Erie County Bar Association

“The Board of Directors had made various changes to the Associations Bylaws. The main changes included adding the new Diversity and Inclusion Division as its own division with its own description in the bylaws. Other changes included that the treasurer would need to cosign checks going out, and also electing to have the treasurer and secretary positions be appointed rather than elected.”

“A lawyer is eligible for active membership in this Association: If such practicing lawyer is a member of the legal profession, and has his/her primary residence, primary office or primary place of employment in Erie County, Pennsylvania.If such lawyer is a Judge of a Court of record, the jurisdiction of which includes Erie County.Only active members of this Association shall be entitled to vote at meetings of members or hold elective office in this Association.The following persons may make applications for Associate memberships:A non-practicing member of the legal profession who is a resident of Erie County, or a retired or former active member of the Bar Association of Erie County.Any practicing member of the legal profession who does not qualify for active membership under Active Members (above).Associate Members shall not vote at meetings of members or hold elective office in the Association but shall be eligible for appointment to committees and to vote on committee business other than the Nominating, By-Laws, Budget, and Personnel Committees and shall be entitled to all notices and services provided to members of the Association.HonoraryA member of the legal profession may be made an honorary member of this Association by vote of the Board of Directors.”

“For Board Elections, the Nominating Committee's makeup is dictated by the bylaws. Members are notified of when the Comittee will meet (in the Legal Journal) so that members may submit any nomination they want to make. The Committee meets and then publishes (in the Legal Journal) its suggested slate of board members/officers each year based on the vacancies that year. This slate is presented at our Annual Meeting and the membership votes on the nominations.”

“Often decisions by the Board are reflected in the annual budget, such as a proposed dues increase, starting/changing a program that will cost significant dollars, etc. Per the bylaws, membership has to specifically approve any unbudgeted expense over $5,000 and any real estate purchase. If the ECBA Board wants to support or oppose a piece of legislation and there is a sense that the membership may be divided on it, the resolution will be presented to the membership for a vote. Sometimes it can be assumed that the membership will be in favor of the Board's action on behalf of the ECBA. In these cases, the membership is told about the Board's action.”

“Draft forms 990 and 990T are emailed to the Executive Director by the preparer and then forwarded to the Finance Committee for review. Meeting is then held with Executive Director, Finance Committee and preparer to discuss and answer questions.”

“Board members complete confilict of interest form each year. Any conflicts are discussed and resolved at board meetings.”

“Personnel committee reviews the executive director. The personnel committee recommendation is part of the proposed budget which is reviewed and approved by the Board and the membership.Comparison with form 990's of other organizations is sometimes shared with the Personnel Committee. When an organization such as the National Association of Bar Executives does a compensation survey or study, that information is shared with the Personnel Committee.”

“Information is available to be examined by the public at the Organization's office upon request and appointment.”