Second Life Bar Association Meeting TranscriptSept. 13, 2008
Transcript taken by Cat Galileo
[10:04] Solomon Cortes: Hi everyone.
[10:04] Racheal Chevalier: hello
[10:04] Solomon Cortes: Thanks for coming today.
[10:04] Solomon Cortes: I'd also like to apologise if you didn't get the usual reminder for the meeting.
[10:05] Solomon Cortes: I sent one out in world but it looks like there was a glitch and it didn't get delivered.
[10:06] Solomon Cortes: So, just for the record, this is advance notice of next month's meeting: it will be on October 11
[10:06] Solomon Cortes: We meet every second Saturday of the month - so if you don't have the dates in your diary, you can put them in now!
[10:07] Solomon Cortes: So, I'd like to begin by welcoming everyone here and reminding you that this is a public meeting
[10:07] Solomon Cortes: A transcript will be posted on the SL BA website after the meeting.
[10:08] Solomon Cortes: Before we begin with the first item on the agenda, I'd particularly like to congratulate all the members of the new exec on their successful election
[10:08] Solomon Cortes: I'm very excited to have the opportunity to work with all of them - and I know that we have great leadership in place for the coming year.
[10:09] Solomon Cortes: I hope ou will all join in congratulating them.
[10:09] Solomon Cortes: *you
[10:10] Solomon Cortes: I'd also like to than every single member of the association who stood for a role or participated in the vote, and I look forward to working with each of you as well.
[10:10] Solomon Cortes: The level of enthusiasm and support was a real tribute to the calibre of the organization and our candidates, and I'm sure we'll see many of them in senior roles in the SL BA in the future.
[10:11] Solomon Cortes: So, thank you to everybody.
[10:11] Solomon Cortes: Now - moving on to the first item on our agenda.
[10:12] Solomon Cortes: Geri - would you update us please on our CLE programme and plans?
[10:12] Geri Kuhn: Sure
[10:12] Geri Kuhn: We have had a great series so far.
[10:12] Geri Kuhn: Great turnout and we've heard interesting presentations.
[10:13] Geri Kuhn: Our next speaker will be Cat Galileo on October 11, right after the SL Bar meeting.
[10:13] Geri Kuhn: She will be speaking on Internet (free) legal research
[10:13] Geri Kuhn: We are looking for new speakers for the future.
[10:13] Geri Kuhn: If anyone is interested in speaking, please let me know.
[10:14] Geri Kuhn: So far we have a law professor interested in speaking on ethics.
[10:14] Geri Kuhn: That will be an interesting presentation and her talk will help us in California with a mandatory CLE requirement.
[10:15] Geri Kuhn: We also are planning on charging a fee to lawyers who want the CLE
[10:15] Geri Kuhn: It will be something approximately to US $20.00 a session.
[10:15] Geri Kuhn: Price hasn't been fixed for sure yet.
[10:15] Soro Dagostino: Hmmmm
[10:15] Geri Kuhn: Anyway, we will keep you posted about the next sessions and again, if you are interested in speaking, please let me know.
[10:15] Geri Kuhn: Thanks.
[10:16] Solomon Cortes: Thanks Geri.
[10:16] Solomon Cortes: Does anyone have any questions or comments?
[10:17] Zoom Galthie: An ethics credit would be great Geri.
[10:17] Geri Kuhn grins.
[10:17] Sylvia Caproni: It is my understanding that CLEs might well be used outside of CA, depending on your jurisdiction - I would think that $20 US for a CLE would be a great bargain
[10:18] Geri Kuhn: Good to hear!
[10:18] Geri Kuhn: We were thinking of a package deal, 4 sessions for $60.00
[10:19] Cat Galileo: we waent to keep it accessible for folks who don't want credit too, so if we can we will not charge those who can't make use of the credit. still figuring out if that is permissible under CA rules
[10:19] Zoom Galthie: Is there the possibility of group rates? For example, for a firm to prepay for its lawyers?
[10:19] Solomon Cortes: Zoom - I would think we'll be happy to consider a pre-payment option!
[10:19] Sylvia Caproni: As a student, I'd appreciate the "free" aspect of just sitting in and not getting credit. But still worth it, definitely.
[10:19] Solomon Cortes: Seriously, I think thisis a good idea.
[10:20] Benjamin Noble: I am 100% in favor of this, for what it's worth. I've been really impressed with the sessions so far, and think its a bargain at that rate.
[10:21] Solomon Cortes: Our plan was to work up the next programme, and then work out what an appropriate per session / package / group charge would be. So if everyone who would be interested in speaking at one of these sessions could let Geri know as soon as possible, that would be great.
[10:21] Cat Galileo: there has also been a lot of interest from the art community, who don't need cle obviously
[10:21] Solomon Cortes: Geri - perhaps you could let the exec know when you have apotential programme, and then we can post that and proposed costings on the forums for discussion.
[10:22] Solomon Cortes: Would that work?
[10:22] Geri Kuhn: Yes, definitely.
[10:22] Solomon Cortes: Great - thank you.
[10:22] Solomon Cortes: Any other comments before we move on?
[10:23] Solomon Cortes: Okay. Well, the second item on our agenda is the proposal to host a legal careers fair. Zoom Galthie recently raised it with me, and – coincidentally – I’d also been discussing the same thing with some of the key recruiters here in London. Personally, I think this would be a great initiative for the SLBA to be involved in.
[10:23] Solomon Cortes: Before I open this to the floor for discussion, Zoom – would you like to add anything?
[10:24] Zoom Galthie: Not especially. I think the possibilities are obvious. And it would be a great opportunity to bring some younger blood into the SLBA.
[10:24] Cat Galileo: good publicity in general too
[10:25] Zoom Galthie: I know that the firm I work for would be willing to even conduct candidate interviewing, and if we could convince enough firms to participate also, you can imagine the enthusiasm amongst students and lawyers looking for something new.
[10:25] Solomon Cortes: What does everyone think of the proposal? If people like it, I was going to suggest that Zoom and I and anyone else who is interested set up a small working group to come up with a proposed plan that we can bring back to you at the next meeting.
[10:26] Benjamin Noble: I love the idea, and would be happy to help out on that committee, Zoom.
[10:26] Sylvia Caproni: I think it's a great idea. Even if the firms involved would not be applicable to a particular student, that student would receive valuable information and tools for RL interviewing, etc., quite possibly
[10:27] Cat Galileo: one comment, we might want to have a structured "orientation to SL" session, if we attract firms and students/lawyers who are new to SL, the intervace is a big stumbling block
[10:27] Zoom Galthie: We could also have workshops about working in different areas of the law, working at a big firm, small firm, medium firm, on your own, for a government, etc.
[10:27] Zoom Galthie: Good point Cat.
[10:27] Sylvia Caproni: That would be simply incredible, Zoom
[10:27] Racheal Chevalier: Perhaps we can create chapters based on region? For example, I am located in Seattle and can work with Seattle attorneys and other members
[10:28] Cat Galileo: i just ran a workshop for librarians and we had about 80% attrition rate due to people being frustrated or just plain unable to run SL
[10:28] Zoom Galthie: We can also start contacting career offices at law schools to solicit their involvement. We may even be able to have a traditional resume submission, etc.
[10:28] Ida Recreant: good points--I'd like to see use of supplemental technolgoy, e.g. auido and video intros for those who could not attend (from the law firm perspective)
[10:28] Solomon Cortes: Can I take it then that everyone thinks this is a good idea?
[10:29] Legal Writer: Yes
[10:29] Cat Galileo: I don't mean to be a bummer, but I was surprised HOW hard it was for these folks, who were all excited and interested in the tech. to get into it
[10:29] Benjamin Noble: re: orientation, Clever Zebra has a fantastic orientation build and expo hall, and might co-sponsor. I could talk to Nick Wilson and see.
[10:29] Cat Galileo: just take that into consideration if markting outside current SL users.
[10:29] Legal Writer: We can also advertise through the American Bar Association Law Student Division.
[10:30] Soro Dagostino: I'd suggest looking to lawyers too.
[10:30] Ida Recreant: great points, cat; we should probably start with a few regions or topics and work up to a full-scale recrutigin forum
[10:30] Sylvia Caproni: The orientation hurdle might be a way for law students at participating schools to get involved - tending to be more tech savvy, they might be the point man for the school - would be useful AND fun
[10:30] Zoom Galthie: Totally agree Soro, but I think that students is the obvious base.
[10:33] Sylvia Caproni: I have to run to a RL appointment at school, unfortunately, but will catch transcript on web, thanks!
[10:33] Solomon Cortes: Alright. So, to move this on, can I suggest that anyone who would like to help on the planning / organization side lets Zoom know. Zoom, perhaps you and I can then agree how best to harness everyone's interest and talents and start taking the planning forwards? Ben - would you be able to set up a section for discussing this on the forum?
[10:33] Zoom Galthie: Sounds good.
[10:33] Benjamin Noble: Will do.
[10:34] Solomon Cortes: Thank you.
[10:34] Solomon Cortes: Our third agenda item relates to the credential checking service. Really, I just wanted to use this as an opportunity to say that Lexis Looming (who can’t be here today and sends his apologies) has done a great job on taking this forwards. I was a little snowed in the last few weeks, but I now have the drafts in front of me and will be working with Lexis to finalise the documents as soon as possible. We’l then put them up on the forums for final discussion and approval. After that, we will be able to take the service itself forwards.
[10:34] Solomon Cortes: So, I apologise for the slight delay, but I think we’ll be in good shape to launch this before / shortly after the next GM.
[10:35] Solomon Cortes: I think we've already had an enquiry from our first potential applicant.
[10:35] Solomon Cortes: Unless there are any questions / comments (apart from, 'shame on you Solomon'!) I'd like to move to the next agenda item!
[10:36] Solomon Cortes: Alright....
[10:36] Solomon Cortes: Then....
[10:36] Solomon Cortes: Social Events.
[10:37] Solomon Cortes: Cat - I think this was your proposal. Would you mind coming forwards to share your thoughts and any proposals with us, please
[10:37] Cat Galileo: sure. apologies for my slow computer & typing.
[10:39] Cat Galileo: One of our 'missions' is to host social events (per our charter) but we have not had very many. I believe that we can change that. I'd like to suggest a committee to find venues and plan events. Perhaps every 4th week to offset meetings on every 2nd week
[10:39] Cat Galileo: instead of just "mocktail parties" perhaps we can have outings to interesting SL locations
[10:40] Cat Galileo: if you are interested in helping or have a suggested location please let me know
[10:40] Cat Galileo: Also I could use input on when the best (or least bad) times are
[10:40] Cat Galileo: so that people can attend.
[10:40] Cat Galileo: I will make a post on the forums and you can post there, or contact me directly
[10:40] Cat Galileo: Thanks!
[10:41] Solomon Cortes: Thanks Cat - I think this is a great idea.
[10:41] Benjamin Noble: One suggestion - alternate times. I'd hate to chew up a 2nd Saturday morning for anyone, every month, and moving the times around will make it so more people can come.
[10:42] Benjamin Noble: Great idea though - our few social events have been well attended.
[10:42] Solomon Cortes: Would people prefer it if we had a social event for anyone who's free after our GMs?
[10:42] Legal Writer: That could work sometimes, but other times, people may want to make other use of their Saturdays.
[10:42] Benjamin Noble: I'd rater they be on semi-random times (weeknights, occasional weekends, late nights, etc.) for different time zones, schedules, etc.
[10:43] Zoom Galthie: I agree with Benjamin, with me it is usually catch as catch can. So if the times were swapped around a little I think that I would probably be able to free myself up for some of them.
[10:43] Ida Recreant: Cat., I do have a list of some interesting sites
[10:44] Solomon Cortes: That sounds like a good plan. Cat, will you consider and follow up with some thoughts and suggestions on the forums?
[10:44] Cat Galileo: yes
[10:44] Solomon Cortes: Perfect. Thank you.
[10:45] Solomon Cortes: Well, our next agenda item is to look at developing our mission statement and strategy.
[10:45] Solomon Cortes: As the association grows and matures, I think it is key that we have clarity about our objectives and goals.
[10:46] Solomon Cortes: Legal has kindly agreed to help us develop our thinking and some proposals in these areas.
[10:46] Solomon Cortes: Legal - would you like to speak about this briefly?
[10:46] Legal Writer: Gladly.
[10:46] Legal Writer: I agree with Solomon that we want to have an eye towards long-term planning.
[10:47] Legal Writer: But before we plan, we need to know where we are headed.
[10:47] Legal Writer: A more basic question is: what is the mission of the group? Accordingly, I would like to help the group by leading an effort to define a statement of the mission of the group.
[10:48] Legal Writer: Following that, we can develop a set of goals to act as principles to guide the group's planning. And then we can flesh out a strategic plan.
[10:48] Legal Writer: But to begin with, I will work with the leadership to create a place in the forums to discuss the mission statement and gather ideas for a strrategic plan.
[10:49] Solomon Cortes: Thank you Legal.
[10:49] Legal Writer: Here is the initial draft mission statement I developed in preparation for the meeting. The SL Bar Association in the Second Life® virtual world is an informal professional organization dedicated to:
• educating the public and profession concerning legal issues in Second Life®;
• studying the legal, business, and technical implications of the 3D Internet, including virtual worlds, and the Second Life® world in particular;
• offering its members opportunities to meet and discuss the association’s interests with professionals from around the world; and
• promoting justice, professional excellence, and the rule of law in Second Life®.
[10:49] Legal Writer: I would appreciate any comments and volunteers to help develop the strategic plan.
[10:50] Legal Writer: Please contact me if interested.
[10:50] ArtWorld Market gave you SLART(R) Summer Festival 2008 v.1.2.
[10:50] Solomon Cortes: This is an important initiative and we're grateful to Legal for taking it on.
[10:50] Racheal Chevalier: i think it would be great if SLBA can function as a liaison between real legal world and virtual world legal needs since there is still a big gap to fill
[10:51] Legal Writer: Yes, this is an important role for the group. As a personal matter, I am acting as a link to the American Bar Associations, but we can each play that role with our local or regional bars.
[10:52] Legal Writer: We can add the thought to the plan.
[10:52] Solomon Cortes: Thanks Legal.
[10:52] Racheal Chevalier: i'd love to help you with this if anything i can contribute
[10:52] Legal Writer: Great; thanks.
[10:53] Solomon Cortes: I was actually going to ask you to talk to item 6 of the agenda - over the last year or two, we've occasionally debated whether the SLBA should incorporate and it may be that we are getting to the point when we should.
[10:53] Solomon Cortes: I know you have some views on this and would be glad if you'd like to discuss them briefly.
[10:54] Legal Writer: This is another interest of mine. Bar associations are nonprofits, and can incorporate. They can do this in order to prevent their members from having personal liability for the conduct of the association's members and personnel. It can also be good from a tax perspective.
[10:55] Legal Writer: I am not a tax lawyer, but do help businesses incorporate (in the Silicon Valley). I am doing more investigations into this. But I suppose if we got big enough, we could be a 501(c)(3) organization, in which contributions to the organization can be deducted from your income on your tax returns.
[10:55] Legal Writer: In the meantime, if we are a nonprofit, we would not have to pay income tax on the income we generate.
[10:56] Legal Writer: I am not sure of the state of the tax laws on this, but nonprofit status will help us take the position that none of what we charge for dues and for CLEs should be taxable to us as a "partnership" seeking a profit.
[10:57] Legal Writer: So, if anyone has more focused expertise on nonprofits, I would be interested in hearing from you. I am willing to do the incorporation process if we want to go forward. We would need a little money for filing fees, but it may be modest.
[10:57] Legal Writer: Does anyone have any thoughts on this issue?
[10:58] Soro Dagostino: Legal, I chair an national non-profits Legal Committee, I can help.
[10:58] Legal Writer: Terrific. Perhaps we can talk offline.
[10:58] Soro Dagostino: We have lawyers from across the country
[10:58] Solomon Cortes: Soro - that's fantastic. Thank you.
[10:59] Soro Dagostino: Catch you later.
[10:59] Legal Writer: Any other thoughts?
[10:59] Sarah Amat: I'm not a tax lawyer, but also do non-profit organization. I can help as well.
[10:59] Legal Writer: Great, thank you.
[10:59] Racheal Chevalier: can we solicit donations for this organization? I dont know the financial structure of this organization
[10:59] Legal Writer: Seems like we should start a forum thread on this as well.
[10:59] Soro Dagostino: One point. The group will likely need two organizations
[11:00] Solomon Cortes: Legal - can I ask you then to take this forwards with Soro and Sarah and anyone else interested in helping, and report back to us as soon as you are in a position to do so?
[11:00] Benjamin Noble: I will start a thread, Legal.
[11:00] Legal Writer: Sure.
[11:00] Soro Dagostino: One as a professional group and the other as a foundation.
[11:00] Solomon Cortes: Thanks Legal.
[11:00] Solomon Cortes: So, is there any other business?
[11:01] Solomon Cortes: Then, the meeting has closed.
[11:01] Solomon Cortes: Thank you everyone!
[11:01] Racheal Chevalier: thank you
[11:02] Baeric Constantine: thank you
[11:02] Ida Recreant: Thanks Solomon
[11:02] Legal Writer: Thank you.
[11:02] Benjamin Noble: Thanks, Solomon.
[11:02] Soro Dagostino: Thanks Solomon
[11:03] Solomon Cortes: really - thanks everyone - it's so exciting to see how much we can do together and how much enthusiasm there is to collaborate and achieve great things!
Created on ... September 13, 2008