Using legal technology shouldn't be tough. It's supposed to be a helpful tool, not another frustration. Introducing the next generation SimpleLaw, one platform to manage your firm from lead intake through to matter resolution. Customizable to your firm, your process and your individual client needs. Workflows, reporting, document automation, billing cycle and more, all for $39 per user per month. No tiered pricing here. Built with data security in mind. Put an end to the frustrations of the daily grind. It’s time to think different. Think Simple. ACBA members get three months free and a member discount is available, too. Click the button below for more.

The Allegheny County Bar Foundation's annual Fall Foundation Reception is slated for Thursday, Sept. 25, at 5:30 p.m. at Hotel Monaco. Enjoy an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and volunteer recognition in celebration of the work of the ACBF and its 45th Anniversary.

The ACBF is accepting Letters of Inquiry for legal aid grants to fund programs that provide direct pro bono counsel to low-income clients and/or promote the public understanding, interest, and support of legal-related issues. This year, the program is offering six fixed-amount grant awards at $10,000 and asks applicants to submit a letter of inquiry; approved LOIs will be invited to deliver a live pitch to the Fellows for consideration.

Deadline for Letters of Inquiry is Thursday, Sept. 12. LOIs must be submitted online via the button below. For more information, contact Stephanie Selya at 412-402-6674 or sselya@acba.org.

Maria, a recent community college graduate, fell victim to a sophisticated job scam after being contacted by a fake recruiter on LinkedIn. Promised a remote administrative assistant role with high pay and flexible hours, she underwent a brief interview via messaging app and was quickly “hired.” She was asked to provide sensitive personal information and later received a fraudulent check to purchase equipment. After transferring funds to a supposed supplier, her bank flagged the check as fake. Maria lost money and exposed herself to identity theft. Job scams exploit urgency and emotion, often mimicking legitimate companies. It also provides red flags and protective measures to help individuals avoid falling prey to such schemes.

Key Takeaways for Attorneys:

• Job scams increasingly target remote positions and use professional-looking communications.
• Victims are often pressured to act quickly and share sensitive data.
• Legal implications include identity theft, wire fraud and impersonation.
• Advise clients to verify employers independently and avoid sharing personal data early.
• Scammers may impersonate real companies—due diligence is critical.
• Victims may need legal support for financial recovery and identity protection.

Curious about the basics of practicing in Orphans’ Court? The ACBA Probate and Trust Law Section is presenting a non-CLE lunch-and-learn – “Orphans’ Court Basics” – on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Frick Building. This session – designed for attorneys early in their careers wishing to learn about this practice area, as well as experienced attorneys looking for a refresher – will offer attendees helpful information about the operation of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Orphans’ Court Division.

Topics of discussion will include an overview of the jurisdiction of the Orphans’ Court, discussion from representatives of the Department of Court Records and Orphans’ Court. They’ll cover the different departments within the Orphans’ Court, as well as a discussion on Orphans’ Court courtroom etiquette. The program will begin on the 17th floor of the Frick Building with a welcome and introductory tour led by Judge Michael McCarthy. Following the tour, attendees continue on the third floor for a pizza lunch and additional discussion.

Discover how loss-sensitive insurance programs can turn your risk control efforts into real savings with smarter, more strategic risk financing. For more on the ACBA Insurance Program, visit www.ACBA.org/Insurance.

There is currently a vacancy on a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Board and it has been posted at the button below.

The Pennsylvania IOLTA Board is governed by a nine-member board of directors. Members are appointed to a three-year term and no member may serve more than two consecutive three-year terms. Members are familiar with and supportive of civil legal aid and pro bono service to the low-income community. Once appointed, members are prohibited from serving as a director, trustee, officer, or in any other fiduciary role of a grantee or grant applicant.

Applications are due by Sunday, Aug. 31.

The ACBA Knowledge Center is the premier resource library for legal professionals. Explore this library of content and resources from the ACBA, as well as experts and providers across the legal industry. These resources include timely, actionable research from the ACBA as well as third-party resources that are designed to be helpful to your organization. Please note that the ACBA does not endorse third-party content.

In addition to the hard copy edition that is sent to members through the mail, the Aug. 22 edition of the Lawyers Journal — the ACBA’s flagship publication featuring substantive legal articles and stories of interest to the legal community — is available digitally on the ACBA website and at the button below.

All members are invited to join the ACBA Hispanic Attorneys Committee in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the ACBA offices. Enjoy Mexican food from La Palapa, as well as cultural music and beverages, while enjoying networking and camaraderie.

The highlight of this annual event is the presentation of the El Sol Award, which is awarded annually to an individual who has helped the committee advance the Hispanic community at large. This year’s recipient is ACBA member Gilda Arroyo. For details, click below.