NLA REVIEW	LITIGATION UPDATE	Spring 1997

The NLA's second annual convention in Chicago, in September 1996, provided both the forum and the catalyst for the launch of the Litigation Section. Following the adoption of bylaws and the election of officers, there ensued lively discussions that focused upon ways in which the section might expand participation by, and extend significant benefits and services to, its members.

As a result of these discussions, the Litigation Section decided to concentrate its initial efforts upon assisting members in "riding the wave" of new communications technologies. The first step in this process was to inventory the collective expertise and experience of its members, in order to create an informational and networking database. The second step was to establish a toehold in cyberspace through creation of the section's own web page in the NLA's "virtual office." While the first step is necessarily evolutionary, thanks to the efforts of the NLA's "Webmaster," Mike Monahan, the section's web page is now up and running. NLA members may now access the page to apply for membership in the section; to review their colleagues' litigation skills and experience; to complete and/or update their own skills and experience inventories; to communicate electronically with other section members; and to post questions or notices of general interest on the NLA bulletin board. Very soon, the section hopes to expand these services by adding a "virtual law library," which will enable members to access, through a series of hyperlinks, federal and state legislation, regulations, court opinions and other helpful legal resources.

Consistent with its theme of building a "virtual section," the Litigation Section is also planning a series of technology-oriented CLE presentations at the third annual convention, in Washington, D.C. For example, the section intends to offer hands-on, interactive demonstrations which will examine "Uses of Technology in the Courtroom and the Boardroom," as well as "Litigation and the Internet."

The NLA Litigation Section wishes to be more than just another section of just another professional organization. Obviously, the most important distinctiveis being a part of the NLA—free from the cumbersome structures, required traditions and methods that prevent members of some other organizations from having a voice in their organizations' affairs. To that end—and like the NLA itself—the Litigation Section wants to be "member responsive." We want to develop a genuine network for our members, so that we may provide very real assistance to one another as litigators. We want to have an openness in our contacts and communications, such that there will be no hesitancy or embarrassment about asking any question or in seeking any assistance or counsel. This leads me to a closing point: The Litigation Section extends a cordial invitation to attorneys with interest or experience in litigation to join the section. By joining now, there is an excellent opportunity to provide meaningful input and leadership to the section as we strive to become the most effective section of its type. Welcome aboard!