Ms. Cheryl M. Bruce This is Me

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1. 1. BBC minutes - 2002

   www.nmbar.org/statebar/board/0 - [Cached]

   Published on: 7/25/2002   Last Visited: 2/3/2003

   Cheryl Bruce
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   D. Visits to several local and voluntary bars have been scheduled this year, and Executive Director Cheryl Bruce will accompany her on as many visits as possible. E. The annual judicial reception honoring new judges, co-sponsored by the Albuquerque Bar Association, will be held on February 12th. Board members were encouraged to attend. F. During the keynote luncheon at the National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP) held on February 1st in Philadelphia, United States Supreme Court Justice Kennedy presented his "Dialog on Freedom" initiative. The program will bring together students and lawyers to focus on freedom and democracy. G. She recently addressed first-year law students at UNM speaking on professionalism.
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   President Torres will refer the waiver request to Cheryl Bruce to handle.
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   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce reported the following: A. Ms. Bruce welcomed back Board members for the first meeting of 2002, and congratulated and welcomed new members and the 2002 officers. B. She attended a two-day retreat for Executive Directors of State Bars, hosted by LexisNexis, and held in Dayton, Ohio in early January. LexisNexis announced new member benefits supporting solo and small firms, and suggested ways in which bars could partner with them to market these new services. C. State Bar section and division chairs have been invited to attend an orientation to be held on February 22nd. The session will focus on strategic planning, developing a budget, marketing and membership recruitment. D. Commissioners were asked for their preference with regard to transmitting board meeting materials and other information. Following discussion, the Board asked that a fax poll with transmission options be sent to Board members. Ms. Bruce noted that the estimated savings by sending Board materials and the BBC Newsletter electronically would be substantial. E. The 2002 Roehl Circle of Honor inductees were honored on February 6th at a reception by invitation only.
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   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce reworded the motion to state that the mission of the task force would be to study and analyze the data, and submit a report that may include recommendations to improve the administration of justice. Commissioner Behles seconded the amended motion. Following a vote, the motion passed with eleven in favor and five opposed.
   
   Ms. Bruce inquired if funding for the proportionality study could be obtained from other sources, other than the state.
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   Ms. Bruce advised the Board of the need to address whether Special Projects, Inc., would be the recipient of a grant, and asked what should be done to keep the task force on track with the mission as directed by the Board. President Torres announced that she would attend the next meeting of the task force to explain the directives from the Board regarding the name change, clarification on mission, work to be done within the scope of that mission and the Board directives, and the final report of the task force.
   
   5. Report from Finance Committee Secretary-Treasurer Vigil reported on the following matters discussed and action taken by the Finance Committee at the December 7, 2001, meeting:
   
   A. The financials were reviewed and accepted. B. The 2002 budget for Special Projects, Inc., was approved. C. Fee waiver requests were reviewed for members over 70 years of age or whose incomes were less than $20,000 per year. Two requests from armed service members prompted a proposal to amend the board policies and/or bylaws. Commissioner Vigil moved to have the Policy/Bylaws Committee consider waiving the fees for active duty military personnel. Commissioner Wolf seconded, and the motion passed. A policy and Bylaws amendment will be drafted by management and presented for approval at the next meeting. D. West Group paid $8,000 in outstanding advertising debt in compliance with the new accounts receivable policy.
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   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce recommended that, since the claimant produced no receipts or verification, the request should be denied.
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   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce reported that the Executive Committee recommended that the Board sign a resolution for amicus curiae briefs if the National Association of IOLTA Programs decides to pursue the matter. Commissioner Hoffman moved to approve the recommendation, and Commissioner Castille seconded. Commissioners Schutte and Dawdy voiced objections in that favoring this proposal signifies voting against one's own client's interest. Following a vote with eight in favor and four against, the motion passed.
   
   10. Recommendations on Web Site Redesign
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   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce asked that the Bylaws Committee review the amendment, and reminded the Board of the 30-day notice of proposed amendments prior to formal adoption of a Bylaws amendment. She noted that this meeting and approval of the proposed amendment would serve as the required notice, and that the amendment could than be formally approved at the next meeting. Commissioner Wolf suggested including more members on the Executive Committee, and Commissioner Briones suggested that instead of adding the immediate past president, the President could appoint another member of the Board. The motion to include the immediate past president passed by a vote of nine in favor and four against.
   
   14. Appointment of Board Liaison to Serve on the Center for Civic Values Board Commissioner Stiff has served as the Board of Bar Commissioners liaison on the Center for Civic Values Board for the past two years. President Torres asked for volunteers to serve as the new liaison.
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   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce replied that the State Bar has a disclaimer.
   
   B. President Torres announced committee appointments as follows:
   
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   Cheryl Bruce
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   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce reported the following:
   
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   Ms. Bruce also acknowledged the Albuquerque Bar Association for its assistance in contacting and obtaining commitments from schools. G. MCLE will soon be launching a new Web site that will allow members to access their MCLE records to keep better track of their personal MCLE compliance status.
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   Ms. Bruce further pointed out that President Torres would be speaking about the program at the National Conference of Bar Presidents in Washington, D.C., in August.
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   Cheryl Bruce noted that in addition to the nominees considered by the Awards Committee, an additional nomination was submitted after the deadline and the meeting of the committee. Ms. Bruce summarized the additional nomination received by Court of Appeals Judge Jim Wechsler on behalf of Judge Lynn Pickard to receive an Outstanding Judicial Service Award for her contributions to the preparation of the annual budget for the judiciary.
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   Cheryl Bruce requested the Board's approval to pay $2,500 to Edward Legarda from the Client Protection Fund.
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   The Board agreed that it would be appropriate for President Torres and Cheryl Bruce to visit informally with the Chief Justice about these issues. President Torres also noted that she would ask the Chief Justice if the Court would be willing to share a copy of the letter from the Board of Bar Examiners commenting on the proposed MJP recommendations submitted by the State Bar.
   
   14. Report on Web Site Redesign
   
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   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce reported on the following:
   
   A. Few other CLE providers have offered a course on professionalism in 2002. The Commission's program, "Interpreting the Creed through Different Communication Styles," was presented live on April 3rd and was sold out, with the Commission offering the opportunity for additional attendees to participate in the program by opening a "run off" classroom with a live audio and video feed. The Commission will also be offering self-study and video replays of the program throughout the year. B. The professionalism program will also be presented to and cosponsored by local and voluntary bars, and the program will also be presented at the Bench and Bar Conference, the Bridge the Gap CLE program, and at the Annual Convention. Commissioners were encouraged to contact their local bars to cosponsor the program.
   
   16. Report on Annual Convention
   
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   Cheryl Bruce reported the following:
   
   A. The State Bar endorsed malpractice insurance provider's AM Best rating was reduced from an A to a B due to the number of malpractice claims filed in 2001 against the medical profession (ANLIR also carries malpractice insurance for doctors and hospitals). To provide historical information regarding the company, Ms. Bruce further explained that while the lawyers' side of the insurance program is managed and governed by lawyers, ANLIR was originally created by the medical profession, and a large number of claims against medical professionals caused the drop in the rating. ANLIR has pledged to build the surplus on the medical side to $72 million, and AM Best has promised to increase the rating in 60 days following a review of the financial stability of the medical book of business from B to B+.
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   Mr. Doerr will go through orientation provided by Mr. Crouch, Mr. Sabin, Ms. Bruce and AN

2. 2. NMIPA Emergency Site - Press Releases

   www.fire.nmipa.org/press_relea - [Cached]

   Published on: 5/19/2000   Last Visited: 1/4/2006

   While the State Bar offices cannot provide legal advice to individuals, its staff may be able to answer general questions or to provide other assistance and resources, according to State Bar Executive Director Cheryl Bruce.

3. 3. BBC minutes - 1999

   www.nmbar.org/statebar/board/9 - [Cached]

   Published on: 12/10/1999   Last Visited: 2/3/2003

   Cheryl Bruce
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   President Kraft and Executive Director Cheryl Bruce attended Santa Fe, Lovington and Chaves County Local Bar meetings. The officers met with the Supreme Court on December 16th, and the 1999 Budget was approved. Three judicial nominating commissions have been appointed.
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   President Kraft met with the Executive Director to discuss her bonus and compensation change effective August 1st, and Steve Doerr and President Kraft met with Ms. Bruce regarding her annual review.
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   President Kraft, President-elect Doerr and Ms. Bruce will attend the NABE (National Association of Bar Executives) and NCBP (National Conference of Bar Presidents) Midyear meetings and the Western States Bar Conference in early February, with each serving on panels.
   
   Executive Director's Report
   
   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce reported the following:
   
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   President Kraft reminded Commissioners to advise Ms. Bruce regarding meetings with local and voluntary bars so that she could attend.
   
   XI. Review of Challenges to 1999 Budget
   
   President Kraft reported that two budget challenges were received, one of which was a suggestion to give more support to LREP.
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   Ms. Bruce added that the program is a public service; however, because of the continuing financial concern, the Board should reevaluate the program, either through the strategic planning or budgeting process.
   
   Report on Executive Committee Meetings
   
   President Kraft reported that there have been two Executive Committee meetings since the November Board meeting: one to prepare for the December meeting with the Supreme Court and to discuss the Client Protection Fund issues; the second to review agenda items for the January Board meeting and to recommend items for the consent agenda.
   
   Client Protection Fund Report
   
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   Ms. Bruce reported that the insurance company has since advised that the bond will increase from $37,000 to $50,082 for 1999, and that the deadline to renew was extended to February 12. Commissioner Doerr reminded the Board that a client protection fund allocation was not approved in the 1999 budget and that there was no member assessment for the fund. He further noted that he had discussed the Client Protection Fund recently with the Chief Justice and had suggested that the Board recommended that the program be administered by the Court or Disciplinary Board because of immunity concerns. Ms. Bruce stated that the insurance renewal could be paid out of cash reserves and suggested considering a mid-year assessment to replenish the reserves. Commissioner Kelsey made a motion for Commissioner Doerr to discuss the renewal of the bond again with the Supreme Court, and if the Court insists that the insurance continue, the bond should be paid out of cash reserves.
   
   Commissioner Hernandez cautioned that there was no surplus in the 1999 budget and, without a mid-year assessment to cover the cost of the insurance premium, the expenditure would be deficit spending.
   
   President Kraft summarized the Board's options as follows: 1) inform the Supreme Court the Board has not changed its decision regarding the continuation of the fund; 2) pursue other options to keep the program in place; 3) authorize payment of $50,082 to renew the insurance policy, allowing the Board additional time to determine the future of the fund; or 4) let the insurance lapse and alternatively designate $50,000 to operate the fund. Discussion continued regarding paying claims and the need to supplement the current fund balance with either money from the cash reserves or a mid-year member assessment.
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   Ms. Bruce explained to the Chief Justice hat since the dues form had already been printed, notice to the membership would be provided through the Bar Bulletin when the Board determined the final course of action. Commisioner Doerr noted that the possibility of a dues increase was also discussed with the Court, but was not favorably received.
   
   Commissioner Doerr asked for a second to the previous motion by Commissioner Kelsey. The Board asked for clarification of the motion, and Ms. Bruce restated the motion as follows: To authorize payment of the $50,000 for renewal of the insurance premium out of surplus funds if Commissioner Doerr's negotiation with the Court mandates renewal of the policy. Commissioner Zamora seconded the motion; and following further discussion, the motion passed with a vote of 10 in favor and 9 opposed.
   
   Commissioner Eaton volunteered to work with the Client Protection Committee to summarize the activity of the fund.
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   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce reported concern expressed by the Solo and Small Firm Practitioners Section that Section membership databases should be provided on disk to Sections free of charge. She reminded the Board of the existing policy regading mailing labels, noting that the policy was established to protect the members' privacy. She summarized that the charge for labels covers internal costs to manage the Sections' databases and the cost of producing labels. Following discussion, Commissioner Wolf made a motion to give Sections membership lists on disk free of charge. Commissioner O'Brien seconded. Commissioner Whitefield requested an amendment to the motion specifying that Sections sign an agreement limiting the use of the membership lists to Section mailings. Commissioners Wolf and O'Brien accepted the amendment, and the motion passed.
   
   Report on Status of Professionalism Rule
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   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce reported that the Board of Legal Specialization requested her participation at their December Board meeting. The Board expressed continuing concerns regarding the Bar's practice area listing in the Directory and the plans to include the listing on the Bar's Website. Ms. Bruce presented the concerns to the Executive Committee at the December meeting, and requested that the Bar's practice area subcommittee work with the Legal Specialization Board's subcommittee to resolve the concerns. The request was approved. The two subcommittees subsequently met by teleconference and agreed on a list of practice areas for the 1999 listing, and the Bar's subcommittee agreed to remove all recognized specialty areas from the practice listing. Finally, Ms. Bruce noted that the Board of Legal Specialization agreed to pay for their specialty listing in the Directory and on the Website.
   
   Division Reports
   
   Young Lawyers Division
   
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   Ms. Bruce commended the Division and its volunteers for their assistance with the Lawyers Care Program and in assisting the Minority Task Force with data input.
   
   Appointment of Liaison to UJI-Criminal Supreme Court Committee
   
   President Kraft suggested that Commissioner Kiser be appointed as the liaison to the UJI-Criminal Committee. Commissioner Doerr moved to appoint Commissioner Kiser to the UJI-Criminal Committee. Commissioner Torres seconded, and the motion passed.
   
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   Cheryl Bruce
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   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce provided the following information:
   
   Commissioners were reminded to schedule meetings with local and voluntary bars, and a script including talking points and standard questions is available for each Commissioner's use at the meetings.
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   Cheryl Bruce reported that six attorneys had applied for the two positions on the DNA People's Legal Services Board (DNAPLS).
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   Pursuant to Commissioner Torres" request, Ms. Bruce noted Commissioner Torres" opposition to appointing Sandra E. Nemeth.
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   Ms. Bruce reminded the Board of its policy to advertise for interest in vacant positions and not automatically approve reappointments. She then reported that DNAPLS Executive Director Wilson Yellowhair recommended reappointment of Peggy J. Nelson and Sarah Barlow.
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   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce presented a draft "Client Rights and Responsibilities" pamphlet, submitted by the Public Legal Education Committee for Board approval, noting that the pamphlet had been developed pursuant to one of the recommendations of the Task Force on Improving Public Confidence in Lawyers. Following review and discussion, Commissioners suggested revising the language on fees and fee agreements, adding language specific to trust accounts, and having the Bar's Professional Liability Committee review the pamphlet regarding "standard of care" and any possible liability concerns.
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   Cheryl Bruce reminded the Board that notification of program changes to the membership, as directed by the Supreme Court, still needed to be published. Commissioner Doerr suggested the ad hoc committee also consider options for payment, e.g., a fixed amount versus a percentage of the loss, and that approval of all claims received in 1999 be deferred until the end of year.
   
   Commissioner Hernandez moved to defer approvals until the end of the year. Commissioner Sprouls seconded, and the motion passed.
   
   XIV. CONSIDERATION OF POSITIONS ON POSSIBLE LOBBYING ISSUES
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   Executive Director Cheryl Bruce briefed the Board on an inquiry received by Los Alamos attorney James Mitchell regarding the Bar's position on the proposed federal rules on attorney conduct and ethics.
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   Cheryl Bruce asked to table discussio