We were thrilled to launch this newsletter in 2024 and are grateful for your support and interest throughout the year. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue providing valuable insights and resources to enrich our legal community.
If you have questions, comments, or ideas for features in the future, please reach out to Megan Smyth.
SAVE THE DATE!
2025 NASPO Law Institute and Attorney Bootcamp
November 4-6, 2025
Savannah, GA
Mark your calendars now to enjoy learning, networking, and partnering with procurement attorneys from all around the country!
The 2024 NASPO Attorney Bootcamp took place in Boston, Massachusetts on Tuesday, November 5 with 48 new attorneys graduating from this introductory course to government contracting law at the state level! Congrats to those who completed our program and we look forward to welcoming a new class in 2025!
The 2024 NASPO Law Institute was held in Boston from November 6-7 immediately following Bootcamp. We covered many relevant topics for state procurement attorneys, including artificial intelligence usage and procurement, a Supreme Court case update, software licensing, improving technology contracting, and protecting data. These sessions will be available on the NASPO Legal Education YouTube channel in January 2025. Look for them there and share with your peers!
Featured NASPO Resource
NASPO 2025 Top 10 Priorities for State Procurement
The 2025 Top Ten Priorities for State Procurement identify the areas of importance for state procurement offices and staff to best serve their agencies and taxpayers over the coming year. This year’s Top Ten reflects the voices of 54 state chief procurement officers. Here’s the top three – click the button below to see the entire list and read more!
1. Modernizing the Procurement Process – including process automation, digitizing solicitations, bids, contracts, and record-keeping.
2. eProcurement – Many states are pushing for increase state-wide agency adoption of start-to-finish systems.
3. Talen Management and Succession Planning – CPOs are focusing on recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce and mentoring future public procurement leaders.
Curated news items, information, guides, and other curiosities for the legally minded.
Must Follow!
If you add ONE blog to your reading list in 2025, it should be this one – “Public Procurement International” from Professor Christopher Yukins at George Washington University Law School’s government procurement program.
Professor Yukins regularly shares resources on public procurement legal practice, policy, and law from around the globe. Did you know there was an International Anti-Corruption Day? Now you do! Professor Yukins gave a talk that you can watch on the blog. Add this one to your bookmarks!
2025 Legislative Priorities
The National Conference for State Legislators (NCSL) has released their forecast for the state legislative priorities in 2025. Trending topics will include: energy, geothermal and nuclear power, balancing the risk of artificial intelligence with the rewards, consumer privacy, foreign ownership of U.S. land, and prison reform.
Read more here to prepare for the upcoming session in your state. Interesting legislation out there you want to share with your NASPO colleagues? Send it to us and we will share!
Happy Holidays from Legal Beat!
The end of the year and the holidays are upon us! Take some time to celebrate your accomplishments from the past year and rest your mind by spending time away from your work. Lawyers are the worst when it comes to putting down the phone and the email and focusing on what’s happening around you – try to be present for yourself this year. The Legal Beat wishes you all a happy, healthy, and fun holiday break! We will see you in 2025!
Call for Volunteers!
The ABA is partnering with NASPO to update the Model Procurement Code, last revised over 20 years ago. If you are interested in being on an Article Committee, please reach out to Lydia Ruizor Megan Smyth, for more information and to be placed on a list to be notified when revision work will begin.
Model Procurement Code Article Committees You Can Join
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