OPIA Blog

Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising

Deferred Associates can now work for judges

Many non-profit and legal advocacy organizations jumped at the opportunity to offer up volunteer positions to recently deferred associates, provided the firms that the associates were deferred from are covering most (or all) of the costs. Many questions still linger but one thing that has been left unanswered is, what about working for judges?
In Massachusetts at least, the picture is getting a bit clearer. In short, the answer is yes, deferred associates can work for judges, provided they follow the strict guidelines provided by the Massachusetts Committee of Judicial Ethics. The rules range from forbidding discussion or any mention of the firm that deferred you in the courtroom to regulating the information the firm itself disseminates about its deferred associates and what clerkships they obtained.

Although the rules (more outlined in the article) seem strict, it is clear that the clerkships open up another door to those that have been deferred.

To read the full article, click here.

June 18th, 2009 Posted by opia | Uncategorized | No Comments

The Head of the Office of Personnel Management calls for greater action on gay rights

John Berry, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management for the federal government, called for the federal government to stand for gay rights. In some of the more pointed words regarding the matter heard in years, Berry urged public officials to take the lead in pushing for equal rights for gay partners. “With the help of a president who supports our cause, the aid of courageous fellow countrymen and women who love liberty, and with God’s grace, we shall prevail.”

The Obama Administration seems poised to advance the causes of gay couples who are looking for the same access to healthcare and benefits that is afforded to heterosexual married couples.

“Where do you stand? Honoring love as precious and true wherever you find it, or with those who would demean or deny it? I urge you: Stand where you can be proud. Stand with service and truth. Stand with love. Stand for liberty and justice for all.”

June 18th, 2009 Posted by opia | Uncategorized | No Comments

   

Protected by AkismetBlog with WordPress