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April 2009WSBA Presidential Search The WSBA Board of Governors is seeking applicants for the position of WSBA president for 2010–2011. Pursuant to Article IV (A)(2) of the WSBA Bylaws, the primary place of business of candidates for president for 2010–2011 must be King County. The WSBA member selected to be president will have an opportunity to provide a significant contribution to the legal profession. Applications for 2010–2011 WSBA president will be accepted through May 1, 2009, and should be limited to a current résumé, a concise application letter stating interest and qualifications, and no fewer than five or more than 10 references. The Board of Governors will consider endorsement letters received by May 15, 2009. Applications and endorsement letters should be sent to the WSBA Executive Director, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101. Direct contact with the Board of Governors is encouraged. All candidates will have an interview with the full Board of Governors in open session at the May 29, 2009, Board of Governors meeting in Yakima. Following the interviews, the Board will select the president. Although prior experience on the WSBA's Board of Governors may be helpful, there is no requirement that one must have been a member of the Board of Governors or had previous experience in Bar activities. The candidate must be willing to devote a substantial number of hours to WSBA affairs and be capable of being a positive representative for the legal profession. The position is unpaid. Some expenses, such as WSBA-related travel, are reimbursed. The commitment begins in June 2009, following selection. A one-year term as president-elect will begin at the Annual Business Meeting in September 2009. The president-elect is expected to attend the two-day board meetings held approximately every five to six weeks, as well as numerous subcommittee, section, regional, national, and local meetings. In September 2010, at the WSBA Annual Business Meeting, the president-elect will assume the position of president. During his or her service, the president-elect and president will also be required to meet with members of the Bar, the courts, the media, and public and legal interest groups, as well as be involved in the Bar's legislative activities. Appropriate time will need to be devoted to communication by letter, e-mail, and telephone in connection with these responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of the president are set forth in the WSBA Bylaws. The Bylaws can be found at www.wsba.org/info/bylaws. Statute Law Committee The WSBA Board of Governors is accepting letters of interest and résumés from members interested in serving a two-year term on the Statute Law Committee, commencing upon appointment and expiring March 31, 2011. The incumbent is eligible to apply. This 12-member committee seeks to foster accurate publication of laws and agency rules services in a professional and strictly nonpartisan and cost-effective manner. The primary responsibilities are to periodically codify, index, and publish the Revised Code of Washington; and to revise, correct, and harmonize the statutes of administrative or suggested legislative action as may be appropriate. The committee meets at least twice a year. Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101; or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates The WSBA Board of Governors is accepting letters of interest and résumés from members interested in serving on the ABA House of Delegates representing the WSBA. Three delegate positions, one of which is for a member under 35 years of age, and one alternate position will be available in August 2009. A written expression of interest and résumé are required for any incumbents seeking reappointment. The control and administration of the ABA are vested in the House of Delegates, the policy-making body of the ABA. The House, composed of 555 delegates, elects the ABA officers and board, and meets out of state twice a year. Delegate attendance is required. The alternate would participate in the House of Delegates if one of the WSBA delegates were unable to attend a meeting, so full voting capacity can exist at all times. Preferably, the alternate should be someone who usually attends the ABA Midyear and Annual Meetings, since the substitution may need to be made on fairly short notice. The WSBA's allowance is $800 per year per delegate. Terms for both the member and alternate positions are two years, and members may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. Those serving on the ABA House of Delegates must be ABA members in good standing throughout their terms. Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539; or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. Seeking Questionnaires from Candidates for Judicial Appointments The WSBA Judicial Recommendation Committee (JRC) is accepting questionnaires from attorneys and judges seeking consideration for appointment to fill potential Washington State Supreme Court and Court of Appeals vacancies. Interested individuals will be interviewed by the Committee on the date listed above. The JRC's recommendations are reviewed by the WSBA Board of Governors and referred to the Governor for consideration when making judicial appointments. Materials must be received at the WSBA office by the deadline listed above. To obtain a questionnaire, please visit the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/judicialrecommendation or contact the WSBA at 206-727-8212 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8212, or barleaders@wsba.org. Electronic Voting Coming on April 15 On April 15, all WSBA active members in the First, Fifth, and Seventh-West Board of Governor districts will have the opportunity to once again help determine the WSBA's future direction and leadership. (The election for the Fourth District was uncontested this year — congratulations to Governor-elect Leland B. Kerr.) And for the first time, voting members will have the opportunity to cast their votes online, rather than through the traditional paper ballot process. In January, the WSBA Board of Governors voted to incorporate electronic or online voting in the 2009 Board of Governors election. Electronic voting is secure, confidential, and convenient. WSBA active members in the First, Fifth, and Seventh-West districts with working e-mail addresses on file with the WSBA will receive an e-mail on April 15th from www.electionsonline.us. The e-mail will contain login identification, password information, and instructions on how to cast votes in the respective contested races. While the WSBA will be sending out e-mails in April reminding members about the election and electronic voting method, please do not disregard the April 15 e-mail from www.electionsonline.us. Members should also check their e-mail spam filters on April 15th if they do not receive the www.electionsonline.us e-mail, as the electronic message will not be coming from the WSBA. While the WSBA is encouraging members with e-mails on file with WSBA to cast votes online, they may request a paper ballot if that is more convenient. The WSBA will send eligible members without e-mail addresses on file traditional paper ballots. Instructions on how to access the online voting site will also be included so those members can vote online if they wish. Members may cast votes either online or by paper ballot, but they may only vote once. The WSBA has implemented safeguards to prevent a member from casting multiple votes. Members may vote online at any time between April 15 and 5:00 p.m. PDT on May 15, but once a member casts a vote, he or she may not log back in to change it. An online vote is final just as if the member dropped a paper ballot into the mailbox. Members submitting paper ballots must make certain to print and sign their name and indicate their address on the return envelope, and ensure delivery to the WSBA offices by 5:00 p.m. PDT on May 15. The WSBA hopes members will find online, or electronic, voting more convenient than filling out and returning paper ballots. Minimizing paper use will also help the WSBA conserve natural resources and go green. Please feel free to contact Emily Robinson at emilyr@wsba.org or 206-239-2125 if you have any questions. Students and Amateurs Encouraged to Enter "Justice For All" Video Contest Help spread the word about the WSBA's YouTube contest! All Washington residents are invited to create a short video that captures their vision of "justice for all" and post it to the YouTube website. Amateur filmmakers and students of all ages are especially encouraged to enter, either individually or as a class project. Two prizes of $1,000 each will be awarded to the best contest entries — one selected by a panel of judges, and one selected by popular vote. The judges include Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander, musician and media columnist Krist Novoselic, Yakima Herald-Republic Managing Editor Barbara Serrano, and Northwest Film Forum Director of Children's Programming Elizabeth Shepherd. Deadline for entries is June 15. For further information, see www.wsba.org/justiceforall.htm. Gifted High School Interns Available to Law-Related Organizations Are you the right person to guide a highly capable, motivated, passionate student exploring a career in law or a related field? Bellevue School District is seeking eight-hour-per-week, one-semester internship situations for seniors in the Gifted High School Program at Interlake for the 2009–2010 school year. These students think critically, embrace responsibility and challenge, work independently (with moderate supervision/direction), and thrive on learning. If you can provide a window to life in the real world that includes specific assignments in your work environment, please contact Arlene Scott at scottar@bsd405.org. The internship may be in a law firm, court, or other law-related organization, and located in the greater Seattle area. Conference Will Help Communities Start New Youth Courts Communities interested in establishing a youth court are invited to attend a one-day conference on May 16, 2009, at Seattle University School of Law. The purpose of this event is to increase understanding of youth courts (also known as teen courts, peer courts, and student courts), and how to create one. In youth courts, young people sentence their peers, using peer pressure to correct youth offenses and other problem behavior. In Washington, youth courts address juvenile offenses and truancy cases diverted from juvenile court, traffic and other infractions diverted from municipal and district courts, and school rule violations diverted from school administrators. There is no charge for the program and lunch will be provided. Communities are encouraged to bring a team of interested stakeholders, such as judicial officers, probation officers, school administrators, youth, community organization members, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and law enforcement. The conference is co-sponsored by the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Washington Judges Foundation, and the WSBA's Council on Public Legal Education. For more information, please contact Margaret Fisher, Administrative Office for the Courts, 206-501-7963 or margaret.fisher@courts.wa.gov. 2009 WSBA Awards Nominations Sought Each year, WSBA members are asked to identify those who deserve the legal profession's recognition and appreciation. Nominations are sought for the following awards: Award of Merit. First given in 1957, this is the WSBA's highest honor. The Award of Merit is most often 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 awarded to individuals only — both lawyers and nonlawyers. Professionalism Award. This honor is awarded to a WSBA member 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. 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, this award is given to a lawyer in government service who has made a significant contribution to the legal profession, the justice system, and the public. Outstanding Judge Award. This award is presented for outstanding service to the bench and for special contribution to the legal profession at any level of the court. 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. Excellence in Diversity Award. This award is made to a lawyer, law firm, or law-related group that has made a significant contribution to diversity in the legal profession's employment of ethnic minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and other persons of diversity. Outstanding Elected Official Award. This award is presented to an elected official for outstanding service, with special contributions to the legal profession. It is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to justice beyond the usual call of duty. Excellence in Legal Journalism Award. This award recognizes that describing the context, facts, and players involved in the legal system with fairness and sensitivity requires intelligence, knowledge, dedication, and skill. This award is given to the journalist and his/her organization that has set the standard for relevance, clarity, accuracy, and understanding in reporting. Lifetime Service Award. This is a special award given for a lifetime of service to the WSBA and the public. It is given only when there is someone especially deserving of this recognition. President's Award. The President's Award is given annually in recognition of special accomplishment or service to the WSBA during the term of the current president. Community Service Award. Lawyers are known for giving generously of their time and talents in service to their communities. This award recognizes exceptional non-law-related volunteer work and community service. Award presentation. It is important to note that presentation of any WSBA award is made only when there is a truly deserving recipient. Some years, no award is given in some categories. Awards are limited to one recipient per category, except when a group of individuals earned the award together. Nomination submissions. If you know an individual who fits the criteria set forth above, please visit www.wsba.org/2009wsbaawardsinfo.htm, download, complete, and submit the nomination form. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Please note that the completed nomination form must accompany each nomination in order to be considered. The deadline for nominations is April 30, 2009. Please send nominations to: WSBA, Attn: Annual Awards, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539; fax: 206-727-8310; e-mail: emilyr@wsba.org. Please contact Emily Robinson at 206-239-2125 for more information. The awards will be presented at the WSBA Annual Awards Dinner in Seattle on September 24, 2009, with the following exceptions: the Pro Bono and Norm Maleng Leadership awards will be presented at the Access to Justice/Bar Leaders Conference in Yakima, May 29–31. New WSBA Civil Rights Law Section At their meeting on December 5, 2008, the WSBA Board of Governors approved the formation of a new section to be known as the Civil Rights Law Section. The section's interim leadership includes Tracy Flood, chair; Sharon Payant, vice chair; Mary Englund, secretary; and Patricia Paul, treasurer. The Civil Rights Law Section will be concerned with all aspects of law and policy related to the improvement of the legal practice in the substantive area of civil rights law. This includes, but is not limited to, violations of rights provided under the constitutions of the United States and Washington state, federal and state statutes, local laws and regulations; criminal harassment and hate crimes; and immigration matters. Among other priorities benefiting its members, the section will sponsor continuing legal education on civil rights law and provide a network for communications with civil rights organizations throughout the state. The new section is an offshoot of the WSBA Civil Rights Committee (CRC), which has been the main WSBA entity whose primary focus is on civil rights law. An active subcommittee of the CRC, chaired by Patricia Paul, completed the various requirements for the Board of Governors' approval of the new section. Other CRC subcommittee members included Wilberforce Agyekum, Tracy Flood, Molly Maloney, and Sharon Payant. 2009 Licensing Information and Changes WSBA Bylaws require a 50 percent late-payment fee if the annual license fee remains unpaid after April 1, 2009. If any portion of your license fee or late fee remains unpaid, or if you are on Active status and haven't paid your Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection assessment or filed your A1 Licensing Form after two months' written notice of your delinquency, a recommendation for suspension will be submitted to the Supreme Court. Instructions are available online at www.wsba.org/licensing. Licensing forms changes. In an effort to control costs and simplify renewal, the 2009 licensing forms were condensed into one double-sided form or two forms for those reporting MCLE credits this year. The form(s) were mailed the first week of December in a standard-size envelope. Verify your address in the online lawyer directory (http://pro.wsba.org). You are required to keep your contact information current; see Admission to Practice Rule 13. If you have not received the 2009 licensing forms, you may print them online or call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA. MCLE Certification for Group 2 (2006–2008) If you are an active WSBA member in MCLE Reporting Group 2 (2006–2008), you should have received your Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2/C3) forms in the license packet that was mailed in early December. The deadline for returning the C2/C3 form to the WSBA was February 2, 2009. Any C2/C3 forms delivered to the WSBA or postmarked after March 2, 2009, will be assessed a late fee. Members in Group 2 include active members who were admitted to the WSBA in 1976–1983, 1992, 1995, 1998, 2001, or 2004. Members admitted in 2007 are also in Group 2 but are not due to report until the end of 2011. Their first reporting period will be 2009–2011; however, any credits earned on or after the day of admittance to the WSBA may be counted for compliance. The C2/C3 form that you received in your license packet is a declaration that lists all the MCLE Board-approved courses that were in your MCLE online profile for the 2006–2008 reporting period as of mid-October 2008. If you took other courses after mid-October, you can add these to the back of the C2/C3 form when you receive it. As an alternative, you may print your online roster and attach it to the C2/C3 form; indicate that it is a correct listing of the courses you took for compliance. The C2/C3 form, not your online profile, is the official record of MCLE compliance. The original copy of the C2/C3 form must be returned to the WSBA to meet compliance requirements. All courses that you list on your C2/C3 form must be Washington MCLE-Board approved and have an Activity ID number. This number is listed in your online MCLE profile and is assigned at the time that the Form 1 for each course is input to the MCLE system. A "Certificate of Attendance" or other sponsor-provided certification is not sufficient to receive course credit. If you have taken courses that have not yet been approved by the MCLE Board, submit Form 1s for these courses immediately to ensure that they are approved before your C2/C3 is due. Each Form 1 application must include a full agenda for the course in order to receive credit. The agenda must have the start and end times for each session and each break. Because of high volumes from October through February, Form 1s submitted electronically (at http://pro.wsba.org) could take up to four weeks or more to process. Paper Form 1s may take up to six weeks or more to process. If you submit a paper Form 1, you will be notified by mail of its Activity ID number. If you were not able to meet the credit requirement by December 31, 2008, and need more time to complete your credits, you must submit a petition to the MCLE Board to request more time. There is no longer an automatic extension until May 1. You must give a complete explanation on the petition of the reason that you need an extension. A late fee will be assessed if you took any courses after December 31 that are needed for compliance or if your C2/C3 form is submitted late. If this is the first reporting period in which you will not meet MCLE compliance requirements, the late fee is $150. The late fee increases by $300 for each consecutive reporting period you are late in meeting MCLE requirements. If you have questions about the Form 1 process or MCLE compliance, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org. MCLE Certification Information for Active Members Due date for MCLE reporting. WSBA members are divided into three MCLE reporting groups based on year of admission. (Newly admitted members are exempt. See "Newly Admitted Members" below.) Group 1: Admitted through 1975, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, or 2006 Group Report Complete Credits File C2/C3 Form New MCLE rules and regulations. New MCLE rule and regulation amendments went into effect on January 1, 2009. The amendments changed some of the MCLE compliance requirements for the 2007–2009 and later reporting periods. Some of the amendments affect all reporting periods, including (1) there is no longer an automatic extension until May 1, and (2) a member may earn no more than eight credits per day spent attending courses. Please see www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/mcle/apr11review07.htm for more information. Credit requirements for 2007–2009 and later reporting periods. The following credit requirements must be met by December 31 of the last year of an active member's reporting period: • At least 45 total credits of MCLE Board-approved CLE activities must be taken, which need to include a minimum of 22.5 live credits and six ethics credits. The courses must meet the requirements of APR 11, but they do not need to be taken in Washington state. Many courses are offered around the world which meet the requirements of APR 11. Carry-over CLE credits. Carry-over credits from the previous reporting period may be used to meet the requirements of the current reporting period. If your current reporting period credits total exceeds 45, you may carry over a maximum combined total of 15 credits to your next reporting period. Only two ethics credits and five A/V credits may be carried over. C2/C3 reporting requirement. All active members due to report are required to file a Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2/C3) form listing all CLE courses taken for credit compliance. The deadline for filing your C2/C3 form is February 1 (or the next business day, if February 1 is on a weekend) of the year following the end of your reporting period. Note: • Your online roster is not a substitute for filing the C2/C3 form (APR 11.6(b)). MCLE late fees. All active members who have not completed their credits by December 31 of the last year of their reporting period, or who submit their C2/C3 reporting forms after March 1 of the following year (the end of the grace period after the February 1 deadline), must pay a late fee. The late fee for the first reporting period of non-compliance is $150 and increases by $300 for each consecutive three-year reporting period of noncompliance. Newly admitted members. If you are a newly admitted member, you are exempt from reporting CLE credits for the year of your admission and the following calendar year. If you were admitted in 2007, you will not report for this reporting period (2006–2008) even though you are in Group 2. You will first report at the end of the 2009–2011 reporting period. Members admitted in 2008 will not report until the end of the 2010–2012 reporting period. When you report at the end of your first reporting period, you may claim all CLE credits earned on or after your date of admission to the WSBA. MCLE comity. If you are an active member of the WSBA and your primary office for the practice of law is outside of Washington and if you are a member of the Oregon, Idaho, or Utah state bars ("comity" states), you may meet your Washington mandatory CLE requirements by providing proof of current MCLE compliance from your comity state bar. Only a Certificate of MCLE Compliance from your comity state bar (not a "Certificate of Good Standing"), sent with your WSBA C2/C3 form, will satisfy your MCLE requirements in Washington. MCLE system — course listing and member profiles. Members may use the online MCLE system to: • Review courses taken and credits earned. To access the MCLE online system and your member home page, go to the WSBA website home page at www.wsba.org. Click on the blue and black "Online MCLE System" box in the right column. Follow the instructions on the screen to reach your MCLE home page. If this is your first time logging on to the MCLE system, be sure to change your password after you log in to maximize security of your online MCLE information. Online help is available. If you have any questions about using the MCLE system or about the MCLE compliance requirements, see the online FAQs at www.wsba.org/lawyers/licensing/faq-mcle.htm, or contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722), 206-443-WSBA (9722), or questions@wsba.org. In-house CLEs for 2007–2009 and later reporting periods. Starting with the 2007–2009 reporting period, there is no restriction on the number of in-house credits that a member may take. However, a lawyer who is associated with or employed by a private law firm or corporate legal department that maintains an office within Washington state may not apply to receive credit for a continuing legal education course sponsored by that private law firm or corporate legal department for which the sponsor did not submit a completed Form 1 (APR 11 Regulation 104(b)(2)). Monthly Lawyer Discussion Roundtable Hosted by the WSBA Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP), this roundtable is useful for meeting other members and WSBA Lawyer Services Department staff who will answer questions on ethics, practice, and substantive law. We meet the second Tuesday of the month from noon to 1:30 p.m. April 14 is the next scheduled meeting date. Walk-ins are welcome! The roundtable is held at the WSBA office. Computer Clinic The WSBA offers a hands-on computer clinic for members. Learn what programs such as Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Adobe Acrobat can do for a lawyer. Are you a total beginner? No problem. The clinic teaches helpful tips you can use immediately. Computers are provided, and seating is limited to 15 members. There is no charge, and no CLE credits are offered. The April 13 clinic will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the WSBA office and will focus on using Casemaker and other online research resources. The April 16 clinic will meet from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and will focus on using a Mac in the law office. For more information or to RSVP, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. "Foundations of American Democracy" Civics Pamphlet Available The WSBA offers a pamphlet for the public called "Foundations of American Democracy" that describes the basics of American government: the rule of law, the separation of powers, checks and balances, and a fair and impartial judiciary. It also includes a short quiz and a list of useful websites. Lawyers and judges are encouraged to bring the pamphlet with them when they speak to students or the public in schools, courtrooms, and the community. Teachers may also request the pamphlet for classroom use. The WSBA can provide reasonable numbers of copies at no charge, or the pamphlet may be downloaded from the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/foad.htm. Requests for copies should be directed to Pam Inglesby, WSBA public legal education manager, at pami@wsba.org. Casemaker Online Research Casemaker is a powerful online research library provided free to WSBA members. To access Casemaker, go to the WSBA website at www.wsba.org and click on the Casemaker logo on the right sidebar. Click on the Casemaker button to begin. For help using Casemaker, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, juliesa@wsba.org, or call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722). LOMAP and Ethics Traveling Seminars Join us in Colville on May 5, Spokane on May 6, Wenatchee on June 2, Yakima on June 3, or Marysville/Tulalip on June 10. The cost is $99. Four credits are available, including some ethics credits. To register, call or e-mail Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, or 800-945-9722, et. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. LAP Solution of the Month: Overwhelmed? It's easy to become overwhelmed by billable hour requirements, managing your practice, or the volume of files piled in your office. Even looking for work can feel like too much. Feeling overwhelmed can quickly turn into avoidance, then paralysis. If you'd like some tips on handling overload, call the Lawyers Assistance Program at 206-727-8268, or 800-945-9722, ext. 8268. Weekly Job Finders Strategy and Support Group Unemployed? Discouraged — or trying not to be? We're taking names of lawyers interested in being on the wait list for a weekly meeting of lawyers looking for work. The focus of this group is on setting goals, accountability, and maintaining motivation. This is an opportunity to trade job-search advice and offer each other support in this difficult process. The group meets on Monday or Tuesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:45. Contact Dan Crystal, Psy.D., at 206-727-8267, 800-945-9722, ext. 8267, or danc@wsba.org if you are interested in this group or in other groups forming for senior lawyers and lawyers in transition. Job Seekers Monthly Discussion Group Looking for a job or making a transition? Join us at this informational group that meets the second Wednesday of each month from noon to 1:30 p.m. The next meeting is April 8 at the WSBA office; John Clynch will be sharing best practices around informational interviewing. Exchange information and ideas with other lawyers looking to make a change. Come as you are — no need to RSVP. Bring your business cards and practice networking skills. For more information, call 206-727-8269, 800-945-9722, ext. 8269, or e-mail rebeccan@wsba.org. If you would like to attend the meeting by telephone, please RSVP by April 7. Facing an Ethical Dilemma? The WSBA Ethics Line can help members analyze a situation involving their own prospective conduct, apply the proper rules, and reach an ethically sound decision. Calls made to the Ethics Line are confidential, and most calls are returned within one business day. Any advice given is intended for the education of the inquirer and does not represent an official position of the WSBA. Call the Ethics Line at 206-727-8284 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8284. Learn More About Case-Management Software The WSBA Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) maintains a computer for members to review software tools designed to maximize office efficiency. The LOMAP staff is available to provide materials, answer questions, and make recommendations. To make an appointment, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. Upcoming Board of Governors Meetings With the exception of the executive session, Board of Governors meetings are open, and all WSBA members are welcome to attend. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Contact Margaret Shane at 206-727-8244, 800-945-9722, ext. 8244, or margarets@wsba.org. The complete Board of Governors meeting schedule is available on the WSBA website 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 March 2009 was 0.447 percent. Therefore, the maximum allowable usury rate for April is 12 percent. Information from January 1987 to date can be found at www.wsba.org/media/publications/barnews/usury.htm. Circle of Professionalism The WSBA Random Acts of Professionalism Award is given from lawyers to lawyers to recognize and encourage professionalism among the members of the bar. The acts recognized, large and small, are as varied as the profession, but are always in keeping with the tenets enunciated in the Creed of Professionalism. Those nominated for the award receive a certificate, a copy of the Creed, and a letter from the chair of the Professionalism Committee. Neither the Committee nor the WSBA Board of Governors explicitly endorses a selection; the award is simply from one professional to another. The Committee encourages you to look for the best among your peers and nominate them at www.wsba.org. Kenneth F. Bromet Seattle attorney Kenneth F. Bromet was nominated by his colleague Juliana Wong for the Random Acts of Professionalism Award. Ken served as Juliana's mentor for many years, allowing her a close-up look at Ken's dedication to his clients. He not only taught her the craft of the law, but the ever-important professional aspects of the practice. Whether it is a colleague experiencing personal tragedy or a teenage client in need of help, Ken's door is always open. "Throughout his own practice, Ken shows compassions for the underprivileged and is always more than willing to help anyone who walks through his office door, no matter what their status," said Wong. Ken's devotion to teens and young adults makes a concrete difference in their lives and inspires greatness in all around him. |
