News and Updates

2020 Alabama State Bar Election Now Open

You should have received an email this morning letting you know the 2020 election is open. All online ballots must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, to be counted.

Young Lawyers Launch COVID-19 Legal Assistance Hotline

The Young Lawyers’ Section in partnership with the Alabama State Bar's Volunteer Lawyers Program has launched a free legal assistance hotline for individuals and families throughout Alabama who are confronted with legal problems as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. People may call the hotline at 334-517-2250 any time. 

When connected to the hotline, callers should leave a voice mail message providing brief details about the type of assistance needed due to COVID-19, the county they are calling from along with contact information to receive a return call. Individuals will be matched with Alabama lawyers who have volunteered to provide free legal advice or assistance. Read the full story here and watch Young Lawyers’ Section President Robert Shreve and member Ryan Duplechin discuss it on Facebook Live here.

ICYMI: Some In-Person Hearings Can Resume Today

Last Wednesday, the Supreme Court of Alabama issued a new order continuing the suspension of jury trials trough September 14, but allowing for in-person hearings to resume this week. The order, however, gives the Presiding Circuit Court Judge the discretion to extend the restrictions through mid-August. We are working to update the COVID-19 web page with the latest local orders we receive from the Courts. You can read the full order here.

Wellness Month Tips for Managing Lawyer Stress

May is Attorney Wellness Month. All month long, the Alabama State Bar's Quality of Life, Health & Wellness Task Force is providing tips and tools to create healthy habits and environments, which are critical for lawyer wellness. Today's installment offers five small ways you can deal with attorney Monday blues to manage the stress of lawyering. Read them here.

One More Chance to Attend Free, Online Wellness CLE - THIS WEDNESDAY

The final online free Wellness Month CLE is this Wednesday at 4 p.m. Attendees will receive one hour of CLE credit, including 1.0 hour of ethics. The presentation on Attorney Wellness and Professional Responsibility will be given by Christy Coan, Susan Han and Emily Hornsby.  Register Here

Wellness Month Challenge 

Another facet of Wellness Month is a Wellness Challenge between individual attorneys, firms and local bars. View the wellness challenge calendar here to take part in the small, daily wellness activities. We have seen some great examples on social media.

Kudos to the Walton Law Firm for posting daily pictures of its attorneys taking on the challenge as well as Montgomery County Bar Association for encouraging its members to get on board every day! There is still plenty of time to get involved! 

Reminder: Each Monday in May, Emily Hornsby, Co-Chair of the Task Force and the Chair of the Alabama Chapter of the Mindfulness in Law Society, will be leading a free 30-minute meditation on Zoom from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. If you would like the Zoom information to join, click here.

Jefferson County Judicial Seat Opening

The Jefferson County Judicial Commission is now accepting applications to fill Circuit Court, Criminal Division, Place 3. The time frame for submitting applications is Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, June 5 at 4:30 p.m. Applications and any questions must be emailed to JeffCoNominatingCommission@gmail.com.  
 

New Mobile Public Defender's Office Needs Applicants

Mobile County is in the process of forming a Public Defender’s office for indigent defense, and the office is now accepting applications for Assistant Public Defenders. You can find application information here. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, June 30 at 5 p.m.