FEBRUARY 2010

Wednesday February 24 Part 1 and March 3 part II - Tips for New Solo Practitioners Small Firms, and Professional Companies, by Paul E. Lacy, Bermuda Bar Association. This presentation will provide some tips for solo practitioners, and small firms, or those contemplating starting such a practice.  At the Bar office, we have recently several new solo practitioners and small firms come in for some guidance.  As a result, we have developed developed some guidelines and suggestions to help keep a practice in compliance with the Rules.  In addition, there will some suggestions for those contemplating establishing themselves as a professional company, and apply for a certificate of recognition.

Wednesday 10 March, "The Direction Going Forward", Arlene Brock, Ombudsman. Ms. Brock will discuss the directions the Ombudsman position has taken and welcomes suggestions for the direction going forward.  She will also discuss the latest Ombudsman's Annual Report.  The report is available at: http://www.ombudsman.bm/images/pdfs/AnnualReports/OmbudsmanReport09.pdf .  As a cost-saving matter, the Report was not printed.

Wednesday 17 March, “Immigration Hurdles Caused by Criminal History (US, UK  Canada & Bermuda)”, by Alan Gordon. Even without a criminal conviction , a Bermudian can be permanently put on the US Immigration Stop List for past drug use.  In the face of rising public pressure to assist Bermudians with travel opportunities limited by criminal convictions and resulting immigration difficulties, Government recently announced the intention to create a new office intended to assist Bermudians in need of US “Stop List” waiver.  Despite these news assistance mechanisms, Bermudian citizens and residents with criminal backgrounds face many surprises gaining entry clearance to the US, Canada, and even the UK, while foreigners seeking entry to Bermuda are far less hindered.

Presentation includes:

· Little-known procedural surprises

· Tips for avoiding stop-listing 

· Post-conviction remedies

· Comparison between US, UK, Canadian and Bermudian Immigration rules, policies and procedures relating to criminal background.

Wednesday 24 March, “Googling the Law”, by Karen Skiffington, Head of Knowledge Services at Cox Hallett & Wilkinson. When to do it; when not to do it; and why.

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Dear Members,

We are in need of speakers for the weekly CLE presentations.  Many of us have developed expertise in an area of law.  For those of us who have practiced for a long time I would ask that you consider sharing some of what you have learned, through presentations dealing with what has recently developed in your field, or an overview of some aspect of your field for those who do not practice in that area, or what you have learned, only through experience. 

For those who have begun your practice more recently, you too have something to give, whether it is your understanding of your area of practice, or a through a particular research project or other techniques that you have learned, that would be of interest. Please contact Paul Lacy directly.

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If you wish to be added to our mailing list to receive notification of CLE classes, please email director@bermudabar.org

48 Cedar Avenue is on the one-way street between Church and Victoria Street.  Pink building on the lefthand side of the road halfway down.  Go up the few steps, through the glass doors and turn immediately left.  BII is the blue door with the ship on it.