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​Thank you!

3/31/2017

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by Bebe Vanek

We say it countless times per day. We were taught by our parents and kindergarten teachers that we must say thank you when we receive something, or when someone is kind, or as acknowledgment of a good deed.

The importance of “thank you” in the vocabulary of a young lawyer is tantamount to res ipsa loquitur, inter alia. Okay, so we are not supposed to use legalese, but you get the point.  Saying or writing “thank you” is very important, and in a few instances, forgetting to say it can be an irrevocable mistake.

After a Job Interview:

Picture this: You just interviewed for your dream job; and it went really well.  A panel of five partners interviewed you, and you did your research – knew their names and practice areas and catered your answers to be relevant to each partner. 

You made eye contact.  You’re floating on cloud nine, feeling like you’ve got the gig in the bag.

Days, then weeks, go by, and you haven’t heard a word.  What went wrong?!  You realize that you forgot to send “thank you” notes….

Although this is a bit dramatic, a “thank you” note after an interview is one of the most important ways to show respect, follow-through, that you’re interested in the position, and cement the interview in the minds of the interviewer. 

I recommend adding personal information in each note that relates back to a specific question or topic covered in the interview.  I recommend sending handwritten notes, on nice stationary (Emily Post says, “handwritten notes are warmer and more personal than a phone call or email, and only second best to thanking someone in person”), but many people send emails immediately after a phone interview, and follow up with a “thank you” note after a call-back or panel interview.   

Why take the time? I was told by an employer in law school, that what put me ahead of the other applications in the hiring decision: my “thank you” note.  It may not be much, but it can have a big impact on your career and reputation.

After a Mentor Meeting:

We’ve all heard about the importance of mentors in the professional lives of young lawyers.  Every judge I have spoken about their career before the Bench, refers back to his or her mentors as an integral part of their professional development.  

As young lawyers, we are required to participate in the NLTP and meet monthly with a mentor to discuss the practice of law.  The NLTP is a large time commitment for our mentors, and a “thank you” goes a long way.  Our mentors are not obligated to meet with us, i.e. they are taking time out of their day to provide advice and share personal experiences, and sometimes, take us to lunch!  It is also a great way to build your professional network and be the name your mentor thinks of when a position is open at their firm. 

Why take the time? I was told by a professional friend and mentor that he really enjoys being a mentor, and would be happy to help more young lawyers, but values, above all else, the courtesy of a “thank you” note.

Final “Thank You” Tips:

Check, and recheck, spelling and address.  I once misspelled the address of a potential employer and my “Thank you” note was returned, undelivered.  Sadly, someone else got that job (and I like to think it was only because of the case of the MIA Thank You). 

Mr., Mrs., John, or Jane?  Address the envelope to match the name as listed on the firm or company website.  Inside the note, you can be less formal.  If the interviewer provided you with his/her first name during or after the interview, use it to personalize the note.  However, you can always use the interviewer’s formal name to show continuity inside the note if you aren’t sure.
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Be polite and be yourself.  If you valued something from your interaction with the future-recipient of your “thank you” note – say so!  You really cannot go wrong by being personable and saying thank you. 

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​Bebe Vanek is the Sponsored Projects Officer at University of Utah Office of Sponsored Projects.

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Effective Use of Support Staff

3/24/2017

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by Laura Summers

So, you finished law school at the top of your class (or wherever).  You passed the Bar exam (sweet!).  You bought a nice suit and landed an associate position in a reputable law firm (drop the mic). 
 
Congratulations, Young Lawyer! One day, you’ll rule the world. 
 
Let’s chat. 
 
I am your Paralegal (or maybe Legal Assistant) – either way, it is my job to make you look good.  It’s important you understand that we are a team.  I didn’t graduate from law school, but I’ve done this job since before you were born, and I can offer you some valuable assistance if you let me.  Who knows? You might even learn something from me. 
 
Let Me Help You.

I know you can type, and are probably used to doing all of your own drafting and editing.  I too, have quality writing skills and I understand the type of law we practice here.  I can proofread like the dickens and will probably save you more than a few embarrassing moments.  I am quick to recognize grammatical errors, and can know in an instant if that Judge you listed on the pleading is no longer on the bench.  I can spot a case number that’s missing a digit from a mile away, and I can do it all with uncanny accuracy.
 
If I can’t understand your logic, then neither will the Judge.  It’s not ever my intention to undermine your work.  It is my desire to work as an extension of you.  If you can learn to rely on me, it will always be to your benefit.
 
Trust Me.
 
I know everyone.  The clients, the clerks, the assistants and paralegals in other offices.  I am your best resource to tap into the goodwill of all of these folks.  You need an extra day to finish that brief?  I got you. 
 
Use Me Appropriately.
 
I don’t take shorthand (well, I did – back in the day) and I won’t appreciate being sent out for your coffee or dry cleaning.  I have left well-paying jobs for less.  However, I will be your best ally when it comes to making a deadline or organizing your trial materials.  I will work hard for you (even come in early/stay late) if it means collaborating with you on a quality product.  I don’t like feeling expected to bail you out, and I appreciate kindness and gratitude for my contributions.
 
Gain from My Experience.
 
I know the Rules.  I know the rules.  I know who’s who and who’s … not.  I know the Court system.  I know who to call for what, and how to get it fast, and relatively painlessly. Sure, I can tell you some stories, like how we used to have to run pleadings to court and get them time-stamped by hand before midnight – because it was me who had to do it.  I’ve seen some sh**.  Use my experience to your advantage.
 
You and I are going to be friends.  I’ll keep your calendar like a hawk.  You’ll never miss a single deadline (or your spouse’s birthday).  I am dedicated to your success as well as my own.   Please respect me as your colleague and I’ll go to the ends of the earth - to timestamp your pleading before midnight. 

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​Laura Summers is a paralegal at Dolowitz Hunnicutt, PLLC.

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YLD Announcements March 23, 2017

3/23/2017

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The Networking Rule of Three

3/17/2017

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by Kate Conyers

​​I like to think of myself as a decent networker. I know there are lots of suggestions out there on the best ways to network, and I’m sure a lot of them work great! Until I get around to reading up on those suggestions, however, I have been doing something quite simple. It’s my RULE OF THREE. Whenever I go to any professional (or even social) event, I live by my rule that I will meet three new people. Not to just introduce myself to those people, but to actually meet them – learn their names, where they work, and something interesting about them. Before I leave the conversation, I’ll make sure I’ve used their names a few times with the hope that I will remember their names the next time I see them. Occasionally, I’ll be at an event or gathering where I already know most everyone. During those events, I’ll try to solidify my relationship with three people, usually starting with the people who are the most influential to my career or position. Sometimes, I’ll actually make a list of those three people and a plan of attack so that I can make sure to speak with all of them before they leave or when they become free. I can sometimes be quite the introvert, so this RULE OF THREE helps me to feel like I accomplished something at the event and made it worthwhile. After several events, you’ll know a great group of people.
 
One other quick networking tip: Always start the conversation with someone influential or who you are still getting to know by providing your name. I tend to meet a lot of people and I’m not so great at remembering names. Even if we’ve met several times, it’s possible I don’t remember your name (although I likely will know several awesome things about you and where we last saw each other!!). I recommend something like, “Hi Judge So-and-so! Kate Conyers (indicate to yourself). It’s great to see you again. How did you enjoy the Spring Bar Convention?” This type of introduction lets that person know that you remember who they are, it will remind them who you are (and maybe where they last saw you), and it’ll tell them that you remember something about them. Bonus points if you remember something inconsequential about their kids/grandkids, one of their hobbies, or a vacation they just took or are planning. I use this approach as often as I can (unless I really know the other person). I appreciate when others use a similar approach with me at professional settings when I don’t know them really well. The “Don’t you remember me? Really? Then what’s my name?” quiz is really annoying, and although you will make an impression on me and I will remember your name, it’s probably not the impression you meant to leave. 

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​Kate Conyers is an attorney with the Salt Lake Legal Defenders.

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YLD Announcements March 14, 2017

3/14/2017

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CLE
 
Free CLE: Trial Prep and Tips Panel
Date: March 16, 2017: Trial Prep. and Tips Panel
Location: Federal Courthouse, 351 S. West Temple

Time: 12pm-1pm
CLE: 1 hour

Join Trevor Lang, Torie Finlayson, and Ryan Holton for a panel discussion on trial preparation. Please register here. Registration is capped at 75 people. 


ABA YLD Mountain West States Regional Summit
Date: March 30-April 2
Location: Hotel Albuquerque, Albuquerque, New Mexico

The New Mexico YLD is hosting a YLD conference this year. Programming will address law practice and courtroom skills for young lawyers, bar service and leadership, the future of the legal profession in the Mountain West region, and an in-depth discussion of the Uniform Bar and reciprocity. 

For more information, contact Tomas Garcia at tomas.garcia@modrall.com.



Fit2Practice CLE: Call for questions

YLD will be hosting a CLE in March that will focus on mental, physical, and emotional health. There will be a panelist of three therapists who will answer questions. Please submit any questions on managing stress, dealing with burnout, menal fatigue, setting boundaries with clients, etc., to Jaelynn Jenkins (Jaelynn@mountainwestlaw.com). 

Networking
 
Bar Review in Utah County
Location: BYU Law School's Burn's Memorial Lounge
Date: Thursday, March 23, 2017
Time:  5:30-7pm
Cost: Free

Come join the Litigation Section, Fourth District judges and commissioners, and fellow lawyers. There will be appetizers and beverages.  

Please RSVP to christy.abad@utahbar.org

 

"And Justice For All" Law Day 5K Run & Walk
Location: University of Utah
Date: May 6, 2017

YLD will have a team for the 35th Annual “And Justice For All” Law Day 5K Run & Walk, held on May 6, 2017. The cost of the race is $30 per participant (prior to April 27, 2017, $35 thereafter) and alternatives to running or walking the race include participating in an “in absentia” division, a chaise lounge division, a wheelchair division, and a baby stroller division.

All proceeds from the race benefit Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake, Disability Law Center, and Utah Legal Services. Last year’s race raised over $50,000 in support of these programs. Please join YLD in supporting this event. To register as a part of YLD please enter YLD17 into the “coupon code” box and click “apply.” In addition to participating in the race and providing to a worthy your cause, your support through using the YLD coupon code will also make YLD eligible to receive a prize for its recruiting efforts.

For more information about the Law Day Run and to register for the race, please visit here: http://andjusticeforall.org/law-day-5k-run-walk/.  If you experience any difficulties in registering for the race as part of YLD, please contact Jeff Simcox at jsimcox@disabilitylawcenter.org.  We hope to see you there!


Law Day Luncheon
Location: Downtown Salt Lake Marriott, 75 S. West Temple
Date: May 1, 2017
Time: 12-1pm


We are excited to honor the award recipients and celebrate the theme, “The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy.” Professor Clifford Rosky of the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law will be our keynote speaker.

Further information about the event and awards will be forthcoming.
 
Volunteer Opportunities
 
Serving Our Seniors
Date: May 20, 2017
Time: 9-10am (CLE); 10am-12pm (clinic)
Location: Draper Senior Center

Come learn how to draft durable powers of attorney and health care directives at a free one-hour CLE. Then assist seniors in a clinic drafting those documents. To sign up for the CLE and volunteer at the clinic, or to sign a senior up for an appointment, please email ServingOurSeniorsYLD@gmail.com or call 801-382-9735 and leave a message. 


Project Street Youth
Location
: Homeless Youth Resource Center, 888 S. 400 W., Salt Lake City
Time: Monday through Friday, 4-6pm

Project Street Youth is in need of volunteers during the week from 4 to 6 to simply provide consults. No expertise in any field is necessary. The consults are basically issue spotting, taking down the name and information of the individual, and providing a brief description of the issue, then passing that information to Todd Livingston, the Project Street Youth Chair. The consults are provided on the first floor at a table in the corner in front of the food service area.

Please contact Todd Livingston with questions: toddlivingstonlaw@gmail.com.


West Jordan Landlord/Teant Pro Se Calendar
Location: West Jordan Courthouse
Time: Tuesdays at 8:30am

Sign up to volunteer for the West Jordan Landlord Tenant Pro Se Calendar, a limited scope legal clinic where attorneys provide advice and representation at a single hearing for pro se individuals.  It’s an extremely effective way to do pro bono, and you’re only on the hook for a couple hours.  
 
The calendar takes places every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at the West Jordan Courthouse, and rotates through all the judges at the court.  Click hereto sign up.  We’re trying to get three attorney volunteers per week. 
 
This calendar is providing a much needed service to pro se individuals involved in immediate occupancy hearings.  We will have supervisory attorneys present, so don’t worry if you’re not entirely confident with landlord tenant law yet.
 
We also have a debt collection calendar and family law calendars that function the same way – if you’re interested in those areas of law, reach out and Tyler Needham can get you signed up.  

To sign up, contact Tyler Needham at Tyler.Needham@utahbar.org.
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Practice in a Flash Series: Contract Drafting

3/10/2017

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This month the YLD kicked off its 2017 Practice in a Flash free CLE series! Over 50 young lawyers were fortunate to hear from Brooke Ashton, a partner with The Franchise and Business Law Group, where she focuses on franchise law and business opportunity law. Brooke provided us with insight into the contract drafting and negotiating process.

She began with the idea that every contract should tell a story—from the recitals through the main contract terms to the boilerplate provisions. Drafting a contract is chance to set up that story and make it favorable to a client. Brooke suggested looking at other agreements on the same subject matter to get a sense of different provisions and possible language. While she cautioned against relying on another person’s contract, Brooke found not having to reinvent the wheel for each new contract can potentially lead to fewer negotiations, which means less expense to a client.

Brooke also gave practical tips about negotiation strategy. She emphasized that before any negotiation we should find out the client's end goals. Ask the client: What do you want to come out of this negotiation? What are you trying to accomplish? We should take actions based on the client's ultimate goals. Clients as well as attorneys can lose sight of the ends goals. It is important to remind both ourselves and the client during the negotiations what you are trying to accomplish.

Lastly, Brooke suggested we keep a business perspective because attorneys' legal solutions are only helpful if it works for the business.  Because every client and situation varies, young lawyers can show value by helping solve a client's specific problem. She concluded by reminding young lawyers to reach out to mentors when we need guidance or direction when drafting or negotiating.

Join us next month for another free CLE featuring a panel of attorneys offering trial preparation and tips.

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Fit2Practice Series: ​March Madness Step Challenge!

3/8/2017

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March Madness is just around the corner. In addition to your NCAA brackets, we’re going to be holding a step challenge. The challenge will start March 13th and end April 9th. We’ll be taking part in the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) 1 Billion Steps Challenge to help them reach 1 billion steps by April 9th.

We know regular physical activity like walking can greatly reduce the risk of conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer. Walking can be relaxing, spiritual, or when we do it together, it can be fun.

We’ve created a team called Fit 2 Practice Utah so we can all enjoy walking together.

Join our team in APHA’s 1 Billion Steps Challenge today!

It’s always more fun when you exercise with others. Take family walks, schedule walking meetings at the office, walk your children to school – the more people who join, the quicker we’ll reach 1 billion steps. Plus, we’ll be encouraging healthy habits among our family, friends and co-workers.
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There will be prizes at the end!

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YLD Announcements March 7, 2017

3/7/2017

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CLE
 
FREE  CLE: Advising Families Facing Deportation
Date: March 13, 2017
Time: Noon
Location: Large Conference Room A, Main Floor, Matheson Courthouse


The Self-Help Center and the State Law Library are experiencing a significant increase in requests from people about what to do to protect their families and assets in case a parent or other family member is suddenly deported. People need accurate, clear information about the legal tools available to them for planning ahead, including minor guardianship, delegation of parental authority, powers of attorney, housing and other contracts, and care plans. Many of these state-based legal issues intersect with immigration law.


This CLE aims to inform lawyers volunteering with the Lawyer of the Day program, the commissioner pro se calendars, and the various free legal clinics about available resources and advising people in crisis. Materials will be provided.

To register and for further information, contact  Mary Jane at maryc@utcourts.gov.

 

Free CLE: Trial Prep and Tips Panel
Date: March 16, 2017: Trial Prep. and Tips Panel
Location: Federal Courthouse, 351 S. West Temple

Time: 12pm-1pm
CLE: 1 hour

Join Trevor Lang, Torie Finlayson, and Ryan Holton for a panel discussion on trial preparation. Please register here. Registration is capped at 75 people. 


ABA YLD Mountain West States Regional Summit
Date: March 30-April 2
Location: Hotel Albuquerque, Albuquerque, New Mexico

The New Mexico YLD is hosting a YLD conference this year. Programming will address law practice and courtroom skills for young lawyers, bar service and leadership, the future of the legal profession in the Mountain West region, and an in-depth discussion of the Uniform Bar and reciprocity. 

For more information, contact Tomas Garcia at tomas.garcia@modrall.com.


Domestic Lawyer's Academy
Dates
: March 8, March 22, April 5, April 26, or self-study
Time: 5:30-6:30pm

This is a new opportunity to develop a domestic practice by seeing a pro bono case through the entire process, with support at each step of the way. Cases are available in all judicial districts with trainings held remotely over conference and video call. Utah Legal Services will provide access to newly developed online CLE self-study learning modules along with mentorship from an experienced family law lawyer.

To sign up, please email Brooke Robinson, Utah Legal Services Director of Pro Bono at brobinson@utahlegalservices.org or call 801-376-6766 ext. 3524.


Fit2Practice CLE: Call for questions

YLD will be hosting a CLE in March that will focus on mental, physical, and emotional health. There will be a panelist of three therapists who will answer questions. Please submit any questions on managing stress, dealing with burnout, menal fatigue, setting boundaries with clients, etc., to Jaelynn Jenkins (Jaelynn@mountainwestlaw.com). 


Networking

 
Bar Review in Utah County
Location: BYU Law School's Burn's Memorial Lounge
Date: Thursday, March 23, 2017
Time:  5:30-7pm
Cost: Free

Come join the Litigation Section, Fourth District judges and commissioners, and fellow lawyers. There will be appetizers and beverages.  

Please RSVP to christy.abad@utahbar.org

 

"And Justice For All" Law Day 5K Run & Walk
Location: University of Utah
Date: May 6, 2017

YLD will have a team for the 35th Annual “And Justice For All” Law Day 5K Run & Walk, held on May 6, 2017. The cost of the race is $30 per participant (prior to April 27, 2017, $35 thereafter) and alternatives to running or walking the race include participating in an “in absentia” division, a chaise lounge division, a wheelchair division, and a baby stroller division.

All proceeds from the race benefit Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake, Disability Law Center, and Utah Legal Services. Last year’s race raised over $50,000 in support of these programs. Please join YLD in supporting this event. To register as a part of YLD please enter YLD17 into the “coupon code” box and click “apply.” In addition to participating in the race and providing to a worthy your cause, your support through using the YLD coupon code will also make YLD eligible to receive a prize for its recruiting efforts.

For more information about the Law Day Run and to register for the race, please visit here: http://andjusticeforall.org/law-day-5k-run-walk/.  If you experience any difficulties in registering for the race as part of YLD, please contact Jeff Simcox at jsimcox@disabilitylawcenter.org.  We hope to see you there!


Law Day Luncheon
Location: Downtown Salt Lake Marriott, 75 S. West Temple
Date: May 1, 2017
Time: 12-1pm


We are excited to honor the award recipients and celebrate the theme, “The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy.” Professor Clifford Rosky of the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law will be our keynote speaker.

Further information about the event and awards will be forthcoming.
 
Professional Development
 
Cybersecurity Awareness Series: Legal Obligations & Best Practices to Protect Intellectual Property from Cyberattacks
Location: Adobe (Lehi Campus), 3900 Adobe Way, Lehi, Utah
Date: Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Time:  8:30am-3:30pm

The Utah Bar Association and Braintrace are presenting a day-long event focusing on industry-led best practices and solutions to protect intellectual property and trade secrets from cybercriminals. Discussions will include laws, regulations, and ethical requirements of law firms; best practices; ensuring your firm and vendors have sufficient cybersecurity measures; insurance; and next-generation technology that will protect against such attacks. 

Contact Magaji Edwards (MEdwards@Braintrace.com) for registration information.


Volunteer Opportunities

 
Serving Our Seniors
Date: May 20, 2017
Time: 9-10am (CLE); 10am-12pm (clinic)
Location: Draper Senior Center

Come learn how to draft durable powers of attorney and health care directives at a free one-hour CLE. Then assist seniors in a clinic drafting those documents. To sign up for the CLE and volunteer at the clinic, or to sign a senior up for an appointment, please email ServingOurSeniorsYLD@gmail.com or call 801-382-9735 and leave a message. 


Project Street Youth
Location
: Homeless Youth Resource Center, 888 S. 400 W., Salt Lake City
Time: Monday through Friday, 4-6pm

Project Street Youth is in need of volunteers during the week from 4 to 6 to simply provide consults. No expertise in any field is necessary. The consults are basically issue spotting, taking down the name and information of the individual, and providing a brief description of the issue, then passing that information to Todd Livingston, the Project Street Youth Chair. The consults are provided on the first floor at a table in the corner in front of the food service area.

Please contact Todd Livingston with questions: toddlivingstonlaw@gmail.com.


West Jordan Landlord/Teant Pro Se Calendar
Location: West Jordan Courthouse
Time: Tuesdays at 8:30am

Sign up to volunteer for the West Jordan Landlord Tenant Pro Se Calendar, a limited scope legal clinic where attorneys provide advice and representation at a single hearing for pro se individuals.  It’s an extremely effective way to do pro bono, and you’re only on the hook for a couple hours.  
 
The calendar takes places every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at the West Jordan Courthouse, and rotates through all the judges at the court.  Click hereto sign up.  We’re trying to get three attorney volunteers per week. 
 
This calendar is providing a much needed service to pro se individuals involved in immediate occupancy hearings.  We will have supervisory attorneys present, so don’t worry if you’re not entirely confident with landlord tenant law yet.
 
We also have a debt collection calendar and family law calendars that function the same way – if you’re interested in those areas of law, reach out and Tyler Needham can get you signed up.  

To sign up, contact Tyler Needham at Tyler.Needham@utahbar.org.


Call for Applications and Articles

 
Call for Applications
The YLD Board is looking for individuals to serve as liaisons for central and southern Utah. YLD is also looking for someone who can help with Wills for Heroes. Please submit you resume and cover letter expressing interest to yldutah@gmail.com.

Call for Bar Journal Articles
If you'd like to publish an article for the YLD section of the Bar Journal, please send a copy of your article ot yldutah@gmail.com

Call for Blog Posts
YLD will be revamping its website soon. If you have published an article online that we could share or would like to contribute to the YLD blog (through a short 300- to 500-word article about tips for practice or substantive legal analysis), please email your information to yldutah@gmail.com.
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Is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program at risk?

3/3/2017

455 Comments

 
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Lost among the political debates surrounding Secretary of Education DeVos’s confirmation hearing was a real opportunity to learn what President Trump’s administration’s position is on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.  This is a critical question to many newer attorneys currently working, and law students planning to practice, in the public service or non-profit fields.  

Congress enacted PSLF in 2007 to provide loan forgiveness for those who work for 10 years (while making 120 payments) in a public service job.   Unlike other loan forgiveness programs administered by the Federal government, PSLF fully forgives a borrower’s balance tax-free after ten years.  PSLF is designed to make public service jobs more competitive in attracting graduates, who might otherwise choose better paying employment elsewhere.  What is often overlooked is the work and the financial sacrifices that PSLF participants are making while working towards their 120 payments.  PSLF participants carry the same debt burdens as their private sector colleagues, but work for significantly less as state and local prosecutors and attorneys generals, public defenders, agency counsel, and other critical roles that serve our entire community.

Unlike other loan programs, PSLF only applies to those with federal loans, who have remained with their federal servicers.  As a result, many are accruing interest at a much higher rate than their peers who may have reconsolidated with a private lender.  For example, in the fall of 2011, the consolidated federal loan interest rate was 7.5%, while the private market was offering rates under 5%.  This explains why many loan balances are higher for PSLF participants and also results in a larger interim return on investment for the government since most payments do not actually reach the original loan's principal.

In October of this year, the first wave of people will become eligible for student loan forgiveness  under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.  Unfortunately, no one knows exactly how many people are eligible for forgiveness under PSLF or how much this tax-free forgiveness will cost the American taxpayers, although some are estimating that it could be north of $12 billion over the next ten years  The Department of Education has done a poor job of tracking participation in PSLF and has released cost projections that are riddled with mistakes and unreliable assumptions.  These errors have been brought to Congress’s attention and are likely to be used to further justify the program’s overhaul.  Others are also speculating that the majority of people enrolled in PSLF are carrying debt from graduate school, which is typically much higher than the average debt load for undergraduate loans.  As a result, there is growing concern among PSLF participants that when the first loans are forgiven that the Administration’s and Congress’s reaction will be hasty and short-sighted.    

Prior proposals discussed capping the amount of forgiveness at $57,7000, which is the maximum an undergraduate may borrow.  During his campaign, President Trump proposed consolidating all loan repayment programs so that a participant will not pay more than 12% of their monthly income over 15 years.  It is unknown whether this proposal would still provide tax-free forgiveness for public service employees or not.  Regardless, any hasty efforts to restructure PSLF will likely have adverse effects to both individuals who have relied on PSLF thus far and the clients that they serve.  The reality is that most government workforces are aging and their budgets are shrinking, while the need for talented attorneys increases.  Similarly, many non-profits offer young attorneys crucial opportunities for valuable experience, while providing services to those who could not otherwise afford an attorney.  However, all struggle to recruit and retain talent because many cannot compete with the private sector’s payscale.  PSLF helps level the playing field and our congressional leaders need to hear that message.  The societal benefits that these attorneys provide in their jobs is difficult to quantify, but their hard work often results in more efficient government services and ensures that all have equal access to justice.  They are your prosecutors, agency counsel, public defenders and advocates for the underprivileged.  They work tirelessly to uphold our civic institutions, while relying on the promise of PSLF.  Any revisions to the PSLF must consider these civil servants and uphold the promise they have relied on.  

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​Cameron Johnson is an Attorney-Advisor with the Department of Interior’s Office of the Solicitor.  The opinions contained in this post are his own. 

455 Comments

YLD Announcements February 28, 2017

3/1/2017

1 Comment

 
CLE
 
Free CLE: Practice in a Flash Series
March 16, 2017: Trial Prep. and Tips Panel
April 27, 2017: Family Law Basics
May 18, 2017: Firm and Practice Management

Location: Federal Courthouse, 351 S. West Temple

Time: 12pm-1pm

Registration information forthcoming. 


ABA YLD Mountain West States Regional Summit
Date: March 30-April 2
Location: Hotel Albuquerque, Albuquerque, New Mexico

The New Mexico YLD is hosting a YLD conference this year. Programming will address law practice and courtroom skills for young lawyers, bar service and leadership, the future of the legal profession in the Mountain West region, and an in-depth discussion of the Uniform Bar and reciprocity. 

For more information, contact Tomas Garcia at tomas.garcia@modrall.com.


Domestic Lawyer's Academy
Dates
: March 8, March 22, April 5, April 26, or self-study
Time: 5:30-6:30pm

This is a new opportunity to develop a domestic practice by seeing a pro bono case through the entire process, with support at each step of the way. Cases are available in all judicial districts with trainings held remotely over conference and video call. Utah Legal Services will provide access to newly developed online CLE self-study learning modules along with mentorship from an experienced family law lawyer.

To sign up, please email Brooke Robinson, Utah Legal Services Director of Pro Bono at brobinson@utahlegalservices.org or call 801-376-6766 ext. 3524.


Fit2Practice CLE: Call for questions

YLD will be hosting a CLE in March that will focus on mental, physical, and emotional health. There will be a panelist of three therapists who will answer questions. Please submit any questions on managing stress, dealing with burnout, menal fatigue, setting boundaries with clients, etc., to Jaelynn Jenkins (Jaelynn@mountainwestlaw.com). 


Networking

 
Bar Review in Utah County
Location: BYU Law School's Burn's Memorial Lounge
Date: Thursday, March 23, 2017
Time:  5:30-7pm
Cost: Free

Come join the Litigation Section, Fourth District judges and commissioners, and fellow lawyers. There will be appetizers and beverages.  

Please RSVP to christy.abad@utahbar.org

 
Law Day Luncheon
Location: Downtown Salt Lake Marriott, 75 S. West Temple
Date: May 1, 2017
Time: 12-1pm


We are excited to honor the award recipients and celebrate the theme, “The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy.” Professor Clifford Rosky of the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law will be our keynote speaker.

Further information about the event and awards will be forthcoming.
 
Professional Development
 
Cybersecurity Awareness Series: Legal Obligations & Best Practices to Protect Intellectual Property from Cyberattacks
Location: Adobe (Lehi Campus), 3900 Adobe Way, Lehi, Utah
Date: Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Time:  8:30am-3:30pm

The Utah Bar Association and Braintrace are presenting a day-long event focusing on industry-led best practices and solutions to protect intellectual property and trade secrets from cybercriminals. Discussions will include laws, regulations, and ethical requirements of law firms; best practices; ensuring your firm and vendors have sufficient cybersecurity measures; insurance; and next-generation technology that will protect against such attacks. 

Contact Magaji Edwards (MEdwards@Braintrace.com) for registration information.


Volunteer Opportunities

 
Serving Our Seniors
Date: May 20, 2017
Time: 9-10am (CLE); 10am-12pm (clinic)
Location: Draper Senior Center

Come learn how to draft durable powers of attorney and health care directives at a free one-hour CLE. Then assist seniors in a clinic drafting those documents. To sign up for the CLE and volunteer at the clinic, or to sign a senior up for an appointment, please email ServingOurSeniorsYLD@gmail.com or call 801-382-9735 and leave a message. 


Project Street Youth
Location
: Homeless Youth Resource Center, 888 S. 400 W., Salt Lake City
Time: Monday through Friday, 4-6pm

Project Street Youth is in need of volunteers during the week from 4 to 6 to simply provide consults. No expertise in any field is necessary. The consults are basically issue spotting, taking down the name and information of the individual, and providing a brief description of the issue, then passing that information to Todd Livingston, the Project Street Youth Chair. The consults are provided on the first floor at a table in the corner in front of the food service area.

Please contact Todd Livingston with questions: toddlivingstonlaw@gmail.com.


West Jordan Landlord/Teant Pro Se Calendar
Location: West Jordan Courthouse
Time: Tuesdays at 8:30am

Sign up to volunteer for the West Jordan Landlord Tenant Pro Se Calendar, a limited scope legal clinic where attorneys provide advice and representation at a single hearing for pro se individuals.  It’s an extremely effective way to do pro bono, and you’re only on the hook for a couple hours.  
 
The calendar takes places every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at the West Jordan Courthouse, and rotates through all the judges at the court.  Click hereto sign up.  We’re trying to get three attorney volunteers per week. 
 
This calendar is providing a much needed service to pro se individuals involved in immediate occupancy hearings.  We will have supervisory attorneys present, so don’t worry if you’re not entirely confident with landlord tenant law yet.
 
We also have a debt collection calendar and family law calendars that function the same way – if you’re interested in those areas of law, reach out and Tyler Needham can get you signed up.  

To sign up, contact Tyler Needham at Tyler.Needham@utahbar.org.


Call for Applications and Articles

 
Call for Applications
The YLD Board is looking for individuals to serve as liaisons for central and southern Utah. Please submit you resume and cover letter expressing interest toyldutah@gmail.com.

Call for Bar Journal Articles
If you'd like to publish an article for the YLD section of the Bar Journal, please send a copy of your article ot yldutah@gmail.com

Call for Blog Posts
YLD will be revamping its website soon. If you have published an article online that we could share or would like to contribute to the YLD blog (through a short 300- to 500-word article about tips for practice or substantive legal analysis), please email your information to yldutah@gmail.com.

 
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