Washington State Bar Association News

November Issue of News Flash Now Available

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:20:00 -0700

Read the November issue of News>>Flash for an update on the work of the Board of Governors.

575 Candidates Pass Summer 2012 Bar Exam

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 12:04:00 -0700

Congratulations to the 575 candidates who passed the bar exam administered in July 2012! See the pass list.

New $25 MCLE Comity Certificate Fee Information

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:20:00 -0700

As a result of the Board of Governor’s (BOG) and staff’s extensive efforts to ensure that the Bar is operating in the most effective and efficient manner, WSBA will begin charging a handling fee for comity certificates to cover the processing time and resources required for each. The decision was made at the BOG’s July 14 meeting.

On October 15, 2012 two fees will go into effect. There will be a fee assessed for ordering comity certificates and another fee assessed to submit a comity certificate for MCLE compliance.

New Comity Certificate Fees and Procedures — Effective October 15, 2012

Ordering Comity Certificates

Comity Certificates can be ordered via mail or online.

To order a comity certificate by mail, send a written request and payment to “WSBA – MCLE Comity Certificate Orders” at 1325 4th Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539. Please include the following:

Name
Bar number
Number of MCLE comity certificates requested
The appropriate fee ($25 plus applicable tax)
Write “MCLE Comity Certificate Order” on the memo line of the check

To order a comity certificate online (beginning on October 15):

Go to the "mywsba" website at mywsba.org. (You must have a valid email address on file with the WSBA to access the online system).
Click “Login” in the top right corner of the screen. Login using your Bar Number and Password.
In the menu on the left side, click MCLE.
Click the “Request Comity Certificate of MCLE Compliance” link.

Washington sales tax is based on where the product is delivered. Comity certificates will be mailed to the lawyer’s primary address on file with the WSBA. (Comity certificates will not be mailed to the Oregon, Idaho, or Utah MCLE offices.) To calculate the correct sales tax, go to the Washington Department of Revenue’s website at http://dor.wa.gov and select “I need to find a sales tax rate (GIS).” Out-of-state and federal government orders do not pay sales tax.

Submitting Comity Certificate for MCLE Compliance

Starting on October 15, a $25 fee will be assessed if a lawyer submits a Comity Certificate of MCLE Compliance to meet reporting period credit requirements in lieu of earning 45 MCLE Board-approved credits. No tax will be applied to this assessment. The $25 fee must be paid before a Comity Certificate of MCLE Compliance will be accepted for meeting compliance requirements. Failure to pay this fee may result in suspension for MCLE non-compliance.

Questions

If you have questions about this change, please contact the WSBA Service Center: 206-443-9722 or questions@wsba.org.

Please note: If you order a Comity Certificate before October 15, 2012 there will be no charge. Orders can be placed by calling 206-443-9722 or emailing the WSBA Service Center.

Read an Update from the July Board of Governors Meeting

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:20:00 -0700

Read the July issue of News>>Flash for an update on the work of the Board of Governors.

WSBA New Lawyer Education seeking input for CLE Programming

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:20:00 -0700

Have you ever thought one of the following:

Why does starting a law career have to be so “sink or swim?”?
Why isn’t there better training to help new lawyers succeed in practice?
How could I gain the opportunity to moderate, speak at, or develop CLEs?

We’re asking new and young lawyers to give for 90 minutes to help create relevant CLE programs that build skills and confidence for new lawyers. Simply pick a date and topic below and share your perspective on steps and challenges for new attorneys:

August 16: Advising closely held (small or mid-size companies) or non-profit entities
August 23: Navigating divorce cases
September 13: Handling employment law issues

All focus groups will run from 12:00-1:30pm. Attend in person in Seattle or by conference call.

Please RSVP to brianh@wsba.org

Your input will directly influence content for programs within the next year. Participating in the focus group may also open opportunities for you to continue on with suggesting faculty and shaping the program as a part of the program development team.

Task Force presents report on Admission to Practice Rules, Mandatory Malpractice Insurance

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:20:00 -0700

The APR Task Force presented its report and recommendations on the Admission to Practice Rules and a recommendation to form a committee to study the recommendation for mandatory malpractice insurance.

Please note: The proposed APR 26 regarding mandatory malpractice insurance will not be up for action before the Board of Governors at the September meeting. Instead, at the September meeting, the APR Task Force is asking the Board of Governors to form a committee to study the issue of mandatory malpractice insurance.

Report and Recommendations of the APR Task Force

The APR Task Force completed its work in July 2012. It submits the following report and recommended amendments to the Admission to Practice Rules:

APR Task Force Report to the Board of Governors

Proposed Admissions Flow Chart, July 2012; illustrates various paths to admission in Washington under the proposed amendments.

Membership Invited to Comment

We welcome your feedback and comments on the task force's recommendations. Please direct comments to Robert Henry, Associate Director of Regulatory Services:

Robert Henry
Washington State Bar Association
1325 4th Ave Ste 600
Seattle, WA 98101
roberth@wsba.org

Please submit comments no later than September 4, 2012.

Additional information is available on the APR Task Force page.

June Issue of News Flash Now Available

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:20:00 -0700

The June issue of News Flash is now available.

News of the Washington state legal community, short and to the point! News Flash is produced after each Board of Governors meeting.

Live Chat with President Crossland June 25

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:03:00 -0700

Online Chat with President Crossland and Executive Director Paula Littlewood on June 25

Join President Steve Crossland and Executive Director Paula Littlewood on Monday, June 25, at noon for a live online chat to discuss your thoughts on reshaping the WSBA.

All members are invited to attend and share their comments and questions. No RSVP or registration is necessary — just come to the www.wsba.org homepage to join the chat at noon on June 25.

We kindly ask that if you join the live discussion, you follow our social media guidelines.

A transcript of the chat will be available after the event. View the transcript from the May 21 live chat.

MCLE Notifications Being Mailed to 2010-2012 Members

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 10:22:00 -0700

Throughout the month of June, notifications will be mailed to the 9,355 active members, foreign house counsel, and administrative law judges due to complete earning MCLE credits by December 31, 2012, and to certify earned credits by February 1, 2013, in order to meet the requirements for 2010-2012 MCLE compliance.

Each notification will include a report of the credits currently listed in the member’s online MCLE roster. Members should review the report for incorrectly listed credits, missing credits, and duplicate courses. Accurate records allow members to determine the number of credits they still need to earn before the end of the year. Continuing to keep online records updated helps to ensure that the WSBA has correct MCLE information for the license process and for member online certification.

Contact the WSBA Service Center at 206-443-WSBA (9722), 800-945-WSBA (9722), or at questions@wsba.org if you have questions.

Supreme Court Adopts Limited License Legal Technician Rule

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:04:00 -0700

On June 15, the Washington Supreme Court adopted the Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) Rule. The adopted rule is substantively the same as the Legal Technician Rule that was originally proposed by the Supreme Court’s Practice of Law Board in 2008, but never acted on.

This rule authorizes non-attorneys who meet certain educational requirements to advise clients on specific areas of law, which have yet to be determined.

While the Board of Governors consistently opposed the rule during its development, it’s now time for the legal profession to participate and lead in the decision-making process to shape the best program possible. Nine attorneys will be appointed to the 13-member LLLT Board by the Supreme Court.

WSBA’s role is to maintain the high standards set for the legal profession while serving as the regulators of this new rule. The goal is to ensure quality implementation aimed at supporting WSBA members and upholding protection of the public.
There is no other state with a similar LLLT rule. This rule provides Washington the opportunity to lead the nation in expanding legal services for the people of our state.

The rule will go into effect on Sept. 1, 2012.

See the press release issued by the Washington State Supreme Court

Read the adopted Limited License Legal Technician Rule.

Learn more about the current status of the LLLT Program.

WSBA kicks off its Listening Tour on June 11

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 15:20:00 -0700

In an ongoing effort to listen and engage with WSBA members across the state, WSBA President Steve Crossland and Executive Director Paula Littlewood are hitting the road and traveling around the state. They’ll make stops in Spokane, Clarkston, Lyle, South Bend and Port Townsend, ending in Seattle with a special member luncheon.

You may recall that President Crossland asked for email input on two questions following the referendum vote. He said he’d randomly draw 10 members from those who responded and invite them to lunch for further discussion. That lunch will occur on June 14.

These “listening stops” are your opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and offer comments as WSBA seeks to ensure the bar of the future best meets your needs, the needs of the profession and the public it serves.

All members are welcome to attend any of the scheduled visits occurring June 11-13. Your input matters, and we hope you’ll join President Crossland and Executive Director Paula Littlewood at a stop near you. View all locations on a map.

Dates and Locations

June 11, 2 p.m. – Spokane
City Hall – Conference Room 2A - 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

June 11, 6 p.m. – Clarkston
Tomato Brothers Italian Steakhouse, 200 Bridge Street, Clarkston

June 12, noon – Ephrata
Grant County Law & Justice Center Multipurpose Room, 2nd floor

June 12, 6 p.m. – Lyle
Lyle Hotel, 7th Street

June 13, noon – South Bend
Chen’s Restaurant, 206 E. Robert Bush Drive

June 13, 6 p.m. – Port Townsend
Silverwater Cafe, Studio 49 – Top Floor, 237 Taylor Street

June 14, noon – Seattle
Special invitation-only lunch for 10 members who provided feedback to President Crossland following the referendum vote.

RSVP

While not required, an RSVP is appreciated by sending an email to Debra Carnes, debrac@wsba.org.

WSBA Board of Governors to Meet in Yakima June 8

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 15:20:00 -0700

The Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors will hold its next meeting on June 8 at the Yakima Convention Center. Fourth District Governor Leland Kerr, of Kennewick, will welcome the Board to Yakima. The public meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The highlight of each June meeting is the election by the Board of Governors of a new president-elect. The new president-elect will begin his term this September and take office as WSBA president in September 2013. The Board will also interview and select a new at-large governor representing the Washington Young Lawyers Division.

The Board will consider whether to take positions on two resolutions that will come before the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates at its annual meeting in August — one resolution regarding affirming and readopting the existing ABA policy regarding the prohibition of sharing legal fees with non-lawyers, and the other regarding support of training that enhances understanding of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. The WSBA has seven delegates to the ABA House of Delegates.

The chair of the Access to Justice (ATJ) Board Kirsten Barron, of Bellingham, will present the ATJ Board’s 2012 Annual Report. The ATJ Board was established by the Washington State Supreme Court in 1994 at the request of the WSBA Board of Governors, in response to a growing need to coordinate the access to justice efforts throughout the state and ensure continuity and focus. Its mandate is to ensure access to the civil justice system for low- and moderate-income Washington residents. The annual ATJ/Bar Leaders Conference will be held at the Yakima Convention Center Friday through Sunday. This year’s conference theme is “Our New Economic Reality: The Legal Profession’s Role.”

A Board committee has been examining ways to incorporate the new 10th District position into the Board of Governors. The Board will vote on the committee’s recommendation to split the 7th District into two sub-districts instead of the current three, presented by Leland Kerr, committee chair.

Fifth District Governor Nancy Isserlis, of Spokane, and Deputy Director for Administration and Professional Development/CFO Julie Mass will update the Board on the current year’s budget, and how recent Board decisions in response to the recent passage of a license-fee referendum to reduce annual licensing fees are shaping the draft of the FY 2013 budget.

About the Washington State Bar Association

The WSBA is part of the judicial branch, exercising a governmental function authorized by the Washington State Supreme Court to license the state’s 34,800 lawyers. The WSBA both regulates lawyers under the authority of the Court and serves its members as a professional association — all without public funding. As a regulatory agency, the WSBA administers the bar admission process, including the bar exam; provides record-keeping and licensing functions; and administers the lawyer-discipline system. As a professional association, the WSBA provides continuing legal education for attorneys, in addition to numerous other educational and member-service activities.

The Washington State Bar Association’s mission is to serve the public and the members of the Bar, ensure the integrity of the legal profession, and to champion justice.

May Issue of News Flash Now Available

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:20:00 -0700

The May issue of News Flash is now available.

News of the Washington state legal community, short and to the point! News Flash is produced after each Board of Governors meeting.

Ethics Alert: Loan Modification Scammers Recruiting Lawyers

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:20:00 -0700

Lawyers — especially solo and small firm practitioners and new lawyers — are increasingly the target of loan modification scammers. Do not risk your license! Learn to recognize and avoid these scams.

About Loan Modification Scam

The scammers seek to recruit lawyers in an effort to circumvent state and federal legislation enacted to protect homeowners from unfair or deceptive practices, including a ban on the collection of upfront fees. Because lawyers are generally exempt from the legislation, scammers are trying to exploit this loophole by soliciting, employing, and partnering with lawyers to provide purported loan modification services.

These relationships may violate the Washington Rules of Professional Conduct and could result in lawyer discipline. Do not risk your license. Recognize these fraudulent schemes for what they are – scams. Avoid giving assistance to these scam artists.

How to Identify a Scam

Here are some red flags to help you recognize a loan modification scam:

Accepting fees for little or no work in exchange for allowing non-lawyers to use the lawyer’s name, retainer agreement and client trust account;
Engaging in a widespread telemarketing operation staffed by non-lawyers;
Allowing the lawyer’s or law firm’s name to be used in solicitations to prospective clients without actively providing legal services in connection with mortgage assistance relief services;
Misrepresenting any material aspect of a lawyer's or law firm's legal services, including the likelihood of getting a favorable result, an affiliation with a governmental agency or other costs of their services;
Paying a referral or marketing fee to a foreclosure consultant or other person for referring distressed homeowners to the lawyer;
Sharing legal fees with non-lawyers;
Partnering with non-lawyers in connection with offering mortgage assistance relief services;
Failing to supervise subordinate attorney and non-attorney work product;
Helping non-lawyers engage in the unauthorized practice of law;
Failing to keep clients reasonably informed about their matters, including other available legal options and the potential for adverse outcomes; and
Failing to work diligently and competently on behalf of clients.

For lawyers who offer mortgage assistance relief services as part of their practices, upfront fees or retainers can be accepted only if the lawyer performs legitimate legal services and the money is deposited in a client trust account and withdrawn only as actual legal services are performed and the client is notified prior to each withdrawal.

Report a Scam

If you believe you have been contacted by a loan modification scammer, please report it to these agencies

Questions?

Ethics Questions

Please call our Ethics Hotline at 206-727-8284 or view our other Ethics Resources.

Information about the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule

The FTC offers guides for lawyers, The Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule: A Compliance Guide for Lawyers, and for businesses, The Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule: A Compliance Guide for Business.

304 Candidates Pass Winter 2012 Washington State Bar Exam

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:20:00 -0700

Congratulations to the 304 candidates that passed the bar exam administered in February 2012. Of the 470 candidates who took the exam, 64.7 percent passed.

By comparison, 324 candidates passed the bar exam administered in February 2011. Of the 479 candidates who took that exam, 67.6 percent passed. In 2011 overall, 909 candidates passed the bar exam, or 66.3 percent of the 1,371 candidates who took the exam.

View the pass list.

View statistics for the February 2012 bar exam.

New Issue of Diversity News Now Available

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:20:00 -0700

A new issue of Diversity News is now available.

Highlights from this issue of Diversity News include:

Information on the License Fee Referendum,
A collection of articles about the Trayvon Martin case, and
Registration information for the Access to Justice Conference

BOG to Meet in Tulalip April 27–28

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:20:00 -0700

The Board of Governors will hold its next meeting on Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28, at the Tulalip Resort, in Tulalip. Chairman Sheldon, of the Tulalip Tribe, and Second District Governor Phillip Buri, of Bellingham, will welcome the Board to Tulalip. The public meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 27, and 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 28.

Meeting Highlights

The Board will welcome members of the local bench and bar at lunch. A highlight of the luncheon will be the presentation of a Local Hero Award by WSBA President Stephen Crossland. Former police chief John Turner, nominated by the Snohomish County Bar Association, will be presented with the award. As the Board of Governors travels around the state, these awards are presented to local lawyers and non-lawyers who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities.
The Membership Study Team will present the results of the WSBA Membership Study. Chair of the Board of Governors Diversity Committee, Governor Roger Leishman, of Seattle, will update the Board on diversity matters.
The Budget and Audit Committee will submit a series of budget reduction measures recommended by senior leadership that can be decided, and acted upon swiftly to begin reducing the Bar’s footprint – and impact. These recommendations will be discussed on Saturday, and include: spending down $1 million in unrestricted reserves in each of 2013 and 2014; cutting approximately $1.3 million in annual, non-mission-critical expenses; and evaluating new revenue streams. Learn more about how we're Shaping a New WSBA.

A full agenda and meeting materials can be accessed from the Board of Governors Meeting Materials page.

Read the press release for a full summary.

March Issue of News Flash Now Available

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:20:00 -0700

The March issue of News Flash is now available.

News of the Washington state legal community, short and to the point! News Flash is produced after each Board of Governors meeting.

2012 WSBA Awards Nominations Sought

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:20:00 -0700

Each year, WSBA members are asked to identify those who deserve the legal profession’s recognition and appreciation. Nominations are sought for the WSBA Annual Awards. The deadline for the Pro Bono Award and Norm Maleng Leadership Award nominations is Friday, March 30, 2012. The deadline for all other nominations is April 27, 2012.

For award descriptions, to download a nomination form, or to get more information, go to the WSBA 2012 Awards page.

Volunteers Needed for First Responder Will Clinic in Redmond April 14

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:20:00 -0700

The Washington First Responder Will Clinic needs volunteer attorneys to draft estate planning documents for local police officers and firefighters on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Your participation can provide considerable peace of mind through a small piece of your day.

The Clinic is a program of the WSBA Young Lawyers Division, and aims to provide basic estate-planning documents — wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives — for Washington first responders and their spouses/domestic partners at no cost. Participants come to the clinic with a prepared questionnaire, review with volunteer attorneys, and leave with drafted and executed documents. Volunteers for this clinic must have their own malpractice insurance and should have basic estate planning experience.

If you would like to volunteer, please sign up online: http://bit.ly/GCsuTC

Board of Governors election begins; Governors-elect announced for uncontested districts

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:07:00 -0700

Beginning March 15, 2012, active WSBA members in the 4th congressional district have the opportunity to once again help determine the WSBA’s future direction and leadership. Although four district positions are up for election this year, districts 1, 5, and 7-West will not have a contested election because there is only one candidate from those districts.

Congratulations to Ken Masters, district 1 Governor-elect, Paul Bastine, district 5 Governor-elect, and Barb Rhoads-Weaver, district 7-West Governor-elect.

For more information, see the Board of Governors Elections page.

*The 7th Congressional District is divided into three sub-districts: East, Central, and West. These sub-districts are distinguished by zip codes, and each has one elected governor. For the coming year, a governor from the West sub-district (zip codes 98013, 98070, 98106, 98107, 98116, 98117, 98119, 98126, 98133, 98136, 98146, 98160, 98166, 98177, 98195, AND 98199) will be elected.

**The at-large governor will be elected by the Board of Governors at its June meeting.

Learn more about the Bar Foundation and share your thoughts at a Focus Group

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:20:00 -0800

The Washington State Bar Foundation is conducting focus groups around the state to learn what lawyers think about the Bar Foundation and the WSBA programs it helps fund.

Whether you're a long time supporter, or this is the first time you've heard about the Foundation, we want to know what inspires you to get involved, to give back, and what makes you proud to be a member of Washington's legal community.

Learn more about the Bar Foundation and share your thoughts at a Focus Group.

WSBA Board of Governors to Meet in Walla Walla March 9

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:20:00 -0800

The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Board of Governors will hold its next meeting on Friday, March 9 at the Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla. Fifth District Governor Nancy Isserlis, of Spokane, will welcome the Board to Walla Walla. The public meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. The Board will welcome members of the local bench and bar at lunch. Carol Jean Thompson, of Walla Walla, is president of the Walla Walla County Bar Association, and Michaela Murdock, of Walla Walla, is president of the Hells Canyon Bar Association.

On March 8, WSBA President-elect Michele Radosevich will speak to Whitman College students in Professor Jim Hanson’s Rhetoric and the Law class. Whitman College offers a major in Rhetoric Studies. The WSBA officers, President Stephen Crossland, of Cashmere; President-elect Michele Radosevich, of Seattle; Immediate Past President Steven Toole, of Bellevue; and Treasurer Nancy Isserlis, of Spokane, along with Governor Leland Kerr, of Kennewick; WSBA Executive Director Paula Littlewood; and Deputy Director for External Relations Steve Larsen, are looking forward to a reception later that afternoon, where they will talk with Whitman students about the legal profession.

Chair of the Board of Governors Diversity Committee Roger Leishman, of Seattle, will update the Board on diversity and inclusion matters, including leadership recruitment, the membership study, and the proposed charter for the re-formed Committee for Diversity.

The Board will vote on a proposal, presented by Washington State Bar Foundation President Sally Savage, of Pullman, to add a charitable donation check-off option to the annual WSBA licensing renewal form. The Washington State Bar Foundation’s role is to raise charitable donations for programs that promote diversity and help those in need obtain access to the legal system.

President of the Washington Young Lawyers Division (WYLD) Dainen Penta, of Seattle, will update the Board on the WYLD’s work to date this year. One of the WYLD’s most successful projects is its First Responder Will Clinic program, which has served more than 1,000 first responders and their spouses/state-registered domestic partners throughout the state by providing free estate-planning documents. Its most recent clinic was held February 25 in Shoreline.

Also on the agenda are Governors’ and Liaisons’ Forums, during which governors and others in attendance may bring non-agenda items to the attention of the Board.

After lunch, Board Legislative Committee Chair Leland Kerr, of Kennewick, and WSBA Legislative Liaison Kathryn Leathers will update the Board on legislative matters. They will also present the first reading of draft court rules regarding collaborative law.

Court Rules and Procedures Committee Chair Kenneth Masters, of Bainbridge Island, will present a recommended response to proposed amendments drafted by the Superior Court Judges’ Association to Criminal Rule (CrR) 4.6, Depositions.

The Board is scheduled to take action on an amicus brief request, Klem v. Quality Loan Service Corporation of Washington/Quality Loan Service Corporation, presented by Amicus Curiae Brief Committee member Katherine Knox, of Spokane.

A Board committee has been examining ways to incorporate the new 10th District position into the Board of Governors. Committee Chair Leland Kerr will present the first reading of the committee’s recommendation, which is to split the 7th District into two sub-districts, instead of the current three.

ABA Seeks Nominations for Awards

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:20:00 -0800

The American Bar Association Government and Public Sector Lawyers Division's annual awards program is designed to recognize the extraordinary achievements of public lawyers and to inform the general public about the outstanding work performed and the positive impact made by our nation's public lawyers.

The Division is seeking nominations for three national awards designed to recognize the extraordinary achievements of public lawyers: the Dorsey Award for an Outstanding Public Defender or Legal Aid Lawyer, the Hodson Award for Public Service, and the Nelson Award for Outstanding Service to the ABA.

The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, April 3, 2012.

Please visit the ABA Government and Public Sector Lawyers Division's website for more information.

Looking for information on the Washington State Bar Association Annual Awards?

February Issue of News Flash Now Available

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:20:00 -0800

The February issue of News Flash is now available.

News of the Washington state legal community, short and to the point! News Flash is produced after each Board of Governors meeting.

WSBA and Paul G. Allen Foundation Join Forces to Help Families Save their Homes

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:20:00 -0800

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation has joined the Washington State Bar Association in the fight against home foreclosure. A grant of $100,000 to the Washington State Bar Foundation will support a two-year expansion of the Bar Association’s Home Foreclosure Legal Aid Project.

“The foreclosure crisis is far from over,” said William Vesneski of the Allen Foundation. “Families are still struggling and many face significant barriers to retaining their home, which is their primary asset. We felt it was important to stand beside the State Bar, its partners, and the hundreds of volunteer attorneys working to protect homeowners’ economic security.”

Experts say the housing crisis continues with nearly 2,000 new foreclosure filings in Washington in December.
The Bar Association launched the Home Foreclosure Legal Aid Project in 2009 as housing counselors and civil legal aid offices around the state were inundated with more cases than they could handle.

“Looking at the data, it was clear the crisis had strained every available resource and left low- to moderate-income homeowners without the expertise and advocacy they desperately needed when they faced losing their homes,” said Bar Association President Steve Crossland, of Cashmere. “Commitment to service is a hallmark of Washington’s legal profession, so with some focused training and support, we were able to deploy hundreds of additional volunteer attorneys. The response has been incredible.”

That response was also compelling to the Allen Foundation. “There are many lawyers doing great work to support communities,” said Vesneski. “But seeing the Bar Association put up its resources and reputation to help vulnerable homeowners – we thought that was impressive.”

The Bar Association partnered with statewide housing counselors and Northwest Justice Project, the state’s largest legal aid law firm, on the Project. It began a two-year expansion last year with a nearly $1.1 million cy pres award from the Washington State Office of the Attorney General from settlement funds involving one bank’s lending practices. The Project is helping enforce the state’s 2011- enacted Foreclosure Fairness Act, which provides homeowners the right to mediation in foreclosure proceedings. The addition of private dollars allows the Bar Association to provide more support for volunteers.
“There’s high leverage here,” said President Crossland. “For every one staff attorney we put on the ground, there are more than 100 volunteer attorneys available to work with homeowners.”

That means there is a high return for every philanthropic dollar invested, too. At the end of the two-year expansion, the Bar Association’s Home Foreclosure Legal Aid Project will have saved an additional $80,000,000 in Fair Market Value (FMV) of property from foreclosure and preserved at least $8,150,000 more in homeowner equity for low to moderate income homeowners.

The Washington State Bar Association’s mission is to serve the public and the members of the Bar, ensure the integrity of the legal profession, and to champion justice. The Washington State Bar Foundation’s mission is to help the Bar Association advance diversity in the profession, and increase the public’s access to, and understanding of, the justice system.

Read the press release.

Now Accepting Applications to Serve on Committees, Boards, and Panels

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:20:00 -0800

We are accepting applications for committees, boards, panels, and other positions for the 2012-2013 year. Descriptions of the openings are below. If you are interested in serving, please apply using myWSBA (login required). The application deadline is March 12.

Committees

Amicus Curiae Brief Committee
Reviews all requests for amicus curiae participation by the WSBA, and provides a recommendation to the Board of Governors pursuant to the WSBA Amicus Curiae Brief Policy. Appointment is for a two-year term.

Committee for Diversity
Works to increase diversity within the membership and leadership of the WSBA; promotes opportunities for appointment or election of diverse members to the bench; supports and encourage opportunities for minority attorneys; aggressively pursues employment opportunities for minorities; and raises awareness of the benefits of diversity. Appointment is for a two-year term.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Committee
Provides policy guidance for the WSBA Education and Outreach Department in fulfilling its mission of serving the ongoing education needs of Washington lawyers. The CLE Department and its efforts have to be fiscally self-sustaining, which requires a business focus in the Committee. Standing subcommittees are quality control, technology, section/external re¬lations, and a fourth “as needed” programming sub-committee to support the department in achieving its trademark, “The Innovator in Continuing Legal Education.” Appointment is for a three-year term.

Court Rules and Procedures Committee
Studies and develops suggested amendments to designated sets of court rules on a regular cycle of review. Performs the rules study function outlined in GR 9 and reports its recommendations to the Board of Governors. The Rules of Appellate Procedure (RAP) and the Rules for Appeal from Decisions of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (RALJ) are scheduled for review in 2012-2013. Lawyers with experience or interest in these areas are encouraged to apply. Appointment is for a two-year term.

Editorial Advisory Committee
Acts mainly in an advisory capacity, supervising the publication of Bar News, including the recommendation of finalists for the editor position for selection by the Board of Governors, and the establishment of guidelines for format, content, and editorial policy. Appointment is for a two-year term.

Judicial Recommendation Committee
Screens and interviews candidates for state Court of Appeals and Supreme Court positions. Recommendations are reviewed by the WSBA Board of Governors and referred to the governor for consideration when making judicial appointments. Appointment is for a three-year term.

Legislative Committee
Reviews proposals from WSBA sections for state legislation that relate to the practice of law and the administration of justice, and makes recommendations to the Board of Governors for a position thereon. Appointment is for a two-year term.

Pro Bono and Legal Aid Committee
Deals with questions in the fields of pro bono and legal aid with respect to: 1) supporting activities that assist volunteer attorney legal services programs and organizations, and encouraging pro bono participation to meet the aspirational goals in RPC 6.1, Pro Bono Publico Service; 2) addressing the administration of justice as it affects indigent persons; and 3) cooperating with other agencies interested in these objectives. Both active and emeritus members may serve. Appointment is for a two-year term.

Professionalism Committee
Recommends programs to increase professionalism by assisting attorneys in fostering better client relations; improving civility among attorneys; and creating and promoting educational opportunities focusing on issues related to professionalism, ethics, and civility. Appointment is for a two-year term.

Rules of Professional Conduct Committee
Considers and responds to inquiries arising under the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) and may, upon request, express its opinion to the Board of Governors concerning proper professional conduct. Appointment is for a two-year term.

Boards

Character and Fitness Board
Deals with matters of character and fitness bearing on qualifications of applicants for admission to practice law in Washington; conducts hearings on the admission of any applicant; makes rec-ommendations to the Board of Governors and Supreme Court; and considers petitions for reinstatement after disbarment. Appointment is for a three-year term. Prerequisite: Board members must have been an active member of the WSBA for at least seven years at the time of appointment. Four positions are available: applicants must be from District 4, 6, 7, or 9.

Disciplinary Board
Carries out the functions and duties assigned to it according to the Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct adopted by the Supreme Court. The full board meets at least six times a year, reviewing hearing officer decisions and stipulations. Three-member review committees meet at least an additional three times a year and review disciplinary investigation reports and dismissals. Considerable reading and meeting preparation are required. Appointment is for a three-year term. Prerequisite: Board members must have been an active member of the WSBA for at least seven years at the time of appointment. Three positions are available: one must be filled by a member from District 8, one by a member from District 9, and one by a member from any district.

Law Clerk Board
Supervises the Law Clerk Program in accordance with Rule 6 of the Admission to Practice Rules; considers applications for enrollment in the program; follows the progress of law clerks assigned to liaison; interviews and evaluates law clerks and tutors during the course of study; and certifies that law clerks have successfully completed the program meeting the educational requirement for the Washington State bar exam. The board has regular meetings four times a year and may call additional meetings for special topics. Appointment is for a three-year term. Members are appointed with consideration for the geographic distribution of law clerks in the program, a balance of those who completed the law clerk program and law school graduates, and other factors of diversity.

Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection Board
Pursuant to APR 15, reviews claims for reimbursement of financial loss sustained by rea¬son of an attorney’s dishonest actions or failure to account for client funds; decides claims up to $25,000; and makes recommendations to the Board of Governors on claims for greater amounts. The Board meets four times a year. Appointment is for a three-year term.

Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board
Approves courses and educational programs that satisfy the educational requirements of the mandatory CLE rule and considers MCLE policy issues, as well as reporting and exception situations. The Board meets five to six times a year. Appointment is for a three-year term.

Panels

Adjunct Investigative Counsel (AIC) Panel
Panel members assist in carrying out the functions of the lawyer discipline system as needed pursuant to Rule for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct 2.9. AIC volunteers may be asked to assist staff disciplinary counsel with the investigation of a grievance; serve as independent special disciplinary counsel and represent the Association in the investigation of a grievance or prosecution of a disciplinary case; provide staff disciplinary counsel with an outside opinion on an area of law; serve as a probation monitor following imposition of a disciplinary sanction or suspension; consult with a lawyer under the terms of a diversion contract; or serve as a file custodian when a lawyer dies, disappears, or otherwise becomes incapable of protecting clients’ interests. In addition to completing the application form, applicants are required to submit separately a letter of interest (highlighting relevant skills and experience) and résumé to Doug Ende, Chief Disciplinary Counsel, WSBA, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539 or douge@wsba.org. Appointment is for a five-year term. Prerequisites: An AIC must be an active member of the WSBA, have been an active or judicial member of the WSBA for at least seven years, and have no record of disciplinary misconduct.

Hearing Officer Panel
Panel members serve as hearing officers for lawyer disciplinary matters and are expected to make evidentiary rulings, rule on motions, and prepare written findings of fact, conclusions of law, and (as necessary) sanction recommendations according to strict deadlines. Attendance at annual training is required. Hearing officers may not serve as expert witnesses on professional conduct issues, represent respondents in disciplinary matters, or serve as special disciplinary counsel or adjunct investigative counsel. The Hearing Officer Selection Panel reviews applications and makes recommendations to the Board of Governors for appointments to the panel. In addition to completing the application form, applicants are required to submit separately a letter of interest (highlighting relevant skills and experience), résumé, references, and writing sample to Elizabeth Turner, WSBA, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539 or elizabetht@wsba.org. All application materi¬als and requested information must be submitted before March 12 in order to be considered for appointment, and the Selection Panel may request additional information during the evalu¬ation process. Initial appointment is for one year commencing October 1, 2012, and may be followed by reappointment for five-year terms. Prerequisites: A hearing officer must be an active member of the WSBA, have been an active or judicial member of the WSBA for at least seven years, have no record of public discipline, and have experience as an adjudicator or advocate in contested adjudicative hearings. Please review the Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct, particularly ELC 2.5 to 2.6 and ELC Title 10, prior to applying.

Other Positions

Conflicts Review Officer
The Conflicts Review Officer (CRO) is appointed pursuant to Rule 2.7 of the Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct. The CRO, with support from the Office of General Counsel, is a lawyer outside the discipline system who reviews and makes initial determinations for grievances filed against disciplinary counsel and other lawyers employed by the Association, hearing officers, and members of the Disciplinary Board, the Board of Governors, and the Supreme Court. The CRO may dismiss the grievance, defer the investigation, refer the attorney for diversion evaluation, or have the grievance assigned to special disciplinary counsel for further investigation. The CRO acts independently of disciplinary counsel and the Association. Three CROs serve staggered terms; each year one CRO will be appointed to a three-year term. The Supreme Court makes the appointments based on recommendations from the WSBA Board of Governors. Prerequisites: The CRO must have prior experience as a Disciplinary Board member, disciplinary counsel, or special disciplinary counsel, and have no other role in the disciplinary system while serving as CRO. If you are interested in the position, please submit a letter of interest, references, and résumé separately from (and in addition to) the application form to Elizabeth Turner, WSBA, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539 or elizabetht@wsba.org. Please review the Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct, particularly ELC 2.7, prior to applying.

Council on Public Defense
The Council on Public Defense was established to implement the recommendations of the WSBA Blue Ribbon Panel on Criminal Defense, which was appointed by the Board of Governors in spring 2003 as a first step in addressing concerns about the quality of indigent defense services in Washington. Appointment is for a one-year term. Prerequisite: Applicants must not be employed by a government entity or government-funded entity

Notice of Request for WSBA to File Amicus Curiae Brief

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:20:00 -0800

The Washington State Bar Association Amicus Curiae Brief Committee is considering a request that the WSBA appear as amicus curiae in support of a petition to the Supreme Court for direct review in the case, Dianne Klem, as administrator of the estate of Dorothy Halstein, v. Quality Loan Service Corporation of Washington (a Washington corporation) and Quality Loan Service Corporation (a California corporation). The Committee will consider this request at their regularly scheduled meeting on February 8, 2012.

The issues that the WSBA is requested to address concern predating and improper notarization of mortgage foreclosure documents. In the subject case, a civil trial resulted in a jury verdict of unfair practices under the Consumer Protection Act, but the Court of Appeals found that the predating and prenotarization was not an unfair act under the CPA and reversed the verdict.

Any person or entity may submit comments to the Committee and the Board of Governors on whether this request meets the criteria set forth in the WSBA Amicus Curiae Brief Policy. Comments should be addressed to Elizabeth Turner, Assistant General Counsel, Washington State Bar Association, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539 or to elizabetht@wsba.org. Comments must be received by noon Tuesday, February 7, 2012.

WSBA Board of Governors to Meet in Olympia on January 26

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:20:00 -0800

The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Board of Governors will hold its next meeting on Thursday, January 26 at the Indian Summer Country Club in Olympia. Third District Governor Brian Kelly, of Chehalis, will welcome the Board to the capital city. The public meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. On Friday, January 27, the Board will have its annual private meeting with the Washington State Supreme Court.

The Board will welcome members of the local bench and bar at lunch. Toni Hood, of Olympia, is president of the Thurston County Bar Association. Jason McGill, of Olympia, is president of the Government Lawyers Bar Association. A highlight of the luncheon will be the presentation of two Local Hero Awards by WSBA President Stephen Crossland. Leslie Owen, nominated by the Thurston County Bar Association, and Jennifer Meyer, nominated by the Government Lawyers Bar Association, both of Olympia, will receive awards. As the Board of Governors travels around the state, these awards are presented to local attorneys who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities.

Chair of the Board of Governors Diversity Committee, Governor Roger Leishman, of Seattle, will update the Board on diversity matters, including the WSBA membership study, currently underway. The Board is scheduled to vote on whether to affirm its September 19, 2008, Resolution Regarding Marriage and the Law and support legislation providing for equal access for same-sex couples to civil marriage and its attendant legal rights and obligations.

Washington State Bar Foundation President Sally Savage, of Pullman, and Foundation Director of Development Megan McNally will present the first reading of a proposal to add the opportunity for members to make a donation to the Foundation as part of the annual license-renewal process.

WSBA delegate to the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates Deborah Perluss will present proposed standards for language access in the courts for those with limited English proficiency. She will also present a resolution from the ABA Commission on Disability Rights that urges entities that administer law-school admission testing to provide accommodations that best ensure the skills (and not their disabilities) of test-takers are measured. The Board will be asked to support these two items, which will be on the agenda for the ABA Midyear Meeting in February. The WSBA has seven delegates to the ABA House of Delegates.

Also on the pre-lunch agenda are Governors’ and Liaisons’ Forums, during which governors and others in attendance may bring non-agenda items to the attention of the Board.

Governor Marc Silverman, of Bellevue, who chairs the Board’s Immigration Advisory Work Group, will present a draft suggested comment to Washington’s Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) for action. The suggested comment is intended to provide clear guidance to lawyers as to what is and what is not permitted in the context of civil litigation involving individuals who are unauthorized immigrants or who are perceived to be so, in order to protect access to the civil justice system regardless of a person’s immigration status or ethnicity.

Treasurer and Fifth District Governor Nancy Isserlis, of Spokane, and Deputy Director for Finance and Administration Julie Mass will present the 2011 audited financial statements (the WSBA’s fiscal year runs October through September). The WSBA received an unqualified opinion — the highest opinion possible — from its independent auditors.

Seattle attorney Lish Whitson, chair of the Local Rules Task Force, will present the first reading of revised Family Law Civil Rules. After approval at a later meeting, they will be submitted to the Supreme Court for consideration. Created in 2007, the Task Force’s mandate is to review the purpose and function of local rules; the impact of local rules on courts, litigants and the trial bar; and possible means to mitigate the detrimental effects of the ever-increasing number of local rules on lawyers practicing in multiple courts.

Board Legislative Committee Chair Leland Kerr, of Kennewick, and WSBA Legislative Liaison Kathryn Leathers will update the Board on legislative matters.

January Issue of News Flash Now Available

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:20:00 -0800

The January issue of News Flash is now available.

News of the Washington state legal community, short and to the point! News Flash is produced after each Board of Governors meeting.

WSBA Civil Rights Law Section Honors the Memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:20:00 -0800

As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches on January 16, 2012, the Washington State Bar Association Civil Rights Law Section honors the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and encourages us all to remember his work as a civil rights advocate and nonviolent activist, including his famous “I Have a Dream...” speech in which he articulated his dream of a society where equality, liberty, peace, and opportunity would flourish, a dream of “the beloved community.” In 1964, Dr. King had the honor of being the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He worked tirelessly to achieve civil rights until his assassination in 1968. His vision continues today.

The Section is inspired by the ideals of Dr. King. The mission of the Civil Rights Law Section is to educate and advocate for civil liberties and equal rights in the context of the legal issues of Washington state residents. The Section focuses on issues involving the civil rights of racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual orientation minorities; immigrants; those with mental or physical disabilities; those who are impoverished or homeless; and freedom of speech, freedom from state promulgated religion, and privacy rights. Lawyers who practice in any of these areas of law or are interested in these topics are encouraged to join the Civil Rights Law Section. Becoming a member of the Section is an excellent way to enhance a practice in any area of law that involves civil rights issues. For more information about the Section, see
www.wsba.org/Legal-Community/Sections/Civil-Rights-Law-Section.

Section Annual Event, Awards, and CLE: On July 29, 2011, the Section held its annual event in Seattle. After officer elections and presentation of the Civil Rights Awards, a CLE program was provided on the following topics:

Police Accountability and Civil Rights
The Governor’s Proposal on Office of Civil Rights
Initiative 1122 and Public and Private Enforcement of Immigration Laws
Ethics: Representing Clients with a Disability

2011 Awards: The Civil Rights Law Section’s Civil Rights awards were presented at the Section’s annual event. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to John F. Waldo. The Civic Leader Award was presented to the Race and Criminal Justice Task Force (Co-chairs: Robert S. Chang, Hon. Steven González, and Nicole A. Gaines).

CLE: The Section, in conjunction with Seattle University School of Law, hosted a free CLE on pursuing a career in civil rights and also provided a civil rights update. This CLE was held in October 2011 at Seattle University.

Announcing the WSBA Membership Survey

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:20:00 -0800

The 2012 WSBA Membership study has closed. The information below outlines how the study was conducted.

View the results of the WSBA Membership Study.

The WSBA is working to better understand the complex challenges and opportunities facing our members, and I’m writing to ask for your help.

We’re conducting a study that looks at career transitions, job satisfaction, and other factors that characterize WSBA members’ experiences practicing law. We commissioned TrueBearing LLC, a professional research and evaluation firm, to conduct a three-part study of the membership over the next two months. There are three ways you can potentially be involved in this study.

Randomized-participation survey
On January 5, an invitation to complete the membership survey will be sent to randomly selected members. The survey will be available to these members from January 5–February 3.

To ensure complete confidentiality, TrueBearing will handle all aspects of this survey. If you are selected, please complete the survey fully and candidly, knowing that your responses will not be tracked back to you as an individual in any way.
Open-participation survey
On February 6, TrueBearing will open the survey for any member who wishes to be heard.
Online fora
During January and February, TrueBearing will facilitate online fora, similar to focus groups. Each will be a confidential, moderated conversation among approximately 10 WSBA members, taking place over 4-8 days. Themes will include:

Racial and ethnic minorities
Sexual orientation minorities
Women
Primary parent or primary caregiver
Persons living with disabilities and impairments

View our Membership Survey FAQ.

New Issue of Public Service Connection Now Available

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:20:00 -0800

Please check out the December issue of WSBA's Public Service Connection, a monthly newsletter to connect you with public service programs, tips, initiatives, and news.

View additional issues of Public Service Connection.

Now Accepting Proposals for Workshops for the 2012 Access to Justice/Bar Leaders Conference

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:38:00 -0800

The 2012 Access to Justice/Bar Leaders Conference will be held in Yakima on June 8-10, 2012. The conference theme is "Our New Economic Reality: The Legal Profession’s Role."

We are accepting proposals for workshops until January 13, 2012. Download a proposal form with complete details.

December Issue of De Novo Now Available

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:33:00 -0800

Read the December issue of De Novo, the official publication of the Washington Young Lawyers Division.

BOG Special Public Meeting

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:27:00 -0800

WSBA Board of Governors
December 19, 2011
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
WSBA Offices, 6th Floor
1325 Fourth Avenue, Seattle

A special public meeting of the Board of Governors has been scheduled for Monday, December 19, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the WSBA Offices.

The purpose of the meeting is to approve a GR 9 cover sheet that explains certain suggested administrative edits to proposed Admission to Practice Rule 28, which creates a limited license to practice law for certain qualified practitioners.

See the meeting materials at ftp://publicftp.wsba.org/BOGBookPublic/Dec2011SpecialMeeting.pdf.

For more information, contact Margaret Shane at margarets@wsba.org or 206-727-8244.

WSBA Board of Governors to Meet in Bellingham December 9–10

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:20:00 -0800

The Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors will hold its next meeting on December 9–10 at the Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham. Second District Governor Philip Buri, of Bellingham, will welcome the Board to his home city. The public meeting will be held on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Members of the local bench and bar will be the Board’s guests for Friday’s lunch. President of the Whatcom County Bar Association is Douglas Robertson, of Bellingham.

Chair of the Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct (ELC) Task Force, G. Geoffrey Gibbs, of Everett, will present recommendations regarding rules addressing admonitions for Board approval. Over the past several months, the Task Force has presented numerous suggested rule changes to the Board, and their work is nearly complete. The Task Force was formed two years ago to undertake a comprehensive review of the ELC, the procedural rules that govern Washington’s lawyer-discipline system. Recommended rule changes will be submitted to the Supreme Court for consideration.

Chair of the Board of Governors Diversity Committee, Governor Roger Leishman, of Seattle, will update the Board on diversity matters, including leadership recruitment, the WSBA membership study, the Judicial Institute pilot project, the Race and Law Task Force, and the Board’s diversity goals.

Governor Marc Silverman, of Bellevue, who chairs the Board’s Immigration Advisory Work Group, will present the first reading of a draft suggested comment to Washington’s Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC). The suggested comment is intended to provide clear guidance to lawyers as to what is and what is not permitted in the context of civil litigation involving individuals who are unauthorized immigrants or who are perceived to be so, in order to protect access to the civil justice system regardless of a person’s immigration status or ethnicity.

Also on the agenda are Governors’ and Liaisons’ Forums, during which governors and others in attendance may bring non-agenda items to the attention of the Board.

Following lunch, former WSBA President and Chair of the Civil Legal Needs Work Group, Wayne Blair, of Bainbridge Island, will report on the Task Force’s work. Chartered in March 2011, the Work Group is charged with soliciting and reviewing all ideas and proposals for expanding civil legal assistance to low- and moderate-income populations, and making recommendations to the Washington State Supreme Court and the WSBA for expanding civil legal assistance.

Also on the agenda is discussion about adding Board representation in Washington’s newly created 10th congressional district. Since the Board is currently at its limit of 15 members, as set by the State Bar Act (RCW 2.48), it must determine how to add representation. Each governor represents WSBA members in his or her congressional district, with the exception of District 7 (which is subdivided into three districts, due to the large number of lawyers in Seattle) and the three at-large governor positions. Governor Lee Kerr, of Kennewick, chairs a committee studying the issue, and he will report on the committee’s work and lead the Board in discussion.

Washington State Bar Foundation President Sally Savage, of Pullman, will present the Foundation’s annual report. The fundraising arm of the WSBA, the Foundation’s sole mission is to support WSBA programs that promote diversity within the legal profession and enhance the public’s access to, and understanding of, the justice system. The 2010–11 fiscal year is distinguished as one in which the WSBA invested considerable resources into building the Foundation’s capacity to achieve its mission, and President Savage will report on the early results of this investment.

Saturday morning will be dedicated to legislative matters, presented by WSBA Legislative Committee Chair Richard Bartholomew, of Lacey, and WSBA Legislative Liaison Kathryn Leathers. The report and discussion will include recommendations from the WSBA Legislative Committee regarding bill sponsorship or support, and an update on the special session currently in progress.

Inaugural Issue of Public Service Connection Now Available

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:20:00 -0800

Please check out the first issue of WSBA's Public Service Connection, a monthly newsletter to connect you with public service programs, tips, initiatives, and news.

November Issue of News Flash Available

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:20:00 -0800

The November issue of News Flash is now available.

News of the Washington state legal community, short and to the point! News Flash is produced after each Board of Governors meeting.

WSBA Board of Governors to Meet in Tacoma October 28

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:46:00 -0700

(SEATTLE) — The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Board of Governors will hold its next meeting on October 28 at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma. Sixth District Governor Vernon Harkins, of Tacoma, will welcome the Board to the “City of Destiny.” The public meeting will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. Members of the local bench and bar will be the Board’s guests for lunch. A highlight of the luncheon will be the presentation of the Local Hero Award to Tacoma attorney Lynn Johnson. As the Board of Governors travels around the state, these awards are presented to local attorneys who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities. President of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association is Brett Purtzer, and the executive director is Kit Kasner.

The Board is honored to welcome Chief Justice Barbara Madsen to the meeting, who will provide an update on court funding. Under the Washington Constitution, the state must maintain a justice system in which “all cases [are] administered openly, and without unnecessary delay.” The Chief Justice has stated that “the Washington Supreme Court and the independent judicial branch entities remain committed to identifying reductions that can be accomplished without compromising our ability to meet our core constitutional responsibilities.”

Chair of the Board of Governors Diversity Committee, Governor Roger Leishman, of Seattle, will update the Board about the WSBA Membership Study, the Task Force on Race and the Criminal Justice System, the Judicial Institute Boot Camp, and leadership recruitment.

Also on the agenda are Governors’ and Liaison’s Forums, during which governors and others in attendance may bring non-agenda items to the attention of the Board.

Following lunch, three fellows from the WSBA Leadership Institute (WLI) class of 2011, Twyla Carter, of Seattle, Masako Kanazawa, of Seattle, and Stephen Ssemaala, of Olympia, will present the class’s community-service project. The class of 2011 developed a guide titled Police & Your Community — What You Need to Know to Challenge Actions and Change Policy in Washington State. The purpose of the guide is to encourage individuals to actively participate in their communities and have positive dialogues with law enforcement for greater community empowerment and law enforcement accountability. The fellows are grateful to the ACLU of Washington, Seattle Police Department, Spokane Police Department, and University of Washington Law Library, who provided assistance and input. Judge Marcine Anderson, of Shoreline, and William Garcia, of Seattle, serve as co-chairs of the WLI Advisory Board. The mission of the WLI is to recruit, train, and develop minority and traditionally underrepresented attorneys for future leadership positions in the bar and community.

About the Washington State Bar Association
The WSBA is part of the judicial branch, exercising a governmental function authorized by the Washington State Supreme Court to license the state’s 34,580 lawyers. The WSBA both regulates lawyers under the authority of the Court and serves its members as a professional association — all without public funding. As a regulatory agency, the WSBA administers the bar admission process, including the bar exam; provides record-keeping and licensing functions; and administers the lawyer-discipline system. As a professional association, the WSBA provides continuing legal education for attorneys, in addition to numerous other educational and member-service activities.

The governance of the WSBA is vested in its Board of Governors. There are three governors from the seventh congressional district; one from each of the other eight districts; and three at-large, one of whom represents the Young Lawyers Division. The president is Stephen R. Crossland, of Cashmere. The president-elect is Michele G. Radosevich, of Seattle, and the immediate past-president is Steven G. Toole, of Bellevue. The Board meets regularly (every six weeks) at various locations around the state, and its meetings are open to the public. Much of the work of the Bar is carried out through its numerous standing committees, 27 sections, and a Young Lawyers Division with its many committees.

The Washington State Bar Association’s mission is to serve the public and the members of the Bar, ensure the integrity of the legal profession, and to champion justice.

# # #

585 Candidates Pass Summer 2011 Washington State Bar Exam

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:20:00 -0700

On October 17, the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) announced that 585 candidates passed the bar exam administered in July 2011. View the bar exam pass list. Of the 892 candidates who took the exam, 65.6 percent passed. View passage statistics.

Administered in two parts over a three-day period, the Bar Exam includes a substantive law exam and an exam on the Rules of Professional Conduct (ethics). Candidates must successfully pass both parts in order to qualify for admission to the WSBA. If a candidate passes one part of the exam and fails the other, that candidate may sit for the next exam without having to retake the portion previously passed.

In 1999, the Washington State Supreme Court approved Admission to Practice Rule (APR) 18, which provides a procedure for the reciprocal admission of lawyers without requiring that those lawyers pass the Washington State Bar Exam. Under APR 18, lawyers from other states, U.S. territories, or the District of Columbia are admitted to the WSBA on the same terms and conditions that a Washington lawyer could be admitted in the other state. This rule also enables Washington lawyers to seek admission in those states that provide for some form of reciprocal admission.

October Issue of De Novo Now Available

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:02:00 -0700

The October 2011 issue of De Novo is now available. This issue contains articles on succession planning, preparing clients for deposition, legal writing, family law, and other essential topics for new and young lawyers.

De Novo is the official publication of the Washington Young Lawyers Division, delivered electronically to Washington new and young attorneys every other month. The content is developed by a committee of new attorneys with an eye towards the issues, skills, and events most relevant to lawyers in their first few years of practice.

De Novo is published for the young lawyers of the Washington State Bar Association. Its general mission is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, information and commentary, and to encourage discussion amongst the readership regarding the broad experience of young lawyers. De Novo additionally serves as a vehicle to facilitate the dissemination of information regarding member services, public service, programs and activities of the Washington Young Lawyers Division.

New WSBA President and Governors Sworn In

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:17:00 -0700

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.

Also at the dinner, Chief Justice Madsen swore in this year’s new WSBA governors: James W. Armstrong, of Kent; Daniel G. Ford, of Seattle; Brian J. Kelly, of Chehalis; and Wilton “Bill” S. Viall III, of Seattle. New governor Vernon W. Harkins, of Tacoma, was unable to be present and will be sworn in at the WSBA Board of Governors meeting in October.

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.

Michele Radosevich is a partner at Davis Wright Tremaine, where she has worked in the commercial litigation department since 1995. Her primary focus is on state and local tax litigation. One of Radosevich’s areas of expertise is working with the legislature and on legislative issues. A former Wisconsin state senator, Radosevich spent 10 years on the WSBA Legislative Committee, where she served as chair and vice-chair. She is currently an adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law and serves on the University’s Alumni Board of Governors.

James Armstrong served for four years in the United States Marine Corps, received his undergraduate degree in political science from Western Washington University, and earned his law degree from Seattle University School of Law. He currently has his own firm, Armstrong Law Offices, where he focuses his practice on workers’ compensation and Social Security disability. Armstrong has been particularly active in the Loren Miller Bar Association (LMBA), the oldest minority bar association in Washington state. He served for six years on the LMBA Executive Board, including a term as president. While LMBA president, Armstrong represented the organization on the community panel established by Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn to assist in selection of the next Seattle Police chief, and was involved with ongoing discussions with the WSBA and Washington’s three law schools regarding diversity.

Daniel Ford is statewide advocacy coordinator for the six offices of Columbia Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm that protects and defends the legal and human rights of low-income people. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, and received his undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he was born and raised. Ford began his practice in Wenatchee and the Yakima Valley, and has practiced in Seattle for the past 25 years. Most of his career has been focused on litigation, legislation, and rulemaking to protect the rights of immigrants. He has been an active member of the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington, serving on its board and as co-chair of its Judicial Evaluation Committee. Ford has served as chair of the Access to Justice Technology Committee and as a member of the WSBA Civil Rights Committee. He has participated in the Seattle University School of Law mentorship program. He has been honored with the Sea Mar Community Health Centers Leadership and Community Service Award, the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington President’s Award, and the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice Achievement Award.

Vernon Harkins, currently a partner at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, LLP, has practiced law for 35 years. He focuses his practice on plaintiff personal injury and medical malpractice cases. He received both his undergraduate degree and law degree from Gonzaga University, and began his career in Spokane as a deputy prosecuting attorney. A Tacoma native, his ties to his community are strong. He has served as president of the Alumni Association and as chairman of the Board of Directors for Bellarmine Prep High School. He has been active in the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, including a term on its Board of Trustees. He has served as a volunteer hearing officer for WSBA disciplinary proceedings.

Brian Kelly is a principal in the law firm Hillier Scheibmeir Vey & Kelly P.S. His practice focus is business, tax, real property, probate, and municipal law, with an emphasis on business succession and estate planning. He earned both his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of South Dakota. Both a lawyer and a certified public accountant, Kelly is a member of the American Institute and Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants. Since 2005, he has served on the Board of Directors of the Olympia Chapter of the Washington Society of CPAs. His previous WSBA service includes the Budget and Audit Committee, Client Security Fund Board, Judicial Recommendation Committee, and the Limited Practice Board. A member and former president of the Lewis County Bar Association, Kelly has also served on the Board of Directors of Lewis County Bar Legal Aid. Since its inception, he has been a Legal Aid attorney providing pro bono (volunteer) legal services on its behalf.

Bill Viall received his undergraduate degree cum laude and his law degree from the University of Washington. His practice experience includes jury and bench trials in district and superior courts, practice in U.S. district and bankruptcy courts, and appeals to the Washington Court of Appeals and Washington State Supreme Court. For more than 20 years he served as the City Attorney for Normandy Park. Since 1997, he has served as chief operations officer and counsel at Williams Kastner in Seattle. Viall was a Washington State Senate candidate, in addition to serving as a King County District Court pro tem judge.

About the Washington State Bar Association
The WSBA is part of the judicial branch, exercising a governmental function authorized by the Washington State Supreme Court to license the state’s 34,470 lawyers. The WSBA both regulates lawyers under the authority of the Court and serves its members as a professional association — all without public funding. As a regulatory agency, the WSBA administers the bar admission process, including the bar exam; provides record-keeping and licensing functions; and administers the lawyer-discipline system. As a professional association, the WSBA provides continuing legal education for attorneys, in addition to numerous other educational and member-service activities.

The Washington State Bar Association’s mission is to serve the public and the members of the Bar, ensure the integrity of the legal profession, and to champion justice.

# # #

Washington Lawyers Give Back to First Responders on 10th Anniversary of 9/11

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:20:00 -0700

On Saturday, September 10, 2011, the WSBA Young Lawyers Division (WYLD) will host the Washington First Responder Will Clinic (Washington Will Clinic) at the Starbucks Support Center, 2401 Utah Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98134, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This event is being offered free of charge to Seattle police and fire fighters and their spouses or state-registered domestic partners (an appointment is required).

The Washington First Responder Will Clinic was originally inspired by the tragic events of 9/11 and a strong desire for attorneys to give back to first responders in their local communities. The September 10 clinic date was chosen to mark the upcoming tenth anniversary of 9/11 and to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by first responders that day.

At the Washington Will Clinic, volunteer attorneys provide free estate-planning advice and documents, such as wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, to first responders who risk their lives every day protecting our local communities. Attorneys Ford Clary and Jenni Frere Volk introduced the program to Washington in 2006.

The September clinic will be the twentieth clinic held in Washington and will also mark its 1,000th client served since the program’s inception. Across the state, the will clinic has provided more than $500,000 worth of free legal services to first responders and their families.

Renee Maher, the surviving spouse of Federal Way Officer Patrick Maher, who was shot and killed in August 2003, is a strong supporter of the clinics. “I was a licensed attorney when Patrick was killed and we were completely unprepared,” she says. “The absolute worst time to have to answer questions about estate planning is when your spouse has just suddenly and tragically passed away….I am so grateful to see these incredible members of the WSBA step up to help our first responder families. They are making more of a difference than they will ever know. It is so important to get these documents finished and sometimes our law enforcement families just don’t know who to ask for help, or they think it will cost a fortune to get their most important documents completed.

“After 9/11, everyone wanted to help; everyone wanted to do something for our first responders. These clinics are the perfect way to channel that energy. WSBA members can impact these families by donating a little bit of time, knowing that they are making a huge difference.”

The Washington Will Clinic takes an extraordinary amount of volunteer manpower to run each clinic efficiently and professionally. It takes nearly 100 volunteers to staff the Seattle Will Clinic, as well as significant communication among the organizers, the WSBA, and the police and fire departments. “Ford and I recognize that the volunteers are the backbone of the clinic, and without them, we would not be successful. There is no question that our volunteers have made this program into what it is today — they are reliable, professional, and extremely devoted to the Clinic,” says Volk.

The 2011 Washington Will Clinic schedule includes clinics in the Tri-Cities, Shoreline, Spokane, Seattle, Redmond, and Puyallup. For more information or to participate directly in the clinic, please visit www.wsba.org/willclinic (click on the “Volunteer with the Washington Will Clinic” link) or contact the Washington Will Clinic at willclinic@wsba.org.

The Washington Will Clinic is made possible by the generous support of the WYLD Public Service Committee; the WSBA Real Property, Probate and Trust Section; the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division through a subgrant from the ABA Fund for Justice and Education; and Starbucks Coffee Company. The clinic is always looking for volunteers and donations of paper, printer ink, and other supplies. If you would like to get involved, please contact Jenni Frere Volk or Ford Clary at willclinic@wsba.org.

About the Washington State Bar Association
The WSBA is an arm of the Washington State Supreme Court, exercising a governmental function authorized by Court to license the state’s 34,460 lawyers. The WSBA both regulates lawyers under the authority of the Court and serves its members as a professional association — all without public funding. As a regulatory agency, the WSBA administers the bar admission process, including the bar exam; provides record-keeping and licensing functions; and administers the lawyer-discipline system. As a professional association, the WSBA provides continuing legal education for attorneys, in addition to numerous other educational and member-service activities.

The governance of the WSBA is vested in its Board of Governors. There are three governors from the seventh congressional district; one from each of the other eight districts; and three at-large, one of whom represents the Young Lawyers Division. The president is Steven G. Toole, of Bellevue. The president-elect is Stephen R. Crossland, of Cashmere, and the immediate past-president is Salvador A. Mungia, of Tacoma. The Board meets regularly (every six weeks) at various locations around the state, and its meetings are open to the public. Much of the work of the Bar is carried out through its numerous standing committees, 27 sections, and a Young Lawyers Division with its many committees.

Legal Self-Help Educator Wins Flame of Democracy Award

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:20:00 -0700

(SEATTLE) — The Washington State Bar Association’s Council on Public Legal Education presented its Flame of Democracy Award on July 27 to June Krumpotick, the Self Help Program manager at Legal Voice. The award was given at an annual gathering of donors, board members, and other supporters of the statewide women’s legal rights organization.

Krumpotick is the eighth recipient of the award, which was created in 2002 to reward significant contributions to increasing the public’s understanding of law, the justice system, or government. Previous recipients include both organizations and individuals, including the League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund and the late Seattle Times political writer Richard Larsen.

The award recognizes Krumpotick’s 20-plus years of service to the justice system, in which she has helped more than 200,000 individuals by managing Legal Voice’s telephone hotline and educated countless others through drafting and editing more than 43 books and pamphlets. The information she helps provide is on topics ranging from family law to housing to caregiving. Legal Voice’s mission is to secure and protect women’s legal rights through legislation, self-help resources, and litigation. (For more information, see www.legalvoice.org.)

The Council on Public Legal Education brings together lawyers, judges, educators, and community representatives to educate the public about the U.S. system of law and government. Its many accomplishments include the www.lawforwa.org website for the general public, a high school introductory law class that uses volunteer judges as co-teachers, and a statewide youth court organization. (For more information, see www.wsba.org/Legal-Community/Committees-Boards-and-Other-Groups/Council-on-Public-Legal-Education.)

About the Washington State Bar Association

The WSBA is part of the judicial branch, exercising a governmental function authorized by the Washington State Supreme Court to license the state’s 34,470 lawyers. The WSBA both regulates lawyers under the authority of the Court and serves its members as a professional association — all without public funding. As a regulatory agency, the WSBA administers the bar admission process, including the bar exam; provides record-keeping and licensing functions; and administers the lawyer-discipline system. As a professional association, the WSBA provides continuing legal education for attorneys, in addition to numerous other educational and member-service activities.

The governance of the WSBA is vested in its Board of Governors. There are three governors from the seventh congressional district; one from each of the other eight districts; and three at-large, one of whom represents the Young Lawyers Division. The president is Steven G. Toole, of Bellevue. The 2010–2011 president-elect is Stephen R. Crossland, of Cashmere; the 2011–2012 president-elect is Michele G. Radosevich, of Seattle; and the immediate past-president is Salvador A. Mungia, of Tacoma. The Board meets regularly (every six weeks) at various locations around the state, and its meetings are open to the public. Much of the work of the Bar is carried out through its numerous standing committees, 27 sections, and a Young Lawyers Division with its many committees.

The Washington State Bar Association’s mission is to serve the public and the members of the Bar, ensure the integrity of the legal profession, and to champion justice.

WSBA Announces Legal Research Trip to Cuba

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:20:00 -0700

The WSBA is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for WSBA members to visit Cuba for the purposes of researching their legal system. WSBA President-elect Steve Crossland will be leading a delegation to visit Cuba October 16–21, 2011. Delegates will participate in professional meetings and site visits each day; meetings and topics for discussion will be determined by the research interests and composition of the team.

Travel to Cuba is restricted by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U. S. Treasury Department, and the delegation will be travelling under OFAC regulation 31 CFR §515.564 General license for professional research. The trip is being coordinated by Washington, DC-based, Professionals Abroad, a division of Academic Travel Abroad, a 60-year-old organization licensed by the OFAC as a Travel Services Provider for U.S. travel to Cuba.

The cost per delegate is $3,995; no WSBA funds will be used. Since space is limited, if you are interested please act soon by contacting Professionals Abroad at 1-877-298-9677. See the letter from Steve Crossland for more information.

Statement of Concern re Rosemary Kamb

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 13:11:00 -0700

4-24-2011

Statement of Concern regarding suspended Mount Vernon attorney Rosemary Kamb

Washington State Bar Association News

November Issue of News Flash Now Available

575 Candidates Pass Summer 2012 Bar Exam

New $25 MCLE Comity Certificate Fee Information

New Comity Certificate Fees and Procedures — Effective October 15, 2012

Ordering Comity Certificates

Submitting Comity Certificate for MCLE Compliance

Questions

Read an Update from the July Board of Governors Meeting

WSBA New Lawyer Education seeking input for CLE Programming

Task Force presents report on Admission to Practice Rules, Mandatory Malpractice Insurance

Report and Recommendations of the APR Task Force

Membership Invited to Comment

June Issue of News Flash Now Available

Live Chat with President Crossland June 25

MCLE Notifications Being Mailed to 2010-2012 Members

Supreme Court Adopts Limited License Legal Technician Rule

WSBA kicks off its Listening Tour on June 11

Dates and Locations

RSVP

WSBA Board of Governors to Meet in Yakima June 8

About the Washington State Bar Association

May Issue of News Flash Now Available

Ethics Alert: Loan Modification Scammers Recruiting Lawyers

About Loan Modification Scam

How to Identify a Scam

Report a Scam

Questions?

Ethics Questions

Information about the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule

304 Candidates Pass Winter 2012 Washington State Bar Exam

New Issue of Diversity News Now Available

BOG to Meet in Tulalip April 27–28

Meeting Highlights

March Issue of News Flash Now Available

2012 WSBA Awards Nominations Sought

Volunteers Needed for First Responder Will Clinic in Redmond April 14

Board of Governors election begins; Governors-elect announced for uncontested districts

Learn more about the Bar Foundation and share your thoughts at a Focus Group

WSBA Board of Governors to Meet in Walla Walla March 9

ABA Seeks Nominations for Awards

February Issue of News Flash Now Available

WSBA and Paul G. Allen Foundation Join Forces to Help Families Save their Homes

Now Accepting Applications to Serve on Committees, Boards, and Panels

Committees

Boards

Panels

Other Positions

Notice of Request for WSBA to File Amicus Curiae Brief

WSBA Board of Governors to Meet in Olympia on January 26

January Issue of News Flash Now Available

WSBA Civil Rights Law Section Honors the Memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Announcing the WSBA Membership Survey

Randomized-participation survey

Open-participation survey

Online fora

New Issue of Public Service Connection Now Available

Now Accepting Proposals for Workshops for the 2012 Access to Justice/Bar Leaders Conference

December Issue of De Novo Now Available

BOG Special Public Meeting

WSBA Board of Governors to Meet in Bellingham December 9–10

Inaugural Issue of Public Service Connection Now Available

November Issue of News Flash Available

WSBA Board of Governors to Meet in Tacoma October 28

585 Candidates Pass Summer 2011 Washington State Bar Exam

October Issue of De Novo Now Available

New WSBA President and Governors Sworn In

Washington Lawyers Give Back to First Responders on 10th Anniversary of 9/11

Legal Self-Help Educator Wins Flame of Democracy Award

About the Washington State Bar Association

WSBA Announces Legal Research Trip to Cuba

Statement of Concern re Rosemary Kamb