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October 2006FYIWSBA Seeks Board and Committee Members The WSBA Board of Governors is accepting letters of interest and résumés from members interested in serving on the following boards and committees. Members should submit letters of interest and résumés to: WSBA, Bar Leaders Division, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330, or e-mail: barleaders@wsba.org. (Letters of interest and résumés are also required for incumbents seeking reappointment.) Legal Foundation of Washington Board of Trustees Application deadline: November 1 The Legal Foundation of Washington seeks one member to serve a two-year term on its board of trustees commencing on January 1, 2007. Incumbents are eligible for reappointment (up to two consecutive terms). The Legal Foundation of Washington is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes equal justice for low-income people through the administration of IOLTA and other funds. Trustees should have a demonstrated commitment to, and knowledge of, the need for legal services and how these services are provided in Washington. For more information, e-mail caitlindc@legalfoundation.org. Northwest Justice Project Board of Directors Application deadline: November 1 The Northwest Justice Project seeks two members to serve three-year terms on its board of directors. The terms will commence on January 1, 2007. Incumbents are eligible for reappointment (up to two consecutive terms). The Northwest Justice Project is a not-for-profit organization that receives primary funding from the state and through the federal Legal Services Corporation to provide civil legal services to low-income people. Board members, who play an active role in setting program policy and assuring adequate oversight of program operations, must have a demonstrated interest in, and knowledge of, the delivery of high-quality civil legal services to the poor. For more information, e-mail mac@nwjustice.org or lisag@nwjustice.org. Washington Defender Association Board of Directors Application deadline: November 1 The Washington Defender Association (WDA) seeks two members to serve on its board of directors, one for a two-year term, and one for a three-year term. Both terms will commence on January 1, 2007. The board generally meets 10 times per year. The WDA is committed to increasing the funding and improving the quality of the criminal-defense bar in Washington and works to oppose legislation that would undermine constitutional protections for people accused of crimes. Washington Pattern Forms Committee Application deadline: November 1 The Washington Pattern Forms Committee seeks one member to serve a four-year term commencing on January 1, 2007. Incumbents are eligible for reappointment (up to two consecutive terms). The Washington Pattern Forms Committee has published new sexual assault protection order forms and updates to the domestic relations, domestic violence, anti-harassment, juvenile court, misdemeanor judgment and sentencing, and felony judgment and sentencing forms, available at www.courts.wa.gov/forms. For more information, e-mail merrie.gough@courts.wa.gov. New Publication from WSBA-CLE WSBA-CLE and the Administrative Law Section are pleased to announce the September 30 release of the definitive guide to requesting and providing access to government records in Washington — Public Records Act Deskbook: Washington’s Public Disclosure and Open Public Meetings Law. Written by experts in the field, this one-volume deskbook answers questions on all aspects of Washington’s Public Records Act, from “what is a public record?” to “what is an agency?” while addressing the specifics of requesting investigative, personnel, medical, and court records, court remedies to obtain disclosure, and court-awarded attorney fees, costs, and penalties. It also includes chapters on the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Washington Open Public Meetings Act. The deskbook is priced at $150. For full contents or to order, go to www.wsbacle.org and click on “Spotlight Product” or call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA. Washington Women Lawyers Annual Leadership Symposium This year, the Washington Women Lawyers will present an Annual Leadership Symposium focused on leadership and diversity on November 17 in Seattle. With an eye on where we have been, where we are now, and where we need to go, “Leadership and Women in the Law: The Changing Profile of the 21st Century Attorney,” is a symposium and CLE designed to examine the history of the Glass Ceiling Task Force and the Commission on Gender and Justice. The Symposium will also include a cocktail reception and an annual awards dinner. Contact Eileen Concannon at econcannon@riddellwilliams.com or Tracy Sarich at tracy.sarich@courts.wa.gov. Seeking Applications from Judicial Candidates Application deadline: October 31, 2006, for November interview; December 29, 2006, for February interview The WSBA Judicial Recommendation Committee is currently accepting applications from attorneys and judges seeking consideration for appointment to fill potential vacancies on the Washington State Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. The Committee’s recommendations are reviewed by the WSBA Board of Governors and then referred to the state governor, who then reviews the recommendations when making judicial appointments. The Committee will interview candidates in November 2006 and February 2007. Applications must be received at the WSBA office by Neukom Named ABA President-elect Seattle attorney William Neukom has been named president-elect of the American Bar Association, the world’s largest voluntary professional membership organization. He will assume the office of ABA president in August 2007. Neukom is currently chair of Preston Gates & Ellis LLP. Active in both the ABA and local bar associations, he served as chair of the King County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division and in the same capacity with the ABA. He has represented Washington state in the ABA House of Delegates since 1999. Lawyers Helping Hungry Children Would you and/or your firm like to help feed hungry children and at the same time attend an educational and inspiring event? If so, plan to attend the Lawyers Helping Hungry Children (LHHC) annual fund-raising lunch on November 2 at noon at the Grand Hyatt in Seattle. Each year LHHC sponsors this event to raise funds for organizations that provide food and support to children in need. These organizations include Northwest Harvest, Children’s Alliance, Seattle Summer Sack Lunch Program, CARE, and Within Reach (formerly Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies). Contact LHHC at 206-292-5858 or visit www.lhhcwa.org. Equal Justice Open House Day — October 11 The Alliance for Equal Justice will host receptions throughout the state on October 11. The Alliance is Washington state’s network of organizations providing legal aid —information, advice, and representation — to those with nowhere else to turn. Members of the legal community are invited to attend to learn more about civil legal aid and to celebrate the work of the Alliance. For more information or to RSVP, please visit www.allianceforequaljustice.org or call 206-447-8168. Bellevue — noon - 1:30 p.m. | South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 SE Newport Way | Speaker: Bill Neukom, ABA president-elect Bellingham — 7 p.m. | Northwest Justice Project, 1814 Cornwall Bremerton — 6 - 8 p.m. | Kitsap Legal Services, 920 Park Ave. | Speaker: John McKay, U.S. Attorney, Western District of Washington Chehalis — 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Veterans Memorial Museum, 100 SW Veterans Way | Speaker: Hon. Gerry Alexander, Chief Justice, Washington State Supreme Court Ephrata — noon - 1 p.m. | 112 Basin SW | Speakers: Stan Bastian, WSBA president-elect; Ada Shen-Jaffe, Seattle University School of Law Everett — noon - 1:30 p.m. | Snohomish County Courthouse, 3000 Rockefeller Ave. | Speaker: Hon. Mary Fairhurst, Washington State Supreme Court Kennewick — 4 - 6 p.m. | United Way, 401 Kent — noon - 1:30 p.m. | Regional Justice Center Courthouse, 401 4th Ave. N., 3rd Fl. Rotunda | Speakers: Hon. Deborah Fleck, King County Superior Court; Bob Pittman, attorney at law and radio personality, TALK 770 KTTH Mount Vernon — noon - 1 p.m. | Skagit Transit Station, 105 E. Kincaid St. | Speaker: Hon. Faith Ireland, Washington State Supreme Court (Ret.) Oak Harbor — 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Volunteer Program of Island County, 380 SE Pioneer Way | Speaker: Hon. Mary Kay Becker, Washington State Court of Appeals, Division I Olympia — 5:30 - 7 p.m. | Columbia Legal Services, 711 Capitol Way S. #304 Seattle — 5 - 7 p.m. | Court in the Square, 401 2nd Ave. S. | Speakers: Paula Boggs, vice president, general counsel, and secretary, Starbucks Coffee Company; Hon. Rob McKenna, Washington state attorney general Spokane — 5 - 7 p.m. | Gonzaga University, McCarthey Athletic Center, Herak Room | Speaker: Hon. Robert Whaley, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington Tacoma — 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Access to Civil Justice Center, 715 Tacoma Ave. S. | Speaker: Hon. Frank Cuthbertson, Pierce County Superior Court Vancouver — 4:30 - 7 p.m. | YWCA of Clark County, 3609 Main Street | Speaker: Hon. Dean Morgan, Washington Court of Appeals (Ret.) Walla Walla — noon - 1:30 p.m. | YWCA of Walla Walla, 213 S. First St. | Speaker: Dave Savage, WSBA past president Yakima — 4:30 - 6 p.m. | The Seasons Performance Hall, 101 N. Naches Ave. | Speaker: Hon. Teresa Kulik, Washington Court of Appeals, Division III Washington State Bar Foundation Awarded Fellowship LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell has awarded its LexisNexis Legal Fellowship to the Washington State Bar Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the public service efforts of the WSBA. The $15,000 grant will be used to help underwrite the costs of the WSBA Leadership Institute, a program geared toward increasing leadership skills and opportunities among attorneys from diverse and underrepresented groups throughout the state. “By selecting the WSBA Leadership Institute for this generous grant, Martindale-Hubbell is making a very conscious investment in the future of the legal profession and helping us to cultivate the next generation of leaders in our state,” said James Williams, chairman of the WSBA Leadership Institute. “The goal of this program is to make sure that promising young lawyers of diverse backgrounds do not slip through the cracks in our profession. We are striving to fill the talent pipeline by reaching deeper into diverse communities throughout the state of Washington, and these funds from Martindale-Hubbell will help us accomplish that goal.” Section Membership for 2006-2007 The annual section membership forms were mailed at the end of September to all WSBA members as well as non-attorneys who joined a section last year. The new membership year is October 1, 2006, through September 30, 2007. Individuals may join a section at any time; however, dues are not prorated and in order to receive a full year of benefits, you are encouraged to join or renew as soon as possible. If you have not received a section membership form, you may join online through the WSBA Store (www.wsbacle.org/Merchant2/merchant.mvc, type in “section membership” in the search box) or contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, or questions@wsba.org. Mandatory Preadmission Education Course Effective June 1, 2006, amendments to Admission to Practice Rules 5 and 18 require bar applicants to complete an approved four-hour preadmission education course. This requirement applies to applicants who qualify for admission by successful completion of the bar exam as well as those who qualify through reciprocity. Applicants must complete the course, take the oath of attorney, and pay the current year’s membership fee before the Supreme Court will sign an order of admission to practice. Since June 1, almost 300 new applicants have done so. Several county bar associations and local courts throughout the state are offering the preadmission education course this fall in conjunction with local swearing-in ceremonies. These include Clark County Bar (Vancouver), East King County Bar (-Issaquah), King County Bar Young Lawyers Division (Seattle), Snohomish County Bar (Everett), South King County Bar (Kent), Spokane County Bar Young Lawyers Division (Spokane), Tacoma-Pierce County Bar (Tacoma), Thurston County Bar (Olympia), and Whatcom County Bar Association (Bellingham). Applicants wishing to attend a local course must register in advance. The preadmission education course is free and covers some essentials for new admittees, including client relations, civility and professionalism, orientation to local practice, fundamentals of law office management, and maintaining a balanced life. Attendees receive a coursebook with information regarding each topic, tips, research, and local materials chosen for each seminar location. Further details and registration information are available at www.wsba.org/#preadmission. If you have questions, contact Yvonne K. Chapman, WSBA-CLE orientation program developer, at yvonnek@wsba.org, 206-727-8271, or 800-945-9722, ext. 8271. WYLD Seeks De Novo Associate Editor The Washington Young Lawyers Division (WYLD) Editorial Advisory Board (EAB) is seeking a practicing member of the WYLD to serve as De Novo associate editor. Responsibilities include assisting the editor with procuring and editing feature articles, working with authors, and managing De Novo correspondence. The associate editor will work closely with the editor, the EAB, and the WYLD liaison in the areas of organizing content, proofreading, and coordinating articles and schedules to meet specific deadlines. The associate editor will ultimately assume the position of editor. Editorial/publication experience is desirable. Submit résumé and writing samples to: De Novo Associate Editor Search, Attn: Amy O’Donnell, WSBA, 2101 4th Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on December 1. It is anticipated that the associate editor will begin his or her duties in January 2007. The term is for 18 months as associate editor, followed by 18 months as editor. Trupin Appointed to ABA Commission Post Casey Trupin, who practices at the Seattle office of Columbia Legal Services, has been appointed to serve as chair of the ABA Commission on Homelessness and Poverty. Trupin, cofounder and former director of Street Youth Legal Advocates of Washington, has focused much of his practice on at-risk, homeless, and foster youth. The 13-member Commission is charged with educating members of the bar and the public about legal and other problems of poor and homeless people and ways in which lawyers can assist in solving or ameliorating them, and training lawyers in areas needed to provide pro bono legal assistance to homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless. 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 Reporting Group Next Reporting Period Complete Credits by File C2/C3 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 web casts, DVDs, compact disks, and other media with a sound track 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 an affidavit 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 (which will be Group 3 members this year). • All CLE courses listed on member rosters as of October 2006 will be 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. • Members must verify that the credit hours listed on the C2/C3 and on the member’s online profile correctly reflect the hours actually attended for each CLE. Online credits may be edited by clicking on the “edit” link next to each course. Credits on the C2/C3 may be corrected 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 non-compliance 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: Members may 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 web site 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 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. New APR 11 Regulation 104(e) Requirements for In-House CLEs: Starting with the 2005-2007 reporting period, members 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 a member 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 Certification for Group 3 (2004-2006) If you are an active WSBA member in MCLE Reporting Group 3 (2004-2006), you will receive your Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2/C3) forms in the license packet that will be 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 CLE Certification (C2/C3) form that you will receive in your license packet is an affidavit that will list all the WSBA-approved courses that are in your MCLE online profile for the 2004-2006 reporting period as of mid-October. If you take other courses after mid-October, you can add these to the back of the C2 form (the 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 WSBA-approved courses that you list on your C2/C3 form must have an Activity ID number. This number is listed on your online MCLE profile and is assigned at the time that the Form 1 for each course is 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 before your C2/C3 is due. 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 are 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 imposed if you take 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, call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, or e-mail questions@wsba.org. When it reconvenes in October, the WSBA Court Rules and Procedures Committee is scheduled to review the Rules of Evidence (ER) and the Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (IRLJ). Suggestions -regarding these rules or questions about the work of the committee should be directed to Douglas Ende at 206-733-5917 or e-mail WSBACourtRules@wsba.org. Interested individuals are encouraged to participate in the work of the Committee. Resolving Lawyer Disputes The WSBA offers two programs to help lawyers resolve disputes. 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, or a lawyer and another professional. Either party to a dispute may initiate fee arbitration or mediation. Both programs are non-disciplinary, voluntary, and confidential. Visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/services/adr.htm or call 206-733-5923. LAP Solution of the Month — Procrastination Do you keep putting off certain tasks? Do you worry about work you’re not doing? Procrastination can be hazardous to your professional and personal health. Try dividing the task up into small bites, then attack the first logical piece. If you’d like help breaking the procrastination habit, call the Lawyers’ Assistance Program at 206-727-8268 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Enjoy feeling in control again. 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, contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, or questions@wsba.org. Computer Clinic The WSBA offers a hands-on computer clinic for members wanting to learn more about what computer 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 on October 9 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 Lawyer Meeting LOMAP hosts a meeting of contract lawyers the first Tuesday of every month at the WSBA’s conference room facility. The next meeting is October 3 from noon to 1:30. The following meeting will be held November 7. Please bring your lunch — coffee is provided — and network with other contract lawyers. LOMAP & ETHICS . . . on the Road — The 2006 Traveling Seminars LOMAP & ETHICS will hold the Traveling Seminar at Moses Lake on October 24 and Wenatchee on October 25. Registration is $84 and each seminar has been approved for four CLE credits, including two ethics credits. Contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914 or juliesa@wsba.org, or visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/services/-lomapontheroad.htm. Job Seekers Discussion Group Looking for a job or making a transition? Join the Job Seekers Discussion Group the second Wednesday of each month from noon to 1:30 p.m. The next meeting is October 11 at the WSBA office. Discussion covers 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. 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. Search WSBA Ethics Opinions Online You can search both formal and informal WSBA ethics opinions at http://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. 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, 800-945-9722, ext. 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 make recommendations. To make an appointment, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. Upcoming Board of Governors Meetings October 27-28, Spokane 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. Contact Donna Sato at 206-727-8244 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 September 2006 was 5.116 percent. Therefore, the maximum allowable usury rate for October 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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