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Bar News - May 23, 2003 Member Category Changes Proposed Special Membership Meeting June 18 ~ Member Approval Needed Pro Bono Member Status Proposed MEMBERS OF THE NH Bar will be asked to approve a new category of active membership status that would lower Association dues for members who provide pro bono legal services to the indigent through the Bar's Pro Bono program or other legal services agencies, but who are otherwise not actively practicing or employed in the legal profession. Dues for such members would be abated to 10 percent of the active dues category. It is envisioned that this dues category could stimulate volunteering for the NHBA Pro Bono Referral program by retired attorneys or attorneys who are not actively practicing, but wish to fulfill their professional public service obligations. A special membership meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, June 18 at 4:00 p.m. at the Bar Center to obtain membership approval of two constitution and bylaw changes. Changes in membership categories require an amendment to the NHBA Constitution, and amendments can only be made by a vote of the membership and subsequent approval by the NH Supreme Court. Currently, at least 10 states have modified their practice or licensing to allow retired attorneys to engage in pro bono practice under limited circumstances. The NHBA Board of Governors, presented with a proposal from the Pro Bono Governing Policy Board for a "retired Pro Bono" category limited to attorneys 60 years or older, decided instead to widen the criteria for the membership category, removing the minimum age requirement. The proposed text of the amendment is: NHBA Bylaws Article II Membership Dues [New] Section 8. Limited Active Membership Status for Pro Bono Service Through the NHBA Pro Bono Referral System Members who are otherwise not engaged in the practice of law in any jurisdiction, or who occupy a position the duties of which do not require the giving of legal advice or services in New Hampshire or any other jurisdiction, are eligible to request Limited Active Membership Status for NHBA PBRS Pro Bono Service for the sole purpose of providing civil pro bono legal services to the indigent. The annual membership fee for the Limited Active Membership Status for NHBA PBRS Pro Bono Service shall not exceed 10 percent of the Active membership fee. The NHBA Board of Governors reserves the right to grant and rescind Limited Active Membership Status for NHBA PBRS, and strongly encourages members requesting or maintaining this membership status to volunteer for approved civil legal services through the NHBA Pro Bono Referral System for a minimum of 40 hours per year. The membership meeting will also be asked to approve a second amendment allowing NHBA members who are judges in other states to maintain full-time judicial status for their NH Bar membership. Currently Article II, Section III allows NH judges and federal judges residing in this state to assume judicial status, but not out-of-state judges. These changes will require a majority vote of those present. The membership also may consider any additional business submitted in accordance with the provisions of the NHBA Constitution and Bylaws. For further information on these agenda items, contact Denice DeStefano at ddestefano@nhbar.org or call (603) 224-6942.
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