Parliamentary Law
Parliamentary Law Services
Effective meeting procedures benefit every type of organization, including conventions, community associations, unions, school boards, city councils, county commissions, and nonprofit organizations. Well-run meetings promote transparency, efficiency, and confidence in leadership.
Statutes and governing documents often require that meetings be conducted using specific rules, most commonly Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. Ignoring or misapplying those rules can result in confusion, conflict, or even legal disputes. Proper parliamentary procedure, however, offers benefits far beyond legal compliance. Clear, orderly meetings reduce frustration, encourage cooperation, and allow organizations to conduct business efficiently, even when issues are complex or contentious.
Law Firm Carolinas is the only law firm in the United States with two Parliamentarians who are members of the 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 written four books on association meeting procedure, including Robert’s Rules of Order Fast Track and Notes and Comments on Robert’s Rules, Fifth Edition, both updated for the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.
Attorney Carole Albright is also a Professional Registered Parliamentarian and serves as an officer of the American College of Parliamentary Lawyers, bringing additional nationally recognized parliamentary expertise to the firm’s community association and organizational governance practice.
Free resources on Robert’s Rules of Order and meeting procedures, including charts, articles, and practical guides, are available at www.jimslaughter.com.
Law Firm Carolinas attorneys regularly advise presiding officers, boards, and governing bodies on proper parliamentary procedure, including the application of Robert’s Rules of Order. Prior to meetings, we assist with parliamentary strategy, review proposed motions, advise on meeting scripts, and draft effective special rules of order.
During meetings, we provide real-time parliamentary advice and opinions to the presiding officer using a proven card system that delivers precise, on-the-spot wording when immediate guidance is needed.
Law Firm Carolinas offers a variety of workshops focused on effective meeting management and parliamentary procedure. These programs are designed to make meetings shorter, more efficient, and more legally sound.
One popular program, Parliamentary Survival Skills, is a fast-paced and engaging presentation that provides practical tools for running orderly meetings, managing debate, handling motions, and addressing common procedural challenges.
By reviewing governing documents and applicable parliamentary authority, typically Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, our attorneys provide parliamentary opinions on the correctness of past actions and guidance for upcoming meetings.
Issues commonly addressed include meeting notice, quorum, voting requirements, motions, proxies, elections, and procedural disputes.
In some circumstances, the complexity, contentiousness, or political sensitivity of a meeting warrants the use of an independent professional presider. Attorneys at Law Firm Carolinas have served as presiding officers for a wide range of meetings, including those involving governmental bodies, community associations, unions, and religious organizations.
Serving as a neutral chair allows organizations to conduct business fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with governing documents and parliamentary authority.
