At MSBA meeting, a focus on technology 

Posted: 7:49 pm Tue, June 8, 2010
By Danny Jacobs
Daily Record Legal Affairs Writer

Courtland K. Townsend describes himself as a “complete computer illiterate.” But that did not stop the chairman of the Maryland State Bar Association’s Ethics Committee from planning a program about ethics in the Digital Age at the organization’s annual meeting, which begins Wednesday in Ocean City.

“Like every business, we’re in a different world right now,” he said.

While there is no formal theme for the educational programming at the meeting, many sections this year are examining aspects of social media, from marketing through Twitter to knowing when not to use Facebook.

“I think it is a hotbed issue and does have an impact in all areas of law,” said Abby Bhattacharyya, a member of the Intellectual Property Section, who will moderate a program on legal issues in social media.

The annual meeting’s program co-chairs said the focus on social media was a coincidence they were pleased to see.

“We continue to strive to make programs more topical,” said Ted Staples. “It’s not just how to do [social media] but how to be ethical while you do it.”

“We felt having more than one program was justified,” added Andrew Radding. “There are so many issues and so many questions.”

Radding will be a panelist for “Handshakes to Tweeting,” a Thursday morning program co-sponsored by the Young Lawyer and Senior Lawyers sections. The program will offer an overview on the best and worst uses of social media.

“You’ve got some senior lawyers who are just not comfortable using technology,” said Radding, a member of Adelberg, Rudow, Dorf & Hendler LLC in Baltimore.

Those using social media must still follow the Rules of Professional Conduct, which is the focus of the Ethics Committee’s program. Townsend, an Ocean City solo practitioner, said his program will answer — and raise — questions for both technology experts and novices.

The Intellectual Property Section’s seminar, which the MSBA will stream live online Thursday morning, is similarly designed for “tip-of-the-iceberg” awareness, Bhattacharyya said. Social media law, its impact on contractual agreements and Federal Communications Commission guidelines will be discussed, she said.

“Technology is wonderful but it can cost businesses clients,” said Bhattacharyya, of Bartunek & Bhattacharyya Ltd. in Columbia.

Howard County Circuit Administrative Judge Diane O. Leasure will talk about the use of social media by jurors at the session, Bhattacharyya said.

On Friday, Bhattacharyya will discuss patent law, her specialty, in a breakout session during Friday’s Solo Day program.

Also at Solo Day, two nationally known speakers will touch on technology issues. Richard S. Granat, an entrepreneur who runs his Owings Mills office from his home in Florida, will talk about the virtual law firm in the morning, and Jack Marshall, president of ProEthics Ltd., will discuss using technology as an ethics tool in the afternoon.

Howard County Circuit Judge Lenore H. Gelfman, the Solo Day program’s chair, said the idea is for solo practitioners and small firms to view technology in a supporting role in their practices.

“Technology becomes more important to minimize the amount of time devoted to non-billable hours,” she said.

A range of programming

Not all of the programming focuses on technology and social media, of course. Hal Haddon, a Denver criminal defense lawyer whose clients have included basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, will talk about trying the high-profile case.

The popular “Are You Smarter Than a Law Clerk?” challenge returns, as does a session dispensing practical advice to young lawyers.

Other programs will examine workplace fraud, green building, family law legislation, financial elder abuse and state regulation of the horse industry. Maryland District Court Chief Judge Ben C. Clyburn will also provide an update on the judiciary-wide integrated case management system, which is scheduled to be in place in 2015.

Also scheduled to speak during the meeting are retiring Bar Counsel Melvin Hirshman about common mistakes lawyers make, and Robert Mnookin, a Harvard Law School professor, on negotiation and his new book, “Bargaining with the Devil.”

“Nobody will be able to say they can’t find a program,” Radding said.

Perhaps the most somber moment of the meeting will take place during the Consumer Bankruptcy Section’s program, which is dedicated to the late Alexander Gordon IV, an Easton solo practitioner known as “the dean of the bankruptcy bar.” The session will include a brief memorial service for Gordon, who died last month. Another lawyer will give a presentation Gordon had been preparing, said Richard S. Stolker, the program’s co-chair.

“He was bigger than life and gave very generously his time and knowledge,” said Stolker, of Uptown Law LLC in Rockville. “His absence will be noticed by everybody.”

Around 650 people are expected at the meeting, up slightly from last year, according to MSBA spokeswoman Janet S. Eveleth. Those headed “downy ocean” also can expect the traditional Wednesday night crab feast, Thursday night president’s reception and annual business meeting Saturday morning, when Thomas D. Murphy will be installed as president, replacing Thomas C. Cardaro.

“It’s a great four days to meet and mingle with your fellow professionals,” Staples said.