Section Highlights

Message From the Chair

It was wonderful to see so many of you earlier this month during the TIPS Fall Leadership Meeting in La Quinta, CA! In addition to the amazing weather, we had a great turnout at our Ethics CLE program, conducted productive business meetings as we plan ahead for Section initiatives and programs and had a great time at our social events.

Our focus now turns to our stellar lineup of Fall CLE programs. During the month of November, TIPS is presenting a number of valuable programs including the Fidelity & Surety Law Committee’s Fall program in Hartford and a program on the Lloyd’s Market Structure. Make sure to continually visit our CLE calendar for program updates.

In addition, as we continue to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of TIPS, I encourage you to listen to our 80th Anniversary Podcast Series. The first podcast, entitled Civility as an Art Form in Diplomacy and the Law, is now available on our website.

Dick Semerdjian,
Chair, Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section

Superstorm Sandy

Our thoughts are with the many TIPS members who have been affected by the recent Superstorm Sandy. Over the past year, TIPS has worked hard to deliver a number of resources to help you cope with the aftermath of such a disaster. We have consolidated these resources on the TIPS Disaster website and blog for your convenience. We hope these resources prove useful to those experiencing significant business interruptions. If you missed the Special eAlert we sent out yesterday, you may view it here.

TIPS Fall Meeting Highlights

TIPS had a very successful Fall Leadership Meeting earlier this month in La Quinta, CA. We had a fabulous turnout at our Ethics CLE Program entitled Through the Looking Glass: What Lawyers Can Learn From Judges and What Judges Can Learn From Lawyers About Ethical Practice and Professionalism. Our Section Sponsor, DecisionQuest, hosted a complimentary cocktail reception and we honored Thomas T. Anderson with the TIPS Pursuit of Justice Award during the Welcome Reception.

TIPS members also had some fun by participating in the Denise's Dash 5k Fun Run/Walk, which they shared with the newest TIPS member, Desert, a lost puppy that followed TIPS member Marlo Leach during one of her morning runs. TIPS members also gave back to the local community during a Clubhouse Clean-Up Day at the Jim O'Brien Boys & Girls Club. The project was sponsored by the TIPS Law in Public Service Committee who also continues to sponsor Kits For Kidz, an online donation drive to provide school supplies for low-income elementary school students in Chicago.

TIPS 80th Anniversary Podcast Series

As part of TIPS 80th Anniversary celebration this year, we are delivering a series of podcasts that address our 80th Anniversary themes of relevance, professionalism, civility and excellence in our profession. The first podcast entitled Civility as an Art Form in Diplomacy and the Law is now available online. Listen Today!

Best Memories

While I had the privilege of being Chair of the Section (2007-2008), my fondest TIPS memory amongst many actually happened in July 2000 during the Annual Meeting in New York at the Waldorf. I was sitting in a ballroom at the hotel when Mitch Orpett delivered his welcome remarks as our new Chair. For those who do not know Mitch, amongst his many qualities, he is erudite, caring and a deep thinker. Mitch's remarks that morning were inspirational and reflected these attributes. Mitch's parents were there and what struck me so profoundly was a moment when I turned and looked at Mitch's Dad, so proud of his son, that he had tears in his eyes. Although I had steadfastly vowed never to run for Chair, it was this moment that turned me to the path that I followed in TIPS leadership.

I will add that the friendships that I have made over the years, starting with a telephone call from Sandy McCandless when my own Dad passed away and an attempted hike to the Lake Louise Tea House with John Pavlou, are the real treasures of TIPS membership. The memories we have created over the years will always be held close to my heart.

Peter Bennett, TIPS 2007-2008 Chair

Upcoming Events & CLE

UIA 56th Congress

Fidelity & Surety Law Fall Meeting: Handling and Defending Fidelity and Financial Institution Bond Claims

A Day At Lloyd’s: An Introduction to the Lloyd’s Market Structure and the Use of ADR to Manage Disputes Involving Lloyd’s

Fidelity & Surety Law Webinar: Ethics of Joint Representation of Sureties and Principals

39th Annual TIPS Midwinter Symposium on Life, Health, Disability and ERISA

Fidelity & Surety Law Mid-Winter Meeting: Construction Damages, Commercial Crime and Suretyship

Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Program: The Heat is On-Hot Topics in a Sizzling Insurance World

Transportation MegaConference XI

View All Upcoming Meetings & CLE

Membership

Don't Forget to Renew Your Membership!

TIPS would like to thank those members who have renewed their membership for the 2012-13 year, we are very excited for the year ahead and appreciate your commitment to the Section! We would also like to remind those who have not yet renewed, that the next dues bill for the 2012-13 membership year will be mailed on November 17th. We truly value your membership and look forward to another successful and busy year!

Enter ABA’s “And Justice For All” Facebook Sweepstakes to Win!

Enter ABA’s “And Justice For All” Facebook Sweepstakes for a chance to win an international trip for two to explore the ABA’s social justice programs in action! The winner will choose among the Solomon Islands, Kyrgyzstan or Jordan to meet participants in ABA’s Rule of Law Initiative and enjoy local tourist attractions. Plus, there are 40 more prizes, including $500 gift cards, Smartphones and more! Prizes will be awarded weekly, so enter early for the best chance to win. The sweepstakes will run from November 1 - 30. Visit www.ambar.org/ABASweeps to enter and read Official Rules.

NEW! ABA Email Preference Center

The ABA has released the new Preference Center, giving you the opportunity to select your own individual email preferences. You now have the ability to choose to receive email from only your Sections, Divisions & Forums, or email related to your areas of interest, and you may subscribe to the ABA's weekly email digest to reduce the frequency of email you receive. To use this feature, have your ABA ID number and password handy, then click on this link.