In addition to the hard copy edition that is sent to members through the mail, the Nov. 28 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.

The ACBA Health and Wellness Committee is forming a walking team for the annual Pittsburgh Marathon – scheduled for Sunday, May 3 – and all members are encouraged to participate. Participants will walk the 13.1-mile half marathon course. ACBA members get a 50 percent discount off of regular registration prices; members who choose not to walk can participate in other ways, such as in cheering sections along the course.

To register, use the code ACBADSGPM26 at the below link. For more information, email Mary Ann Fiorilli at mfiorilli@acba.org.

Maya was thrilled when she found a pair of name-brand wireless headphones advertised at 70 percent off. The website looked professional, the holiday promotion felt urgent, and she even received a confirmation email minutes after placing her order. But days turned into weeks, and nothing arrived. Her emails and phone calls went unanswered, and soon after, her credit card was used for unauthorized charges. What started as a bargain became a costly lesson. Maya had been tricked by a fake online store designed to scam holiday shoppers.

Unfortunately, Maya’s story is not unique. As online shopping continues to grow, especially during the holiday season, cybercriminals are seizing the opportunity to lure victims with fake websites, counterfeit promotions, and shopping scams.

The SANS Institute recommends the following to protect against online scams:

• Check for contact details (avoid websites with no contact information, broken contact forms, or personal email addresses)
• Search for reviews
• Be wary of payment methods (like sites that sites that only accept wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency)
• Secure your accounts.

If a deal looks too good to be true, it may well be a scam.

Is your D&O liability coverage keeping up with today’s evolving risk landscape? Directors and officers face increasing scrutiny and complex risks that standard liability policies don’t always address. A case study from the ACBA insurance partners at USI shows how USI helped a company secure $900,000 in added protection and $10,000 in premium savings. For more on the ACBA Insurance Program, visit www.ACBA.org/Insurance. 

Need credits by Dec. 31? The ACBA is offering a Live Video Replay CLE sale event on Tuesday, Dec. 16 in the Koppers Building. Save $10 per credit on any 12 previously recorded CLE programs – six substantive and six ethics – as the ACBA shows videos of Previously Recorded CLEs all day. Attend one program or several. Credits count as live credits, not distance learning.

The ACBA Community Service Committee is organizing a “Lawyers and Ladles” event at the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., and ACBA members are encouraged to volunteer. Volunteers will work together in the fully equipped industrial kitchen at WC&S to prepare dinner for the residents, as well as clean up. Space is limited with only eight spots available.

Western Pennsylvania’s largest annual bankruptcy law event – the ACBA’s 38th Annual Western District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Symposium – is Friday, Dec. 5 at the Westin Pittsburgh. The event will feature a full day of bankruptcy programming and multiple networking opportunities. Earn up to six CLE credits, selecting from eight total programs. Click the button below for more.

The ACBA Health and Wellness Committee is forming a walking team for the annual Pittsburgh Marathon – scheduled for Sunday, May 3 – and all members are encouraged to participate. Participants will walk the 13.1-mile half marathon course. ACBA members get a 50 percent discount off of regular registration prices; members who choose not to walk can participate in other ways, such as in cheering sections along the course.

To register, use the code ACBADSGPM26 at the below link. For more information, email Mary Ann Fiorilli at mfiorilli@acba.org.

This is not a “normal” member benefit. For the first time, the ACBA Insurance Program, powered by its endorsed broker USI Affinity and MassMutual, is offering members Group Whole Life Insurance benefit, a rarity for any trade association.

This program is not only exclusive to ACBA members, but it’s never been offered by other association groups and not currently offered outside of Pennsylvania, making it a truly rare and valuable opportunity.

This new benefit provides up to $250,000 of permanent Whole Life coverage per enrollment, every 6 months, up to an aggregate of $1,000,000 with guaranteed cash value accumulation, annual dividends, and you get it with simplified underwriting – no exams, just three questions asked. This benefit is designed to help legal professionals protect their families, build wealth, and enhance their retirement strategies.

To get started, contact Mark LeFever at mark.lefever@usi.com.

Every year, the ACBA Women in the Law Division presents the Carol Los Mansmann Helping Hand Award to an individual who embodies Judge Mansmann’s values and dedication to advancing and improving women lawyers’ roles in the legal profession. Now is the time to submit nominations for this year’s award.

Nominees for the award may be any member of the ACBA at any juncture of their career who not only excel in their legal career but also dedicate themselves to elevating others in the profession through their mentorship. Nominations of those who have contributed significantly to the WLD are highly encouraged. Submit your nominee’s name, along with examples of how they embody Judge Mansmann’s values and/or reasons they are deserving of the Helping Hand Award. Please be as descriptive as possible and feel free to supplement with additional information, such as articles, website links, etc. Submit nominations using this form to Amber Archer at ala@ssf-lawfirm.com by noon on Dec. 31.