout the state participate in this program. In addition, each year over 500 lawyers volunteer to coach a team of students or to judge the five regional and statewide competitions. The winning team in the state then travels to compete in the National Mock Trial Competition held each year. The Mississippi team typically places in the top 10% at the National Competition. "Consequences of Misconduct in Schools" Brochure
Over 159,000 brochures detailing the consequences of misconduct in schools were distributed by the Young Lawyers Division to every 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade student in the Mississippi Public School System in the spring of 2000. Additional brochures will be distributed during the 2000-2001 school year to high school students in Mississippi Public Schools as well as to 5th-12th grade students in all Private Schools. It is the Young Lawyers Division's hope that these brochures will help students, parents and teachers understand and avoid the consequences of misconduct on school property. Law You Can Use
As part of The Mississippi Bar's long term commitment to improve public understanding about the law and the justice system, the Bar launched the "Law You Can Use" newspaper column. The consumer newspaper column was begun to answer readers' most-often-asked questions about everyday legal problems and procedures in plain English. Tomorrow-Issues Affecting our ProfessionTechnology
The internet, email, electronic research, and other similar innovations are revolutionizing the way lawyers practice law. In the future there will be a demand for instant response through virtual networks and online repositories. More and more legal commerce will be conducted on the world wide web. Practice Setting
Multi-disciplinary practice, multi-jurisdictional practice, multi-state law firms, and transactional practices are all recent developments that will drastically change the practice of law in the future. Dispute Resolution
Mediation and arbitration are fast becoming preferred alternatives to the cost and delay of traditional litigation. Judicial Selection
The cost of judicial campaigns and the influence of special interest groups have piqued the public's interest in an appointed judiciary. Professionalism
The economic pressures of practicing law and the lack of civility in the practice of law have generated calls from lawyers everywhere for an emphasis on Professionalism. Reputation
Lawyer bashing and generalized attacks on the profession have increased the calls for efforts by the organized Bar to educate the public on the role of lawyers in our society. Quality of Life
The pressures of practicing law have led to substance abuse, addictions, stress, depression and general dissatisfaction with the practice of law. |
