July 2001

FYI: For Your Information

WestCoast Hotels, the WSBA and Legal Aid for Washington (LAW) Fund have created a partnership to raise funds for low-income legal services. Through the end of 2001, WestCoast Hotels will make donations to LAW Fund, based on the number of nights that anyone associated with the WSBA stays at any of the 47 Washington WestCoast Hotels. By simply asking for the WSBA rate, guests will receive a reduced room rate, and LAW Fund will receive $5 for each night's stay. Contact WestCoast Hotels at 800-325-4000.

Start your day off with an inspirational story or quote! The WSBA Web site (www.wsba.org) features a new "Proud to Be a Lawyer" item each day. Please help us gather stories about your fellow members of the Bar, or share your favorite quote. Contact Allison Parker at allisonp@wsba.org or 206-733-5932.

Goldmark Award Nominations

The Legal Foundation of Washington is accepting nominations for the 2002 Goldmark Award. The award will be presented as part of the 16th Annual Goldmark Award Luncheon, Thursday, February 21, 2002.

The Distinguished Service Award is given annually to an exceptional individual or organization that, by their vision, leadership, and creativity, has provided meaningful access to the civil justice system in Washington.

Nomination forms may be obtained by calling the Legal Foundation of Washington at 206-624-2536, ext. 10; by e-mailing dtheories@legalfoundation.org; or by visiting http://www.legalfoundation.org/. Completed nomination forms, along with letters or documents to support the nomination, must be received by Friday, September 7, 2001.

The Committee on Gender Equality in the Legal Profession and the Glass Ceiling Task Force, with financial support from the Washington Supreme Court Commission on Gender and Justice, the King County Bar Association, and the Washington State Bar Association, will perform a study to determine if a "glass ceiling" exists for female attorneys in Washington and any resulting impact on female compensation, tenure and career satisfaction. Private law firms with five or more attorneys will be surveyed this summer to obtain empirical information; survey results will be published in the fall. The sponsoring groups encourage each law firm to anonymously respond to the survey. Factual data will help in the design of programs and initiatives that will serve us all.

The University of Washington School of Law has been selected by the American College of Trial Lawyers to receive the 2001 Gumpert Award, the organization's highest honor for excellence. The award will be presented to the UW Trial Advocacy Program, a sequence of courses to train law students in courtroom work through realistic trials under the wings of practicing attorneys. The award includes a $50,000 prize.

The Board of Governors meeting schedule is as follows:

July 27-28 — Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop

September 13-14 — WSBA office, 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 Lori Lee at 206-727-8244 or oed@wsba.org.

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