Corporate Counsel Meet; Aetna Pro Bono Award

The American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Litigation will hold its 28th annual Committee on Corporate Counsel Continuing Legal Education Seminar Feb. 12 to Feb. 15 at the Walt Disney Swan Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The seminar is designed for corporate counsel and provides ample opportunity to learn and network with other professionals. Sessions will cover critical issues in corporate law, including the meltdown of the financial markets, white collar crime, use of outside counsel, business litigation in a world economy, practical tips, ethics and regulation. The agenda also includes sessions on litigation management, mega cases, and a general counsel forum.

The Law and Regulatory Affairs Department of Aetna, Inc. is the recipient of the committee’s 11th annual pro bono award which will be presented during the seminar at a luncheon on Feb. 13.

The award recognizes a company whose legal department demonstrates "exceptional commitment to providing free legal services" - and puts the spotlight on those who do pro bono work from an in-house law department to inspire others. Aetna’s law department is being honored for its efforts on behalf of the elderly, children and non-profits. The firm was one of the first corporate law departments to adopt a pro bono program more than 25 years ago, and it continues to foster a culture of volunteerism that encourages lawyer and paralegals to use their professional skills on behalf of those less fortunate in the community.

In 2008, the department was a key participant in the development of a model pro bono project in three Connecticut clinics to serve Holocaust victims eligible for reparations announced by Germany in 2007. The work was done in collaboration with Bet Tzedek, a Los Angeles-based non-profit legal services organization.

Robert Simpson, committee co-chair, will present the award to William Casazza, Aetna senior vice president and general counsel.

For the full program listing all sessions and speakers follow this link.

With more than 70,000 members, the ABA Section of Litigation includes trial lawyers, judges and others involved in all aspects of litigation and the dispute resolution process. Its mission is to "promote justice both domestically and internationally, as well as enhance public understanding of and respect for the legal profession."

With more than 400,000 members, the ABA is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world.

Pet Care Market Growth? You Bet.

Long ago, when working as a veterinarian technician, the idea of pet insurance was literally a joke. It was usually heard being bantered about between the front office and a pet owner who had been hit hard in the wallet by an unplanned emergency visit to the hospital.

Times have changed.

Corporate Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut (AICC) is underwriting new policies in Alabama, District of Columbia, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, and Texas, according to Pets Best Insurance LLC (Pets Best). Starting December 12, 2008.

Policy holders will be automatically notified when their coverage rolls over to AICC.

"This will be a seamless transition for our existing customers and will allow us to provide more options for pet owners, including increased coverage and additional deductible levels," said Jack Stephens DVM, president of Pets Best. "In these uncertain economic times, we want pet owners to know that they don't have to deal with pet accidents and illnesses alone."

Pets Best plans reimburses owners based on a straightforward 80% of veterinary bills after the deductible. Premium rates with AICC will be based on experience by breed, pet age and the typical veterinary costs within each policy holder's local area.

There are a number of pet health insurers, including Veterinary Pet Insurance, which has been providing coverage since 1980. (One of their earliest customers was the famous TV star, Lassie; and the company has more than 1 million policy holders.)

When considering insurance coverage, as with humans, there are many factors. Do the research. Ask around, check out sites such as www.petinsurancefaq.com, which lists unbiased, clear answers to common questions.

The idea of pet insurance is nothing new. Pet owners across Europe have been buying it since the 1940s. In the United States, coverage has only been available since the early 1980s.

And the care of companion animals is a healthy and growing market.

In the U.S, humans spent $10.1 billion on pet health care in 2007, according to a recent American Pet Products Manufacturers Association survey.