The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) is pleased to announce that Cashmere attorney Stephen R. Crossland was sworn in as 2011–12 WSBA president at the WSBA Awards Dinner on September 22, 2011, in Seattle. Crossland was sworn in by Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Barbara A. Madsen, and outgoing President Steven G. Toole passed him the gavel. 2011–12 President-elect Michele G. Radosevich, of Seattle, was also sworn in.
A Cashmere native, Stephen Crossland received his undergraduate degree in political science from Stanford University, and his law degree from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark University, in Oregon. He served as Chelan County deputy prosecuting attorney from 1974–75, and has worked in private practice since then; he has had his own practice, Crossland Law Office, since 2001. He served on the WSBA Board of Governors from 1995–98, representing the 4th District. In 2002, he received the WSBA Award of Merit, the Association’s highest honor, which is presented in recognition of long-term service to the Bar and/or the public.
What is Your Vision for a More Efficient Effective Bar?
On April 25 and May 21, President Crossland hosted online discussions for members to share their vision for a more efficient and effective Bar. Thank you to all who participated! If you were unable to participate, you can read the transcripts.
We are planning additional online discussions. More informaiton will be posted when available.
Judicial Branch Funding — December 21, 2011
We write to you today to provide you with an update on Judicial Branch funding, which is vital to our profession and the public. Since the Legislature convened the 2011 Second Special Session on November 28, we have been closely monitoring the Legislature’s budget proposals, paying careful attention to budget decisions that might impact the Judicial Branch. As you may know, the Judicial Branch, like many other programs and entities, has suffered funding cuts over the last few years due to the economic crisis facing the state. The Legislature adjourned the Second Special Session on December 14, and we are happy to report that Judicial Branch funding was not further reduced in the early action budget passed by the Legislature.
However, the early action budget only addressed a portion (nearly $500 million) of the $2 billion shortfall, and we anticipate that the most challenging budget decisions will be addressed in the 2012 regular 60-day session, which convenes January 9, 2012.
The Legislature is faced with very grim budget decisions in these difficult economic times. While we are grateful that Judicial Branch funding was not further reduced in the early action budget, we will continue to closely monitor the budget process during the 2012 regular session and inform you of budget decisions that may affect the practice of law or the administration of justice.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Published by Puget Sound Business Journal, November 25, 2011.
Published by The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel.
President Crossland on The Docket
View President Steve Crossland's segment on TVW's The Docket, filmed in 2006. In this segment, President Crossland talks about his career as a small-town attorney in Cashmere, his involvement in the local community, and offers advice to law students.
Watch the full episode.