In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, our profession received an outpouring of sympathy and support from throughout the world. The American Bar Association received messages of solidarity from 67 bar associations from Beirut to Zimbabwe. On behalf of our Association, I joined with state bar presidents throughout the nation in offering help to presidents of the New York State, New York City, and Washington D.C. bars.

     Subsequently, I have been filled with pride at the manner in which our profession has risen to meet the awesome challenges resulting from the senseless terrorism, displaying unbelievable leadership, effectiveness and heart.

     Of major importance have been the efforts of the organized bars throughout the United States to assist victims and their families, lawyers who need help or want to help and servicemen and women who have been deployed in defense of our great land.

     Shortly after September 11, 2001, the Armed Forces asked the American Bar Association to develop a nationwide centralized registry for all state and local bar association pro bono programs relating to the mobilization and deployment of reservists and active duty personnel. Our Association has joined with the ABA in this coordinated effort to make certain that our men and women will not lack the legal assistance they need.

Our Association has joined with the ABA in this coordinated effort to make certain that our men and women will not lack the legal assistance they need.

     Certain problems unique to personnel in such a mobilization include serious financial burdens, made more stressful when they are born by a spouse in their absence. In leaving behind their everyday lives, military reservists also leave their jobs, frequently burdened with worry over whether the job will be waiting upon their return.

     At current levels, the military's legal assistance network may be able to adequately handle these needs, but as deployments increase, our Association will be ready to provide free assistance for military members and their families. In preparation for this moment, we have asked outstanding military reserve officers from our ranks to formulate plans and coordinate our efforts to achieve this capability.

     Chaired by Col. Glenn W. Jones, Ret., a Military Assistance Task Force, including, BG Sam Gibson; BG William F. Sherman, Ret.; Col. Jack W. Holt, Jr., Ret.; Col. William A. Martin, Ret.; and Col. Stark Ligon are evaluating the needs of attorneys and the public. To provide help in such matters, lawyer volunteers in our assistance efforts need training in three specific areas; the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act, the Uniformed Service Employment and Re-employment Act and Servicemen's Group Life Insurance.

     The following website is provided to help you get up to speed on issues likely to be needed by you, either as a pro-bono volunteer, in representing a long time client, or as a trial judge who has not been confronted with these issues for almost a decade. Log on to www.arkbar.com, click on the Military Assistance button and then click on the link called "American Bar Association."

     Many of you will want to be a part of this effort. In times of crisis for our country, it is the natural desire of all of us to be a part of the nation's defense, to aid in the fight to defeat our foe, in this case terrorism. Providing badly needed help to our men and women in uniform will be a source of great reward to those of us who serve in this way and will contribute in great measure to our victory in this strange new conflict.

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