How will lawyers survive and thrive in a rapidly changing world and profession? That question and more will be discussed at the Aug. 30 Georgia Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism’s annual Convocation on Professionalism.
The seminar “New Normal for Delivery of Legal Services,” held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the State Bar in Atlanta, will explore technological innovations in the delivery of legal services, examples of innovative practice models, what access to justice means and the work-life balance in the legal profession.
Nicole G. Iannarone, assistant clinical professor, served as co-chair of the Aug. 30 Georgia Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism’s annual Convocation on Professionalism.
“We are bringing together practitioners, academics and even non-lawyers to talk about what changes are happening in law practice, what consumers’ needs are and how to address challenges in providing services, whether those challenges are technical, regulatory or structural,” said Nicole G. Iannarone, program co-chair and Georgia State University College of Law assistant clinical professor. “We will be exploring the barriers and opportunities lawyers face in serving the legal needs of all to inspire innovative solutions within our legal community.”
American Bar Association President Linda Klein will deliver the keynote address. Lauren Sudeall Lucas, professor of law and director of Georgia State Law’s new Center for Access to Justice, will participate in a panel discussing what it means to broadly define access to justice.
One session, “Entrepreneurs for Change – Public, Private and the Academy: Georgia Showcase” will highlight lawyers who are being innovative in making legal services more accessible and affordable. Stephanie Everett (J.D. ’02), executive director of Lawyers for Equal Justice, the incubator program for newer lawyers, will be part of the panel.
Stephanie Everett (J.D. ’02), executive director of Lawyers for Equal Justice, the incubator program for newer lawyers, will be part of a panel.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the convocation and to have the opportunity to discuss the great work Lawyers for Equal Justice is doing,” Everett said. “It is up to our profession, and our society as a whole, to ensure that all Americans have access to our justice system. The laws and systems are too complex for people to navigate on their own, and representation should not be reserved for only those with means.”
Emory University School of Law Assistant Dean for Public Service and Program Co-Chair Rita A. Sheffey will moderate “Embracing and Thriving with Tomorrow’s Innovation and Today’s Technology,” which will focus on new technology and models of providing legal services.
“Our profession faces disruptive technology all around us,” Sheffey said. “While much of it is and can be beneficial, it still requires our time, attention and judgment. We need to assess what is available and what can help us be more productive, efficient, and successful.”
Natalie Kelly, the State Bar of Georgia's director of the Law Practice Management Program, the founders of Fastcase and ROSS Intelligence, and the executive director of CALI, will discuss the available technology and products that can aid attorneys in being more productive, efficient and successful practitioners.
“Our goal is to educate lawyers about the public demands the new technologies seek to meet, and to give each attendee—whether solo practitioners, public interest or government lawyers or attorneys in large international firms—practical takeaways to help him/her in his/her law practice,” Sheffey said. “We also hope the convocation will lead to more focused programs in the future on some of the topics addressed.”
The six-hour CLE program will be held at the State Bar of Georgia Conference Center at 104 Marietta St. NW, Atlanta.