The following article was written by Debra Cassens Weiss and posted by ABA Journal Online
A solo practitioner in Massachusetts who struck out on his own about six months ago already has more than 600 Facebook fans for his law firm.
Solo lawyer Richard Vetstein tells the ABA Journal that the accomplishment, touted in a press release, has “absolutely” brought in new business. His goal was to promote his new law firm, the Vetstein Law Group in Framingham, and his blog, the Massachusetts Real Estate Law Blog.
The following was received via email from the PBA:
HB 1861, sponsored by Rep. Thomas R. Caltagirone (D-Berks) amends Title 42 (Judiciary) further providing for deposits into account by imposing a court filing fee increase of $23 to be charged and collected for a period of 25 months to supplement the $10 additional fee already existing. The bill outlines how both fees are to be dispersed. On Aug. 19, a floor amendment authored by Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) was adopted which reduces the surcharge from $23 to $17 and makes changes to the apportionment of the surcharge. The amendment also increases the fee for issuing a marriage license or declaration from $3 to $28 of which $2.50 shall be retained by the county where the license is issued and $25.50 shall be remitted to the Commonwealth of which $25 shall be forwarded to the Department of Public Welfare for use for victims of domestic violence. The amendment also adds a new section in Title 42 (Judiciary) providing a fee of $15 shall be charged for the commencement of an action for divorce or an action for annulment of marriage, and the money collected shall be forwarded to the department for use for victims of domestic violence.
HB 1861 was voted favorably out of the House on Wednesday, Sept. 16 by a vote of 145 to 52. It was received in the Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, Sept. 17.
The PBA supports full funding for the courts through the General Fund budget; however, in the absence of adequate funding, the PBA supports a court filing fee increase of a reasonable amount, but not to exceed $12, for a period of not more than two years in order to fund the gap in judiciary funding.
The following was written by Deborah Ben-Canaan and Martha Fay Africa for The Recorder on September 22, 2009
In the age of e-resumes and data systems that store millions upon millions of historical documents, recruiters and employers now have the ability to look longitudinally at information in resumes provided by candidates over many years and map the "content drift" of this information. This provides an entirely new way of determining a candidate's veracity when it comes to his or her employment history.
Please join us for a fun, casual evening of music, conversation and dining.
The Westmoreland Bar Association cordially invites you and your guests to a Fall Gathering.
We have invited the Medical Society members to join us for this event. If you have friends who are doctors, please encourage them to join us for the evening.
$30 Per Person, Cash Bar Hors d’oeuvres 5:30 p.m. Dinner 6:00 p.m.
Entertainment: String Ensemble by Chelsea and Natalie Medic
'Get Help Now, Pennsylvania' and 'Wills for Heroes' Earn Praise at National Day of Service and Remembrance Event in Pittsburgh
Gov. Edward G. Rendell has praised lawyer volunteers for their time and commitment to providing community service through "Get Help Now, Pennsylvania."
During the Get Help Now, Pennsylvania program, legal and financial volunteers at 19 locations throughout the state provided free assistance and referrals to Pennsylvanians who have been affected by the financial downturn. During the 10-week program, more than 800 state residents received help from more than 1,000 legal and financial professionals who gave a combined 5,000 hours of voluntary service.
"We are grateful to the Pennsylvania Bar Association, local bar associations and the financial community for answering the call to service in such a powerful way through Get Help Now, Pennsylvania," Rendell said during a ceremony on Sept. 11 at the City/County Building in Pittsburgh.
Rendell said he applauds "the many volunteers who, without fanfare or recognition, faithfully work on a regular basis to better the lives of others and strengthen their communities."
Get Help Now, Pennsylvania was created in response to President and Mrs. Obama's call for Americans to pursue public service to honor the thousands of Americans who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks. Gov. Rendell and First Lady Judge Marjorie Rendell called upon the legal and financial professionals to focus Pennsylvania's efforts on the needs of those who are suffering during these difficult economic times.
"Many of the people who came to the Get Help Now sites were without hope," said Clifford E. Haines, PBA president. "They had tried to find a way to get out of the bad situations they were in, but they did not know where else to turn. Our volunteers were able to listen to the individuals and provide practical information and resources. It was a win-win for both parties - the people who needed help received it, and the people who gave the help felt good about helping."
Haines thanked local bar associations that opened their buildings to residents taking advantage of the program and that recruited lawyer volunteers to staff the program.
During the Sept. 11 ceremony, Gov. Rendell, who was joined by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, also praised the "Wills for Heroes" program. Wills for Heroes is a public service project of the PBA Young Lawyers Division. Lawyer volunteers involved in Wills for Heroes have helped more than 500 Pennsylvania police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other first responders prepare wills, living wills and powers of attorney to ensure their families are protected should the unexpected occur.
"President Obama asked all Americans to make meaningful community service a part of their lives, and people are answering that call," LaHood said.
Have a Heart at The Headkeeper Fund-Raiser for CASA of Westmoreland Sponsored by the Young Lawyers of the Westmoreland Bar Association
Join the Young Lawyers of the Westmoreland Bar Association at The Headkeeper in Greensburg on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. for an evening of complimentary food, beer, and wine that benefits CASA of Westmoreland—the voice of abused and neglected children who are currently in the court system.
Tickets are $50 each and all proceeds will be donated to CASA of Westmoreland. This evening is all about enjoying yourself while helping a worthy cause—the Young Lawyers promise a good time for everyone—so bring a friend, and see you at The Headkeeper!
The PBA Judicial Evaluation Commission has issued "recommended for retention" ratings for Superior Court Judge Kate Ford Elliot and Commonwealth Court Judge Dan Pellegrini. Read more in the news release.
Get information about all the candidates in the 2009 Pennsylvania appellate court elections at the PBA's PAVoteSmart Web site.
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This is the Westmoreland Bar Association's blog. It's purpose is to provide legal news, bar association news, event information, and entertainment to the Bar Association Members and readers.
The Westmoreland Bar Association cordially invites you and your guests to a Fall Gathering. 
