Handbook | Technology

Purpose

The Technology Committee of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society International Board has as its primary objective to identify and develop technology resources and make them available to local Lawyer and Student Chapters of the Law Society.

Principles

1. Encourage each Lawyer Chapter to maintain an active webpage on the JRCLS website and to publicize the webpage as a place for members to obtain information and resources;
2. Oversee design and implementation of functionality and content of the JRCLS lawyer and student websites;
3. Maintain the content of the Law Society databases and work with local Lawyer Chapters to use the database; and
4. Provide other technology resources and information to Lawyer and Student Chapters as needed; and
5. Working closely with the BYU Law School technology team to keep JRCLS technology resources functional and current.

Guidelines

Chapter leaders can use technology to more effectively accomplish the mission of the Law Society. The Technology Committee has identified six tools, each of which will be described in more detail that can assist leaders in their work: (1) “super user” functions; (2) Law Society database; (3) Law Society website; (4) E-Mail and E-Mail Distribution Lists; (5) LDS satellite network; and (6) audio/video conferencing.

1. Super User: Chapter chairs have access the Database and have access to features and functions beyond that of an ordinary user. “Super users” are able to send emails to Chapter members, download member information, and store customized non-published information about members.
2. Database: Each spring the J. Reuben Clark Law School and Law Society send members their personalized data sheets and ask them to check for accuracy and note needed changes. Return of this sheet by an established deadline (usually June or July) is requested to allow time for data entry. Publication of the printed directory occurs in the fall, every other year. Local Chapters are encouraged to assist in the effort to maintain an accurate and complete database of Law Society members.
3. Website: The Law Society’s website contains an array of valuable information of interest to Chapter leaders as well as to individual members of the Law Society. Chapter leaders are encouraged to submit information about their Chapter activities, newsletters, and other resources. The web address is: jrcls.org.
4. E-mail and E-mail Distribution Lists: Each week the Law Society sends a brief inspirational message to all individuals in the Law Society database. Some members may prefer not to receive these thoughts, and their requests will be honored if they notify dbcoord@lawgate.byu.edu. Someone in the Chapter should be responsible for forwarding these messages to interested local law students. Law Society members can also elect to be part of the “Jobs” email group and receive email notification of job postings from the BYU Law School Career Services Office. The positions are for lawyers with 3+ years of experience, but any Law Society member can receive the emails.
5. LDS Satellite Network: In February 2003, the Law Society utilized the LDS Satellite Network to pay tribute to President James E. Faust and to listen to an inspiring message. Law Society members and guests gathered at many locations throughout the United States and other parts of the world in the largest assembly of the Law Society ever. This has become an annual tradition. In order to participate in similar events in the future, a Chapter chair may need to communicate the property number and satellite receiver number of the pertinent meetinghouse(s) if and when requested to do so. This information is typically available from the individual in each church building who is designated to operate the satellite equipment.
6. Audio/Video Conferencing: The Technology Committee is in the process of evaluating and implementing audio/video conferencing technology that will be available to all Chapters and committees. Currently The Law Society International Board utilizes this technology in their monthly meetings. Additionally, many law firms have audio conferencing capability that may be available. Video conferencing is another technology that has been used successfully by some Chapters for CLE and other presentations. The Law Society is also in the process of developing a Speakers Bureau, and one of the information items to be included will be the speaker’s willingness to make presentations via interactive video conferencing. Many law schools and law firms have this capability.

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