I wrote in a recent column that the D.C. Bar should work to preserve its institutions to endure into the
future. Simply put, with tough economic times upon us, the Bar needs to work even harder to ensure that we stay on target with our mission. The need to focus on two vital and enduring areas of the Bar’s mission has become critical. Both areas weigh heavily on Bar members involved in advocating on behalf of D.C. residents:
- Aiding the courts in carrying out and improving the administration of justice, as well as promoting access to justice
- Enhancing the delivery of legal services to those in need
With that in mind, I take this opportunity to appeal further to Bar members. The D.C. Bar will hold a Special Membership Meeting on March 20, 2012, for all active Bar members to vote on the organization’s authority to lobby on court funding and access to justice issues.
Your attendance will benefit us on two fronts:
- The Bar seeks approval from members to renew the organization’s authority to make public statements about funding for the D.C. Courts, which includes the D.C. Court of Appeals and D.C. Superior Court. If approved, the resolution would be effective for five years.
- The second resolution for consideration will be the renewal of the Bar’s authority to make recommendations and public statements in support of funding for proposals recommended by the D.C. Access to Justice Commission that would improve the delivery of civil legal services in the District. Renewal of the authorization also would be effective for five years.
I hope to see you there to support these two important issues.
Darrell G. Mottley
D.C. Bar President
In the coming weeks, we anticipate opening this blog to comments. Would you like to take a turn as a guest blogger? Please e-mail us at voices@dcbar.org.
