August 2002

The Board's Work

by Judith Berrett
Director of Member and Community Relations

On June 25, the Board of Governors (BOG) held a conference call to address several issues needing immediate attention.

Amicus Brief in the Furrow v. Taylor Matter

The Court of Appeals had requested the WSBA Family Law Section (and the attorney general's office) for an objective analysis of the Furrow v. Taylor matter. The Family Law Section Executive Committee contacted the WSBA Amicus Committee and agreed to draft a suggested brief. The brief was developed and transmitted to the Amicus Committee; however, upon review, the committee recommended that a different point of law be the basis of the brief. Attempts to negotiate an agreed brief failed.

After hearing from Janet Helson for the Family Law Section, and Ken Masters for the Amicus Committee, the BOG discussed the WSBA amicus policy and the quality-control role of the Amicus Committee.

Deviating from policy, which states that amicus briefs are to be filed by the WSBA and signed by the WSBA president, the governors voted to authorize the Family Law Section Executive Committee to file this amicus brief in their own name.

At-Large Governor Vacancy

The election of David Savage as president-elect-elect creates an opening for an at-large governor. The BOG voted to amend the bylaws to make this available at-large position a full three-year position, rather than fill Savage's one remaining year and then elect a new three-year term governor in 2003.

Privacy of Bar Applicant Information

The names of those who apply for admission to the WSBA is confidential, and the BOG has been considering whether to make this information public. After some discussion, including weighing the options of actually publishing the list or simply making the information available to those who ask, the BOG decided to keep the information confidential.

Practice of Law Board

At the request of the Supreme Court, the BOG, believing that the first chair should be a practicing lawyer, submitted the following recommendations to the court for the Practice of Law Board: Steve Crossland, chair, and Judge Paul Bastine, vice-chair.

BOG Meetings

September 12-13 – Seattle

October 18-19 – Silverdale

December 6-7 – Everett

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.