Bar welcomes new Law Office Management Program
advisor; Petro helps members tackle business and technology issues
When members call the State Bar with questions
about managing the business aspects of their practices, Law Office
Management Program (LOMAP) Advisor Nerino Petro is there to help. Petro
offers guidance on the use of technology; business and financial
planning; and personnel, facilities, and operations management.
Petro, who joined the State Bar staff in January, says, "During the
first phase of the program's rollout, I'd like to establish a forum for
members to share information, ask questions, and find answers to address
business management and legal technology issues. This dialog will bring
the most pressing practice management issues to light, which will help
me help members."
"Sharing information is only the first step. We also will increase
the availability of practice management resources for members, as well
as adding links to new service providers on the State Bar's vendor mall
Web page," says Petro. "Ultimately, we expect to provide legal software
training and face-to-face evaluation services to members."
About Petro. Petro brings the unique
perspective of a solo practitioner and legal technologist. He has 16
years of experience as a solo practitioner in real estate and business
transactional law and 10 years of experience providing technology
consulting, training, customization, and support services to lawyers and
their staffs nationwide.
A native of Rockford, Ill., Petro received his J.D.
from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 1988. While in
Illinois, Petro served members of the Illinois Bar through its Legal
Technology, Electronic Research Services, and Solo and Small Firm
Conference Planning committees. He also serves on the ABA Techshow 2005
Advisory Board and the ABA General Practice, Solo and Small Firm
Technology Committee.
The LOMAP Committee arose out of a vision of then
State Bar President George Burnett, to provide a comprehensive program
of resources to assist lawyers in managing their practices.
"The committee has put a great deal of effort
into planning this program and was well aware of the need for resources
to assist lawyers in all aspects of office management and in all types
of practices," says committee chair Byll Hess. "Sixty-three
percent of all respondents to the 2004 Technology Survey said they are
interested in using technology to a greater extent, but they lack time
to keep abreast of new developments. Nerino's experience and
enthusiasm are the ingredients the program needs to move to the next
level."
Contact Petro at
(608) 250-6012, or (800) 444-9404, ext. 6012.
Find out more about LOMAP.
