ABA, CloudLaw, and State Bars Join to Improve Public Access to Lawyers

Texas-based attorney Hugh M. Ray III serves as a partner with Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP. In this capacity, he handles commercial litigation, complex reorganization, and bankruptcy cases through the firm’s insolvency and restructuring practice. Active in the professional community, Hugh Ray III belongs to the American Bar Association (ABA).

In January 2018, the ABA, one of the largest voluntary professional organizations in the world, announced that it had partnered with CloudLaw Public Benefit Corporation and several state bar associations to develop online legal directories for lawyers and the public. Through this partnership, the organization plans to create an easy-to-use network that promotes connections with and between legal professionals, host a lawyer search, and provide users with important legal information.

To ensure this network accomplishes all its goals, each partnering organization has a specific role to play. The state bars are responsible for developing an online public legal directory that is more personalized and capable of serving the needs of the public. Meanwhile, CloudLaw and the ABA will work together to create an online lawyer-to-lawyer directory. Serving as a central hub, this directory would allow lawyers to connect with one another for consultations, co-counsel work, and projects.

Five Tips for Preparing for a Marathon

Hugh M. Ray III serves as a partner with Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, where he focuses on bankruptcy, commercial litigation, and complex reorganization. Beyond his professional obligations, Hugh Ray III takes part in triathlons and marathons. Training for a marathon can take a lot of time and effort. The following tips can help you prepare. 

1. Choose the right footwear. Purchase sneakers or running shoes that fit your feet perfectly, which may mean trying out different brands due to slight differences in width. If you plan to complete a full marathon, you may want to consider getting fitted at a pro running store. 

2. Protect against blisters. The right socks will keep your feet cushioned and protect against blisters. Double-layered socks work well for this. 

3. Increase mileage gradually. Gradually increasing your running mileage over the course of your training will heighten your stamina and further your ability to complete the marathon. Consider an increase of approximately one to two miles per week, and make sure you start training early enough to fit this into your training schedule. 

4. Alternate easy and hard training days. Alternating between easy days of training and harder ones helps to prevent burnout. Refrain from undertaking hard training two days in a row, even if you miss a day. This allows the body to recuperate and fosters strength and stamina. 

5. Incorporate rest days. Incorporating rest days into your training schedule allows your muscles to recover from taxing workouts and helps protect against injury. You can engage in mild physical activity during rest days, such as walking, yoga, or swimming.