Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Legal Issues Section (SOGILI)

New WSBA Section - Approved March 3, 2006

At its March meeting, the WSBA Board of Governors approved the formation of a new WSBA section: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Legal Issues. The section seeks to support understanding among WSBA members of the legal needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) residents of Washington; to assist GLBT residents and those who represent them; to better understand how their legal needs can be met; to support research, education, and collaboration by section members on issues of sexual orientation and gender identification; to promote the study of GLBT law and report on changing law and regulations as they affect GLBT individuals and communities; to assist in legislative work undertaken within the scope of GR 12; and to act as a liaison between the WSBA, the Board of Governors, GLBT organizations, and the public.

Upcoming Events

Register now for "Advising Clients on Domestic Partner Registration and Related Issues: Applicability, Portability, Filling the Gaps."

Co-sponsored by the WSBA Family Law Section, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Legal Issues (SOGILI) Section, and Elder Law Section

When: October 17, 2008

Where: Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Room 3AB
Pike Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues, Seattle

CLE Credits: Approved for 6.75 CLE credits (5.75 general and 1.0 ethics)

Tuition: $199 (Sorry, the WSBA-CLE Passport may not be used to register for this program.)

Explore the practical side of applying and responding to the laws affecting the rights of domestic partners.

Featuring remarks by State Rep. Jamie Pedersen, co-sponsor of the 2007 Domestic Partnership Act and prime sponsor of the 2008 Domestic Partnership Expansion Act
Review financial issues that may affect your clients—including tax ramifications, child support and family expenses, and maintenance and attorney fees
Explore how to ensure proper life and estate planning for protecting your clients' relationships and property
Learn more about the impact of Washington State's Domestic Partnership Act on Medicaid Benefits

Click here for further details and online registration.

If special accommodations are needed, please contact Jennifer Keene at 206-728-8296 or toll-free at 1-800-945-WSBA, or e-mail jenniferk@wsba.org.

Please check here for information on new CLEs and upcoming events!

A Message from Section Founders

We are very pleased to announce that at its March meeting, the WSBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the creation of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Legal Issues Section! We extend a tremendous "thank you" to everyone who assisted us in preparing the documents for the Board of Governors, and to the 60 WSBA members who added their names to the list of supporters presented to the BOG. The SOGILI Section will officially come into existence with the start of the next WSBA fiscal year on October 1, 2006.

Through the spring and summer of 2006, we will be laying the groundwork for the Section, including recruiting a slate of candidates for the Executive Committee, and spreading the word about this new Section to prospective members.

— Rachel da Silva and Scott Douglas

Join the Section

To join the e-mail list, send an e-mail to: sogililaw@hotmail.com.

For more information about the SOGILI Section, please contact: Rachel da Silva at 206-200-8192, or e-mail sogililaw@hotmail.com.