OHIO STATE BAR ASSOCIATION Member Services Guide 2014
Our mission is to serve you, our members, and help you succeed in meeting your professional goals. Mary Amos Augsburger Executive Director The Ohio State Bar Association is your professional association. Our mission is to serve you, our members, and help you succeed in meeting your professional goals. While this Member Services Guide shows the many membership services that you will enjoy through the OSBA, it s just a sampling of how we are working hard to meet your professional needs. To truly get the most out of your membership, I encourage you to get involved by joining a committee or section, using the numerous resources available on our website, and attending our continuing legal education seminars. Our goal at the OSBA is to make membership indispensable to Ohio lawyers. To accomplish that goal, we constantly strive to offer the best programs and services to our members. Look through the pages in this guide for information on Casemaker, our free-to-members online legal research tool; member discounts on CLE programs; vendor discount programs; publications such as the Ohio State Bar Association Report, Ohio Lawyer and section newsletters; our government affairs program; and our electronic resources such as the OSBA Report Online, new CLE ebooks library and the award-winning OSBA website. You ll find that if you take advantage of just a few of these services each year you will more than cover the cost of your annual membership dues. A dedicated Member Service Center made up of specially trained staff is available to assist you all you need to do is call. If you have questions about anything contained in the guide, or about your membership in general, please do not hesitate to call them at (800) 232-7124 or (614) 487-8585. Finally, if you have any suggestions for how we can better serve you, please contact one of our executive staff members or me. Sincerely,
Publications Ohio State Bar Association Report and OSBA Report Online The OSBA member s practice resource, the OSBA Report is the first to publish the most recent decisions from the Supreme Court of Ohio, in addition to decisions from the Ohio appellate courts. The biweekly OSBA Report also publishes the latest Association and legal news opinions, and classified advertising with dozens of statewide job opportunities every week. The OSBA Report Online is available as a daily or weekly email with customizable practice areas, or as an app for your Apple or Android smart phone. Ohio Lawyer This award-winning news and feature magazine examines legal trends and issues through regular articles and columns. Published bimonthly, it offers columns on professional ethics, legislative issues and legal technology, as well as OSBA news, activities and updates from the OSBA president. Section newsletters OSBA sections publish specialized newsletters for their members either online or in print.
OSBA Website and Social Media As always, technology takes center stage at the Ohio State Bar Association. Check out the OSBA website at www.ohiobar.org and enjoy these features: Casemaker, our free-to-members online legal research tool. A customizable OSBA Report. Weekly legislative updates. Videos on various legal topics. An online registration area for live and online CLE seminars. Legal News, bringing you breaking legal news from a number of sources. An online marketplace, where you can purchase OSBA CLE publications and other OSBA products. Committee and section pages offering shared documents and discussion lists. A public area featuring resources for your clients, small businesses, teachers and students, and journalists. Conversations on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Visit the site today to find resources that will enhance your practice.
PUBLICATIONS Casemaker Membership in the OSBA provides you with free access to one of the best legal research services on the Internet, Casemaker. The service features a robust search engine that allows you to quickly locate cases, statutes and other resources. If you prefer the convenience of indexes, Casemaker s browse function allows you to find documents by simply pointing and clicking. Library contents include: Ohio Supreme Court opinions; Ohio appellate court opinions; Ohio unreported opinions; Ohio Administrative Code; Ohio Revised Code; OSBA jury instructions; Ohio Attorney General opinions; Ohio court rules; State libraries from all 50 states; Federal library featuring U.S. Supreme Court Opinions; And more. Casecheck+ Quickly verify if your case is good law with Casemaker s new upgraded citation service. Casecheck+ automatically tells you if your case has been overruled, reversed or treated in a way that determines whether you use it to make your argument. Formerly a subscription-based service, CaseCheck+ is now free for OSBA members. To access Casemaker, go to www.ohiobar.org and click on the Casemaker link located on the home page.
CLE Live CLE OSBA CLE provides you with the largest selection of quality programming available in Ohio. We hold more than 300 live seminars per year at convenient locations throughout the state. Seminars are available in a variety of practice areas and experience levels. OSBA members receive up to a 30 percent discount on all of our seminars. Self-study CLE Technology plays a major role in our ability to serve the self-study CLE needs of members throughout Ohio. Begining January 1, 2014, the Supreme Court of Ohio will allow you to earn up to 12 hours of self-study CLE per reporting period. Self-study hours are the most convenient and cost-effective hours available. Our online CLE allows you to view CLE seminars using streaming audio and video that is broadcast right to your computer. Or, our CLEtoGo allows you to download CLE seminars to your ipod/mp3 player, allowing you to earn CLE when you are truly on to go. In addition, OSBA CLE offers live webcasts of select CLE programs. This CLE format allows you to view seminars as they are being presented live at the OSBA. Live webcasts are classified as self-study by the Supreme Court. The difference between a live webcast and online CLE is you don t wait for the courses-you get them real time via streaming media!
PUBLICATIONS CLE publications and ebooks library OSBA CLE publishes comprehensive substantive CLE publications that complement the more than 300 live seminars held throughout Ohio annually. Highly respected Ohio lawyers and judges who develop our seminars also write all OSBA CLE publications. Along with getting the publication for the seminar you attend, your seminar registration gives you access to our full ebooks library, which provides unlimited access to the last several years of CLE publications in a variety of electronic formats. You can download as many as you like at no additional charge! For a complete list of upcoming seminars, visit the OSBA website at www. ohiobar.org or call the OSBA Member Service Center at (800) 232-7124 or (614) 487-8585 to request our latest catalog. To view a complete list of available OSBA CLE publications and downloadable chapters, visit the OSBA website.
Discount Programs OSBA members receive substantial savings on many programs aimed at helping you and your practice. By supporting these vendors, you enhance your support of the OSBA. For more information on any of these services, please visit the OSBA website at www.ohiobar.org. ABA Retirement Fund Retirement planning What s inside your 401(k) may surprise you. Find out why thousands of law firms of all sizes even solos use the ABA Retirement Funds Program as their 401(k) provider. Affinity Consulting The OSBA has partnered with Affinity Consulting to provide a service that is uniquely positioned to help your firm with its computer training and technology consulting needs. Affinity Consulting focuses on law office automation technologies, primarily from a software angle. All of their consultants/trainers are lawyers or paralegals with many years of experience in the legal environment. Avis and Budget Rental cars Avis offers OSBA members five to 20 percent off any promotional rate plus great coupons for additional discounts and upgrades. OSBA members also save up to 20 percent with Budget. SUREPayroll Online payroll services SUREPayroll offers OSBA members an award-winning, online, fully automated payroll processing service for one low monthly fee. Clio Web-based law practice management system Clio, designed specifically for solo practitioners and small law firms, allows you to securely access client data from anywhere from your PC, your Mac and even your iphone. Members save 10 percent.
Dell Computers OSBA members can receive up to 10 percent off certain products offered by Dell. UPS Overnight shipping OSBA membership gets you lower overnight delivery rates through UPS. Save up to 34 percent on your deliveries. Frank Gates Workers compensation group-rating program OSBA members can save significantly on workers compensation premiums in our group plan administered by Frank Gates. LawPay Credit card processing Members save on credit card processing fees by taking advantage of the discount program offered by LawPay. Nationwide Insurance Auto and home insurance Save up to 20 percent when you combine auto and home insurance with Nationwide. OSBA members benefit from additional savings as well. Staples Advantage Office supplies Members receive special pricing on office supplies, office furniture, janitorial supplies, custom printing, electronics/technology, copy services and promotional products with Staples Advantage.
Additional Services The OSBA s membership boasts a wealth of experience and expertise. Members benefit from it through the following services: OhioDocs OhioDocs is a library of thousands of legal documents and practice forms that have been automated using HotDocs. These templates ask questions and automatically create customized documents based on the answers given. This member service saves time, effort and money in the production of repetitive documents and forms. OSBA members may obtain information about the library and subscription fees on the OSBA website. OfficeKeeper OfficeKeeper is a nuts and bolts resource guide to opening, maintaining and closing a law office, covering both the day-to-day operations of a law office, as well as professional responsibility. It includes checklists, forms, references and links to websites and the new Model Rules. The PDF is accessible only to OSBA members on the OSBA website. Silent Partner Program Receive confidential advice from more experienced attorneys through the Silent Partner Program. Get advice on dealing with partners, associates and employees; the practice of law; bar associations or the judiciary; and dealing with clients, family or friends. Panel members cannot advise on specific legal questions concerning clients. To view a list of Silent Partners, or to become a Silent Partner, please visit www.ohiobar.org. Professional responsibility The OSBA Legal Ethics Committee provides lawyers and judges with guidance in resolving ethical problems. Written opinions may be provided when appropriate. Telephone questions from lawyers about their own conduct may be handled by the OSBA general counsel. Fee dispute program Certain fee disputes among attorneys may be considered by the OSBA for mediation or binding arbitration. The Supreme Court of Ohio established the fee dispute program and it is described in Prof. Con. R. 1.5(f ). For information on any of these programs, call the OSBA Member Service Center at (800) 232-7124 or (614) 487-8585.
Government relations One of the most important functions of the OSBA is to keep members up to date on recent statutory and other regulatory changes that may impact their practices. The OSBA is also your voice at the Ohio Statehouse. Since most legislation and regulatory changes affect the practice of law in Ohio, it is important that the OSBA participate in the legislative and rule-making process, and where appropriate, provide input. We offer a number of resources through our website and reports to OSBA committee and sections so that you may stay up to date on recent enactments, as well as pending legislation. We also assist members of committees and sections with introducing new legislation, and providing comment and testimony on pending legislation. Membership in the OSBA is your chance to get involved in the legislative process, and provide a valuable role in shaping Ohio s public policy. Public education materials The OSBA offers a series of 30 LawFacts pamphlets to help educate your clients and the public at large about important areas of the law from Administering an Estate Without a Will to Your Rights if Questioned, Stopped of Arrested by the Police. These are available for purchase to distribute to your clients, or free of charge through the OSBA website. Publications such as Legal Basics for Small Businesses, The Law & You (consumer s and journalist s guide to legal matters), and our Fine Print newsletter for small businesses can help you provide your clients with valuable information. Law You Can Use columns appear in newspapers throughout the state, and previously published articles are archived and available through the OSBA website. Information about rights and responsibilities that accompany the onset of adulthood are provided through the Now You re 18 brochure, and accompanying information about program suggestions is available through the OSBA website. Contact the OSBA Public and Media Relations Department for details on these and other materials to enhance your practice, educate your clients and inform your community.
Professional Development Committees and sections The opportunity to join and participate in the work of the committees and sections is among the most effective and rewarding benefits of membership in the Ohio State Bar Association. Participating in committees and sections helps you develop and enhance your practice and professional skills; provides you with opportunities to propose and comment on legislation or rules related to the law; gives you the ability to develop lifelong professional relationships; and helps you become a leader in the profession. For more information or to join a committee or section, call the OSBA Member Service Center at (800) 232-7124 or (614) 487-8585. OSBA Bar College OSBA Bar College is an honors program to recognize those members who exceed yearly CLE requirements. Participation can help you earn a 15 percent discount on your professional liability insurance through the Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company. Career services Looking for a qualified legal professional to join your staff? Are you an attorney looking for your dream job? Visit the OSBA s nationwide job board powered by JobTarget at http://careercenter.ohiobar.org to take advantage of our free employment search engine. Specialty certification The OSBA is accredited by the Supreme Court of Ohio to certify attorney specialists in certain designated fields of practice. OSBA certification allows you to demonstrate a high level of professional competence and distinguish yourself in your field. Certification is offered in the following areas: Administrative agency law; Appellate law; Elder law; Estate planning, trust and probate law; Family relations law; Federal taxation law; Insurance coverage law; Labor and employment law; Real property-business, commercial and industrial law; Real property-residential law; and Workers compensation law.
In addition, the OSBA offers a voluntary credentialing program for paralegals. Individuals meeting the OSBA definition of paralegal, meeting the eligibility requirements and passing a written examination will be designated as an OSBA Certified Paralegal. This credential, along with a logo provided for the purpose may be used by the paralegal to the extent permitted by the Supreme Court of Ohio s Rules for the Government of the Bar and Rules of Professional Conduct. For more information on certification please check the OSBA website at www.ohiobar.org or call Melissa Quick, certification manager, at (800) 282-6556, ext. 4411 or e-mail mquick@ohiobar.org. OSBA Insurance Agency The OSBA Insurance Agency offers an excellent assortment of insurance programs designed for OSBA members. Our carriers offer competitive rates designed to fit your budget needs. We offer a variety of insurance alternatives and solutions. This allows us to save you time and money and generate the quality results you expect as an OSBA member. Coverage options: Health (group and individual) Professional liability through the Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company Disability income Life Business overhead Long-term care Dental/vision Court bonds For more information, or to schedule a meeting with one of our experienced insurance professionals, call the OSBA Insurance Agency at (855) 745-9222 or (614) 572-0616.
Associate Membership The OSBA welcomes paralegals, law office administrators and law school and paralegal students to join as associate (non-voting) members. Associate members have access to many of the same benefits offered to attorney members, as outlined in this guide. See below for specific benefits for each associate membership category. For paralegal members This membership category is open to any person who is qualified as a paralegal by education, training or work experience and who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and performs substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible. In addition to all of the benefits available to our attorney members, paralegals also receive: Membership in the Paralegals Committee, and discounted section dues. Paralegal News, which contains information pertinent to your job responsibilities, as well as news about your profession and the OSBA. Discounts on the OSBA s voluntary Paralegal Certification Program. Three OSBA CLE courses per year free of charge (some restrictions apply). This access to the substantial legal curriculum offered by the OSBA gives our paralegal members and the attorneys for whom they work a greater ability to serve clients. For legal administrator members This associate membership category is open to legal/court administrators or support managers employed in a private law firm, legal service clinic, corporate legal department, university legal department, governmental legal agency, court system, or some other organization engaged primarily in the practice of law. (Membership is not open to vendors or consultants.) As part of their membership, legal administrator members enjoy access to: Casemaker OSBA s online legal research tool that is free for members. The OSBA s bimonthly Ohio Lawyer magazine as well as the OSBA Report Online. Discounts from vendors on numerous products and services that can benefit them and their practices. Discounts are offered on credit card processing, payroll services, retirement planning, car rental, computers, office supplies and overnight shipping, just to name a few. Discounted section dues and free committee membership. Three OSBA CLE courses per year free of charge (some restrictions apply).
For student members OSBA law school student associate membership is open to any law school student (excluding LL.M. candidates) enrolled in an American Bar Association accredited law school. OSBA paralegal student associate membership is open to any student enrolled in a paralegal program. As part of their free membership, student members enjoy access to: The OSBA Report Online, Ohio Lawyer and the OSBA website, which includes the Law Student Hub. Casemaker OSBA s online legal research tool that is free for members. An online legal career center. In addition, student members are encouraged to join a section or committee that focuses on a specific area of the law. Section dues for students are only $3 each, and membership in all committees is free. Member Service Center The OSBA Member Service Center is a one-stop call center for all of your membership questions and needs. Get an immediate response to your questions from one of our specially trained member service representatives. With just one call you can: Register for a CLE program; Pay your dues; Submit an address change; Order products; Obtain a schedule of OSBA events; Request legislative information; Sign up for a committee or section; Get directions to the OSBA; and Request information about member benefits and programs. Call the OSBA Member Service Center at (800) 232-7124 or (614) 487-8585.
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