September 2001

Opportunities for Service

Service opportunities with WSBA committees, boards and organizations can be very rewarding. Please inquire and/or apply to the contact person specified.

Washington State Bar Association
2101 4th Ave., Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98121-2330

Application deadline: November 15, 2001

The WSBA Board of Governors is accepting letters of interest from members interested in serving a three-year term on the Northwest Justice Project board of directors (two positions). A written expression of interest is also required for any incumbent seeking re-appointment. The three-year term will commence on January 1, 2002.

The Northwest Justice Project is a not-for-profit organization which receives funding through the federal Legal Services Corporation to provide civil legal services to low-income people. Board members must have a demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the delivery of high-quality civil legal services to the poor. Further information about board responsibilities is available on request by e-mailing mac@nwjustice.org. Please submit letters of interest and résumés to the WSBA, Office of the Executive Director, 2101 Fourth Ave., Fourth Fl., Seattle, WA 98121-2330, or e-mail oed@wsba.org.

Application deadline: November 15, 2001

The WSBA Board of Governors is accepting letters of interest from members interested in serving on the Legal Foundation of Washington board of trustees. There is one partial term (January 1-December 31, 2002), which will complete the term of a resigning member.

The Legal Foundation of Washington is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes equal justice for low-income people through the administration of IOLTA and other funds. Trustees should have a demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of the need for legal services and how these services are provided in Washington. Further information about trustee responsibilities is available upon request by e-mailing bcclark@legalfoundation.org. Please submit letters of interest and résumés to the WSBA, Office of the Executive Director, 2101 Fourth Ave., Fourth Fl., Seattle, WA 98121-2330, or e-mail oed@wsba.org.

The WSBA Character and Fitness Committee, Disciplinary Board, Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection Committee, and State Board of Continuing Legal Education all include nonlawyer citizen members. The WSBA is always interested in member referrals of nonlawyers to these important committees and boards. Members may suggest individuals to their governor, or interested persons may submit letters of application to the WSBA, Office of the Executive Director, 2101 Fourth Ave., Fourth Fl., Seattle, WA 98121-2330, or e-mail oed@wsba.org. Service on these boards is voluntary. Members are reimbursed for travel and related expenses; meetings are generally held at the WSBA office in Seattle; all appointments are for three-year terms.

•  Character and Fitness Committee: Conducts hearings on Bar applications where there is a significant question as to the applicant’s moral character. Hearings typically involve review of criminal histories, record of academic discipline (cheating and plagiarism), and previous Bar discipline (for lawyer applicants). In addition, the committee considers petitions for reinstatement after disbarment. The committee generally meets two to four times a year on Saturdays.

•  Disciplinary Board: Reviews all recommendations for suspension or disbarment and is generally responsible for lawyer discipline. The board meets six times a year for full-day meetings. In addition, board members serve on three-person review committees which meet three to four times per year for full-day meetings to review investigation reports and requests for reconsideration of grievances dismissed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

•  Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection Committee: Considers applications for reimbursement for the dishonest taking of funds or property by lawyers. The committee meets quarterly for half-day meetings.

•  State Board of Continuing Legal Education: Responsible for the accreditation of approved continuing legal education programs, and for enforcing required compliance by WSBA members. The board meets five to seven times per year for full-day meetings.

Nonlawyer citizen participation on these boards and committees enhances the WSBA’s mission and credibility as a self-regulating agency. Citizen members consistently report that the experience is extremely interesting and enlightening, and enhances their understanding and appreciation of lawyers and the legal profession.

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