FOCUS on WMACCA - December 15, 2008 (Print All Articles)

Need Career Development Help? Look To WMACCA And ACC

Your membership provides services and programs designed to help with career transitions and professional development

We know that, for too many, the headlines about the economic downtown are a reality of corporate cutbacks and layoffs.  Whether you are in-transition, or are not taking anything for granted, you should know about the services that WMACCA and ACC for career development.

The WMACCA Career Development Forum focuses on providing attorneys with information to assist them in effectively finding new positions and managing their careers.  The Career Development Forum counts as its members both active and passive job seekers as well as those who are interested in general career topics.  Non-members in WMACCA are welcome to participate in the Forum’s programs and networking events; the hope is that those non-members who secure in-house positions will recognize the value of membership and join at a later date.

The operating philosophy of the Forum is that networking with your peers is key to finding a new job and professional development.  With that philosophy in mind, our members share leads they hear about and job-hunting strategies.  The thinking is that the first one “back in the boat,” can help others back in.  As we move into 2009, the Career Development Forum will be greatly increasing the programs and other services it provides to members to help those who may be in-transition.  Your suggestions on enhancements to our services are welcome.

There are three main facets to the Career Development Forum:

  • Yahoo! Community Group:  This is an online community/bulletin board through which subscribers receive and can post emails about job opportunities, networking events, career seminars, and other career-related information.  Membership in this group is by invitation only so you should not receive solicitations and other junk email. You will need to create a free Yahoo! account (if you don't already have one) to join the group and you can direct the emails to the email account of your choice. To subscribe, send an email by clicking here (or cut and paste:  WMACCA_Career_Development_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com) and please introduce yourself so you don’t appear to be an interloper trying to gain access to the group for solicitation purposes.
  • Career Development Forum Programs: The Forum regularly presents programs on a variety of career topics.  Past programs have included résumé writing, professional networking, time management, work-life balance, financial planning, creating a "personal commercial," negotiating a separation agreement, and more.  There is also an annual “Success Stories” event at which members share their job search experiences and how they ultimately found new positions.  These meetings are free brown-bag lunchtime events and are typically held at the offices of a member organization in Northern Virginia.  These meetings are listed on the WMACCA chapter calendar.

    The Forum will present its first program of 2009 on Wednesday, January 7, from noon to 1:30 pm (location to be announced shortly), on Writing the Right Résumé.  Everyone needs an up to date résumé, whether you are looking for a new job, a promotion, or a board position.  In this economy, you need to give 110% to achieve your goals, and a résumé that is anything less than stellar will not be sufficient.  Mary W. Legg, of Firm Advice, Inc.,  will provide detailed information on how your résumé should look, what should and should not be in your résumé, and how to spot the typos that others will surely see.  Please check the WMACCA calendar for further details.

  • Monthly Informal In-Transition Meetings:  On the second Friday of every month, the Career Development Forum holds an informal meeting for active job seekers at the Starbucks located at 8381 Leesburg Pike (Pike 7 Plaza in Tysons Corner) or by teleconference call.  These informal meetings are a great opportunity to talk with others who are actively seeking a new position.  These meetings are supportively focused and are not gripe sessions. While the attendees are job seekers, the reality is that people are rarely looking for competing positions so it's in everyone's interest to share tips, suggestions, contacts, etc.

Here are some job search tips that we have collected from previous programs:

Take advantage of your membership in WMACCA and the Association of Corporate Counsel:
  • Keep your contact information up to date – you want to continue to get communications from WMACCA and ACC.
  • If you are in-transition, you can continue your membership at no cost for one year (write membership@acc.com).
  • Register and regularly check the In House Jobline at  http://jobline.acc.com/search.cfm for new postings.
  • Review the WMACCA directory updates that are included in our weekly e-newsletter and contact members who have recently transitioned into new positions for their job hunting tips.
  • Network, network, network……

 

General:

  • Keep your resume up to date, let others critique it.  Develop numerous versions.  If you are sending it in response to a particular opening, make sure it aligns with what the position is seeking.
  • Develop a catchy “elevator speech” (one to two minutes) that explains what you have done and what you are looking for.
  • Structure your days.  Designate times for job-hunting, and times for other activities (to keep you fresh, since job hunting can be draining).
  • Don’t be shy – let all your friends, family and other contacts know you are searching and what you are searching for.
  • Make a list of career websites that you want to check regularly.
  • Be seen – attend CLEs, attend other bar association functions, attend social functions – you never know who you may meet.
  • Pro Bono/Volunteer – people are needed to feed the hungry, clean up schools, counsel people on mortgage problems – it will lift your spirit!
  • Network, network, network……

How To Learn More About the Career Development Forum:  Subscribers to the Yahoo! group automatically receive notices of all Career Development Forum meetings and certain other ACC events.  To join the Career Development Forum Yahoo! group or if you have any questions about the Career Development Forum, please contact Ilene Reid at Ilene.Reid@WMACCA.com.

 


WMACCA Annual Meeting Will Feature Keynote Address On "The Roberts Court As A Business Court"

Join us on January 28 for Former Solicitor General Paul D. Clement's analysis of trends in Supreme Court jurisprudence on business cases and the Court's current docket

WMACCA is pleased and honored to welcome Former U.S. Solicitor General Paul D. Clement as the keynote speaker for its 2009 Annual Meeting.  The luncheon meeting will be held at The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner, 1700 Tysons Boulevard, McLean, VA, on Wednesday, January 28, from noon to 2 pm.

Mr. Clement will give us his perspective on the Roberts Court as a "business court," examining how the Court has given the business community victories in cases involving securities litigation and punitive damages, but less favorable outcomes when it came to the Court's employment docket. He will provide insights about the cases pending during this Term, when the Court will decide important cases involving federal preemption of state tort law, punitive damages, antitrust and employment law. Mr. Clement also will explain the role of the Solicitor General in litigation before the Supreme Court.  For more information about the luncheon, or to register, please click here.

Mr. Clement served as the 43rd Solicitor General of the United States from June 2005 until June 2008. Prior to his confirmation as Solicitor General, he served as Acting Solicitor General for nearly a year and as Principal Deputy Solicitor General for over three years. His more than seven years of service in the Office of Solicitor General is the longest period of continuous service in the Office by a Solicitor General since the Nineteenth Century. He has argued 49 cases before the United States Supreme Court, including McConnell v. FEC, Tennessee v. Lane, Rumsfeld v. Padilla, United States v. Booker and MGM v. Grokster. He also argued many of the government’s most important cases in the lower courts.

Mr. Clement recently returned to the Washington, D.C., office of King & Spalding as a partner and head of the firm’s national appellate practice.  He also served from 1998 to 2004 as an Adjunct Professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, where he taught a seminar on the separation of powers. Prior to rejoining King & Spalding in November 2008, Mr. Clement served as a Visiting Professor of Law at the Georgetown University Law Center and as a Senior Fellow of the Law Center’s Supreme Court Institute.  WMACCA will apply for MCLE credit for this program.  

This luncheon will also feature WMACCA's Annual Meeting and election of officers and directors.  Kevin S. Lapidus will conclude his term as WMACCA President and Manik K. Rath will begin his service in that role and offer remarks on his vision for WMACCA in 2009.  We will elect six members of the Board of Directors, as well as President-elect, Vice President - Programming, Vice President - External Relations, Secretary and Treasurer.  Later this week, proxies for the election will go in the mail to all WMACCA members.

Preview of January CLE Programs

Litigation and E-Discovery, Employment, Creditor/Debtor, and Government Contracts Issues

JANUARY CALENDAR SUMMARY:

  • Jan. 6, 4 to 5:30 p.m., in Vienna, VA:  WMACCA LITIGATION FORUM: THE EXPANDING SUBPRIME, CREDIT, AND NOW ECONOMIC CRISIS - A LITIGATION PERSPECTIVE.
  • Jan. 7, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. (location TBD):  WMACCA CAREER DEVELOPMENT FORUM - WRITING THE RIGHT RESUME.
  • Jan. 8, 12 noon to 2 p.m., in McLean, VA:  WMACCA EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR FORUM:  2008 EMPLOYMENT YEAR IN REVIEW.
  • Jan. 13, 8:15 to 10 a.m., in McLean,VA, or by TELECONFERENCE:  PRACTICAL TIPS TO HELP CONTROL COSTS AND MITIGATE RISKS IN E-DISCOVERY.
  • Jan. 15, 7:45 to 9:30 a.m., in McLean, VA, or by TELECONFERENCE:  WMACCA CORPORATE AND SECURITIES FORUM:  STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING YOUR COMPANY'S RISKS AND RIGHTS AS A CREDITOR OR DEBTOR IN A TURBULENT ECONOMY.
  • Jan. 15, 6 to 9 p.m., in Richmond, VA:  WMACCA NEW YEAR CELEBRATION.
  • Jan. 22, 7:30 to 9 a.m., in McLean, VA, or by WEB SEMINAR:  WMACCA GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS FORUM:  MANDATORY VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE - MAKING SENSE OF A REGULATORY OXYMORON.
  • Jan. 28, 12 noon to 2 p.m., in McLean, VA:  WMACCA ANNUAL MEETING AND JANUARY SIGNATURE LUNCHEON:  THE ROBERTS COURT AS A BUSINESS COURT - THE VIEW FROM THE MIDDLE OF OCTOBER TERM 2008, Presented by Former Solicitor General Paul D. Clement.

DETAILS:

Tuesday, Jan. 6: WMACCA Litigation Forum:  The Expanding Subprime, Credit, and Now Economic Crisis – A Litigation Perspective -- 4 to 5:30 p.m., at the Tysons Corner Marriott, 8028 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, Virginia (703-734-3200).  A cocktail networking reception will follow the program (from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.).  Free of charge.

Presented by Larry P. Ellsworth and Thomas C. Newkirk of Jenner & Block LLP.  We will briefly address the causes and effects of the spreading economic difficulties, which began as a real estate, subprime and related credit crisis and has spread from Wall Street to Main Street to become a deep and generalized economic recession.  Not only are major financial institutions failing or being taken over by the government, but manufacturing and service companies are in jeopardy and some pension plans and corporate investments have lost much of their value.  The resulting litigation, both private and governmental, affecting financial and non-financial companies alike, will be canvassed, including typical claims and defenses. Finally, we open a discussion of probable areas of future private and government enforcement litigation as the crisis unfolds.  WMACCA will apply for 1.5 hours of Virginia MCLE credit. To register: click here (or:  http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=8966e1ae-600c-4078-babb-5cc2aa1a1ac8)

Wednesday, Jan. 7:  WMACCA Career Development Forum:  Writing the Right Résumé -- 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. (location to be announced). Free of charge.

Presented by Mary W. Legg of Firm Advice, Inc.  Everyone needs an up to date resume, whether you are looking for a new job, a promotion, or a board position.  In this economy, you need to give 110% to achieve your goals, and a resume that is anything less than stellar will not be sufficient.  This program will provide detailed information on how your resume should look, what should and should not be in your resume, and how to spot the typos that others will surely see.  Recent grads as well as those well into their careers will benefit from attending this program.  Free of charge. Bring a brown-bag lunch.  (Registration will open shortly.)

Thursday, Jan. 8: WMACCA Employment and Labor Forum: 2008 Employment Law Year In Review -- 12 noon to 2 p.m., at Maggiano’s Little Italy (private room upstairs), 2001 International Drive, McLean, Virginia (703-356-9000).  Cost $35 per person (members only).

Presented by Robert E. Gans, Senior Employment Counsel, CSC.  Join us for an annual wrap-up of the year’s most interesting (if not always precedent-setting) employment law decisions, plus a look ahead to 2009.  Bob Gans, former chair of the WMACCA Employment and Labor Forum, and now a WMACCA Board member, promises to entertain, provide written materials that you will want to keep (and probably treasure), and educate more than a little.  The employment lawyer’s motto is “you just can’t make this stuff up.”  Come find out why!  WMACCA will apply for 1.5 hours of Virginia Bar MCLE credit for this program.  To register, click here (or http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=2e5ffacb-3ee2-4b3c-8b52-46a1cc2cdce3)


Tuesday, Jan. 13:  Practical Tips To Help Control Costs And Mitigate Risks In E-Discovery  -- 8:15 to 10 a.m., LIVE at the offices of Deloitte LLP, 1750 Tysons Boulevard, 8th Floor, McLean, VA  (703-251-1000), OR by TELECONFERENCE FROM YOUR DESK.  Registration and breakfast will be from 8:15 to 8:30 am on-site and the program will begin at 8:30.  Free of charge.

Presented by Andy Ruckman, Principal, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP and Tom C. Antisdel, Senior Manager, Deloitte Services LP.  As both processes and technologies evolve to cope with the ever-exploding amount of electronically stored information, it is increasingly important for corporate counsel to keep up with “best practices” for reducing the expense and risk inherent in the eDiscovery process.  Both speakers have extensive and varied experience, legal and practical, in managing e-discovery and will offer specific and practical tips for managing complex eDiscovery cases. WMACCA will apply for 1.5 hours of Virginia MCLE credit.  To register, click here (or http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=1d5214e0-f889-4e7e-a2a9-4bc26ffe948f)


Thursday, Jan. 15:  WMACCA Corporate and Securities Forum - Strategies for Managing Your Company's Risks and Rights as a Creditor or Debtor in a Turbulent Economy -- 7:45 to 9:30 a.m., LIVE at the offices of Arnold & Porter LLP, 1600 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 900, McLean, VA (703-720-7399) OR by TELECONFERENCE FROM YOUR DESK.  Registration and breakfast from 7:45 to 8 a.m. on-site; the program will begin at 8 a.m.  Free of charge.

Presented by Michael L. Bernstein of Arnold & Porter LLP and Stephen E. Leach of Leach Travell Britt PC. The turmoil in the economy has caused many previously solvent businesses to have difficulty paying their obligations.  As a result, companies are increasingly finding themselves in the position of being creditors with receivables that are in doubt, or parties to contracts with businesses whose ability to perform is uncertain.  In nearly every sector, businesses are dealing with customers or clients, suppliers, distributors, borrowers, joint venture partners, tenants and providers of other critical services who are now in financial distress.   Our panelists will discuss the practical realities of managing the risks in dealing with distressed companies.   We will also explore key issues from a debtor’s perspective, including strategies for companies who are now themselves facing default on credit agreements or other obligations.  There will be ample opportunity for questions at the end.  To register, click here (or http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=00bafb6a-b578-4187-9b28-e0d14f37d03c)

Thursday, Jan. 15:  WMACCA NEW YEAR CELEBRATION -- 6 to 9 p.m., at Maggiano's Little Italy, 11800 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA.  Cost:  $20 per person.

Come and meeting your in-house colleagues for a pleasant evening of food, drink and conversation.  One major benefit of your WMACCA/ACC memberhsip is the development of your professional network.  This event is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and renew old acquaintances.  Our special guests at this event will include some of our 2008 WMACCA Corporate Scholars.  To register, click here (or http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=25a15ad7-fc86-452f-96c6-3267fef7dcea).

Thursday, Jan. 22:  WMACCA Government Contractors Forum: Mandatory Voluntary Disclosure - Making Sense of a Regulatory Oxymoron -- 7:30 to 9 a.m., LIVE at the offices of Greenberg Traurig LLP, 1750 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 1200, McLean, VA (703-749-1300) OR by WEB SEMINAR FROM YOUR DESK.  Registration and breakfast from 7:30 to 8 a.m. on-site, program from 8 to 9 a.m.  Free of charge.

Presented by Dorn C. McGrath III of Greenberg Traurig LLP and Laura I. Fernadez, Associate General Counsel, Headquarters Defense Logistics Agency.  Effective December 12, 2008, government contractors are confronting a "sea change" in the fundamental approach to compliance expected by the government.  Contractors will have to be prepared through their business ethics compliance programs to identify, analyze, and in appropriate circumstances, make disclosures to the Government where there is "credible evidence" of the types of violations covered by the rules.  This is not an obligation that can be easily ignored, because the rules now include a new suspension or debarment ground for the "knowing failure" to make timely disclosures.  This will have a significant effect on contract administration, from the viewpoint of both contractors and the Government's contracting officers.  WMACCA will apply for 1.0 hour of MCLE credit. To register, click here (or http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=a83eae63-fa82-4bdb-8256-75fb6572ffaa). 

Wednesday, Jan. 28:  WMACCA Annual Meeting and January Luncheon Program - THE ROBERTS COURT AS A BUSINESS COURT - THE VIEW FROM THE MIDDLE OF OCTOBER TERM 2008, Presented by Former Solicitor General Paul D. Clement -- 12 noon to 2 p.m., at The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner, 1700 Tysons Boulevard, McLean, VA 22102 (703-506-4300).  Cost:  $40 for members ($20 for members in-transition); $50 for non-members.

This address will discuss the business cases on the Supreme Court's docket this Term, the broader trends in the Court's business docket, and the role of the Solicitor General in litigation before the Supreme Court.  Our keynote speaker, Paul D. Clement, served as the 43rd Solicitor General of the United States from June 2005 until June 2008.  WMACCA will also conduct its election of officers and directors at this meeting.  For more details on the program content, please see the separate article in this e-newsletter.  WMACCA will apply for MCLE credit for this program.  To register, click here (or:  http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=3e89fe83-278a-42b1-8d60-df86783b5e26).

2008 Directory Updates - And Prepare for 2009 Directory

Includes NEW downloadable updated listings, as of December 15, 2008

We hope you have received your copy of the WMACCA 2008 Directory.  If you have not, please e-mail Ilene Reid by clicking here and she will send you a copy.

We will be preparing the 2009 Directory in early January.  We draw the information for the directory from the ACC database.  Please, take a moment and check your member record on the ACC web site to ensure the information is accurate.  To check your information, click here (or go to http://www.acc.com/aboutacc/membership/join.cfm).  Please complete any update by January 12.

If you want us to redact some or all of your contact information from our directory, please download our Directory Opt-Out Form and complete and return it to Ilene Reid (Ilene.Reid@WMACCA.com or fax 301-881-2065).  Please remember that the directory is a very valuable networking tool - for making new professional relationships, sharing information and insights with your colleagues, and finding contacts if you want or need to make a job change.  WMACCA does not give its directory to its sponsors.  You do not have to complete a form to be included in the directory.

You can download updates to the Directory:

We strongly recommend that you print out these updates and save them in the pocket at the back of your directory.

If you have a correction or update to your listing, please send it to Ilene Reid by clicking here.

"News of Note" - Sodexo honored; Mirixa makes deals

Raising the profile of the in-house bar -- recognizing our colleagues' accomplishments, expertise

WMACCA would like to recognize the following accomplishments of our members and their organizations:

  • The Sodexo Law Department received the Bar Association of the District of Columbia's 2008 Constance L. Belfiore Quality of Life Award at the BADC Annual Banquet on December 6, 2008.  The Award Committee was very impressed with the quality of life offered in Sodexo's legal department, in particular the offer and extensive use of alternative work schedules, and the commitment to keeping talent.  Congratulations to our friends at Sodexo on their receiving this honor!
  • Mirixa Corporation recently entered into two significant deals, both of which were handled in-house by General Counsel Karen Litsinger. 

Mirixa, a pharmacy-based patient care services company, and healthlinks.net, a subsidiary of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, have signed a technology licensing and business consulting agreement, paving the way for the use of MirixaPro℠ in Australia's pharmacies nationwide.  Mirixa Australia, a newly formed business venture, will be operated by the Guild's healthlinks.net subsidiary. Under the agreement, Mirixa, which is sponsored by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), will adapt and license its widely used web-based software, MirixaPro℠, for use by pharmacies in Australia.   Additionally, Mirixa's success and leadership in enabling patient care services, through its U.S. network of 46,000 contracted pharmacies, will be leveraged by the Guild as it builds its Australian national program.  The Guild will initially deploy Mirixa technology and services to facilitate improved medication adherence and outcomes via programs that harness the power of the pharmacist-patient relationship.

Mirixa and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation, the creator of the Diabetes Ten City Challenge and a partner in the Asheville Project®, will form a new partnership that will deliver all of APhA Foundation's HealthMapRx commercial programs via Mirixa. MirixaPro℠ will be the platform of choice for all existing and future APhA Foundation commercial programs delivered through pharmacies.

The WMACCA PR Initiative:

Each day, in-house counsel are on the front lines in managing and handling the issues and deals that are of the highest priority to the companies and organizations that employ them.  Sometimes, the matters that they handle are sensitive, and the goal is to avoid public scrutiny and media attention.  However, oftentimes the work they are doing is deserving of recognition and kudos - but we never hear about it.

WMACCA wants to change that state of affairs.  And we need your assistance.

We will act as a conduit to get information about developments of note to the local media (including The Legal Times, the Washington Business Journal, the Washington Post business section, Bisnow on Business, Metropolitan Corporate Counsel magazine, the Washington Lawyer, and others).  Each month, we will gather the submissions we receive (on or before the 15th of the month), and submit them to those media outlets.  The topics we are looking for include:

  • Recent promotions, appointments, or honors of note.  These may include appointments or honors that you received in connection with an outside activity in which you are engaged (such as being named to the Board of Directors of a volunteer organization that you work with). 
  • Important deals or matters for your organization - including M&A activity, IPOs or follow-on offerings, important contracts, prevailing in or settling a significant piece of litigation, etc.  Please provide all relevant details, including the names of those in-house counsel, and if appropriate outside counsel, involved in handling the matter.

We will send the write-ups we prepare to you for review and approval prior to submitting them to the news organizations.   

Please submit the information to Ilene G. Reid, WMACCA Executive Director, by clicking here.

Are you a good writer?  We also are looking to develop a pool of writers who would be willing to develop articles – on a substantive area of law, on a practice-management technique that has been particularly valuable, or any other subject that you want to share with your colleagues.  This is yet another way to demonstrate the expertise that in-house counsel have.  WMACCA members are encouraged to write for American Lawyer Media’s “Law.com” in-house counsel site and for the Legal Times’ monthly Corporate Counsel section. We can help you find a co-author, discuss topics, and provide other support.   If you are interested, please contact Adam Palmer, Law & Policy Counsel at Public Interest Registry, who is co-chairing the WMACCA public relations initiative:  703-464-7005 ext. 110  or by e-mail, or Ilene Reid, WMACCA Executive Director, at 301-881-3018 or by e-mail.  There also are several wonderful opportunities to share your insights via ACC resources.  The ACC Docket – the Association of Corporate Counsel’s top-notch journal – is always looking for contributors.  In addition, there are many opportunities to develop InfoPaks for your colleagues or submit forms for the Virtual Library.

Thank you, in advance, for your assistance with this important initiative.

 

 

 

 

 


Wanted: Enthusiastic Volunteers To Help Lead Premier Voluntary Bar

WMACCA needs you!

Why is WMACCA such a vibrant and successful organization?  Because of our tremendous team of dedicated volunteer leaders.  In order to maintain our momentum - and become even better - we are always looking for new, enthusiastic members to take a more active role. 

Could that be you?  If so, you would help to make the chapter an even better resource for yourself and your fellow members. Whatever time you have to offer will be greatly appreciated. Our Forums and special initiatives need you.

Forums are our local substantive specialty committees.  Each Forum has several co-chairs who plan the Forum's programs and other activities, and foster a strong professional network among the participants.  Would you like to help steer a Forum?

We are also looking for members who are interested in

  • helping with our advocacy initiative - to build stronger ties with the Bars in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia;
  • raising the profile of in-house counsel in the legal community;
  • working on our Corporate Counsel Awards program;
  • helping with our Corporate Scholars Program and our outreach to local law schools.

And we are looking for your novel ideas.

If you would like to become more active in WMACCA, please download and complete a Volunteer Leader Application.  You'll hear from us shortly!  Thanks for your interest and support.


WMACCA Did You Know: Web Seminar Archive

Read on for information on getting more from your WMACCA membership

Did you know that WMACCA records all the programs it presents by Web seminar, and archives them on the WMACCA web site? 

Right now, we have more than 25 CLE seminars archived on our site at http://chapterwebcasts.acc.com/wmacca.php and, for November, we have four more scheduled.

This means that if you have a scheduling conflict and cannot participate in a Web seminar when it is being presented, you can go online and still get the content.  The Web seminar archive provides the presentation (both the slide show and the audio) and allows you to download the presentation and any related materials.  Web seminars are all free of charge.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to give you MCLE credit when you listen to an archived web seminar (at least, not in Virginia), since you do not have interaction with the speaker.  

We hope you will take advantage of this valuable resource.

WMACCA Forum Listservs Up and Running - Sign On Now!

Discussion Boards Will Help Members Share Best Practices and Network

What are two of the biggest benefits members get from their WMACCA and ACC memberships?  Sharing knowledge and best-practices with their peers and the opportunity to network, of course!

WMACCA has a service that will provide opportunities for both -- as we have launched listservs for each of our seven substantive specialty Forums - Corporate and Securities, Employment and Labor, Global Issues, Government Contractors, IT/IP, Litigation, and Nonprofits and Associations.

Each listserv will allow us to target communications to a subset of our membership with a demonstrated interest in a particular substantive legal area.  Listserv messages will be used to:

  • Publicize upcoming programs presented by each Forum.  While we will continue to use mailings and e-newsletters to inform the entire membership of all our activities and CLEs, only those subscribing to this listserv will receive "last-call" reminders of this Forum's programs.
  • Publicize "Legal Briefs" that the Forum sponsors will be presenting.  We just introduced "Legal Briefs" earlier this year.  A "Legal Brief" is a scheduled 15-minute teleconference call during which the Forum sponsors provide a quick overview of a legal issue or recent development.
  • Provide written summaries of important developments in the substantive legal area encompassed by the Forum.

Most important, the listservs will allow WMACCA members to pose questions to their colleagues and share best-practices.

We will take steps to ensure that the volume of e-mail that goes out over the listserv does not become excessive.  We hope you will find that the listserv will enhance the value of your WMACCA and ACC membership.  If you want to join a Forum listserv, please send an e-mail to Ilene Reid, WMACCA Executive Director, and we will ensure that you are added to the list. 

We will look forward to receiving feedback from you about the listservs, ways in which they are valuable tools, and ways in which we can improve them.

Opportunities for Well-Deserved Recognition

WMACCA urges members to apply for awards - VA Superlawyers closes this Friday!

You have seen a myriad of lists of the "best" lawyers - but how often are in-house counsel on those lists?  And don't we belong there?

As part of WMACCA's efforts to increase the visibility of the in-house bar, we are amassing a database of awards/honors that will publicize to our members.  We urge you to follow up on these opportunities to get recognition for individual lawyers or your entire department.  If you need guidance on how to apply for such awards, please contact Ilene Reid by clicking here. 

Coming up in the next several weeks:

2009 SUPER LAWYERS - Virginia:  The 2009 Super Lawyers nomination process for Virginia attorneys is open until this Friday, December 19.

Super Lawyers, a publication of Key Professional Media, Inc., is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.  Super Lawyers is published as a special supplement in leading newspapers and city and regional magazines across the country. Super Lawyers magazine, featuring articles about attorneys named to the Super Lawyers list, is distributed to all attorneys in the state or region, the lead corporate counsel of Russell 3000 companies and the ABA-approved law school libraries.  The Super Lawyers selection process involves evaluation of peer recognition and professional achievement.

If you have been practicing law for more than five years, the publishers of Super Lawyers will either mail (hard copy) a postcard or send an email to you inviting you to visit www.my.superlawyers.com <https://my.superlawyers.com/> to nominate your peers. Lawyers may also provide nominations for Rising Stars - the up and coming lawyers who are either forty years of age or younger OR have practiced for 10 years or less.

The Virginia nomination process runs until December 19, 2008. Virginia Superlawyers will be published in July 2009.

The 2009 Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers list will be published in March 2009.