Posted on December 18, 2023 at 12:19 PM by Lana Oppenheim Schlapkohl
Happy Holidays!
2023 has been a productive and successful year for the PCBA. We are proud of the amazing work of our volunteer members this year in planning, preparing, and carrying out many meaningful events for membership including the annual PCBA golf outing, Law Day competition, two general practice CLEs, and numerous additional educational and networking opportunities.
Members, along with our appreciated PBCA staff, have continued the tradition of hosting monthly luncheons with great attendance and memorable speakers. Members have also continued to devote great efforts to support the Volunteer Lawyers Project and we thank everyone for their generous contributions of time and support. This year, PCBA also launched its new website that provides up to date information, announcements, and resources to members and the public.
We are also very pleased to announce that the PCBA has hired a new Program Manager, Austin Westermann. Austin joins us after several years spent working within judicial administration for the Fifth Judicial District of Iowa and we are delighted to have him on board.
In other announcements, the PCBA recently sent out its 2024 membership renewal statement. You now have the benefit of paying your dues online by visiting your profile located on the Members section of our website. If you have not done so already, I encourage you to keep your membership active! Membership keeps you connected with members of the Polk County bench and bar. Members also receive access to 30 hours of free CLE programs including a spring and fall CLE as well as access to attend free CLEs offered by our committees including Bench Bar, Family Law, and Solo and Small Law Firm. There is no cost for you to join a committee. You will also be able to complete your attorney wellness and ethics requirements by attending one of our many CLEs offered throughout the year.
As a final note and request, as you renew your PCBA dues, please consider including a contribution to the VLP. The contribution is tax deductible. The demand for the VLP’s life-changing legal services to low-income Polk County residents continues to increase; however, the VLP’s primary source of funding is not sufficient to meet these demands. The VLP appreciates your generosity, now more than ever.
As we head into the new year, I want to thank each one of you for your continued membership, support, and participation in the PCBA. Our organization is thriving, and we look forward to great things ahead in 2024! If you have any questions about your PCBA membership, or if you have interest in becoming more actively involved, please contact me scodr@finleylaw.com or our Executive Director, Carol Phillips cphillips@pcbaonline.org.
I wish you all a happy holiday season and I look forward to seeing you all next year.
