June 2003
FYI: For Your Information
2003 Board of Governors Election Results
WSBA member volunteers Howard Graham, Steven Russell and Bob Welden have certified the election results as follows:
Fifth District:
Michael Pontarolo is certified the governor-elect in the 5th District. (1,938 eligible voters, 876 ballots cast return rate of 45.2 percent)
Peter Karademos 175 votes (20 percent)
Mark Kim 140 votes (16 percent)
Michael Pontarolo 561 votes (64 percent)
Seventh-West District:
Since no candidate received a majority vote, there will be a run-off election in the 7th-West District between Ellen Conedera Dial and Mark A. Johnson. Ballots were mailed May 30 with a June 16 return. (2,387 eligible voters, 511 votes cast return rate of 21.4 percent)
Kevin Baumgardner 144 votes (28 percent)
Ellen Conedera Dial 162 votes (32 percent)
Mark A. Johnson 205 votes (40 percent)
Ethics 2003 Committee Meetings
The WSBA Committee for the Evaluation of the Rules of Professional Conduct (Ethics 2003 Committee) was convened to review the revised ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct; undertake a comprehensive study and evaluation of the ABA "Ethics 2000" revisions; consider the suitability of adopting the ABA revisions and commentary in Washington; and consider other appropriate changes to Washington's Rules of Professional Conduct. Ethics 2003 Committee meetings are open to the public, and interested WSBA members are encouraged to attend and/or provide input about the committee's work. Information about the Ethics 2003 Committee is on the WSBA Web site at www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/ethics2003. Please direct questions or comments to Committee Reporter Douglas Ende at 206-733-5917 or Ethics2003Committee@wsba.org. Meetings are generally held the second Wednesday of the month.
Upcoming meetings:
June 11 Law Offices of Perkins Coie, 1201 3rd Ave., Ste. 4800, Seattle
July 9 WSBA office
August 13 WSBA office
"Random Acts of Professionalism" Program
The WSBA Professionalism Committee has created a new way for lawyers and judges to recognize their colleagues who have conducted themselves in a professional manner consistent with the Creed of Professionalism. Through the "Random Acts of Professionalism" program, lawyers and judges may nominate their colleagues to receive the award. Nominating a lawyer or judge for the award is very easy simply send his or her name, along with a brief description of why you are nominating the person, to Judy Berrett, staff liaison to the Professionalism Committee, at judithb@wsba.org, or fax to 206-727-8319. That's all there is to it! The nominated person will receive a letter, a certificate and a copy of the WSBA Creed of Professionalism.
WSBA-CLE Creates "Litigator's Library" of Deskbooks
Attorneys litigating in Washington will want the two authoritative books on civil litigation and ethics from WSBA-CLE the Washington Civil Procedure Deskbook (2d ed. 2002) and the Washington Legal Ethics Deskbook (due July 2003). Right now you can save nearly 15 percent by purchasing both of them. To order, go to the WSBA online store at http://store.yahoo.com/wsbastore/lili.html, or call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA.
King County Bar Association Annual Awards Dinner
This year's event will be held Thursday, June 26, at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, 721 Pine St. The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and program starting at 6:30 p.m. Jeffery P. Robinson, this year's winner of the Outstanding Lawyer Award, will be the guest speaker, and the program will include in addition to recognitions of award recipients a celebration of the recent IOLTA decision. Tickets are $75; to ensure particular seating assignments, reservations are required and must be paid for by June 23. For more information or to make a reservation, call 206-340-2574.
ABA's LAMP Standing Committee Assisting Military Reservists
As the fighting phase of the war in Iraq comes to an end and military reservists are being called back home, in addition to warm hugs and grateful tears, many will also find complex legal issues awaiting them. To assist the military's legal assistance network in meeting the needs of mobilized reservists, the American Bar Association is renewing its call for lawyers across the country to help provide free legal assistance to the men and women called to serve their country through Legal Assistance for Military Personnel (LAMP). "The lawyers of America are ready, willing and able to assist our men and women in uniform and their families during this challenging time," said ABA President Alfred P. Carlton Jr. For information on LAMP in your community, visit www.abanet.org/legalservices/lamp/home.html or call Robin Rone at 312-988-5106.
Lawyer-to-Lawyer Program Round Table
For program participants awaiting their one-on-one matches, there will be a Round Table Discussion on Monday, July 14, 2003, from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. at the WSBA office. The discussion offers an informal question-and-answer session and provides opportunity to network with senior members and peers. For more information, contact Allison Durazzi at allisond@wsba.org or 206-733-5914.
LOMAP . . . On the Road Smart Strategies for Improving Efficiency
WSBA's Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) continues its annual traveling seminar series. Topics include case-management software, client management, unbundled legal services, and a segment about transitions in lawyers' careers. The course offers 4.0 credits, including 2.0 ethics credits. Cost is $69. For more information, please see www.lomap.org, or contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA. Reference event code LOM0603. LOMAP . . . On the Road will visit the following cities:
Silverdale June 9 (Red Lion)
Oak Harbor June 10 (Best Western Harbor Plaza)
Bellingham June 11 (Hampton Inn)
Colville June 16 (Comfort Inn)
Spokane June 17 (Davenport Hotel)
Litigation Section Midyear at Lake Chelan, June 20-21
Join the WSBA Litigation Section at Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan for "Honing Your Skills: Lessons from the Trials of the Century," featuring Todd Winegar. The program will include an ethics session and an evening reception. See actual trial film footage and re-creations; and hear transcripts of trials such as the Scopes "Monkey Trial," Leopold and Loeb, the Clinton impeachment, and O.J Simpson. Additional topics include lessons in cross-examination and argument, dealing with difficult witnesses, and borderline ethics. 7.5 CLE credits (includes 2.5 ethics credits). The cost is $250. To register, call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, or visit www.wsba.org/cle/seminars. To reserve a room, call 800-553-8225 or 509-682-2561 and use group code WABR3.
Fulbright Scholar Grants Available for 2004-05
The Fulbright Scholar Program is offering a number of lecturing, research and lecturing/research awards in law for the 2004-05 academic year. Awards range from two months to an academic year. While many awards specify project and host institution, there are a 153 open "All Disciplines" awards that allow candidates to propose their own project and determine their host-institution affiliation. Foreign-language skills are needed in some countries, but most lecturing assignments are in English. The application deadline is August 1. For information, see www.cies.org, or contact the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, 3007 Tilden St. NW, Ste. 5L, Washington, DC 20008; 202-686-7877; e-mail apprequest@cies.iie.org.
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 (September 11, 6:00 p.m.; 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) 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.
WYLD Seeks Award Nominations
The WYLD is accepting nominations for the Thomas Neville Pro Bono Award, Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year, and the Professionalism Award. All three awards recognize lawyers who epitomize the best in the legal profession. Nominations are also being accepted for Outstanding YLD Affiliate or Organization for recognition of public service and/or member-service programs. For detailed information, please see www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/wyld. Letters of nomination should include the nominator's complete contact information, as well as a copy of the nominee's rιsumι or list of accomplishments. Nominations must be received by July 31, 2003, and should be sent to Lisa Harper, WSBA, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330; or lisak@wsba.org.
Filing-Fee Notice for CLE Sponsors
Effective July 1, 2003, all CLE sponsors will be required to pay a $50 filing fee. At the November 22, 2002, Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Board meeting, a motion was passed to increase a sponsor's filing fee for a Form 1 application for approval of MCLE credit to $50.
In addition, a motion was passed to increase the fee for the WSBA's processing of manually submitted CLE attendance to $3 per name, with advance notice to providers that fees will be raised effective July 1, 2003. The fee for electronically submitted attendance will remain at $1 per name.
This increase in fees will be subject to review to ensure that the generated income is sufficient to cover costs.
Web Site Links from Lawyer Directory
A link to your Web site can be added to your directory listing, so that 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/lawyers/addlink.htm.
Upcoming Board of Governors Meetings
June 6 Wenatchee
July 25-26 Bellingham
September 11-12 Seattle
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/info/bog/schedule.htm.
Usury Rate
The average coupon equivalent yield from the first auction of 26-week treasury bills in June 2003 is 1.155 percent. The maximum allowable interest rate for June is therefore 12 percent. Compilations of the average coupon equivalent yields from past auctions of 26-week treasury bills and past maximum interest rates for June 1988-June 1999 appear on page 53 of the June 1999 Bar News. Information from January 1987 to date is on the WSBA Web site at www.wsba.org/media/publications/barnews/usury.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 the WSBA Web site at www.wsba.org and click "MCLE" in the left navigation bar. Alternatively, 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.
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.
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.
