Mandell expects between 50 and 100 general counsels to attend the invitation-only forum.

FORBES: Upcoming Conference to Focus on News Corp. Hacking Scandal

Also, the major Democratic contenders have accepted an invitation to the presidential forum of the Spanish-language network Univision.

NPR: Latino Bloggers Watch 2008 Candidates Closely

Another State of the Black Union attendee said many people at the forum wished Obama had come, but understood his reasons for declining the invitation.

CNN: Obama takes heat for skipping State of the Black Union

It is clear to all that the issues go far beyond the union flag, and I repeat my invitation to Mr Bryson and his colleagues to engage with the Unionist Forum, which offers an unique opportunity to air their grievances with the realistic hope of redress.

BBC: Mike Nesbitt