AGENDA Multidisciplinary Practice (MPD) Task Force November, 11 1999 Utah Law & Justice Center 7:30 a.m. Item 1  Welcome and Introductions    Ray Westergard & Mike Blackburn, Co-Chairs Item 2  Review and Discussion of Task Force Charge    Charles R. Brown - President, Utah State Bar Item 3  Review of MDP Information    From ABA, etc. Item 4  Other Business    November 19th CLE Program 9:00 a.m. Meeting Concludes

Utah State Bar Multidisciplinary (MDP) Task Force Minutes November 11, 1999 In attendance: Mike Blackburn – Co-chair, Ray Westergard – Co-chair, Brent Armstrong, Charles R. Brown, Cindy Crass, George Harris, Mark  Lehman, Craig Omer & Toby Brown. I Charles R. Brown discussed the Task Force's charge.  In the context of reviewing information and rule proposals about multidisciplinary practice, this group should 1) Explore and recommend methods for membership to  remain competitive in this new market.  2) While doing this, preserve the core  values of the profession.  Core values were defined (per the ABA MDP Report) as a) Independence of judgment, b) Conflicts of interest, and c) Confidentiality Charles also relayed information he gathered at the "Seize the Future" Conference he attended Nov. 4-6 in Phoenix.  This conference explored the future of the profession and focused on the need for lawyers to embrace change and innovate in their services.  Much of the conferences focused on  e-commerce issues and how lawyers might utilize these tools. II Introductions were made. III Mike Blackburn led a general discussion of the issues  surrounding MDP.  Ray Westergard noted that clients are requesting one-stop  professional services.  These market forces mean that lawyers must be proactive in adapting to meet them.  Charles suggested including consumers in the Task  Force efforts.  Cindy Crass inquired whether changes in the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) might be a viable outcome of the Task Force's efforts; Charles noted that was definitely a possibility.  George Harris  suggested we look into other jurisdictions with alternative rules.  He  volunteered to gather information about the D.C. rules.  It was noted that Ernst  & Young had essentially created a law firm in D.C. based on those rules.   Toby Brown noted that the scope of the Task Force efforts might be extended to  cover Internet/e-commerce issues, if remaining competitive is the goal of these efforts. Brent Armstrong suggested an over-haul of the RPC should be  explored as a potential recommendation.  Mark Lehman expressed concern that if  we focus just on meeting market demands we may lose sight of the core values of  the profession.  Discussion followed on the fact that the threat of malpractice  suits may also function as a 'market' check on core values. The discussion concluded with Charles outlining some general goals for the Task Force.  These included:  1 – Examine the ABA Commission on MDP Recommendations, then  2 – Report on issues surrounding the RPC and possible modifications,  3 – Report on methods for helping lawyers remain competitive,  4 – Report on meeting the Bar's duty to protect the public.  Charles noted that a response to the ABA MDP Recommendations from  the Task Force should be available by April or May 2000.  However, that time frame may likely be extended and the Task Force should look at moving beyond a  response to the ABA's report. IV Given the time frame for reporting, Mike Blackburn suggested  the Task Force meet monthly.  The next two meetings were set for December 2nd and January 6th.  Times for meetings will be 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and will be held at the Law & Justice Center (645 South 200 East,  SLC).  Ray & Mike will produce focused agendas for the upcoming meetings. V Toby noted the need to present the Task Force findings and recommendations and to gather input from members as efforts move forward.  George, Craig, Mark and Cindy volunteered to participate (schedules permitting)  in the CLE program on MDP set for 11/19/99.  There will also be opportunities to  present at the Bar Mid-Year and Annual Conferences. VI Meeting concluded at 9:00 a.m. The Next Meeting is set for: December 2, 1999, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Utah Law & Justice Center (Bagels will be served)

Last Update: 09/04/02