f/k/a archives . . . real opinions & real haiku

It’s springtime, and anyone with a dog knows that sunshine can uncover

things we’d rather not see (or step on).  Nonetheless, the legal reform

group HALT is contuinng to fight for better disclosure of  judicial

financial holdings, while shining its own spotlight on the problem of

judges and junkets.  (see Topeka Capital-Journal, “Corporate lobbyists

influence federal judges too,” March 4, 2005).  Also, check out HALT’s

Judicial Integrity Project.

 

last

snowbank —

the soccer ball emerges

                                   [dagosan, March 21, 2005]

 

potluck

Speaking of HALT, the Consumer Federation of America adopted a number   

of key legal reforms advocated by HALT, at its annual meeting earlier this

month.   The following legal reform provisions are now part of CFA’s 2005

Policy Resolutions Manual (from the HALT eJournal, March 16, 2005)

CFA Endorses HALT Recommendation of Gift Receipt Restrictions for Judges.

CFA supports strict limitations on the gifts that federal and state judges may

accept. Judicial standards should parallel the standards imposed upon the

executive and legislative branches, not to exceed de minimus amounts.

 

CFA Endorses HALT Proposal to Require Written Professional Fee Agreements.

Any professional licensed by the state must provide clients with plain language

written fee agreements and send itemized monthly statements when fees are incurred.

 

CFA Endorses HALT Recommendation for the Creation of Free Legal Hotlines for

Low-Income Seniors. CFA supports the establishment and generous public and private

funding of free legal hotlines for low-income seniors, staffed by licensed attorneys and

covered by legal malpractice insurance. Senior hotlines should exist nationwide.

 

CFA Endorses HALT Recommendation for the Implementation of Small Claims

Court Advisors. CFA supports expanding the availability of legal self-help through

small claims court systems. Such expanded access should include small claims advisors.

Small claims advisors are individuals other than clerks with an understanding of small

claims procedures whose primary duties are to explain those procedures to small claims

litigants and guide them through their cases.

 

  The impact on the public is potentially so great, that the American Antitrust Institute 

has taken the unusual step of declaring that it Prefers Qwest to Horizon in their Battle to purchase 

MCI. (Letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, March 14, 2005).  The MCI board is expected to

make its choice between suitors on March 28th.   The AAI statement concludes: 

“On balance, and after a necessarily abbreviated analysis, the AAI holds the opinion

that an acquisition of MCI by Qwest rather than Verizon would better serve the public’s

interest in a competitive telecommunications market. Our conclusion is based primarily

on the expected competitive landscape post-acquisition in the business wireline and the

internet “IP backbone” markets.”

The NYT article on Saturday about unbundling broadband from local phone

service also suggest that Qwest might have a better attitude about providing

consumers what they want. (“Dangling Broadband From the Phone Stick, “March 19, 2005)

 

last day of winter —
ice aborts
the early buds

                  [dagosan, March 21, 2005]

 

Lexington, KY, attorney Ben Cowgill launched his Legal Ethics Blog last week,

and I regret — as does he — that he dawdled.  Ben correctly refers to the website

as both a weblog and a portal for legal ethics resources — there is much content

compiled from his legal career ,representing lawyers in disciplinary hearings and

otherwise focusing on the law of lawyering.

 

The weblog itself shows a love of writing and reflection, along with legal

ethics, that will bring me back frequently.   For example, see his interview with Lincoln

and Brandeis for new attorneys, and his reminder why the Three Don’ts don’t say

nearly enough.

• 
  
  I hope Ben won’t pull his punches on issues that relate to the rights
  
  
  of clients (especially relating to fiduciary duties of lawyers to fully
  
  
  inform clients of their options and to charge reasonable fees), due
  
  
  to his role as defense counsel.

Welcome, Ben!  I know your first entries won’t be your last words.

 

first butterfly–
without formal greeting
entering the alcove

spring at my gate–
the first New Year’s greeting
from sparrows

a full round
of New Year’s greetings
at the inn

 

 

ISSA, translated by David G. Lanoue