April 2002

Looking at Member Benefits

by Dale L. Carlisle, WSBA President

When the WSBA did its strategic planning a few years ago, one issue regularly raised by members was a request for improved member benefits. This became an objective of our long-range plan, and after some review the Board of Governors (BOG) created a Member Benefits Task Force to examine this issue and make recommendations for implementation of benefit programs. Joe Nappi of Spokane is the current chair of this task force.

One area of attention has been insurance of various types, in addition to the current malpractice insurance program the WSBA makes available to members. We found that many of our members in solo practice or small firms have difficulty obtaining health insurance. The task force also has identified group insurance programs that may be of interest to some members. Because of changing market conditions and inconsistent insurance costs, it has been difficult for the task force to develop a program. However, it now appears that in the spring or early summer, a health-insurance program will be presented to the BOG for approval, and then offered as a benefit to WSBA members. When this occurs, other group insurance-benefit programs may follow.

The task force has also reviewed various benefit programs in the services area. Proposals have been received regarding credit-card programs, and rental car and hotel group rates. Task force members report that a credit-card program will soon be presented to the BOG, and that other programs may be ready for presentation later this year, and, if approved, implemented in the fall and winter.

Another and somewhat more difficult service area involves group plans for information services for lawyers. The WSBA Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) currently offers training and advice on computer programs for small firms. LOMAP also offers a software lab where members may examine a variety of law office- management software, or arrange to have the software brought to them. Task force members have examined "law office in a box" software/hardware programs, and believe this area offers opportunities for member benefits beyond what LOMAP now provides.

A separate but important feature of the task force's work is to make certain the WSBA incurs no financial obligations in pursuing these affiliations. The task force also expects that offering these types of member benefits will provide non-dues revenue to the WSBA.

If you are interested in serving on the Member Benefits Task Force, you may contact me at 253-620-6401 or dalec@wsba.org. Contact Peter Roberts at 206-727-8237 or peter@wsba.org for information about LOMAP. If you have input for member-benefit programs, please notify a member of your Board of Governors.