April 2002 

FYI: For Your Information

Board of Governors nominating petitions for the 3rd, 6th and 8th districts have been received from Joni R. Kerr (3rd district), Howard L. Graham (6th district) and Ronald R. Ward (8th district), all unopposed.

Each year, members of the Washington State Bar Association are asked to identify those members of our profession and the public who deserve the legal profession's recognition and thanks. Nominations are sought for the following awards:

This is the WSBA's highest honor. In general, the Award of Merit is 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 given to individuals only — both lawyers and nonlawyers.

As the name implies, this award is given for special accomplishment or service to the WSBA during the term of the current president.

This honor is awarded to a member of the WSBA 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.

This award is 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. The selection criterion is a significant contribution by a lawyer in government service to the legal profession, the system of justice, and the public.

This award may be presented to a judge from any level of court. It is presented for outstanding service to the bench and for special contribution to the legal profession.

This award is presented to a lawyer, nonlawyer, law firm or local bar association for outstanding efforts in providing pro bono services to the poor. This award is based on cumulative efforts, as opposed to a lawyer's or law firm's pro bono hours or financial contribution.

This award is presented to a lawyer who has displayed exceptional courage in the face of adversity, thus bringing credit to the legal profession.

This is a special award given for a lifetime of service to the WSBA and the public.

This award is made to a lawyer or law firm making a significant contribution to affirmative action in the employment of ethnic minorities, women and the disabled in the legal profession within the state of Washington.

This award is presented to an elected official for outstanding service to Washington residents, with special contributions to the legal profession. The recipient has demonstrated a commitment to justice beyond the usual call of duty.

This award recognizes that describing the context, facts and players involved in our system with fairness and sensitivity requires intelligence, knowledge, dedication and high skill levels. This award is given to a journalist and his organization who set the standard for relevance, clarity, accuracy and understanding in reporting.

It is important to note that presentation of any WSBA award is made only when there are truly deserving recipients. Some years, no award is given in some categories. If you know of someone who fits the criteria set forth above, please send a letter of nomination and relevant information by May 1, 2002. Awards will be presented at the WSBA Annual Business Meeting and Awards Dinner. Send nominations to Executive Director, WSBA, Attn: Awards, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330; fax 206-727-8319; e-mail oed@wsba.org.

The Washington Young Lawyers Division Bridging the Gap Conference will take place September 20-21, 2002 at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center and the Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Seattle. This low-cost, two-day CLE will provide practical skills-training on subjects like how to write a "killer" brief, and how to argue (and win) a motion. More information will be available soon at www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/wyld/.

The Washington Young Lawyers Division Practice Conditions Forum will take place May 31, 2002 at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. The forum will address such topics as stress management, balancing your work and personal life, résumé building, and exploring alternative careers in the law. 3 CLE credits pending approval. More information will be available soon at www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/wyld/.

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. Awards will be presented at the WYLD Bridging the Gap Conference in Seattle on September 21. Letters of nomination should include the nominator's name, address and daytime phone number, as well as a copy of the nominee's résumé or list of accomplishments. Nominations must be received by July 31, 2002, and should be mailed to Lisa KauzLoric, WSBA, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330.

The WSBA Interprofessional Committee invites all interested bar members to a forum discussion with members of the financial industry (including CPAs, financial planners, appraisers, trustees and underwriters). The focus will be on fostering better relations, teamwork and interprofessional dialogue. The event will be held May 16, 2002 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Women's University Club in Seattle. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, please contact Toni Doane at tonid@wsba.org or 206-727-8293.

The WSBA's Law Office Management Assistance Program continues a series of presentations around the state for CLE credit. Presentations will be made in Bellingham, April 22; Bremerton, April 25; Colville, May 7; Lake Chelan, April 5; Oak Harbor, April 23; Port Angeles, April 24; and Spokane, May 8. The cost is $65. For more information, contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA, 206-443-WSBA or questions@wsba.org, and cite event number LOM-0502.

• April 5-6 – Walla Walla

• May 10-11 – Stevenson

• June 7 – Yakima

• July 26-27 – Ocean Shores

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 loril@wsba.org.

License Fee Reminder to WSBA Members

Licensing packets, which include license fee, trust account and MCLE reporting (C-2 Compliance Affidavit) forms, were mailed in early December. If you have not received your licensing packet, please call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, or e-mail questions@wsba.org to request a duplicate. Please note that it is your responsibility to pay your annual license fee, regardless of whether you receive the licensing packet.

In addition to your license fee, per APR 15, the Supreme Court has ordered all active members to pay a $13 assessment to the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection (LFCP). We encourage you to pay your license fee (and active members the LFCP fee) promptly to avoid penalties. A 20 percent late-payment penalty is imposed if the annual license fee is not paid by March 1, 2002. After April 1, 2002, a 50 percent late-payment penalty is imposed. If your license fee, penalty assessment or LFCP fee remain unpaid after May 1, 2002, the delinquency will be certified to the Supreme Court, which will enter an order of suspension from the practice of law. In order to be reinstated to your former status after suspension for nonpayment, you must pay double the amount of the combined fee and penalty (triple the original fee). For active members, nonpayment of the LFCP fee is also cause for suspension.

For more information, please see the WSBA Web site at www.wsba.org/lawyers/licensing/, or contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA, 206-443-WSBA or questions@wsba.org.

Active WSBA members who are in reporting group 1 (active members admitted through 1975; or in 1991, 1994, 1997 or 2000*) are reporting CLE credits this year for activities undertaken in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

Newly admitted members are exempt from reporting CLE credits during their year of admission and the following calendar year. If you were admitted in 2000 you will not report this reporting period even though you are in group 1. You will first report at the end of 2004. (New admittees may earn CLE credits starting from their admission date, and those credits may be applied toward their first reporting period.)

If you are in reporting group 1, your C-2 compliance affidavit was due to the WSBA on February 1, 2002. If you are in group 1 and have not yet met your CLE requirements or submitted your C-2 compliance affidavit, you will receive an automatic four-month extension, but you must also pay a late fee. You must make up any needed credits before May 1, file the signed C-2, and pay the late fee. The late fee is $150 the first year, and then increases by $300 each consecutive reporting period that you file late (a reporting period is a three-year reporting cycle). For more information, see the WSBA Web site at www.wsba.org/lawyers/licensing/faq-mcle-credits.htm.

The new online MCLE Credit-Tracking System (http://pro.wsba.org/) is ready for you to use. Here's what you can do using the new system:

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 http://pro.wsba.org/, 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.

The 2002 WSBA Bar Leaders Conference and Access to Justice (ATJ) Conference will be held June 7-9 at the Yakima Convention Center. Conference registration brochures will be mailed this month. For bar leader registration information, please contact Toni Doane at tonid@wsba.org or 206-727-8293. For ATJ information, please contact Sharlene Steele at sharlene@wsba.org or 206-727-8262.

Law Week 2002 is an exciting opportunity for lawyers and judges to bring legal education into the classroom. Each year, Law Week provides an enriching experience to youth through positive interactions with lawyers and judges. Law Week 2002 will take place the week of April 29-May 3. To learn more about the program or to participate, visit http://www.lawweek.org/, or contact Lisa KauzLoric at 206-733-5944 or lisak@wsba.org.

Yes, it's possible! Regulation 103(g) of the Washington State Board of Continuing Legal Education allows WSBA members to earn up to six hours of credit annually for providing pro bono direct representation under the auspices of a qualified legal-services provider. APR 8(e) creates a limited license status of emeritus for attorneys otherwise retired from the practice of law, to practice pro bono legal services through a qualified legal-services organization.

For more information, contact Access to Justice Liaison Sharlene Steele at 206-727-8262 or sharlene@wsba.org.

The 2001-2002 Resources membership directory is now on sale for half-price:

$8.50 – WSBA members ($9.25 in WA)

$17.50 – non-WSBA members ($19.04 in WA)

To order a copy of Resources, call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, or mail a request to WSBA Order Processing, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330. Payment may be made by check (payable to WSBA), MasterCard or Visa, and must accompany your order. Please note that the 2002-2003 edition will be available in the spring.

The lawyer directory on the WSBA Web site has been enhanced! 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/media/publications/barnews/addlink.htm.

The WSBA online store is open at http://www.wsba.org/store/default.htm. You can purchase Cutter & Buck polo shirts, twill baseball caps, ballpoint pens, and brass luggage tags emblazoned with the WSBA logo. The store features secure online credit-card ordering. You can 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%) will be added to orders shipped within Washington.

The Northwest Justice Project board of directors will hold the remainder of its 2002 meetings on April 13, July 13 and October 19. Public meetings begin at 9:30 a.m. For site information, contact Lisa Giuffré at 888-201-1012 or 206-464-1519.

Eastside Legal Assistance Program (ELAP) has expanded its offering of free legal clinics. Multilingual services will operate twice monthly for people who speak Spanish, Russian or Ukrainian. For schedule information and appointments, call 425-747-1663.

Creed of Professionalism: The WSBA now has an aspirational Creed of Professionalism developed by the Professionalism Committee with input from members around the state and approved by the Board of Governors. The text of the creed is on the WSBA Web site at www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/professionalism/Creed.htm. The creed is available for purchase, either unframed or mounted on a mahogany-finish wooden plaque. It is our hope that Washington lawyers will display the creed proudly in their offices. Click here to order online.

The WSBA is pleased to offer photo bar cards to members. This is an option for those who are interested in having their photo on their card; original and replacement cards without photos are provided at no cost. Here's how it works:

You can either e-mail an electronic photo in .bmp format or mail a hard-copy photo that we will scan. Photos can be any size.

You may submit a black-and-white or color photo, however all photos will be printed in black and white.

The cost is $10 for cards created from electronic photos, and $15 for cards created from hard-copy photos. Checks, MasterCard and Visa are accepted for payment.

If you're mailing a hard-copy photo, please mail the photo with the completed order form and payment.

If you're e-mailing an electronic photo, mail the completed order form with your payment. If paying by credit card, you may fax the order form.

If you have questions, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA, 206-443-WSBA or questions@wsba.org.