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March 2002FYI: For Your Information2002 WSBA Award Nominations Sought 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. Nominations are sought for the following awards: Award of Merit This is the WSBA's highest honor. It was first given in 1957. 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. President's Award As the name implies, this award is given for special accomplishment or service to the WSBA during the term of the current president. Board of Governors' Award for Professionalism 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. Angelo Petruss Award for Lawyers in Public Service 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. Excellence in Legal Journalism Award 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. Pro Bono Award 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. Outstanding Judge Award 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. Courageous Award This award is presented to a lawyer who has displayed exceptional courage in the face of adversity, thus bringing credit to the legal profession. Affirmative Action Award 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. Outstanding Elected Official in the Legislative Branch 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. 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 WSBA Executive Director, Attn: Awards, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330; fax 206-727-8319; e-mail oed@wsba.org. Joy McLean Named Director of Lawyer Discipline Joy McLean has been named director of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC). Ms. McLean received her J.D. from Gonzaga University in 1983 and has worked in the ODC since 1995. Barrie Althoff has become the WSBA professionalism counsel, and will continue his writing and presentations related to professionalism and lawyer conduct. Address Updates Please be sure to notify us if you change your address, telephone number or e-mail address. Simply call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, send an e-mail to questions@wsba.org, or fax the change to 206-727-8319. If we don't have your e-mail address, we ask you to consider providing it. E-mail enables us to communicate with members quickly, efficiently and inexpensively, and increasingly it is becoming the preferred method of communication among many committees and sections. If we may be of assistance to you, please don't hesitate to contact the WSBA Service Center. Representatives are available weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and may be reached by phone at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, or by e-mail at questions@wsba.org. 2002-2003 WSBA Committee, Board and Panel Application Forms Application forms have been mailed to all active WSBA members. The Board of Governors makes appointments based on these forms. Since appointments for most committees are reviewed and renewed annually, current members of committees, boards and panels who are interested in reappointment must submit a application form each year. Please visit http://pro.wsba.org/forms/committeepref.asp to complete and submit the form online. All applications must be received by March 15, 2002. If you have questions, please contact Jerri Ninesling at oed@wsba.org or 206-727-8239. WSBA Legislative Committee The WSBA Legislative Committee is seeking new members. The committee deals with proposals for legislation that relate to the improvement of justice. It also reviews proposed legislation of interest to the bar and the judiciary, and makes recommendations to the Board of Governors on positions to be taken by the WSBA. Upcoming BOG Meetings April 5-6, 2002 – Walla Walla May 10-11, 2002 – Stevenson 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. YMCA Mock Trial Seeks Volunteers The YMCA Mock Trial state final will be held March 22-23 at the Thurston County courthouse in Olympia. Volunteer raters are needed both days. For more information, contact Jason Leggett at 360-534-0155 or wamocktrial@earthlink.net. WSBA Bar Leaders and Access to Justice Conferences The 2002 WSBA Bar Leaders Conference and Access to Justice (ATJ) Conference will be held at the Yakima Convention Center, June 7-9. Conference registration brochures will be mailed in April. For bar leaders' 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. License Fee Reminder to WSBA Members Licensing Packets 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. Fees 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. More Information 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. MCLE Reporting Group 1 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 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.) CLE Compliance 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/faq/mcle.htm. Web Site Links From Lawyer Directory 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 New Online MCLE Credit-Tracking System The new online MCLE Credit-Tracking System (http://pro.wsba.org/) is now ready for you to use. Here's what you can do using the new system:
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 WSBA Store Is Open The WSBA store is open online (http://www.wsba.org/store/). 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. Law Week 2002 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 May 1. To learn more about the program or to participate, visit www.wsba.org/media/publications/lawweek/, or contact Lisa KauzLoric at 206-733-5944 or lisak@wsba.org. CASA Volunteers Needed King County Superior Court is seeking volunteers to serve as court-appointed special advocates. Volunteers receive extensive training to represent children involved in custody and visitation disputes in family law cases. They conduct interviews, write reports, and testify in hearings or trials. For more information, call 206-296-9320. CLE Credits for Pro Bono Work? Limited License to Practice with No MCLE Requirements? 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. Information for Your Clients Did you know that easy-to-understand pamphlets on a wide variety of legal topics are available from the WSBA? For a very low cost, you can provide your clients with helpful information. Pamphlets cover a wide range of topics: Alternatives to Court Legal Fees Bankruptcy Marriage Buying and Selling Real Estate Parenting Act Consulting a Lawyer Probate Criminal Law Revocable Living Will Dissolution Signing Document Elder Law Trusts Landlord/Tenant Rights Wills Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection Each topic is sold separately. Pamphlets are $9 for 25, $15 for 50, $20 for 75, and $25 for 100. Pricing for larger quantities is available on request. To place your order or for more information, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA. Sales tax is applicable to all in-state orders.
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. NJP Board to Meet Quarterly The Northwest Justice Project board of directors will hold the rest 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. Northwest Women's Law Center Seeks Award Nominations The Northwest Women's Law Center will present the Cynthia Gillespie Award at its annual dinner on April 23. The center is seeking nominations for the award, which is presented to someone who has worked tirelessly in the advancement of women's rights. Nominations should be directed to Lisa M. Stone, Executive Director, Northwest Women's Law Center, 3161 Elliot Ave., Ste. 101, Seattle, WA 98121-1016; e-mail lstone@nwwlc.org. Creed of Professionalism The WSBA now has an aspirational Creed of Professionalism. Developed by the Professionalism Committee with input from many members around the state, and approved by the Board of Governors, the creed's purpose is to "inspire and guide lawyers in the practice of law." The full text of the creed can be found on the WSBA Web site at www.wsba.org/ Printed copies of the creed are available for purchase (we have made every effort to keep the cost as low as possible). Printing is in black and gold on heavy cream-colored paper. The creed is available unframed, or mounted on a mahogany-finish wooden plaque. It is our hope that Washington lawyers will display the creed proudly in their offices.
Photo Bar Cards Now Available 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:
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