Lycoming Law Association Receives Awards from PBA

HARRISBURG (Feb. 27, 2009) - The Pennsylvania Bar Association presented three County Bar Recognition Awards to the Lycoming Law Association during the 43rd Annual Seminar of the Conference of County Bar Leaders, Feb. 27, in State College, Pa.

Recognized for its development of fee dispute guidelines, Lawcotberfest and Law Day 2008, the Lycoming Law Association is one of 27 local bar associations in Pennsylvania honored this year for sponsoring projects that improve the legal profession, justice system or community. The awards are presented annually by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

"Pennsylvania lawyers deserve praise for investing their time and talents in projects and programs that improve communities and better the legal profession and our justice system," said Pennsylvania Bar Association President C. Dale McClain. "It is our hope that the County Bar Recognition Awards will prompt even more legal professionals to take part in activities that make a difference in the lives of Pennsylvania residents."

Prior to 2008, the association's Fee Dispute Committee had no established, written rules of procedure for the mediation and arbitration of disputes.

The committee drafted rules of procedure, a form for an agreement to arbitrate, a form for an agreement to mediate and a data form to be completed by clients.

The association held its Third Annual Lawctoberfest, a dinner and silent auction. Proceeds benefitted the Lycoming Law Association Foundation. The foundation's mission is to cultivate the science of jurisprudence, improve the legal and judicial systems and facilitate the administration of justice for the Lycoming County residents.

The association's annual Law Day Essay and Art Contest was held in Lycoming County Schools. Association members held receptions for the 10 winning students.

The Conference of County Bar Leaders, whose membership includes leaders from county bar associations throughout the state and from the Pennsylvania Bar Association, organizes a yearly educational conference focusing on the exchange of innovative bar association projects and ideas and on the development of mutually-beneficial relationships among bar leaders that improve the legal profession.