Robert A. Clifford was appointed Chair of the Standing Committee on Strategic Communications by newly inducted ABA President Karen Mathis.  This entity is charged with the responsibility to develop and recommend communication priorities and goals to the ABA as well as develop and evaluated integrated communications messages, plans and strategies.  It also is designed to coordinate and assist the ABA and its entities with respect to their communications plans and activities.   Bob Clifford's one-year appointment commenced with the 2006 Annual Meeting in Hawaii where the ABA House of Delegates approved resolutions on some important matters impacting the rule of law and access to justice.  The importance of this committee is vital given the message-driven nature of the 400,000-member organization.  Exploring the ever-changing technology and message-delivery systems is one of the Committee's priorities.  It will serve to strengthen the ABA as the voice of the legal profession.

Also, of note, Clifford’s article, "‘Deselecting’ the Jury in a Civil Case," has been chosen for inclusion in a special book incorporating what the ABA describes as "the finest articles from the past eight years" from its Litigation Journal publication. The book, Litigation Manual, 3^rd Edition, will be available to purchase next year from the ABA.

For further information on the activities of the ABA, please visit the ABA Press Room at www.abanet.org/media.  And please look for further information on the ABA through its latest communication, a monthly e-newsletter.