First thing that is easy to point out is that they have their annual vacation at typically remote locations that are not easily accessible for most members of the bar. There is very little accountability for how they spend our fees. They disclose their "finances" every year that really tells you very little about what they're doing with it.
I agree with most of the above, but I am not sure that any of these candidates are running on a platform to meaningfully change anything. Convince me otherwise.
I also questioned why the annual meeting is generally out of state. They used to alternate years, one year in state, next year out of state. The in-state meetings had far less attendance so they went to out of state meetings that are much better attended. I also asked if the NSB pays for the BOG to attend. The NSB pays for transportation and one night at the conference hotel.
The whole issue about where the Bar Conference is is getting old. If you are an attorney that cannot afford 3 days at a nice place while you get a bunch of CLEs, you are doing it wrong.
12:14 Its not just the price. Its time. I would be happy to go to a convention, attend my cles, and meet with a few people. But I don't necessarily want to burn my limited vacation time. If the convention were local I could go and still work. Also, I bet you would get a much bigger attendance which means more diversity in programs perhaps.
While I don't mind the annual meeting being out of state, the locations and the limited hotel room blocks are ridiculous. For example, I tried to register for this year's meeting a month or so ago. The hotel at which it is held is sold out. The closest option is 10 minutes away at $500 per night. Plus flights and renting a car or ubering. Plus the convention itself. In total, it was going to be more than $3K for a 3 day conference. Can I afford it? Yes. Is that how I want to spend $3K. No.
Guest
Anonymous
April 12, 2022 5:57 pm
The BOG basically just makes our lives more difficult and we get to pay for the privilege. They can't fix the bar's website to save their lives, but can take our money every year and go to expensive and exotic locales for their boondoggle of a bar convention. OBC will crucify a solo based on the thinnest of allegations from a disgruntled client, but does nothing to the bigger firms. The CLE fiasco is a slow rolling train wreck that ensures we have to buy our CLEs from the bar instead of independent providers, further enriching the bar which helps pay for their annual boondoggle. All in all, they suck.
I agree about the website, it seems to be down way too much. But i have to disagree about the OBC. You are right you don't often see the large firms in discipline reports (with some notable exceptions) but there is a reason for that. Most large firms have checks and balances that effectively prevent any type of financial issues that seem to get Solo attorneys in hot water (be it bad acts or simple mistakes) They also almost always a "Mr. Wolf" a "fixer" who will resolve client complaints BEFORE they get to the level of a bar complaint.
10:57 here. I disagree. I worked at one of the "larger" firms. I'm using quotes because what constitutes a large firm here is small by other state's standards. Anyways, they committed some pretty egregious mistakes and got their share of crazy client complaints. It just seemed like OBC took their word for it and moved on.
Guest
Anonymous
April 12, 2022 6:09 pm
How do you go to closing without a walkthrough the morning of?
Seller isn't out when they said they'd be? Screw you, you breached K, we aren't closing and Seller owes damages.
Seller is out but someone has moved in? Screw you, you're contracted to deliver empty house, you breached, we don't close and Seller owes damages.
The email I got from him (at an unwelcome hour) had lots of proposals with buzzwords which indicated nothing. I am concerned when I hear glittering generalities with consultant speak, that they are hiding something ominous or have no idea what they are proposing.
The only people who do not have malpractice insurance are people likely to commit malpractice.
Guest
Anonymous
April 12, 2022 7:22 pm
Here is what I want:
1) A Bar convention in the state, regularly. I would settle for in Las Vegas at least once every five years, and in Nevada at least every 3.
2) Support for solos. Other states have brief banks, forms and research materials included in the membership.
3) More training and education. Why is the website so terrible? Do the various sections offer any benefit? If so, why not highlight those and increase involvement.
4) Social opportunities for the non gunners. Some of us want to increase our network and commiserate without making a political event of it.
Guest
Anonymous
April 12, 2022 8:54 pm
I know each of the complainers about the state bar has run for a BOG spot, and it is unfortunate that their message did not resonate with the electorate. If they didn't run, I am sure they have a good excuse about being too busy or that the system is rigged etc.
Vote out existing BOGs. Why do I care who Steve Wolfson endorses?
Have to be honest the Wolfson email for Chatterjee just shut down any thoughts I had of supporting the guy.
Why? please be specific. I see all this BOG bashing but no one can seem to tell me why.
1040, where have you been?
Bogs do the work of OBC and smooch big time. Vote incumbents out.
Mooch, too.
First thing that is easy to point out is that they have their annual vacation at typically remote locations that are not easily accessible for most members of the bar. There is very little accountability for how they spend our fees. They disclose their "finances" every year that really tells you very little about what they're doing with it.
I agree with most of the above, but I am not sure that any of these candidates are running on a platform to meaningfully change anything. Convince me otherwise.
I also questioned why the annual meeting is generally out of state. They used to alternate years, one year in state, next year out of state. The in-state meetings had far less attendance so they went to out of state meetings that are much better attended. I also asked if the NSB pays for the BOG to attend. The NSB pays for transportation and one night at the conference hotel.
The whole issue about where the Bar Conference is is getting old. If you are an attorney that cannot afford 3 days at a nice place while you get a bunch of CLEs, you are doing it wrong.
No Bogs ate getting old. You have money when you get free lunches, Andrew Craner.
12:14 Its not just the price. Its time. I would be happy to go to a convention, attend my cles, and meet with a few people. But I don't necessarily want to burn my limited vacation time. If the convention were local I could go and still work. Also, I bet you would get a much bigger attendance which means more diversity in programs perhaps.
Really 12:17? Someone takes hours and days to work for free and you get upset about a sandwich?
Works for free? Laughing, more like power trip. Thanks, Andrew.
While I don't mind the annual meeting being out of state, the locations and the limited hotel room blocks are ridiculous. For example, I tried to register for this year's meeting a month or so ago. The hotel at which it is held is sold out. The closest option is 10 minutes away at $500 per night. Plus flights and renting a car or ubering. Plus the convention itself. In total, it was going to be more than $3K for a 3 day conference. Can I afford it? Yes. Is that how I want to spend $3K. No.
The BOG basically just makes our lives more difficult and we get to pay for the privilege. They can't fix the bar's website to save their lives, but can take our money every year and go to expensive and exotic locales for their boondoggle of a bar convention. OBC will crucify a solo based on the thinnest of allegations from a disgruntled client, but does nothing to the bigger firms. The CLE fiasco is a slow rolling train wreck that ensures we have to buy our CLEs from the bar instead of independent providers, further enriching the bar which helps pay for their annual boondoggle. All in all, they suck.
I agree about the website, it seems to be down way too much. But i have to disagree about the OBC. You are right you don't often see the large firms in discipline reports (with some notable exceptions) but there is a reason for that. Most large firms have checks and balances that effectively prevent any type of financial issues that seem to get Solo attorneys in hot water (be it bad acts or simple mistakes) They also almost always a "Mr. Wolf" a "fixer" who will resolve client complaints BEFORE they get to the level of a bar complaint.
10:57 here. I disagree. I worked at one of the "larger" firms. I'm using quotes because what constitutes a large firm here is small by other state's standards. Anyways, they committed some pretty egregious mistakes and got their share of crazy client complaints. It just seemed like OBC took their word for it and moved on.
How do you go to closing without a walkthrough the morning of?
Seller isn't out when they said they'd be? Screw you, you breached K, we aren't closing and Seller owes damages.
Seller is out but someone has moved in? Screw you, you're contracted to deliver empty house, you breached, we don't close and Seller owes damages.
House burned down the night before? Don't close.
more and more people are doing "lease back" or letting prior owner stay for a week after the closing to give them time.
Anyone else see that Chatterjee is trying to bring back the mandatory malpractice insurance?
The email I got from him (at an unwelcome hour) had lots of proposals with buzzwords which indicated nothing. I am concerned when I hear glittering generalities with consultant speak, that they are hiding something ominous or have no idea what they are proposing.
His bio says he's only been licensed since 2020, kind of brash to be running already
The only people who do not have malpractice insurance are people likely to commit malpractice.
Here is what I want:
1) A Bar convention in the state, regularly. I would settle for in Las Vegas at least once every five years, and in Nevada at least every 3.
2) Support for solos. Other states have brief banks, forms and research materials included in the membership.
3) More training and education. Why is the website so terrible? Do the various sections offer any benefit? If so, why not highlight those and increase involvement.
4) Social opportunities for the non gunners. Some of us want to increase our network and commiserate without making a political event of it.
I know each of the complainers about the state bar has run for a BOG spot, and it is unfortunate that their message did not resonate with the electorate. If they didn't run, I am sure they have a good excuse about being too busy or that the system is rigged etc.
You're probably fun to talk to at cocktail parties.
BOGS candidates, please tell me as a party of 3 why I should vote for you? You are asking for my vote.