Washington State Bar Association

ANNUAL SECTION REPORT, FY 2006

[Period of October 1, 2005 - September 30, 2006] 

Date:                November 1, 2006

Section:            Litigation Section

Submitted by:  Colleen A. Harrington, Chairperson 2005-2006 

1.  Section Highlights and Accomplishments for Fiscal Year 2006 

Legislative Participation.  In fiscal 2005-2006, our Committee's legislative sub-committee actively reviewed pending legislation to determine whether, on balance, the proposed legislation would benefit both sides of the bar. 

WSBA Court Rules Committee Reviewed Proliferation of Local Rules. The Litigation Section Executive Committee wrote to David Swartling, Chair of the WSBA Court Rules and Procedures Committee, asking his Committee to review the proliferation of local rules in our state.  We asserted that the diverse and varied local rules in Washington's 39 counties undermines equal access to the courts by focusing litigation on non-essential procedural technicalities rather than issues and increasing forum shopping. 

Mid-Year CLE in Seattle–June 16, 2006.  Our mid-year CLE seminar, "Elements of Litigation, Advanced Strategies, Techniques and Demonstrations from Both Sides of the Bar" was a dynamic and interactive program of demonstrations by a stellar panel of plaintiff's and defense lawyers.  Our panel consisted of accomplished, diverse attorneys who presented on sophisticated litigation skills in the areas of motion practice, depositions, jury selection and closing arguments.  For the first time, our CLE featured an interactive live broadcast and real-time feed to seminar participants in Wenatchee.   

2.  Goals for Fiscal Year 2007 

Continued Positive Relationship with the BOG.  The Committee will be represented at every Board of Governor's meeting to ensure our members' issues are heard and addressed by the Bar Association's governing body. 

Local Rules Task Force.  As a result of voicing our Committee's concerns, President Condera Dial is creating a task force to investigate and address the proliferation of local rules.  We will take an active role on this task force. 

Expansion of Interactive Live Broadcast of Mid-Year CLE.  In fiscal 2007, we hope to expand the live broadcast of our Mid-Year CLE to at least two location in eastern Washington to improve access for our members throughout the state.