PLATFORM AT-A-GLANCE Together we can make our Bar even better * Promote the use of cutting-edge technology and help lawyers create the law offices of the 21st Century. * Evaluate hardware & software in a new Technology Resource Center, then distill the information it gathers and pass that information on to members. * Set up a hands-on computer test center for members. * Assist law firms in becoming Y2K compliant. * Provide excellent service & benefits, including long-term health care, a variety of office assistance programs and travel benefits. * Offer more business advice to help firms small and large get all the office management and business training and information they need. Expand the Law Office Management Assistance Service. * Offer mentoring to educate and train lawyers, particularly young lawyers. * Create a comprehensive benefits guide that puts everything at your fingertips -- online and on paper. * Improve the public's perception of lawyers with a multi-faceted public education effort to counter inaccurate and negative stereotypes. Focus attention on the many good things lawyers do for society. * Place greater emphasis on professionalism by promoting higher standards of competence, courtesy and integrity. * Discipline lawyers who violate the public trust. * Create a Judicial Independence Commission to safeguard the independence of the judiciary and lawyers, and keep the courts open to all. * Create a rapid response capability to speak out on behalf of the judiciary when failure to do so would affect the fair administration of justice. * Establish a Judicial Institute where legislators and the public can learn about the history of judicial independence -- the linchpin of our constitutional democracy -- and the independence of the legal profession. * Inspire lawyers to serve in local and state government. * Strengthen our legislative effort by establishing more and better working relationships with lawmakers. * Ensure that government provides adequate funding for the justice system. * Seek increased compensation for government lawyers. * Encourage diversity by getting out-of-state lawyers, minorities, women, government lawyers and young lawyers actively involved in the Bar. * Hold the line on dues by prioritizing programs and eliminating those that are no longer relevant. * Resolve ancillary business issues after working to build a consensus. Avoid unnecessary rules and regulations that hinder the practice of law. * Vigorously prosecute non-lawyers who engage in the unauthorized practice of law. Russomanno.com Home Page