December 2008 Board of Governors Meeting The Board of Governors met in Little Rock on December 5th and 6th in Little Rock. Steve Quattlebaum, Chair of the Board of Governors, presided. The Board approved a new member benefit that gives the ability to accept credit card payments from clients. The Law Firm Merchant Account from Affiniscape allows a member to split money received through a credit card payment between a regular operating account and an IOLTA account. The Board also discussed a member benefit that offers a “one stop shop” for the differing types of bonds used in the practice of law. The Association currently has a proposal from one group and plans to further research other vendors providing this service. The Board approved a proposal from CLE Committee Chair Zane Chrisman to offer a discount to CLE seminars to people in practice over 40 years or over age 75. The Board approved the creation of a new Elder Law Section. The goals of the section include updating the Elder Law Handbook and serving as a resource for attorneys entering the growing field of elder law. The Board adopted a 2009 budget presented by Association Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair Bill Martin. Legislation Committee Chair Jack Davis and Jack McNulty explained a new process for receiving comments on bills from members. Frank Sewall presented the Organization and Redistricting Report updating the Board on its progress. Arkansas Bar Foundation President Brian Ratcliff presented an update on Foundation activities, including Long Range Planning. The Foundation is working with the Association to make the final agreement on the purchase of the furniture for the Bar Center. Mark Hodge, chair of the Law Related Education Committee, presented the committee’s new DVD entitled “A Level Playing Field, Why the American Legal System Matters to You.” Mr.
Hodge explained to the Board the need for attorneys to register and to present this DVD in their area schools. Jim Julian, chair of the Long Range Planning Committee, reported plans for changes to the Association’s constitution, including the separation of the Secretary/Treasurer position this spring. Fred Ursery will replace Mr. Julian as chair of the committee as Mr. Julian assumes his duties as the Association’s President Elect Designee. Zane Chrisman and Vicki Vasser will serve as co-chairs for the committee. The Board passed a motion from President-Elect Donna Pettus for the addition of twelve members to the committee. Pam and Sam Gibson, co-chairs of the Website Oversite Committee, explained the immediate need for a new Web site with database integration. The committee is in the process of reviewing responses to a Request for Proposal (RFP) to accomplish that goal. The Board approved a motion to authorize the committee to finalize a contract with the chosen provider. Young Lawyers Section (YLS) Chair Gwen Rucker Yreported on the busy work schedule of the Young Lawyers Section. YLS is working on a Young Lawyers handbook and is requesting volunteers for writers or corporate sponsors. Jim Julian presented the report on the Ark Bar PAC. Carolyn Witherspoon presented her report as Delegate to the American Bar Association (ABA). She expressed her appreciation to the Board for allowing her to represent the Association to the ABA. President Mouser updated the Board on the appointment of members to the new Audit Committee: chair, Tom Womack; members, John Vines, Kyle Heffley and Chris Reed; ex-officio officers, president, executive director and treasurer of the Association. The next meeting of the Board of Governors will be held in Springdale on April 17th and 18th, 2009.
2008-2009 Association Officers President: Rosalind M. Mouser Board of Governors Chair: Steven W. Quattlebaum President-Elect: Donna C. Pettus Immediate Past President: Richard L. Ramsay Secretary-Treasurer: William A. Martin Parliamentarian: J. Leon Johnson Young Lawyers Section Chair: Gwendolyn L. Rucker The Board of Governors of the Arkansas Bar Association is invested with the authority to conduct the business and management of the Association. The Board is composed of seven officers, eighteen governors elected from districts, three appointed at-large governors, and seven liaison non-voting members. Six new governors are elected each year, and one of the at-large governors is appointed each year. For more information on the election process see page 6 or go to www.arkbar.com. and click on About Us for petitions. Vol. 44 No. 1/Winter 2009 The Arkansas Lawyer
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