Parliamentary Law
Parliamentary Law Services
Effective meeting procedures benefit every type of organization—whether conventions, community associations, unions, school boards, city councils, county commissions, or nonprofits.
Statutes and governing documents often require specific rules for conducting business. Ignoring or misapplying those rules can lead to confusion, conflict, or even legal disputes. But the value of proper parliamentary procedure goes well beyond legal compliance. Clear, well-managed meetings reduce frustration, foster cooperation, and transform lengthy or contentious sessions into productive, efficient ones. For leaders, that’s not just smart—it’s a key to member satisfaction and trust.
Law Firm Carolinas is the only law firm in the United States with two Parliamentarians who are members of the prestigious American College of Parliamentary Lawyers. Partner Jim Slaughter is a Certified Professional Parliamentarian-Teacher with the American Institute of Parliamentarians, a Professional Registered Parliamentarian with the National Association of Parliamentarians, and a past President of the American College of Parliamentary Lawyers. He has authored four books on effective meeting management, including two aligned with the latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order: Robert's Rules of Order Fast Track and Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules, Fifth Edition.
Attorney Carole Albright is also a Professional Registered Parliamentarian with the National Association of Parliamentarians and currently serves as an officer of the American College of Parliamentary Lawyers.
For free resources on Robert’s Rules and meeting procedures—including charts, articles, and guides—visit www.jimslaughter.com.
Law Firm Carolina attorneys regularly advise presiding officers and boards on proper parliamentary procedure, including Robert’s Rules of Order. Prior to meetings, we can assist with parliamentary tactics and strategy, review and advise on meeting scripts or proposed motions, and draft effective meeting rules. During meetings, we give parliamentary advice and opinions to the presiding officer with a card system that gives precise on-the-spot wording.
Make your meetings shorter and more legal through several parliamentary workshops, including “Parliamentary Survival Skills,” which is a fast-paced and entertaining look at running effective meetings.
By reviewing your governing documents and parliamentary authority (usually Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th Edition), our attorneys can advise on the correctness of past actions or give advice for an upcoming meeting on issues ranging from notice, quorum, voting, motions, proxies, to elections.
At times, the contentiousness, complexity, or politics of a situation may call for an outside chair. Attorneys at Law Firm Carolinas have presided over numerous meetings—including governmental, community associations, and churches.
There are also many free charts and articles on Robert's Rules and running meetings at our companion parliamentary procedure site at www.jimslaughter.com.
