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February 2007FYIAmerican Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates Application Deadline: March 30, 2007 The WSBA Board of Governors is accepting letters of interest and résumés from members interested in serving on the ABA House of Delegates representing the WSBA, to serve the remainder of a two-year term now vacant due to the election of Paula Boggs, a previous WSBA delegate, as the state delegate. The term will commence upon appointment and expire in August 2008. The control and administration of the ABA is vested in the House of Delegates, the policymaking body of the ABA. The House, composed of approximately 550 delegates, elects the ABA officers and board and meets out of state twice a year. Delegate attendance is required. The WSBA's allowance is $800 per year per delegate. Members have the opportunity to reapply to serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. Those serving on the ABA House of Delegates must be ABA members in good standing throughout their tenure. Submit a letter of interest and a résumé to: WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539, or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. Court Interpreter Certification Advisory Commission Application Deadline: February 15, 2007 The WSBA Board of Governors will be nominating one member to be appointed by the Washington State Supreme Court to serve the remainder of a three-year term on the Washington State Court Interpreter Certification Advisory Commission. The term will commence upon appointment and is effective through September 30, 2008. The Commission, which operates under a Supreme Court rule, has three standing committees to maintain critical operations of the interpreter program: the Issues Committee, the Disciplinary Committee, and the Judicial and Court Administration Committee. Please submit a letter of interest and a résumé to: WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539, or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. Call for Applications for One of Two Board of Governors At-Large Seats Deadline: March 1, 2007 To increase member representation on the Board of Governors, the WSBA Bylaws provide for two at-large seats. The full text of the Bylaws can be reviewed at www.wsba.org/bylaws. One of those seats is up for election to a three-year term commencing at the close of the annual meeting in September 2007. Persons interested in filling an at-large position should submit a letter of application and current résumé. The Board of Governors will elect the at-large governor at their meeting on June 1, 2007. The application should include a statement addressing how the applicant believes he or she meets the intent specified in Article III, Section N. There is no intent that these seats are dedicated or rotationally filled by any one element of diversity or group of members. (Excerpt from the WSBA Amended Bylaws, Article III, Section N) At the regularly scheduled June meeting of the Board of Governors following the regular election of Governors from Congressional Districts, or at a special meeting called for that purpose, the Board of Governors shall elect additional Governors from the active membership at-large. Election may be by a secret written ballot. There shall be two at-large Governor positions to be filled with persons who, in the Board's sole discretion, have the experience and knowledge of the needs of those lawyers whose membership is or may be historically under-represented in governance, or who represent some of the diverse elements of the public of the State of Washington, to the end that the Board of Governors will be a more diverse and representative body than the results of the election of Governors based solely on Congressional districts may allow. Under-representation and diversity may be based upon the discretionary determination of the Board of Governors at the time of the election of any at-large Governor to include, but not be limited to, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, geography, areas and types of practice, and years of membership, provided that no single factor shall be determinative. Members interested in the at-large position on the Board of Governors should submit a letter of application and résumé to: WSBA Office of the Executive Director, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539; 206-727-8244 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8244. 2007 Notice of Board of Governors Election Deadline: March 1, 2007 Three positions on the WSBA Board of Governors will be up for election this year. These are the governors representing the 2nd, 7th-Central*, and 9th congressional districts. These positions are currently held by Eron M. Berg (2nd District), Lonnie Davis (7th-Central District), and James E. Baker (9th District). The WSBA Bylaws provide that any member in good standing, except a member previously elected to the Board of Governors, may be nominated for the office of governor from the Congressional District (or geographical region within the 7th District*) in which such member is entitled to vote. Nominations are made by filing a nomination form and a biographical statement of 100 words or less. Generally, members are entitled to vote in the congressional district in which the member resides. All out-of-state active WSBA members are eligible to vote in the district of the address of their agent within Washington for the purpose of receiving service of process as required by APR 5(e), or, if specifically designated to the executive director, within the district of their primary Washington practice. Nomination forms are available from the Office of the Executive Director, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539; 206-727-8244 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8244; and the WSBA website at www.wsba.org. The WSBA executive director must receive nomination forms by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2007. Ballots will be mailed on or about April 16 and counted on or about May 15. (The biographical statements of nominated candidates will be published in the May issue of Bar News.) *The 7th Congressional District is divided into three sub-districts, East, Central, and West. These sub-districts are distinguished by zip codes and each has one elected governor. For the coming year, the central sub-district (zip codes are 98101, 98102, 98103, 98104, 98108, 98109, 98111, 98112, 98114, 98124, 98134, 98138, 98148, 98154, 98158, 98161, 98164, 98166, 98168, 98174, 98181, 98184, 98188, and 98191) will elect a new governor. Special Meeting of the WSBA Judicial Recommendation Committee Deadline: 5:00 p.m., February 28 for March 22 interview Due to a recent vacancy on Division III of the Court of Appeals, a special meeting of the WSBA Judicial Recommendation Committee (JRC) will be held on Thursday, March 22 to accommodate candidates for this position. Interested individuals will be interviewed by the JRC, and the JRC's recommendations will be reviewed by the WSBA Board of Governors and referred to Governor Gregoire for consideration. To obtain an application, see the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/-judicialrecommendation or contact the WSBA at 206-727-8212 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8212, or barleaders@wsba.org. Specify whether you need the application for a judge or an attorney. MCLE Certification for Group 3 (2004-2006) If you are an active WSBA member in MCLE Reporting Group 3 (2004-2006), you should have received your Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2/C3) forms in the license packet that was mailed in early December. The deadline for returning the C2/C3 form to the WSBA is February 1. Any C2/C3 forms delivered to the WSBA or postmarked after March 1 will be assessed a late fee. Members in Group 3 include active members who were admitted to the WSBA in 1984-1990 or in 1993, 1996, 1999, or 2002. Members admitted in 2005 are also in Group 3 but are not due to report until the end of 2009. Their first reporting period will be 2007-2009; however, any credits earned on or after the day of admittance to the WSBA may be counted for compliance. The Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2/C3) form that you received in your license packet is a declaration that lists all the MCLE Board-approved courses that were in your MCLE online profile for the 2004-2006 reporting period as of mid-October 2006. If you took other courses after mid-October, you can add these to the back of the C2/C3 form when you receive it. The C2/C3 form, not your online profile, is the official record of MCLE compliance. The original copy of the C2/C3 form must be returned to the WSBA to meet compliance requirements. All MCLE Board-approved courses that you list on your C2/C3 form must have an Activity ID number. This number is listed in your online MCLE profile and is assigned at the time that the Form 1 for each course is input to the MCLE system. If you have taken courses that have not yet been approved by the MCLE Board, submit Form 1s for these courses immediately to ensure that they are approved before your C2/C3 is due. A "Certificate of Attendance" or other sponsor-provided certification is not sufficient to receive course credit. If the sponsor has not received course accreditation from the Washington MCLE Board, you must submit a Form 1 application and full agenda for the course in order to receive credit. Because of high volumes from October through February, Form 1s submitted electronically (at http://pro.wsba.org) could take up to four weeks or more to process. Paper Form 1s may take up to six weeks or more to process. If you submit a paper Form 1, you will be notified by mail of its Activity ID number. If you were not able to meet the credit requirement by December 31, 2006, and need more time to complete your credits, an automatic extension will be granted until May 1, 2007. There is no need to apply for it. However, a late fee will be assessed if you took any courses after December 31 that are needed for compliance or if your C2/C3 form is submitted late. If this is the first reporting period in which you will not meet MCLE compliance requirements, the late fee will be $150. The late fee increases by $300 for each consecutive reporting period you are late in meeting MCLE requirements. If you have questions about the Form 1 process or MCLE compliance, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org. MCLE Certification for Active Members — Due Date for MCLE Reporting Group 1: Admitted through 1975, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, or 2006 Reporting Group Next Reporting Period Complete Credits by File C2 Form by Credit Requirements. The following credit requirements must be met by December 31 of the last year of an active member's reporting period: • At least 45 total credits of MCLE Board-approved CLE activities must be taken, which need to include a minimum of 30 live credits and six ethics credits. • Pre-recorded self-study (A/V) courses cannot be more than five years old, except MCLE Board-approved "skills-based" courses. Pre-recorded self-study courses include the traditional audio-visual (A/V) media of video tapes and cassette tapes. They also include archived webcasts, DVDs, compact discs, and other media with a soundtrack of the MCLE Board-approved course presentation. Written materials should be included with these courses and reviewed prior to claiming credit. In addition, written materials must be purchased by each member, where required by the sponsor, prior to claiming credit. • Six pro bono credits can be earned per year. Two of these credits are for approved annual training, which must be taken prior to being able to earn credit for the pro bono work. Four pro bono credits may be earned each year if at least four hours of pro bono work was provided through a qualified legal services provider. Carry-over CLE Credits. Carry-over credits from the previous reporting period may be used to meet the requirements of the current reporting period. If your current reporting period credits total exceeds 45, you may carry over a maximum combined total of 15 credits to your next reporting period. Only two ethics credits and five A/V credits may be carried over. C2/C3 Reporting Requirement. All active members due to report are required to file a Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2/C3) form listing all CLE courses taken for credit compliance. The deadline for filing your C2/C3 form is February 1 of the year following the end of your reporting period. Note: • Your online roster is not a substitute for filing the C2/C3 form. • The C2/C3 form is a declaration and must be signed and dated, and the city and state where signed must be identified. • C2/C3 forms are included in the license packets sent in early December to all members due to report (Group 3 members this year). • All CLE courses listed on member rosters as of October 2006, are printed on the back of the C2 form. If you took more CLE courses after October 1, and if they appear on your online roster and you do not want to hand-write them on the back of the C2 form, you may print a copy of your roster and attach it to your C2/C3 form. State on your C2/C3 form that the attached online roster printout is a true and correct statement of the CLE courses taken for credit compliance. • You must verify that the credit hours listed on the C2/C3 and on your online profile correctly reflect the hours actually attended for each CLE. You can edit credits online by clicking on the "edit" link next to each course. You can correct credits on the C2/C3 manually. • The C2/C3 form should be filed by February 1, even if all the credits needed for compliance have not been completed. MCLE Late Fees. All active members who have not completed their credits by December 31 of the last year of their reporting period, or who submit their C2/C3 reporting forms after March 1 of the following year (the end of the grace period after the February 1 deadline), must pay a late fee. The late fee for the first reporting period of noncompliance is $150 and increases by $300 for each consecutive three-year reporting period of noncompliance. Newly Admitted Members. If you are a newly admitted member, you are exempt from reporting CLE credits for the year of your admission and the following calendar year. If you were admitted in 2005, you will not report for this reporting period (2004-2006) even though you are in Group 3. You will first report at the end of the 2007-2009 reporting period. When you report at the end of your first reporting period, you may claim all CLE credits earned on or after your date of admission to the WSBA. MCLE Comity. If you are an active member of the WSBA and your primary office for the practice of law is in Oregon, Idaho, or Utah, you may meet your Washington mandatory CLE requirements by providing proof of current MCLE compliance from the Oregon, Idaho, or Utah state bar. Only a Certificate of MCLE Compliance from your primary state bar, not a "Certificate of Good Standing," sent with your WSBA C2/C3 form, will satisfy your MCLE requirements in Washington. MCLE System — Course Listing and Member Profiles. You can use the online MCLE system to: review courses taken and credits earned; apply for course approval; apply for writing credit, pro bono credit, or prep-time credit; and search for approved courses being offered. To use the MCLE system, go to the WSBA website at www.wsba.org and click on "MCLE Website" 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. Online help is available. If you have any questions about using the MCLE system or about the MCLE compliance requirements, see the online FAQs at www.wsba.org/lawyers/licensing/faq-mcle.htm, call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org. New APR 11 Regulation 104(e) Requirements for In-House CLEs. Starting with the 2005-2007 reporting period, you are limited to a total of 15 credits of private-law-firm CLEs and 15 credits of corporate-legal-department CLEs in each reporting period, regardless of who the private legal sponsor was. There are no limits on the number of credits you may earn at CLEs sponsored by government agencies. These limitations are the result of amendments to APR 11 Regulation 104(e) adopted by the Supreme Court that went into effect on November 8, 2005. MCLE Compliance Report (C4/C5) in 2007 License Packets All active members who are not due to report MCLE compliance at the end of this year, including new admittees, received a report (the C4/C5 form) in their 2007 licensing packets. Each member's report lists all credits reported to the WSBA for the member's current reporting period as of mid-October 2006. APR 11.6(a)(3) requires that the WSBA provide an annual report to each active member regarding the credits and courses posted to their MCLE online rosters. This report will help non-reporting active members to better track their credits as well as to ensure correct reporting and compliance at the end of their reporting period. If you received the C4/C5 form in your 2007 license packet, it is for your information only. No action needs to be taken unless you want corrections to be made. If you want to make corrections to your WSBA MCLE roster, go to http://pro.wsba.org. Click on the "Member" tab, and then on "Member Login." The online instructions will lead you through the process of creating a confidential password and beginning to use the system. Online help is available. You may also contact the WSBA Service Center to have corrections made and/or to request an MCLE system instruction booklet at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or questions@wsba.org. APR 11 Review Project – Input Invited The MCLE Board is undertaking a project to review all the rules and regulations that govern mandatory legal education in the state of Washington (APR 11) to update and clarify them. A comprehensive review of APR 11 was last done in 1997-1999, with new rules and regulations being adopted by the Supreme Court in 2000. All members, sponsors, and other stakeholders will be invited to give input to this process within the next couple of months by responding to an online survey about significant MCLE issues. Notification will be sent when the survey is available. You may also send input to be considered by the Board to the MCLE Board executive secretary, Kathy Todd, at kathyt@wsba.org. Online, On-Demand CLEs from WSBA-CLE Want CLE credits without having to stir from your office? WSBA-CLE now offers 200 online courses in 20 practice areas, including ethics. Most are one-hour segments, providing 1.0 CLE A/V credit each, so you can purchase exactly the amount of credits you need. From your computer, you get audio and text from a course originally presented live. Once you purchase a course, you have three months to listen to it. Go to www.wsbacle.org/ondemand to browse the offerings. 2007 Licensing Packets Licensing packets were mailed in early December. The packet includes your license fee invoice, trust account declaration form and, if applicable, the MCLE certification form. If you have not yet received your licensing packet, please call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), 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. If You Are Mailing Your Forms and Payment. The return envelopes for your forms and payments have instructions on the reverse side for improvement in processing and ease of use. Please review them carefully before mailing your forms and payment. If You Are Paying Your Fees Online. To pay your fees online, go to www.wsba.org, click on the "For Lawyers" tab, and see "Pay Your License Fees Online." Sign in with your WSBA Bar number and password. Prompts lead you through the process to pay your 2007 license fees by MasterCard or Visa. The system allows payments only for the full amount billed, e.g., no Keller deductions or status changes. Note that you do not need to return the A2 form if you pay online. Active members have other forms in their packets that must be postmarked or delivered to the WSBA office by the due date. There may be other voluntary forms in the packet that you may want to complete and return to the WSBA. Reminder Notice. A reminder notice will be sent in mid-February to those members who have not paid their 2006 license fees. Payment Deadline. 2007 license fees are due no later than February 1, 2007. Please note that if your payment is postmarked or delivered to the WSBA office later than March 1, 2007, WSBA Bylaws require that a 20 percent penalty be assessed, and a pre-suspension notice will be mailed. On April 3, 2007, a 50 percent penalty will be assessed if your payment has not been postmarked or delivered to the WSBA office prior to this date. Important Note About Paying Your Fees. If either your license fee, late fee, or, for active members, the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection assessment remains unpaid two months after the mailing of the pre-suspension notice, the delinquency will be certified to the Supreme Court, which will enter an Order of Suspension from the practice of law. WSBA Members on Active Military Duty. WSBA Bylaw II.E.1.b., providing for a fee exemption for eligible members of the Armed Forces, was amended in March 2006. Please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or questions@wsba.org; or contact Kevin McKee at kevinm@wsba.org or 206-727-8243 for application information. All requests for exemption must be postmarked or delivered to the WSBA office on or before March 1. How Has the Armed Forces Exemption Changed? Not all active Armed Forces members stationed in the United States are eligible for consideration unless activated from reserve status to full-time active duty. This must be for more than 60 days of the applicable licensing year. Those who are deployed or stationed outside the United States for any period of time for full-time active military duty will be considered for eligibility. Members must submit satisfactory proof that they are so activated, deployed, or stationed. Resources. The 2007 Resources Directory will print the contact information in the WSBA membership database as of February 1, 2007. Now is the ideal time to check that the WSBA has your correct contact information in its database. You can check by going to the online lawyer directory on the WSBA website at http://pro.wsba.org. If your contact information has changed, please complete and return the Contact Information Change form included in the license packet to the address shown on the form or by fax to 206-727-8319, or e-mail the changes to questions@wsba.org. More Information. Full explanations of license fees, forms, policies, and deadlines are on the WSBA website at: www.wsba.org/lawyers/licensing/annuallicensing.htm. 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. 2007 WSBA Awards Nominations Sought Each year, members of the WSBA are asked to identify those who deserve the legal profession's recognition and appreciation. Nominations are sought for the following awards: Award of Merit. First given in 1957, this is the WSBA's highest honor. The Award of Merit is most often 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 awarded to individuals only — both lawyers and nonlawyers. Professionalism Award. 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. 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, this award is given to a lawyer in government service who has made a significant contribution to the legal profession, the justice system, and the public. Outstanding Judge Award. This award is presented for outstanding service to the bench and for special contribution to the legal profession at any level of the court. 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. This award is based on cumulative efforts, as opposed to a lawyer's or group's pro bono hours or financial contribution. 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. Excellence in Diversity Award. This award is made to a lawyer, law firm, or law-related group that has made a significant contribution to diversity in the legal profession's employment of ethnic minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and other persons of diversity. Excellence in Legal Journalism Award. This award recognizes that describing the context, facts, and players involved in the legal system with fairness and sensitivity requires intelligence, knowledge, dedication, and skill. This award is given to the journalist and his/her organization that has set the standard for relevance, clarity, accuracy, and understanding in reporting. Outstanding Elected Official Award. This award is presented to an elected official for outstanding service, with special contributions to the legal profession. It is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to justice beyond the usual call of duty. Lifetime Service Award. This is a special award given for a lifetime of service to the WSBA and the public. It is given only when there is someone especially deserving of this recognition. President's Award. The President's Award is given annually in recognition of special accomplishment or service to the WSBA during the term of the current president. Community Service Award. This award was created in 2006. Lawyers are known for giving generously of their time and talents in service to their communities. This award recognizes exceptional non-law-related volunteer work and community service. Award presentation: It is important to note that presentation of any WSBA award is made only when there is a truly deserving recipient. Some years, no award is given in some categories. Awards are limited to one recipient per category, except when a group of individuals earned the award together. Nomination submissions: If you know an individual who fits the criteria set forth above, please visit www.wsba.org/barleadershomepage.htm, and complete and submit the nomination form. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Please note that the completed nomination form must accompany each nomination in order to be considered. The deadline for Pro Bono Award nominations is March 31, 2007. The deadline for all other nominations is April 30, 2007. Please send nominations to: Washington State Bar Association, Attn: Annual Awards, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101; fax: 206-727-8319; e-mail: denec@wsba.org. The awards will be presented at the WSBA Annual Awards Dinner in Seattle on September 20, 2007, with the following exceptions: The Pro Bono Award will be presented at the Access to Justice Conference in Wenatchee on June 2, and the Outstanding Judge Award will be presented at the Fall Judicial Conference. Judge Thomas Warren's Retirement Party Benefits VAS Wenatchee Attorney Russ Speidel, Chelan-Douglas County Bar Association President Steve Woods, and District Court Judge Thomas Warren had a brief conversation at the 2006 spring bar party about a retirement party for Judge Warren, who was completing 21 years on the Chelan County District Court bench and had announced he would not be running for another term. In the discussion, someone suggested that it might be interesting to make the retirement party a fundraiser for the Volunteer Attorney Service (VAS). The Chelan-Douglas Volunteer Attorney Service (VAS), created in 2002, has been extremely successful, with more than 100 local attorneys annually handling more than 500 civil cases and donating more than 1,200 hours of their time and expertise for low-income people facing civil legal problems, including family, housing, and consumer cases. Sponsor categories for the dinner included Extortion in the First Degree (over $5,000), Temporary Insanity ($3,000), Unlawful Imprisonment ($1,500), Entrapment ($400-700), Gross Misdemeanor ($200-399), and Parking Tickets (up to $199). No one had any idea as to whether this would be successful, as no one on the committee had ever heard or participated in a retirement celebration that was also a charitable fundraiser. The event, held in early November, was successful beyond anyone's imagination. The retirement celebration was promoted in an editorial in the Wenatchee World that set the tone for accomplishing something good for the community beyond marking Judge Warren's retirement. More than 225 people attended the banquet/roast, bringing in receipts in excess of $35,000. After expenses, there was a net contribution to VAS of $28,000. VAS is now solidly financed with reserves to guarantee the long-term success of the agency. Judge Warren stated, "With my lifetime of voluntary service to my community and my advocacy of judges reaching out to the community, it was great to be the catalyst for raising money for a great law-related service that otherwise is below the usual charitable radar." YMCA Mock Trial Program Seeks Volunteer Attorneys and Judges The YMCA Youth and Government Mock Trial program allows high-school students to participate in a "true-to-life" courtroom drama. Each team of attorneys and witnesses prepare the case for trial before a real judge in an actual courtroom. A "jury" of attorneys rates the teams for their presentation while the presiding judge rules on the motions, objections, and, ultimately, the merits. Participants develop critical thinking and analytical skills, learn the art of oral advocacy, and gain a respect for the role of law and the judiciary. The state championship competitions will be held Friday, March 23, through Sunday, March 25, at the Thurston County Courthouse in Olympia. Volunteer attorney raters and judges are needed. To volunteer, contact Janelle Nesbit at 360-357-3475 or youthandgovexec@qwest.net. Visit www.youthandgovernment.org for more details. This program is sponsored in part by the Washington Young Lawyers Division. Administrative Law Section Presents 2006 Frank Homan Award In 2005, the WSBA Administrative Law Section's Board of Trustees established the Frank Homan Award, to be given annually in recognition of extraordinary professional service and leadership in the administrative law practice area. The 2006 award was presented to University of Washington Emeritus Professor of Law, and Judson Falknor Professor of Law, William R. Andersen. Among his many accomplishments, Professor Andersen was instrumental in the drafting and enactment of the 1981 law that created the Office of Administrative Hearings. He was also part of a select task force that drafted and secured passage of the Administrative Procedure Act in 1988. The award was presented to Professor Andersen by WSBA President Ellen Conedera Dial and Seattle attorney Dean Little (who served with Professor Andersen on the aforementioned task force). WYLD President-Elect and Trustee Applications Sought Young lawyers interested in serving on the WYLD Board of Trustees are invited to submit applications for the following positions: trustee, at-large; trustee, King County District; trustee, Snohomish County District; trustee, Southwest District; trustee, Spokane County District; and president-elect, Washington state. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2007. For detailed information and application instructions, please visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/wyld/default.htm. Legal Foundation of Washington's Board of Trustees Elections At its November 18, 2006 meeting, the Board of Trustees of the Legal Foundation of Washington unanimously elected Seattle attorney Erika L. Lim as the Foundation's president for 2007. Nancy L. Isserlis, principal, Winston and Cashatt Lawyers, was elected vice president; Nicholas P. Gellert, of counsel, Perkins Coie, was elected secretary; and Michele G. Radosevich, partner, Davis Wright Tremaine, was elected treasurer. The Washington State Supreme Court also elected Rima J. Alaily, associate with Heller Ehrman, to her first two-year term beginning January 1, 2007. Judge Michael E. Schwab, Yakima County Superior Court; William D. Hyslop, Lukins & Annis; Nancy A. Pacharzina, Tousley Brain Stephens; and Wallace Webster II, Bank of America, will return as trustees. The Foundation was established in 1985 at the direction of the Washington State Supreme Court to support legal aid and law-related education through the IOLTA program. The Foundation is a supporter of the Alliance for Equal Justice, a statewide network of organizations providing legal aid to those with nowhere else to turn. Contract Lawyer Meeting The WSBA Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) hosts a meeting of contract lawyers the second Tuesday of every month. The next meeting is Tuesday, February 13, from noon to 1:30 at the WSBA office. Please bring your lunch — coffee is provided — and network with other contract lawyers. Please note the WSBA's new address: 1325 4th Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539. LAP Solution of the Month: Job Satisfaction Do you look forward to going to work? If not, why not? If you're unhappy doing your current job but aren't sure what to do about it, call the Lawyers Assistance Program at 206-727-8268 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8268, to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Life is short — why not enjoy it? Computer Clinic The WSBA offers a hands-on computer clinic for members wanting to learn more about what software programs — such as Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and 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 next clinic will be held January 8 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the WSBA office. For more information, contact Pete Roberts at 206-727-8237, or 800-945-9722, ext. 8237, or peter@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. 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 to access the Casemaker homepage. Click on the Casemaker button to begin. For help using Casemaker, you can contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722), or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org. 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. 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 February 14 at the WSBA office. Please note the WSBA's new address: 1325 4th Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539. The group discusses where to look for jobs, how to use your network of contacts, strategies for résumés and cover letters, and how to keep yourself organized and motivated. Exchange information and ideas with other lawyers looking to make a change. Come as you are — no need to RSVP. For more information contact Rebecca Nerison, Ph.D. at 206-727-8269 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8269 or rebeccan@wsba.org. 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-WSBA, ext. 8268, or visit www.wsba.org/-lawyers/services/lap.htm. 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. Learn More About Case-Management Software The WSBA Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) office 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. Upcoming Board of Governors Meetings March 2-3, Bellevue • April 13-14, Kelso • June 1, Wenatchee 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 January 2007 was 5.094 percent. Therefore, the maximum allowable usury rate for February is 12 percent. Information from January 1987 to date is on the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/media/publications/barnews/usury.htm.
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