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April 2006FYIWSBA Presidential Search Application Deadline: May 15, 2006 The WSBA Board of Governors is seeking applicants for the position of WSBA president for 2007-2008. Pursuant to Article IV (A)(2) of the WSBA Bylaws, the primary place of business of candidates for president for 2007-2008 must be in the area east of the Cascade mountain range. The WSBA member selected to be president will have an opportunity to provide a significant contribution to the legal profession. Applications for 2007-2008 WSBA president will be accepted through May 15, 2006, and should be limited to a current résumé, a concise application letter stating interest and qualifications, and no less than five or more than 10 references. The Presidential Search Committee and the Board of Governors will consider endorsement letters received by May 26, 2006. Applications and endorsement letters should be sent to the WSBA Executive Director, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330. Confidential interviews with the Presidential Search Committee may be conducted. Direct contact with the governors is also encouraged. All candidates will have an interview with the full Board of Governors in open session at the June 9, 2006, meeting. Following the interviews, the Board will select the president. Although prior experience on the WSBA's Board of Governors may be helpful, there is no requirement that one must have been a member of the Board of Governors or had previous experience in Bar activities. The candidate must be willing to devote a substantial number of hours to WSBA affairs and be a positive representative for the legal profession. The position is unpaid. Some expenses, such as WSBA-related travel, are reimbursed. The commitment begins in June 2006 following selection. A one-year term as president-elect will begin at the Annual Business Meeting in September 2006. The president-elect is expected to attend the two-day board meetings held approximately every five to six weeks, as well as numerous subcommittee, section, regional, national, and local meetings. In September 2007, at the WSBA Annual Business Meeting, the president-elect will assume the position as president. During his or her service, the president-elect and president will also be required to meet with members of the Bar, the courts, the media, and public and legal interest groups, as well as be involved in the Bar's legislative activities. Appropriate time will need to be devoted to communication by letter, e-mail, and telephone in connection with these responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of the president are set forth in the WSBA Bylaws. Judicial Information Systems Committee Member Sought Application Deadline: May 15, 2006 The WSBA Board of Governors is seeking a member interested in being nominated to represent the WSBA on the Washington State Supreme Court's Judicial Information System Committee (JISC) for a three-year term. The JISC is the policy-level steering committee for the Court's automation system. The committee is composed of four members from the appellate court level; four members from the superior court level; four members from the courts of limited jurisdiction level; and three at-large members, one each from the WSBA, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys. Submit a letter of interest and résumé by May 15 to Bar Leaders Division, WSBA, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330, or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. Washington Pattern Jury Instruction Committee Member Sought Application Deadline: May 15, 2006 The WSBA Board of Governors is accepting letters of interest and résumés from members interested in being nominated to the Washington State Supreme Court's Washington Pattern Jury Instruction Committee (PJIC) for a four-year term commencing on July 31, 2006. (A letter of interest and résumé are also required for incumbents seeking reappointment.) PJIC members review, discuss, and vote on instructions in the civil or criminal area as drafted by subcommittees or staff. The committee meets monthly in Seattle on Saturdays (except in July and August), and requires a considerable time commitment. The PJIC is composed of more than 30 members, both judges and lawyers, and includes two WSBA representatives. Submit a letter of interest and résumé by May 15 to Bar Leaders Division, WSBA, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330 or barleaders@wsba.org. WYLD President-Elect and Trustee Applications Sought Application Deadline: May 1, 2006 Young lawyers interested in serving on the Washington Young Lawyers Division Board of Trustees are invited to submit applications for the following positions: trustee, King County District; trustee, Peninsula District; trustee, Pierce County District; and president-elect, Washington state. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on May 1, 2006. For detailed information and application instructions, please visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/wyld/default.htm. WYLD Leadership Conference Volunteers Needed Attorney volunteers are needed for the 2006 Washington Young Lawyers Division Pre-Law Student Leadership Conference, scheduled for May 13, 2006, at the Yakima Convention Center. The conference is free to high-school students from around the state and is designed to encourage young people to attend college and consider a career in the legal profession. Attorneys from around the state are encouraged to attend. Contact Gloria Ochoa Lawrence, 509-734-1345, gloria.lawrence@ochoalawrencelaw.com; Regina Palouse, 253-591-5834, rpaulose@ci.tacoma.wa.us; or Sonia Rodriguez, 509-248-7272, srodriguez@dmsrlaw.com, for more information. New WSBA Online Store WSBA-CLE is pleased to announce the debut of the new and improved WSBA online store, featuring an expanded product search and faster checkout guaranteed to make your online shopping experience smoother and more convenient. You can now search the tables of contents of all WSBA-CLE deskbooks and the last five years of WSBA-CLE seminar course materials to find the best publication to meet your needs. Visit the new online store at www.wsbacle.org/store. Starbucks General Counsel Paula E. Boggs Receives ABA Spirit of Excellence Award Paula E. Boggs, Starbucks Coffee Company executive vice president and general counsel, received the American Bar Association's 2006 Spirit of Excellence Award, presented to lawyers who excel in their professional settings and who have demonstrated a commitment to racial and ethnic diversity in the legal profession. The award was presented to Ms. Boggs at the ABA Mid-Year Conference in Chicago on February 11. Ms. Boggs is an active volunteer in both legal and civic organizations, and is the recipient of the WSBA 2005 Excellence in Diversity Award. Random Acts of Professionalism Program The WSBA Professionalism Committee has created a way for lawyers and judges to recognize their colleagues who have conducted themselves in a professional manner consistent with the Creed of Professionalism. Through the Random Acts of Professionalism Program, lawyers and judges may nominate their colleagues for the award. Nominating a lawyer or judge is easy: Simply send his or her name, along with a brief description of why you are nominating the person, to Judy Berrett, staff liaison to the Professionalism Committee, at judithb@wsba.org, or fax to 206-727-8319. That's all there is to it! The nominee will receive a letter, a certificate, and a copy of the WSBA Creed of Professionalism. 2006 License Fees Payment Deadline: If your license fee payment is postmarked or delivered in person to the WSBA offices after April 3, 2006, a 50 percent penalty will be assessed. Presuspension Notice: A presuspension notice was issued in March to those members who had not paid their 2006 license fees. If you received a presuspension notice and have paid your license fees, you can confirm receipt by the WSBA online at http://pro.wsba.org or contacting the WSBA Service Center at 206-443-WSBA, 800-945-WSBA or e-mail questions@wsba.org. Unpaid License Fees: If any portion of the license fee, penalty, or assessment remains unpaid two months after WSBA issues a presuspension notice, the Washington State Supreme Court will enter an order suspending you from the practice of law in Washington state. 2006 License Fee Packets. Licensing packets were mailed in December 2005. The packet included your license fee invoice, trust account declaration form and, if applicable, the MCLE certification form. If you still 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. Active members must complete, sign, and return a Trust Account Declaration and, if applicable, an MCLE Certification. There may be other forms included in the packet that you may wish to complete and return, such as updating your contact information or reporting pro bono hours. If you are mailing your forms and payment. The return envelopes for your forms and payments have instructions on the reverse side. Please review them carefully before mailing. The white envelope should be used for returning your licensing form (A2) with a check payment. The blue envelope should be used for your licensing form when making a payment by credit card, and for mailing the Trust Account Declaration, MCLE Certification and any voluntary forms. If you are paying your fees online. To pay your fees online, visit www.wsba.org, click on the "For Lawyers" tab and select "Pay License Fee Online." Sign in with your WSBA number and password. The system only allows payments for the full amount billed (for example, no Keller deductions or status changes). Note that you do not need to return the A2 form if you pay online. If you are an active member, there are other forms in the packet that must be postmarked or delivered to the WSBA office by the due date. There may be other voluntary forms in the packet you may want to complete and return to the WSBA as well. Trust Account Declaration. The Trust Account Declaration included in your licensing packet must be completed by all active members regardless of whether or not you have a trust account. Failure to file this form can result in disciplinary action. WSBA Members on Active Military Duty. WSBA members whose membership status is active and who are on active military duty can apply for a waiver of WSBA license fees. (WSBA members on active duty whose WSBA membership status is inactive or emeritus must still pay the annual WSBA license fees.) If you are currently an active member on active military duty, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, or e-mail questions@wsba.org; or contact Kevin McKee at kevinm@wsba.org or 206-727-8243 for application information. Contact Information. Now is the ideal time to check that the WSBA has your correct contact information in its database. APR 13.b states address updates shall be provided to the WSBA within 10 days after the change. APR 13(c) provides as follows: "Electronic mail address: An attorney should advise the Washington State Bar Association of a current business electronic mail address if one exists. An attorney whose business electronic mail address changes should, within 10 days after the change, notify the Executive Director of the Washington State Bar Association, who shall forward changes weekly to the Office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court for entry into the state computer system. Use of electronic mail addresses for court notice, service and filing must comply with GR 30." 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 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 or 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, 206-443-WSBA or e-mail questions@wsba.org. MCLE Certification for Group 2 (2003-2005) Past Due Active WSBA members in MCLE Reporting Group 2 (2003-2005) should have returned their completed C2 forms to the WSBA by February 1, 2006. Any C2 forms delivered to the WSBA or postmarked after March 1 will be assessed a late fee. The C2 forms were mailed in the license packet in early December. If you did not receive your packet and/or the C2 form, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, or e-mail questions@wsba.org. Members in Group 2 include active members who were admitted to the WSBA in 1976-1983 or in 1992, 1995, 1998, or 2001. Members admitted in 2004 are also in Group 2 but are not due to report until the end of 2008. Their first reporting period will be 2006-2008, but 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 is an affidavit that lists all the WSBA-approved courses that were in your MCLE online profile for the 2003-2005 reporting period as of mid-October. The C2 form, not your online profile, is the official record of MCLE compliance. If you have taken other classes since the C2 was printed, and they are all listed in your online profile, you may print and attach a copy of the online profile to the C2 form. Indicate on your C2 form that the attached profile is the true and correct record of the courses taken for the reporting period. Alternatively, you may simply add by hand the additional WSBA-approved courses you took to the back of the C2 form (which is the C3 form). All WSBA-approved courses that you list on your C2 form must have an Activity ID number. This number is listed in your online MCLE profile and was assigned at the time that the Form 1 for each course was reviewed. If you have taken courses that have not yet been approved by the WSBA, please submit Form 1s for these courses immediately to ensure that they are approved. You can submit Form 1s electronically at http://pro.wsba.org or by paper [see the WSBA web site for the form]. If you submit a paper Form 1, you will be notified by mail of the Activity ID number assigned to it after the Form 1 is processed. If you need more time to complete your credits, an automatic extension will be granted until May 1, 2006. You do not need to do apply for this extension since it is automatically granted. However, a late fee will be imposed if you take any courses after December 31, 2005 that are needed for compliance or if your C2 form is submitted after March 1. If this is the first period in which you have not met MCLE compliance requirements, the late fee is $150. The late fee increases by $300 for each consecutive reporting period that you are late in meeting MCLE requirements. See the section that follows (MCLE Certification for Active Members ) for further information about MCLE reporting period compliance. If you have questions about the Form 1 process or MCLE compliance, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 206-443-9722 or 800-945-9722, or e-mail questions@wsba.org. MCLE Certification for Active Members Due Date for MCLE Reporting WSBA members are divided into three MCLE reporting groups based on year of admission. (Newly admitted members are exempt. See "Newly Admitted Members" below.) Group 1: Admitted through 1975, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, or 2006
• At least 45 total credits of WSBA-approved CLE activities must be taken, which need to include a minimum of 30 live credits and six ethics credits. • A/V courses cannot be more than five years old, except approved "skills-based" courses. • 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 Reporting Requirement. All active members due to report are required to file a Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2) form with all CLE courses taken for credit compliance. The deadline for filing your C2 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 form. • The C2 form is an affidavit and must be signed and dated, and the city and state where signed must be identified. • C2 forms are included in the license packets sent in early December to all members due to report (which will be Group 2 members this year). • All CLE courses listed on member rosters as of October 2005 will be printed on the back of the C2 form. If you took more CLE courses after October 1, 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 form. State on your C2 form that the attached online roster printout is a true and correct statement of the CLE courses taken for credit compliance. 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 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 of $150. The late fee 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 2004, you will not report for this reporting period (2003-2005) even though you are in Group 2. You will first report at the end of the 2006-2008 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 form, will satisfy your MCLE requirements in Washington. MCLE System – Course Listing and Member Profiles. Members may use the online MCLE system at http://pro.wsba.org to: • Review courses taken and credits earned. • Apply for course approval. • Apply for writing credit, pro bono credit, or prep-time credit. • Search for approved courses being offered. To use the MCLE system, go to http://pro.wsba.org, click on the "Member" tab, then select "Member Login." The online instructions will 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 or 206-443-WSBA, or e-mail questions@wsba.org. Judicial Evaluations by Minority and Specialty Bars Several Washington minority bar associations conduct judicial evaluations of applicants to state superior and appellate courts. Attorneys interested in becoming judges are encouraged to contact these organizations to begin the rating process before a position becomes available for appointment or early in an election campaign. Ratings from most bar associations are valid for up to two years. For information on obtaining a judicial rating, contact the following minority bar representatives:
Latina/o Bar Association, Cristobal Joshua Alex, president, 206-622-1604. Loren Miller Bar Association, Clarence Jones, judicial evaluations chair, 206-373-7237. QLaw: The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Bar Association, Ross Farr, judicial evaluations chair, 206-447-3392. Washington Women Lawyers, Janet Chung, state judicial evaluations chair, 206-398-4077. In addition, the WSBA Judicial Recommendation Committee evaluates applicants for appointment to the Court of Appeals and the state Supreme Court. Contact Anthony Miles, chair of the WSBA Judicial Recommendation Committee, at 206-370-7585. More information on the WSBA's judicial recommendation process can be found at www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/judicialrecommendation. 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 next clinic will be held on April 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at the WSBA office. For more information, contact Pete Roberts at 206-727-8237 or peter@wsba.org. Contract Lawyers Meeting The WSBA Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) hosts a meeting of contract lawyers the first Tuesday of every month at the WSBA office. The next meeting is April 4 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Please bring your lunch (coffee provided) and network with other contract lawyers. LOMAP & Ethics Traveling Seminars Plan to attend in Vancouver, Washington, on May 9; Montesano on May 10; or Olympia on May 11. Or come to Walla Walla on June 13, Richland on June 14, or Yakima on June 15. Registration is $84, and each seminar has been approved for four CLE credits, including two ethics credits. For more information, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914 or juliesa@wsba.org. LAP Solution of the Month: Overwhelmed? It's easy to become overwhelmed by billable-hour requirements, managing your practice, or the sheer volume of files piled in your office, which can quickly turn into avoidance, then paralysis. If you'd like some tips on handling overload, call the Lawyers' Assistance Program at 206-727-8268. 2006 WSBA Award Nominations Sought Each year, members of the Washington State Bar Association 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 Washington State Bar Association'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. 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 is new this year. 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 WSBA awards are presented only when there are truly deserving recipients. Some years, no award is given in some categories. Awards are limited to one recipient per category, except when a group of individuals earns 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, 2006. The deadline for all other nominations is May 8, 2006. Please send nominations to: Washington State Bar Association, Attn: Annual Awards, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330, fax: 206-727-8319, e-mail: denec@wsba.org The awards will be presented at the WSBA Annual Awards Dinner in Seattle on September 14, 2006, with the following exceptions: The Pro Bono Award will be presented at the Access to Justice Conference in Yakima on June 10, and the Outstanding Judge Award will be presented at the Fall Judicial Conference. Statewide Diversity Conference to Be Held in June Washington state's first diversity conference for the legal community will be held June 1-2. With the theme "Getting Ahead and Giving Back," the conference will begin Thursday evening with a reception and feature a variety of sessions all day Friday. Col. William Gunn (Ret.), president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, D.C., will be the featured speaker at the luncheon on Friday. The conference will be held at Seattle University School of Law. The conference is sponsored by the Asian Bar Association of Washington, Korean American Bar Association of Washington, Latina/o Bar Association of Washington, Loren Miller Bar Association, Northwest Indian Bar Association, Pierce County Minority Bar Association, QLaw: the GLBT Bar Association of Washington, South Asian Bar Association, and Vietnamese American Bar Association, in cooperation with the King County Bar Association, Seattle University School of Law, and Washington State Bar Association. For more information, contact Conference Co-chair Kim Tran at 206-623-9900 or ktran@staffordfrey.com, Conference Co-chair Mike Heath at 206-587-0700 or mheath@cairncross.com, or WSBA Diversity Advocate Joslyn Donlin at 206-727-8216 or joslynd@wsba.org. WSBA Arbitration Program The WSBA offers arbitration of lawyer-client fee disputes and mediation services to help resolve disputes between lawyers, a lawyer and client, or a lawyer and other professionals. The programs are voluntary and confidential. For more information, visit the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/services/adr.htm or call 206-733-5923. Notice of Intent to Form Juvenile Law Section Petitions are now being circulated to form a new WSBA Juvenile Law Section pursuant to Section IX of the WSBA Bylaws. There is no current section or other WSBA entity whose primary focus is juvenile law, which falls within the purposes of the WSBA as outlined in General Rule 12. Both the Washington Juvenile Justice Assessment Project Report and the WSBA Blue Ribbon Panel on Criminal Defense have recommended that a juvenile-oriented WSBA entity be established. A study group chaired by Justice Bobbe Bridge — and including Kim Ambrose, Liza Burke, Lisa Kelly, Anne Lee, Mary Li, Casey Trupin, Page Ulrey, and George Yeannakis — recommends the new section. After the required six-month waiting period, the Board of Governors will consider whether to form a Juvenile Law Section at their June 2006 meeting. Contemplated Jurisdiction. The creation of a Juvenile Law Section is proposed to address concerns with juvenile law and policy, including dependency, offender, status offenses (Child in Need of Services, Youth at Risk, and Truancy), and the civil legal needs of children and youth. Section Purpose. The Juvenile Law Section will provide a forum for juvenile-law issues and improve the law and practice related to civil and criminal matters involving children and youth in Washington. The section will welcome advocates from all disciplines and fields of law, including juvenile justice, child welfare, and those who represent youth in civil legal practice. For more information, contact Kim Ambrose at kambrose@u.washington.edu. WSBA Court Rules and Procedures Committee to Review General Rules The WSBA Board of Governors has authorized the Court Rules and Procedures Committee to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the General Rules (GR) in 2005-2006. This will be the first time the General Rules have been included in the Committee's quadrennial cycle of review of the Washington Court Rules. The Committee invites interested persons to submit suggestions for adoption, amendment, or repeal of a General Rule. Please address suggestions to Douglas Ende, staff liaison to the Committee, at 206-733-5917 or WSBACourtRules@wsba.org. More information about the Committee is available at www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/courtrules. 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 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 rebeccan@wsba.org. Facing an Ethical Dilemma? The WSBA Ethics Line can help members analyze a situation, apply the proper rules, and make 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 800-945-9722, ext. 8284, or 206-727-8284. 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. For more information, contact Jennifer Favell, Ph.D., at 206-727-8267. WSBA Ethics Opinions Now Searchable Online The WSBA announces the availability of a new online search tool for Washington ethics opinions. Lawyers can now search both formal and informal WSBA ethics opinions at www.pro.wsba.org/io/search.asp. Opinions can be searched 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 800-945-9722, ext. 8284, or 206-727-8284. WSBA Members on Active Military Duty WSBA members whose membership status is active and who are on active military duty can apply for a waiver of WSBA license fees. (WSBA members on active duty whose WSBA membership status is inactive or emeritus must still pay the annual WSBA license fee.) If you are currently an active member on active military duty, or need application information, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org; or contact Kevin McKee at 206-727-8243 or kevinm@wsba.org. Full explanations of license fees, forms, policies, and deadlines are on the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/-licensing/annuallicensing.htm. Assistance for Law Students The WSBA Lawyers' Assistance Program (LAP) offers long- and short-term psychotherapy to third-year law students attending the University of Washington and Seattle University. Treatment is offered for depression, addiction, family and relationship issues, health issues, and other mental and emotional problems. The fee is based on a sliding scale ranging from no-cost to $30 and is determined by a student's ability to pay. For more information about the LAP, call 206-727-8268 or visit www.wsba.org/-lawyers/services/lap.htm. Learn More About Case-Management Software The WSBA's 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 to make recommendations. To make an appointment, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914 or juliesa@wsba.org. Upcoming Board of Governors Meetings April 21-22, Walla Walla; June 9, Yakima; July 21-22, Port Angeles With the exception of a one-hour executive session the morning of the first day, Board of Governors meetings are open, and all WSBA members are welcome to attend. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Please contact Donna Sato at 206-727-8244 or e-mail 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 March 2006 was 4.775 percent. Therefore, the maximum allowable usury rate for April 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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