|
|
|
 |  |
 |
 |
WSBA Info | |
|
For Lawyers | |
|
For the Public |  |
 |
For the Media |  |
|
CLE |  |
| | Bench Bar Guidelines | News Releases | Publications | |
|
|
August 2007FYIBoard for Judicial Administration Best Practices Committee The WSBA Board of Governors will be nominating one member who is appointed by the Supreme Court to serve a two-year term on the Board for Judicial Administration Best Practices Committee. The committee actively and extensively participates in the selection, endorsement, dissemination, and implementation of best practices in court operations and administration and is committed to a process of continuously assessing and updating the practices. Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to the Bar Leaders Division, WSBA, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101, or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. Civil Legal Aid Oversight Committee The WSBA Board of Governors is seeking to fill one position to serve a term beginning on appointment and expiring June 30, 2009, on the bipartisan Civil Legal Aid Oversight Committee. Established in 2005, the Committee's charge is to oversee the activities of the Office of Civil Legal Aid; review the performance of the director of the Office of Civil Legal Aid; and, from time to time, make recommendations to the Supreme Court, the Access to Justice Board, and the Legislature regarding the provision of state-funded civil legal aid. The Oversight Committee consists of 11 members, one of whom is appointed by the WSBA. For additional information, see www.ocla.wa.gov. Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to: WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539, or e-mail barleaders@ Washington State Center for Court Research Advisory Board The WSBA Board of Governors will be nominating one member who is appointed by the Supreme Court to serve the remaining two years of a three-year term on the Washington State Center for Court Research Advisory Board. The mission of the Center is to conduct objective research that informs judicial policy and strives to improve the functioning of the justice system. The Center's research is intended to address issues of importance to the Washington State courts, including influences from and upon the larger criminal justice system in which the courts operate. This Advisory Board position requires extensive knowledge of the courts and a desire to perform court research to provide analysis of court procedures and expenses. Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to the Bar Leaders Division, WSBA, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101, or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. Commission on Judicial Conduct The WSBA Board of Governors is seeking applicants interested in serving as an alternate member on the Commission on Judicial Conduct. One alternate position is available. Alternates on the Commission play an active role and are expected to attend meetings and participate in discussions even where they may not vote on the ultimate question. Alternates have a vote in any cases where their corresponding member is recused or absent, and sometimes serve on hearing panels. The Commission reviews complaints of ethical misconduct against judicial officers, discusses the progress of investigations, and takes action to resolve complaints. The goal of the Commission is to maintain confidence and integrity in the judicial system by seeking to preserve both judicial independence and public accountability. The public interest requires a fair and reasonable process to address judicial misconduct or disability, separate from the judicial appeals system that allows individual litigants to appeal legal errors. The Commission consists of 11 members who serve four-year terms — six nonlawyer citizens, three judges, and two lawyers. Each member has an alternate whose term coincides with their corresponding member's term. The lawyers must be admitted to practice in Washington and are appointed by the WSBA. The term for this alternate position will commence immediately upon appointment and expire on July 16, 2008. Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539, or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. Further information on the Commission can be found at their website, www.cjc.state.wa.us, or by contacting them at 360-753-4585. Seeking Questionnaires from Candidates for Judicial Appointments The WSBA Judicial Recommendation Committee (JRC) is currently accepting questionnaires from attorneys and judges seeking consideration for appointment to fill potential Washington State Supreme Court and Court of Appeals vacancies. Interested individuals will be interviewed by the Committee on the dates listed above. The JRC's recommendations are reviewed by the WSBA Board of Governors and referred to Governor Gregoire for consideration when making judicial appointments. Materials must be received by the deadline listed above at the WSBA office. To obtain a questionnaire, visit the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/judicial WSBA Leadership Institute Seeks Fellows for 2008 The WSBA seeks applicants for the 2008 WSBA Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute recognizes that many lawyers, especially those from diverse backgrounds and other underrepresented groups, have not been traditionally recruited for leadership positions or made aware of opportunities for leadership training, skill development, and professional growth available through the WSBA. Ten to 12 attorneys in practice for three to 10 years will be carefully selected for the fourth year of the program. The program will take place January to August 2008. The program is a collaborative, experiential, and individualized curriculum that includes eight professional-development seminars. WSBA Leadership Institute fellows will benefit from the latest trends in professional leadership development; exposure to the legislative and judicial systems; interaction with high-level state and local officials and judges; and opportunities to meet high-profile attorneys from the private and public sectors. The program requires a two-year commitment. Following the completion of the first year, fellows are expected to serve on a WSBA section or committee, or bar-related activity. Fellows will earn a minimum of 30 CLE credits, and there is no charge to participants. To be considered for the program, applicants must: (1) complete an application with cover letter, résumé, and three references; (2) be an active WSBA member; (3) have practiced law in a U.S. jurisdiction for three to 10 years, i.e., any attorney who has been admitted in a U.S. jurisdiction between January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2005, meets this criterion; (4) be nominated by his/her employer, or if self-employed, by another individual; and (5) provide evidence of interest in community and WSBA activities. The deadline for applications for the 2008 Leadership Institute is September 15, 2007. Application and nomination forms and instructions are available on the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/leadership_institute.htm. For further information, contact Camille Campbell at camillec@wsba.org or 206-727-8213. WACDL Honors Four Outstanding Lawyers The Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) selected four outstanding lawyers at its annual conference in Chelan on June 8. The Champion of Justice Award, recognizing an individual who has staunchly preserved or defended the constitutional rights of Washington residents and endeavored to ensure justice and due process for those accused of crime, went to Joanne I. Moore, director of the Washington State Office of Public Defense. Moore was honored for her passion and diligence in creating and securing funding for the Parents' Representation pilot program. Seattle attorney Jeff Ellis is the recipient of a 2007 President's Award, recognizing outstanding service to the criminal defense bar. Ellis is known across the state for his exceptional death-penalty work, as well as his persistence in obtaining the best possible outcomes for his clients. Michael Iaria was also selected to receive a 2007 President's Award. Iaria is a dedicated, talented, and accomplished criminal defense attorney, an active member and former board member of WACDL, former co-chair of WACDL's Death Penalty Committee, and a frequent lecturer at WACDL's seminars. Todd Maybrown was the recipient of the 2007 William O. Douglas Award given in recognition of extraordinary courage and dedication to the practice of criminal law. Maybrown is an active member of WACDL, having served on the board of directors and as co-chair of the Strike Force Committee. Currently, he is co-chair of the Death Penalty Committee, and will serve as treasurer in the upcoming year. Welden Appointed to ABA Committee on Professional Discipline WSBA General Counsel Robert Welden has been appointed to the ABA Standing Committee on Professional Discipline. This committee was established in 1973 to assist the judiciary and the bar in the development, coordination, and strengthening of disciplinary enforcement throughout the country. In his 26-year career with the WSBA, Welden has served as disciplinary counsel as well as general counsel. His work with the ABA includes serving as chair of the Advisory Commission on Lawyers' Funds for Client Protection, and as chair of the Standing Committee on Client Protection. Pipeline Project RFP Coming To encourage the development of programs that target groups that have been underrepresented in the legal profession, the Board of Governors has established a grant of $75,000 to fund the establishment of a "pipeline program" over a three-year period. A Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued this summer. Those interested in receiving the RFP should contact Sarah Guthrie at sarahg@wsba.org. WSBA-CLE Thanks Members The WSBA CLE Department extends its sincere thanks to those who participated in this year's Member Appreciation Summer Sale (July 2-13). This annual online event continues to expand and develop into an exciting member benefit. Be sure to check www.wsbacle.org regularly for the latest information on WSBA-CLE publications and seminars. 2007 License Fee, Late Fees, and Suspension Information Contact information. It is always a good idea to check that the WSBA has your correct contact information in its database. APR 13.b states that address updates shall be provided to the WSBA within 10 days of a change. You can go to the online lawyer directory on the WSBA website at http://pro.wsba.org to check your listing. If your contact information has changed, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722), 206-443-WSBA (9722), or by e-mail at questions@wsba.org. Suspension recommendations sent to the Washington State Supreme Court. The WSBA sent to the Washington State Supreme Court a list of members who still had any portion of their license fee, late fees, or LFCP outstanding two months after the WSBA issued a presuspension notice (issued March 16, 2007). The Supreme Court has entered an order suspending these members from the practice of law in Washington. Trust Account Declaration, MCLE Certification, and other forms. A Trust Account Declaration (one was included in your licensing packet) must be completed by all active members, regardless of whether you actually have a trust account. Failure to file this form can result in disciplinary action. Also, Group 3 active members were required to complete a MCLE certification form. There may be other forms included from your licensing packet that you wish to complete and return, such as updating your contact information or reporting pro bono hours. More information. Full explanations of license fees, forms, policies, and deadlines are on the WSBA website at: www.wsba.org/lawyers/licensing/annuallicensing.htm. Also, the WSBA Service Center is available to assist you Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 800-945-WSBA (9722), 206-443-WSBA (9722), or by e-mail at questions@wsba.org. Use Your MCLE Homepage to Find Approved CLEs From your MCLE homepage, you can now find approved live activities that fit your schedule and are in a location that is convenient for you. You can also find live webcasts and teleconferences in which to participate. To use this feature, go to the WSBA website at www.wsba.org and click on "MCLE Web Site" in the upper left corner. On the next screen, click on the "Member" tab, then select "Member Login." The online instructions lead you through the process of creating a confidential password and using the system. After you log in, you are at your MCLE homepage. On your homepage, there is a box in the center with a heading banner "MCLE." Inside that box is a link that says "Search for approved upcoming CLE courses." Clicking this link brings you to a "Search Approved Activities" box. Enter the city and state in which you would like to find a CLE course. At the bottom of the box there are date fields called "Start Between … And." The dates default to the next 60 days. You can change the date in each field to any other date. To find a live webcast, input "Webcast" in the city field and change the state field to "Any." To find a teleconference, input "Teleconference" in the city field and change the state field to "Any." To find courses being given by a particular sponsor, type the sponsor's name in the "Sponsor" field. If you have any questions about using the MCLE system, online help is available. You can also call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org. Casemaker Access Casemaker is a powerful online research library provided free to WSBA members. To access Casemaker, go to the WSBA website at www.wsba.org and click on the Casemaker logo on the right sidebar. Click on the Casemaker button to begin. For help using Casemaker, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org, or the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722). Contract Lawyer Meeting Discuss the issues with other contract lawyers on August 14 from noon to 1:30 at the WSBA office. Bring your lunch — coffee is provided — and network with other contract lawyers. For more information, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. Please note the WSBA's new address: 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle. LAP Solution of the Month: Taking a Vacation? If not, why not? All work and no play make you grumpy and inefficient. Vacations are good for you and your family, so plan now to get out of town. And turn off your cell phone while you're there! If you feel guilty about even contemplating time off, call the Lawyers Assistance Program at 206-727-8269. LOMAP and Ethics on the Road: The 2007 Traveling Seminars Plan to attend in Moses Lake on August 7 or Wenatchee August 8. September locations are Port Angeles on 9/18, Port Townsend on 9/19, and Port Orchard on 9/20. Registration is $89. This seminar has been approved for four CLE ethics credits. For more information and a complete calendar of fall seminars, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org, or visit www.lomap.org. Computer Clinic The WSBA offers a hands-on computer clinic for members wanting to learn more about what Microsoft Office programs such as Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word, as well as Adobe Acrobat, can do for a lawyer. Are you a total beginner? No problem. The clinic teaches helpful tips you can use immediately. Computers are provided, and seating is limited to 15 members. There is no charge, and no CLE credits are offered. The August 13 clinic will focus on using Excel and conducting Internet research. The August 22 clinic will focus on the basics of getting started, Windows navigation, computer features, and security and maintenance. Clinics are held from 10 a.m. to noon at the WSBA offices. For more information or to RSVP, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945- 9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. Please note the WSBA's new address: 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle. Job Seekers Discussion Group Looking for a job or making a transition? Join us at the Job Seekers Discussion Group the second Wednesday of each month from noon to 1:30 p.m. The next meeting is August 8 at the WSBA offices. Abby Smith, LAP counselor, will talk about "Stress: What Can It Do for Us? To Us? How to Manage 'The Beast.'" Benefit from opportunities to network and exchange information and ideas with other lawyers looking to make a change. Come as you are — no need to RSVP. For more information, contact Jennifer Favell, Ph.D. at 206-727-8267, 800-945-9722, ext. 8267, or jenniferf@wsba.org. Problem Getting a Client to Pay? Dispute with another lawyer or an expert witness? The WSBA offers two programs to aid in the resolution of disputes involving lawyers. These programs serve both members and the public. The Fee Arbitration Program focuses on fee disputes between a lawyer and his or her client. To participate, both parties must agree to be bound by the arbitrator's decision. The Mediation Program provides a venue for parties to work together to resolve any dispute involving a lawyer, including those between a lawyer and a client, a lawyer and another lawyer, and a lawyer and another professional. Either party to a dispute may initiate fee arbitration or mediation. Both programs are non-disciplinary, voluntary, and confidential. For more information, visit the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/services/adr.htm or call the ADR coordinator at 206-733-5923 or 800-945-9722, ext. 5923. Facing an Ethical Dilemma? The WSBA Ethics Line can help members analyze a situation involving their own prospective conduct, apply the proper rules, and reach an ethically sound decision. Calls made to the Ethics Line are confidential, and most calls are returned within one business day. Any advice given is intended for the education of the inquirer and does not represent an official position of the WSBA. Call the Ethics Line at 206-727-8284 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8284. Search WSBA Ethics Opinions Online Formal and informal WSBA ethics opinions are available online at http://pro/wsba.org/io/search.asp, or from a link on the WSBA homepage, www.wsba.org. You can search opinions by number, year issued, ethical rule, subject matter, or keyword. Ethics opinions are issued by the WSBA to assist members in interpreting their ethical obligations in specific circumstances. The opinions are the result of study and analysis in response to requests from WSBA members. For assistance, call the Ethics Line at 206-727-8284 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8284. Speakers Available The WSBA Lawyers Assistance Program offers speakers for engagements at county, minority, or specialty bar associations, or other law-related organizations. Topics include stress management, life/work balance, and recognizing and handling problem-personality clients. Contact Jennifer Favell, Ph.D., at 206-727-8267 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8267. Assistance for Law Students The Lawyers Assistance Program offers counseling to third-year law students attending Washington schools. Sessions are held in person or by phone. Treatment is confidential and available for depression, addiction, family and relationship issues, health problems, and emotional distress. A sliding-fee scale is offered ranging from $0-30, depending on ability to pay. Call 206-727-8268, or 800-945-9722, ext. 8268, or visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/services/lap.htm. Learn More About Case-Management Software The WSBA Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) maintains a computer for members to review software tools designed to maximize office efficiency. The LOMAP staff is available to provide materials, answer questions, and make recommendations. To make an appointment, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, or 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. Help for Judges The WSBA Judges Assistance Program provides confidential assistance to judges experiencing personal or professional difficulties. Telephone or in-person sessions are available on a sliding-scale basis. For more information, call the program coordinator at 206-727-8268 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8268. Upcoming Board of Governors Meetings With the exception of the executive session, Board of Governors meetings are open, and all WSBA members are welcome to attend. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Contact Donna Sato at 206-727-8244, 800-945-9722, ext. 8244, or donnas@wsba.org. The complete Board of Governors meeting schedule is available on the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/info/bog/schedule.htm. Usury Rate The average coupon equivalent yield from the first auction of 26-week treasury bills in July 2007 was 5.012 percent. Therefore, the maximum allowable usury rate for August is 12 percent. Information from January 1987 to date is on the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/media/-publications/barnews/usury.htm.
|
