May 2003
FYI: For Your Information
New WSBA Web Site
Check out the new WSBA Web site! You'll still find us at www.wsba.org, but the site has a new look and has been redesigned for easier use.
We welcome your comments and suggestions; please e-mail them to comments@wsba.org. And if you have any difficulty finding information, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, or questions@wsba.org.
Washington Legislature Passes Senate Bill 5044
Ken Luce, chair of the WSBA Legal Services to the Armed Forces Committee, facilitated passage of Senate Bill 5044, giving notice of the termination of a tenancy. The bill aligns the RCWs pertaining to notice provisions required when military personnel are given orders for reassignment or deployment. Army Col. Rouse, Navy Cmdr. Sherman, and their offices assisted with the bill, which passed unanimously in the Senate and House, and was signed into law by Governor Locke on March 24, 2003.
2003 Board of Governors Elections, and Candidates' Biographical Statements
On April 15, ballots were 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 (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, 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.
Notice of Hearing on Petition for Reinstatement of Thomas A. Gish Sr.
A petition for reinstatement after disbarment has been filed on behalf of Thomas A. Gish Sr., who was disbarred on May 14, 1998. He had previously been suspended from practice on September 11, 1997. At the time of his suspension and disbarment, Gish practiced in King County, Washington.
A hearing on Gish's petition will be conducted before the Character and Fitness Committee on Saturday, June 28, 2003. Not later than June 13, 2003, anyone wishing to do so may file with the Character and Fitness Committee a written statement for or against reinstatement, setting forth factual matters showing that the petitioner does or does not meet the requirements of Admission to Practice Rule 21.5(a). Except by its leave, no person other than the petitioner or petitioner's counsel shall be heard orally by the Character and Fitness Committee.
Communications to the Character and Fitness Committee should be sent to Robert D. Welden, General Counsel, Washington State Bar Association, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330. This notice is published pursuant to APR 21.4(a).
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.
Washington UCC Revised Article 9 Deskbook to Be Introduced at June 13 Seminar
Join the practitioners who led the way in drafting and adopting revised UCC Article 9 for a full-day seminar on secured transactions. Keynote speaker Steven O. Weise served as the ABA liaison to the Revised Article 9 Drafting Committee. Panelists will analyze case studies and address manufacturer, agricultural, retailer and M&A financing; real estate lending; enforcement; and software and bank-account issues. Registrants will receive a copy of the Washington UCC Revised Article 9 Deskbook, edited by Dan Ritter. This deskbook covers Article 9 practice, including a summary of new changes; local variations to the rule in Washington, Oregon and Idaho; transition rules; implications for bankruptcy; and resources for Washington lawyers.
To register for the seminar, see www.wsba.org/cle/seminars. To order the deskbook, visit the WSBA Store at http://store.yahoo.com/wsbastore, or call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA.
LOMAP Traveling Seminar
The WSBA's Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) presents its traveling seminar in the following cities: Silverdale, June 9; Oak Harbor, June 10; Bellingham, June 11; Colville, June 16; Spokane, June 17.
The cost is $69, and you'll earn 4.0 CLE credits (2.0 general, 2.0 ethics). Learn about case-management software, client management, career transitions, unbundled legal services, and how to handle a Bar complaint.
For more information or to register, contact Allison Durazzi at allisond@wsba.org or 206-733-5914, or contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA.
Litigation Section Midyear at Lake Chelan, June 20-21
Join the WSBA Litigation Section at Campell'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 for Washington attorneys (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 (special rate expires May 20).
CLE for Managing Partners
Save the date to attend a unique CLE for managing partners, featuring national and regional experts in law-firm management. "Law Firm Hiring, Retention & Productivity: New Tools for Success" takes place May 21, 2003, at Seattle University School of Law from 1:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., with a reception following. For more information, please contact Eileen Concannon at 206-624-3600 or econcannon@riddellwilliams. com.
The CLE is being sponsored by King County Bar Association; Seattle University School of Law; Washington State Supreme Court Commission on Gender and Justice; Washington State Minority and Justice Commission; Washington State Bar Association; Washington Women Lawyers; and the law firms of Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe, Preston Gates & Ellis, Riddell Williams, Stokes Lawrence, and Williams, Kastner & Gibbs.
Request for Attorney Input United State District Court, Eastern District of Washington
The U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington, is conducting a survey of attorneys and other users of the court in order to plan for courthouse facilities that may be needed over the next 20 years. The court holds hearings at courthouses in Spokane, Yakima and Richland. The criteria for assignment of cases to the three facilities for court hearings are based upon the county in which a case arises, or which has the closest nexus to the events involved in the case.
The court is interested in determining the opinions of the users of the federal court as to whether any changes should be made in the assignment of cases to the three courthouse facilities. For instance, should cases arising in Grant County be sent to Spokane, or is it more logical to assign them to Richland or Yakima?
You are requested to participate by accessing the court's Web site at http://www.waed.uscourts.gov/attorney/survey/default.htm and completing the survey. Responses should be made by May 16, 2003.
Join the Administrative Law Section
It's not too late to join the WSBA Administrative Law Section! Non-members who join the section before the May 16th CLE "Administrative Appeals — A Winning Strategy in Superior Court" (Tacoma Rhodes Center; 5.0 credits, 3.5 reg. and 1.5 ethics, pending) apply their $20 membership fee as a discount, and register for $60. For more information about this program or the section, visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/administrativelaw or call Tom Kalenius at 360-753-6823, ext. 231. (See Calendar on p. 58 for related information.)
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 "WSBA Store" link on the WSBA Web site (www.wsba.org) or go directly to the store at http://store.yahoo.com/wsbastore, 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.
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 on MCLE on 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.
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. For Bar leaders registration information, contact Desiree Ogden at 206-733-5931 or desireeo@wsba.org. For ATJ registration information, contact Sharlene Steele at 206-727-8262 or sharlene@wsba.org.
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 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/info/bylaws.
WSBA Legal Services to the Armed Forces Committee Is Calling Volunteers
Mobilization of military personnel creates a great need for legal assistance in the areas of basic estate planning, powers of attorney and health-care directives. The WSBA Legal Services to the Armed Forces Committee is spearheading an effort to gather names of WSBA members willing to serve Washington-based reservists and active armed forces and their families by volunteering their time. Volunteers will receive training from legal staff at local military bases. Please contact Ken Luce, chair of the Legal Services to the Armed Forces Committee, at 253-922-8724 or guardhi@aol.com.
The WSBA Store Is Open
The WSBA online store is open at www.wsba.org (click on WSBA Store on the left navigation bar). 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 also 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.
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 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/lawyers/groups/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/lawyers/addlink.htm.
BOG Meetings
May 9-10 – Spokane
June 6 – Wenatchee
July 25-26 – Bellingham
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.
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.
Usury Rate
The average coupon equivalent yield from the first auction of 26-week treasury bills in April 2003 is 1.161 percent. The maximum allowable interest rate for May 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.
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