Annual Memorial Service
• H. Nevin Wollam This event is open to family and friends of the bar. The court will sit en banc. A complimentary luncheon will be served in Megan's Suite at The Palace Theatre |
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wba2013memorialservice
The Westmoreland Bar Association will be hosting an annual memorial service for deceased members of the WBA on Wednesday, May 29, at 12 Noon in the Ceremonial Courtroom. The following WBA members have passed away during the last year and will be memorialized at this service.↧
WBA returning to Oglebay for the 2013 Bench/Bar Conference
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The tradition continues! WBA returning to Oglebay for the 2013 Bench/Bar Conference.
The tradition continues! WBA returning to Oglebay for the 2013 Bench/Bar Conference.The Westmoreland Bar Association will hold its Bench/Bar Conference on Thursday and Friday June 13th and 14th.
Attracting over a hundred of our lawyers and judges, the annual conference provides members with an opportunity to earn CLE credits while getting a chance to network and socialize with colleagues and members of the judiciary. Double occupancy for Thursday starts from just $130 and includes free CLE, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and reception PLUS lots of opportunities to kick back and enjoy the ambiance of this magnificent resort.
Not enough away-from-the-office-time? Extend your stay—arrive Wednesday night to unwind and be fresh for the activities on Thursday.
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Hot Coffee: Is Justice Being Served?
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WBA Serving Up "Hot Coffee" on Wednesday, July 17
WBA Serving Up "Hot Coffee" on Wednesday, July 17Join us for this video replay of the 2013 Bench/Bar Conference CLE and earn 2.5 substantive CLE credits. "Hot Coffee: Is Justice Being Served?" examines the effect of tort reform on ordinary citizens who have given up Constitutional rights without knowing it. Using the infamous McDonald’s spilled coffee case that resulted in a $2-million jury verdict, the film seeks to set straight the complete facts behind the media attention and public relations campaign.
This CLE is free to 2013 Bench/Bar Conference attendees who have not yet attended this CLE.
Preregistration fees must be prepaid at least 24 hours in advance. Those who do not prepay at least 24 hours in advance will be charged the walk-in fee. (WBA Members: $40 per credit hour; Non-Members: $50 per credit hour; Non-Credit: $20 flat fee). Register online today for July 17.
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Casey and Toomey Invite Applicants for Federal District Court Appointment
Casey and Toomey Invite Applicants for Federal District Court Appointment
Washington, DC—U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) today announced the process to be followed by persons interested in being considered for appointment to the position of U.S. District Court Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania. There is currently one judicial vacancy in the Western District.
Western
U.S. Senators Robert P. Casey, Jr. and Patrick J. Toomey invite all persons interested in being considered for appointment to the position of Federal District Court Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania to obtain and submit an application that can be found on Senator Casey’s website (http://casey.senate.gov/) or Senator Toomey’s website (http://www.toomey.senate.gov/). This questionnaire must be completed and returned to both Senators in Microsoft Word or PDF format by email to judicial@casey.senate.gov and judgeappWDPA@toomey.senate.gov no later than 5pm, Friday, August 9, 2013. Applicants should expect that the panel interview process will commence shortly thereafter. Senators Casey and Toomey will be advised and assisted in this process by judicial selection panels consisting of leading members of the bar and other respected Pennsylvania citizens.
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Bring it on!
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Bring it on! Battle of the Ages III: Revenge of the YLs
Bring it on! Battle of the Ages III: Revenge of the YLsATTENTION YOUNG LAWYERS: A rematch against the OLD LAWYERS has been scheduled! The softball game will take place at Altman Ballfield in Jeannette, Pa. The ballfield is just off of Route 130 on Altman Road (better directions will be forthcoming) on Friday, August 16. Batting practice and infield/outfield warm-ups will start at 4:00 PM with the game scheduled to start between 4:30 and 5:00 PM. Beer and other beverages will be provided!
Contact Mike Stewart II if you would like to play or just show up and enjoy the festivities.
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2014 Civil Court Calendars available
2014 Civil Court Calendars available
The 2014 Civil Court Calendars are available in the Court Administrator’s Office, Civil Division Room M7.
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CLE Cancelled
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September 25 CLE cancelled
September 25 CLE cancelledOur CLE on recent SCOTUS civil rights cases that was scheduled for Noon on Wednesday, September 25, has been CANCELLED. It will be rescheduled, perhaps in November.
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Westmoreland Bar Foundation Receives National Recognition
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Westmoreland Bar Foundation Receives National Recognition
Westmoreland Bar Foundation Receives National RecognitionIn recognition of “extraordinary commitment to equal justice,” Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans in the nation, presented a Pro Bono Service Award to the Westmoreland Bar Foundation (WBF). The awards ceremony took place on October 21, 2013 at the law offices of K&L Gates in Pittsburgh as part of the LSC Board of Directors meeting. Pennsylvania Congressman Chaka Fattah, Former Governor Dick Thornburgh, and LSC Board Chairman John G. Levi participated in the ceremony.
LSC recognized the Westmoreland Bar Foundation for 22 years of continuous legal assistance to low-income Pennsylvanians, handling more than 500 pro bono cases annually. “The Pro Bono Service Award to the WBF is a testament to the dedication of our participating attorneys,” says Attorney Bruce Tobin, Chair of the WBF board. “Our volunteer attorneys uphold the principle of pro bono publico through the donation of their time and talents to help persons in need of legal assistance.”
The WBF Pro Bono Program helps indigent clients resolve legal problems in many areas, including family law, housing, consumer issues, and bankruptcy, as well as assisting with simple wills. Pro Bono can be reached by calling 724-837-5539 or on the web at westbar.org/probonoform. The office is located in Suite 403 of the Courthouse Annex.
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Nominating Committee accepting applications for 2014-2015 Board, Committees
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Nominating Committee accepting applications for open positions on 2014-2015 Board of Directors, Membership Committee, and Building Committee
Nominating Committee accepting applications for open positions on 2014-2015 Board of Directors, Membership Committee, and Building CommitteeThe Nominating Committee is accepting letters of application for positions on the Board of Directors, Membership Committee, and Building Committee. Any member interested in running for these positions should submit their petition to the Chair of the Nominating Committee, c/o the WBA, by December 12, 2013. More information and application >>
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Bridge the Gap CLE Seminar November 22
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Who needs to "Bridge the Gap?" If you are a newly-admitted attorney in Pennsylvania, you do! If you are a "seasoned" attorney, this program serves as a great refresher.
Who needs to "Bridge the Gap?" If you are a newly-admitted attorney in Pennsylvania, you do! If you are a "seasoned" attorney, this program serves as a great refresher.Join us on Friday, November 22, and earn up to four CLE ethics credits. As a courtesy of the Westmoreland Bar Association, this seminar is being offered FREE to newly admitted attorneys who are required to complete the Bridge the Gap program by their first CLE compliance deadline.
PROGRAM FORMAT
This four-hour program produced by the PA CLE Board consists of the following sections.
—Introduction from the Chief Justice
—Communications
—Practice Management
—Fiduciary Requirements
—Overview of the PA Supreme Court Disciplinary System
—Outreach Programs & Resources
Register here: Newly-Admitted Attorney or Seasoned Attorney
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2013 Santa Claus Is Coming To Town!
WBA members, you and your family are invited to dinner with Santa at the WBA.
Please join us on Wednesday, December 11, from 5:30 - 7 pm for a family-friendly dinner with Santa. Children will have the opportunity to participate in holiday activities and visit with Santa to share their Christmas wish lists. Don't forget your cameras!
This has become a Christmas tradition for Santa to stop in the WBA headquarters for an intimate and personalized visit with WBA members and their families. So whether you think that you have been naughty or nice, stop in for some holiday cheer. We're saving a seat (next to Santa) just for you!
Nieces, nephews, grandchildren and other special little ones are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to the bar office at 724-834-6730 so we—and Santa—will know to expect YOU!
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Join a PBA Listserv
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Did you know the Pennsylvania Bar Association maintains a number of listservs for its committee and section members?
Did you know the Pennsylvania Bar Association maintains a number of listservs for its committee and section members?What is a listserv, you ask?
It is an Internet-based discussion group of individual subscribers who communicate via e-mail. When you e-mail a question or comment to the listserv, you end up reaching the inbox of everyone who subscribes to the listserv without having to know or use each individual's e-mail address. It's an efficient, convenient way of reaching out to colleagues across the state to stay on top of hot topics in the areas of law that concern you.
For a complete list of what listservs are maintained by the PBA, click here. Not all PBA committees and sections have listservs; you must be a member of the PBA committee or section to join that committee or section listserv.
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2013 Annual Holiday Dinner Dance
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Dust off your dance moves, shine those shoes, and join us at the 2013 Holiday Dinner Dance on Saturday, December 7
Dust off your dance moves, shine those shoes, and join us at the 2013 Holiday Dinner Dance on Saturday, December 7The WBA returns to the Greensburg Country Club for a traditional Holiday Dinner Dance on Saturday, December 7. This year’s event will offer passed hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, a festive atmosphere, and the bar foundation’s annual fund-raising auction. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Tom Spallone with big-screen music videos.
Ticket costs for this year remain at $60 per person with a discount for young lawyers. RSVPs are due by November 27th. Register online here.
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Join the Lawyer Referral Service
WBA members, it's open enrollment for the Lawyer Referral Service of Westmoreland County.
The WBA is accepting registration for the 2014 Lawyer Referral Service. At just $125, the registration fee allows WBA members to participate in the only court-recognized referral service in Westmoreland County. Applying for LRS membership is quick and easy.
• First, read the rules.
• Next, complete the LRS Application.
• Finally, either e-mail the completed form along with your credit card information to westbar.org@westbar.org, or print and mail the application along with your check to: Lawyer Referral Service, Westmoreland Bar Association, 129 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Greensburg, PA 15601.
Please note that certain referral panels have specific experience requirements for membership. Those panels are marked with an asterisk on the panel list in the application. To be considered for membership on a panel with experience requirements, read the Experience Requirements section of the application carefully and complete the appropriate sections.
If you have any questions about the rules, the application or the program, you may contact the Association at 724-834-6730.
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Family Mediation Training offered in Westmoreland County
A basic family mediation training is scheduled for February 13, 14, 15, 27, and 28, 2014, by the Pittsburgh Mediation Group and trainers Bernie Behrend and Selina Shultz. Registration is limited to 20 attendees. The program qualifies for 32.5 PA CLE credits. Registration is not being handled by the WBA. Instead call Pat Berkley at 412-391-7733. Additional information >>>.
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Join the Westmoreland Bar Association for a Retirement Tribute Celebrating The Honorable John E. Blahovec on Wednesday, January 29, 2014.
The Westmoreland Bar Association along with the Ned J. Nakles Inn of Court and the Westmoreland Academy of Trial Lawyers will honor outgoing Judge John E. Blahovec on Tuesday, January 29th at 4:15 pm at the Megan's Suite at the Palace Theatre. Elected in 1985 and retiring with 28 years of judicial service, Judge Blahovec has held many positions within the Westmoreland County legal system: a Laurel Legal Services Staff Attorney, an Assistant District Attorney, a Juvenile Court Master and President Judge. His career included a decade as Family Court Judge and almost two decades in Criminal Court. The Retirement Tribute is free to WBA members. Register online or by calling the WBA office at 724-834-6730.
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2014 Mock Trial Competition is underway!
Beginning on Thursday, January 30th, at 5:00 pm, high school teams will meet at the Westmoreland County Courthouse to begin the 2014 Mock Trial Competition. This event is free and open to the public. Entrance to the competition is at the Main Street entrance to the courthouse. Contact the Westmoreland Bar Association at 724-834-6730 for additional information.
Students will try a “pretend” civil case, with a pretend defendant, pretend witnesses, and pretend attorneys, but in real courtrooms. All teams will rotate between the defense and the prosecution and the winning team will move on to regionals and, if successful, state and national competition. High school participants are required to put in countless hours learning about courtroom procedures and rules of the competition under the guidance of a volunteer attorney coach and teacher coach.
Other dates for the competition are 5:00 pm on February 4th, 12th, 18th and 20th.
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Save the date for the 2014 Bench/Bar Conference! June 11-13, 2014
Close to Nature. Far from Ordinary. Attend the 2014 Bench/Bar Conference at the Stonewall Resort and Conference Center in Roanoake, W.Va., and you will be treated to a lakeside resort that combines the rustic charm of 1920s-style lodges with the best technology, amenities, and recreational choices of today. Stonewall Resort offers upscale accommodations set amongst the lush, rolling hills overlooking Stonewall Jackson Lake. The main lodge features 198 guestrooms with king- or queen-size beds, satellite TV, and views of the lake. Tell me more! >>>
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Join us for the Spring 2014 edition of Dine Around.
It's been a year since WBA members have been out and about, indulging in the fine dining available in Westmoreland County, so be sure to join us for the Spring 2014 edition of Dine Around, which will travel to two 
restaurants and one old favorite.
Join other bar members and their guests for an informal evening of food and conversation. The Dine Around will travel to three different eateries on three different weeknights over three months. Register for the ones that interest you, or register for all three. There are openings for approximately 30 attendees with no registration costs.
- Tuesday, March 11: Bella Mimi's, Jeannette
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- Wednesday, April 9: Brasserie du Soleil, Ligonier
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- Tuesday, May 13: The Back Porch, Belle Vernon
Reservations are necessary and taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Register online or call the Bar offices at 724.834.6730 to reserve your Dine Around date(s). Start time 6:00 p.m. Cost: On own, as ordered from menu.
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2/18 Mock Trials Cancelled
Tonight's Mock Trials have been CANCELLED because two of the participating schools were closed today. The remaining schedule has undergone a bit of shuffling:
—Thursday, February 20, at 5 p.m.
—Wednesday, February 26, at 5 p.m. for the SEMIFINALS
—Tuesday, March 4, at 5 p.m. for the FINALS
Additional jurors are needed for these dates, so volunteer and earn 1.5 FREE CLE credits per session. Call Cathy at 724-834-6730 to sign up.
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