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PRESENT: Doug Adair, Comm. Blomquist, Adam Caldwell, Helen Christian, Steve Gunn, Rick Hummel, Judge Jones, Louise Knauer, Charlotte Mecham, Russell Minas, Stewart Ralphs, John Sheaffer, Kellie Williams.
Approval of Minutes. The Minutes from the November 14, 2007, meeting were reviewed; upon motion by Russ Minas and seconded by Doug Adair, they were unanimously approved.
Bi-Annual Bar Report. The Bi-Annual Bar Report that was submitted to the State Bar Commission for the 2006 and 2007 fiscal years was distributed for your review. John Sheaffer reported that the financial, membership and CLE activity data was obtained from the Bar Office.
Sub Committee Reports.
Christmas Social: Kellie Williams reported that approximately 100 section members, judges, and other professionals attended the annual family law Christmas party hosted at the offices of Corporon & Williams on December 12, 2007. The food was catered by Rico’s. Kellie was thanked, along with the other social committee member, Helen Christian and Christina Miller, for coordinating the event. Reimbursement for expenses for the social have not yet been received by Kellie. There was discussion about hosting future social functions and CLE luncheon/events outside the Salt Lake City area in 2008, which will be explored by the appropriate sub committees.
Scholarships: Louise Knauer reported that the scholarship sub committee is developing the criteria with BYU and the U of U Law schools for the award of financial scholarships to an individual from each law school. It is anticipated that the criteria will be developed, and the Dean of the particular law school will select a committee consisting of a member of our committee which will then solicit and select the scholarship recipient each year. The Family Law Section has agreed to award a scholarship of $1,500 to each University Law School, which will be matched by each law school. Further, the U of U law school will then enlarge the award to a full year’s tuition to its scholarship recipient. The sub committee will investigate opportunities to publicize the scholarships through the respective university’s law school, as well as the Utah State Bar to recognize the scholarship grants from the Family Law Section of the Utah State Bar Association.
Monthly Seminars: Doug Adair reported that Doug Goldsmith, Ph.D. (psychology) will be speaking at the January luncheon CLE. Other topics for the February, March and April luncheon CLEs may include an ethics topic outside of Salt Lake presented by Brian Florence, military/retirement issues presented by Neil Crist/Craig Peterson and a divorce and financial planner presentation.
Legislation & Rules: Stewart Ralphs reported on the pending bills that will be introduced in the next legislative session impacting family law. They are summarized on a handout that he presented. There was discussion concerning the website method of providing legislative information to the Family Law Section on bills impacting family law matters, and soliciting votes from the membership. It was the consensus that bills would first be presented to the Executive Committee with Stewart’s comments and recommendations, and then to the membership at large for their vote. Stewart and his subcommittee will continue to work to summarize the bills and their status, and meet with the Bar’s Governmental Regulations Committee as they are able. Stewart will meet with the Government Regulations Committee on January 10, but cannot make all meetings. John Sheaffer offered to assist. Annual July Bar Convention: Steve Gunn reported that the annual convention subcommittee is developing its programs for the two slots available to the Family Law Section for presentation at the Utah State Bar annual convention in Sun Valley in July 2008. There will be a CLE presentation in July on “Back to Basics Adoption” and a panel discussion CLE on July 16th moderated by Doug Adair on the role and procedure of Guardian ad Litems within the court process
Annual May Seminar: It was suggested that the annual seminar be available by live webcast to incorporate even greater participation outside the Salt Lake area in 2008.
Funding Requests. Rick Hummel reported that there had not yet been disbursements of $1,000 to the Southern Utah Community Legal Center, and to the And Justice For All campaign of $5,000 as approved at our last meeting. He inquired as to the payee for these disbursements, which was clarified by Stewart Ralphs. Disbursements will be made in advance of the kick-off breakfast for the “And Justice For All” campaign on January 29, 2008.
FLS Executive Membership. Commissioner Blomquist reported that she will continue to try to connect with Judge Hilder for his suggestions as to his replacement on the Executive Committee. Russ Minas reported that he is inquiring as to interested attorneys in the Fourth District doing GAL and juvenile court work who may be wishing to serve as committee members. They may have names to be considered at our next meeting.
Adjournment. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting. February 13, 2008, 12:00 p.m., Utah Law & Justice Center.
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