April 2003

FYI: For Your Information

2003 Board of Governors Elections, and Candidates' Biographical Statements

On April 15, ballots will be mailed to all active WSBA members eligible to vote for the 5th or 7th-West district governor. Returned ballots must be postmarked by May 15 in order to be counted.

Board of Governors nomination forms for the 1st, 5th and 7th-West congressional districts have been received from Kristin G. Olson (1st District), unopposed; Peter J. Karademos, Mark H. Kim and Michael J. Pontarolo (5th District), candidates; and Kevin C. Baumgardner, Ellen C. Dial and Mark A. Johnson (7th-West District), candidates. The governor-elect and candidates have provided the following biographical statements:

1st District

Kristin G. Olson, 1st District, governor-elect, states: I am a shareholder in O'Shea Barnard Martin in Bellevue and have engaged in commercial litigation practice since 1991, when I graduated from the University of Washington School of Law. I have been actively involved in bar activities. I served as trustee of the East King County Bar Association for several years, as its secretary in 1997, its vice-president in 1998, and its president in 1999. I served as trustee of the King County Bar Association from 2000 to 2002. I would be honored to serve on the Board of Governors for the 1st District. As 1st District governor I would represent my constituents to the best of my ability and would try to ensure that their needs are met by the WSBA.  

5th District

Peter J. Karademos, 5th District candidate, attorney since 1974, working in civil litigation, criminal cases and probate; currently in family law. Involved in Legal Assistants Committee; Family Law Executive Committee (13 years); Legislative Committee, currently vice chair; 13 years as Superior Court Commissioner Pro Tem. Reviewed hundreds of legislative bills; drafted bills adopted as law. Attended several BOG meetings per year as liaison, fully understanding the board's workings. My goal is representing attorneys' interests rather than making politically expedient decisions. With 29+ years' experience, I promise to continue working hard for you. I understand problems and concerns of lawyers working in many aspects of the law. Thank you for your consideration. 

Mark H. Kim, 5th District candidate, was admitted to the Bar in 1997. Mark's service to the legal community began as a trustee of the Spokane County Young Lawyers. His service continued with the Young Lawyers, being elected as president for 2001. Currently, he is the chair of the Greater Access and Assistance Project (GAAP), and a committee member of the Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) Committee. He was awarded the Professionalism Award for 2002 by the WSBA Young Lawyers Division. Mark is a lawyer devoted to uplifting the legal community by providing innovative ideas in addressing the challenges lawyers face in this district.  He seeks your support to be elected to the Board of Governors to continue his service.  

Michael J. Pontarolo, 5th District candidate, states: As lawyers, we're called to be stewards of our profession, face challenges, listen and seek solutions. For 30 years I have accepted this calling as an adjunct law professor; state bar special district counsel; Judicial Recommendation, and Character and Fitness committees chair; committee memberships including Interprofessional, Consumer Protection, and Rules of Professional Conduct; Spokane County Superior Court Liaison Committee chair; and Spokane County Bar president. Each position provided insight into the needs of lawyers. Being an effective governor requires time, energy, common sense, decisiveness, and listening to members. I wish to bring these qualities to the position and welcome the opportunity to serve.  

7th-West District

Kevin C. Baumgardner, 7th-West District candidate, states:  I live on Vashon Island, and have practiced law in Seattle for nearly 19 years. I am currently a partner at Corr Cronin, where my practice is focused on civil litigation. From 1984 to 1999, I was at Bogle & Gates, where I was a member of that firm's executive committee and chair of the product liability practice group. Having been part of both a large law firm and now a much smaller firm, I have an appreciation for the wide variety of challenges and concerns that face lawyers on a daily basis. As a WSBA governor, I want to serve the diverse interests of all lawyers.  

Ellen C. Dial, 7th-West District candidate, states: In 1977, my husband and I moved to Washington state with our two young children. We learned that Washington is a wonderful place to raise a family, pursue a career (Joe in public education, I in the law), and to be involved in the community. Now a 23-year member of the WSBA, I am deeply impressed by the commitment of its lawyers to the success and integrity of our legal system. I am inspired by that commitment to seek a seat on the Board of Governors to contribute what I may to the future strength of the WSBA.  

Mark A. Johnson, 7th-West District candidate, states: I would appreciate the opportunity to serve Washington's lawyers on the WSBA Board of Governors from the 7th-West Congressional District. I am 49 years old and was admitted to practice in 1978. I am a member of Johnson-Flora, a Seattle professional liability trial practice firm. I am the current chair of the WSBA's Character and Fitness Committee and a member of the Professional Development Committee. I have authored approximately one-half dozen articles which have been published in WSTLA's Trial News and the WSBA's Bar News. I have been listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 1997.  

Notice of Deadline for Filing WSBA Resolutions

Pursuant to WSBA Bylaw Article VII, Section F — Resolutions, any 10 active members of the Washington State Bar Association may present a written resolution to the Board of Governors for consideration at the WSBA's annual business meeting. This year's meeting will be September 11, 2003, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66, Seattle.

Resolutions must be filed with the WSBA executive director at least 90 days before the annual meeting (by 5:00 p.m. June 13, 2003), and must be accompanied by a written report explaining the resolution. The resolution and explanatory report together must not exceed a total of 1,000 words.  Send resolutions to WSBA Executive Director, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330.

The Board of Governors will refer any resolutions addressing issues within the purposes of the WSBA to the WSBA Resolutions Committee.  Those purposes are set forth in Article I of the WSBA Bylaws and General Rule 12 of the Washington Court Rules.

Not more than 11 nor less than seven days before the annual meeting, the Resolutions Committee will hold a public hearing at the WSBA office (2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330) to consider the views of proponents and opponents of resolutions. Proponents and opponents may attend the hearing in person or present their views in written form for consideration by the committee. Proposed resolutions will be published in the August 2003 issue of Bar News, along with the date of the Resolutions Committee meeting and a list of committee members.

For further information, contact WSBA General Counsel Robert D. Welden at bobw@wsba.org or 206-727-8232.

Shop Online for WSBA-CLE Publications

Convenient, fast and easy to use! Browse the entire inventory of WSBA-CLE publications by practice area, add to your shopping cart, and pay by credit card.  Look for the "Online Store" link on the WSBA Web site (www.wsba.org) and find coursebooks, tapes, CD-ROMs and deskbooks; stock your library; and acquire CLE credits. You'll also find links to the CLE seminar calendar, individual upcoming seminars, law-office management and lawyer-assistance products, WSBA merchandise and more. Shop online, and send your feedback about the store to cle@wsba.org. 

9th Annual Washington Criminal Justice Institute (2002) Audiotape and Coursebook

WSBA-CLE Publications presents Professor Charles H. Whitebread,  Karl B. Tegland, Thomas A. McBride and other distinguished presenters in a seminar that attendees consistently rate as one of the year's very best. Three days of highlights are condensed into a single volume, with audiotape for A/V credits. Topics include U.S. Supreme Court decisions in review, developments in evidence affecting criminal practice, understanding collateral consequences facing clients, and alternatives to incarceration for juvenile offenders. (7.0 A/V general CLE credits; 158 pages. See the WSBA online store at www.wsba.org/store for details.) 

2003 WSBA Award Nominations Sought

Each year, members of the Washington State Bar Association are asked to identify those members of our profession and the public who deserve the legal profession's recognition. Nominations are sought for the following awards: 

Award of Merit

This is the WSBA's highest honor. It was first given in 1957. In general, the Award of Merit is given for long-term service to the Bar and/or the public, although it has also been presented in recognition of a single, extraordinary contribution or project. It is given to individuals only — both lawyers and nonlawyers. 

President's Award

As the name implies, this award is given for special accomplishment or service to the WSBA during the term of the current president. 

Board of Governors' Award for Professionalism

This honor is awarded to a member of the WSBA who exemplifies the spirit of professionalism in the practice of law. Professionalism is defined as the pursuit of a learned profession in the spirit of service to the public and in the sharing of values with other members of the profession. 

Angelo Petruss Award for Lawyers in Public Service

This award is named in honor of the late Angelo R. Petruss, a senior assistant attorney general who passed away during his term of service on the WSBA Board of Governors. The selection criterion is a significant contribution by a lawyer in government service to the legal profession, the system of justice, and the public. 

Excellence in Legal Journalism Award

This award recognizes that describing the context, facts and players involved in our system with fairness and sensitivity requires intelligence, knowledge, dedication and high skill levels. This award is given to a journalist and his organization who set the standard for relevance, clarity, accuracy and understanding in reporting. 

Pro Bono Award

This award is presented to a lawyer, nonlawyer, law firm or local bar association for outstanding efforts in providing pro bono services to the poor. This award is based on cumulative efforts, as opposed to a lawyer's or law firm's pro bono hours or financial contribution. 

Outstanding Judge Award

This award may be presented to a judge from any level of court. It is presented for outstanding service to the bench and for special contribution to the legal profession. 

Courageous Award

This award is presented to a lawyer who has displayed exceptional courage in the face of adversity, thus bringing credit to the legal profession. 

Affirmative Action Award

This award is made to a lawyer or law firm making a significant contribution to affirmative action in the employment of ethnic minorities, women, and the disabled in the legal profession within the state of Washington.

Outstanding Elected Official in the Legislative Branch

This award is presented to an elected official for outstanding service to Washington residents, with special contributions to the legal profession. The recipient has demonstrated a commitment to justice beyond the usual call of duty. 

Lifetime Service

This is a special award given for a lifetime of service to the WSBA and the public.           

It is important to note that presentation of any WSBA award is made only when there are truly deserving recipients. Some years, no award is given in some categories. If you know of someone who fits the criteria set forth above, please send a letter of nomination and relevant information by May 1, 2003. Send nominations to WSBA Executive Director, Attn: Awards, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330; fax 206-727-8319; or e-mail oed@wsba.org.

(Please note that the Pro Bono Award will be presented at the Access to Justice Conference in Wenatchee on June 7; the President's Award will be presented at the President's Dinner on September 10; and the Outstanding Judge Award will be presented at the Judges' Conference in October.)  

License Fee Reminder

Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection (LFCP) Fee

In addition to your license fee, per APR 15, the Supreme Court has ordered that all active members must pay a $13 assessment to the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection (LFCP). Payment of this fee is due with your license fee. 

Late Payment Actions

If your annual fees were not paid by March 3, 2003, a 20 percent late-payment penalty was imposed on your license fee. After April 1, 2003, the late-payment penalty is increased to 50 percent. If your license fee or penalty assessment (for all members) or LFCP fee (for active members) remains unpaid after May 1, 2003, the delinquency will be certified to the Supreme Court, which will enter an order of suspension from the practice of law. In order to be reinstated to your former status after suspension for nonpayment, you must pay double the amount of the combined license fee and penalty (triple the original license fee) and LFCP fee (for active members), as well as satisfy any outstanding MCLE compliance issues. 

Address Changes

You can check your address in the WSBA database by going to the online lawyer directory on the WSBA Web site at www.wsba.org/directory. If your address has changed, please notify the WSBA Service Center as soon as possible by e-mailing questions@wsba.org or faxing the change to 206-727-8319. 

More Information

For more information, please see the WSBA Web site at www.wsba.org/licensing, or contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA, 206-443-WSBA or questions@wsba.org. 

MCLE Reporting

Group 2

Active WSBA members who are in reporting group 2 (active members admitted in 1976 through 1983; or in 1992, 1995, 1998 or 2001*) are reporting CLE credits this year for activities undertaken in 2000, 2001 and 2002. 

*Newly Admitted Members

Newly admitted members are exempt from reporting CLE credits during their year of admission and the following calendar year. If you were admitted in 2001, you will not report this reporting period even though you are in group 2. You will first report at the end of 2005. (New admittees may earn CLE credits starting from their admission date, and those credits may be applied toward their first reporting period.) 

CLE Compliance

If you are in reporting group 2, your C-2 compliance affidavit was due to the WSBA on February 3, 2003. If you are in group 2 and have not yet met your CLE requirements or submitted your C-2 compliance affidavit, you will receive an automatic four-month extension, but you must also pay a late fee. You must make up any needed credits before May 1, file the signed C-2, and pay the late fee. The late fee is $150 the first year, and then increases by $300 each consecutive reporting period that you file late (a reporting period is a three-year reporting cycle). For more information, see the WSBA Web site at www.wsba.org/faq/mcle.htm.

Online MCLE Credit-Tracking System

Using the online MCLE Credit-Tracking System, you can do the following:

• View your CLE courses and credits on your online attendance roster.

• Make changes to your online attendance roster.

• Search for approved courses.

• Apply for course approval.

To enter the MCLE Credit-Tracking System, go to http://pro.wsba.org and click on the Member tab. Select Member Login, and follow the onscreen instructions. If you have questions, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA. 

2003 Bar Leaders and Access to Justice Conference

The 2003 WSBA Bar Leaders Conference and Access to Justice (ATJ) Conference will be held at the WestCoast Wenatchee Center June 7-8. Registration brochures will be mailed in April. For bar leaders registration information, contact Desiree Ogden at 206-733-5932 or desireeo@wsba.org. For ATJ registration information, contact Sharlene Steele at 206-727-8262 or sharlene@wsba.org.

Resources on Sale for Half Price

The 2002-2003 Resources membership directory is now on sale for half-price:

$9 – WSBA members ($9.79 in WA)

$18 – non-WSBA members ($19.58 in WA)

To order Resources, call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, or mail a request to WSBA Order Processing, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330. Payment may be made by check (payable to WSBA), MasterCard or Visa, and must accompany your order.

Note: The 2003-2004 edition will be available in May.

WSBA Members on Active Military Duty

WSBA members who are on active duty in the U.S. military service may transfer to inactive status (if they are not otherwise engaged in the practice of law that requires them to be active members of the Bar). The WSBA bylaws provide that a member in military service who has been inactive for five years or less may, within 90 days after termination from active duty, transfer to active Bar membership status by paying the current active membership fee and otherwise complying with the bylaws. For more information, see WSBA Bylaws Art. II (C)(3); www.wsba.org/bylaws/bylaws.doc. 

Law Week 2003

Law Week 2003 is an exciting opportunity for lawyers and judges to bring legal education into the classroom. Each year, Law Week provides an enriching experience to youth through positive interactions with lawyers and judges. Law Week 2003 will take place the week of April 28, coinciding with the nationally celebrated Law Day on May 1. To learn more about the program or to participate, visit www.lawweek.org, or contact Lisa Harper at 206-733-5944 or lisak@wsba.org. 

BOG Meetings

April 11-12 – Bellevue

May 9-10 – Spokane

June 6 – Wenatchee

With the exception of a one-hour executive session the morning of the first day, BOG meetings are open, and all WSBA members are welcome to attend. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Please contact Donna Sato at 206-727-8244 or donnas@wsba.org. The complete BOG schedule is available on the WSBA Web site at www.wsba.org/bog/schedule.htm. 

Loren Miller Bar Association Scholarship Dinner

The Loren Miller Bar Association's Philip L. Burton Memorial Scholarship Dinner will be held on May 30, 2003, in the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Hotel in downtown Seattle. The reception will be 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.; the dinner, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The cost is $75. Please RSVP to LMBA President Karen Murray at 206-624-8105, ext. 247. The theme of the dinner is "Equal Justice for All." The keynote speaker will address the issue of justice before and after 9/11 and our roles as lawyers in responding to this crisis. 

WSBA Civil Rights Committee Survey

The WSBA Civil Rights Committee has proposed that the WSBA sponsor a full-day CLE with a specific focus on Title 42, Section 1983 of the U.S. Code (civil action for deprivation of rights). The committee is conducting a survey to gather information about interest in such a topic. If this topic is of interest to you and you would likely attend such a CLE, we'd appreciate hearing from you. Please e-mail civilrights@wsba.org with "Yes to 1983" in the subject line. This seminar would be priced at $199 for approximately 6.5 general credits, and is tentatively scheduled for September 2003. For more information about the WSBA Civil Rights Committee, see the WSBA Web site at www.wsba.org/civilrights.  

Web Site Links from Lawyer Directory

A link to your Web site can be added to your directory listing, so current and potential clients can find out more about you and your practice at the click of a button.

The fee is $75 annually ($50 if you sign up July 1 or later). If your firm has seven or more lawyers, you'll save through our special pricing structure. Special pricing is also available for those who work for nonprofit or government agencies. For more information and sign-up instructions, see www.wsba.org/directory/addlink.   

Keep in Touch

The WSBA uses e-mail to communicate with members quickly, efficiently and inexpensively, and increasingly it is becoming the preferred method of communication among committees and sections. Please consider providing us your e-mail address. Contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA, 206-443-WSBA or questions@wsba.org. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

The WSBA Store Is Open

The WSBA online store is open at www.wsba.org/store. Purchase Cutter & Buck polo shirts, twill baseball caps, ball-point pens, and brass luggage tags emblazoned with the WSBA logo. The store features secure online credit-card ordering. You may purchase logo merchandise by calling the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA.

• Polo shirt (pewter or white, size L or XL) – $56

• Baseball cap (stone) – $24

• Ballpoint pen – $12

• Luggage tag – $7

Prices include shipping and handling. Sales tax (8.8 percent) will be added to orders shipped within Washington.

Learn More about Case-Management Software

The WSBA Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) office maintains a computer for members to review software tools designed to maximize office efficiency. LOMAP staff are available to provide materials, answer questions and recommend options. To make an appointment, contact Pete Roberts at 206-727-8237 or peter@wsba.org.