|
|
|
 |  |
 |
 |
WSBA Info | |
|
For Lawyers | |
|
For the Public |  |
 |
For the Media |  |
|
CLE |  |
| | Bench Bar Guidelines | News Releases | Publications | |
|
|
January 2006FYICommission on Judicial Conduct Application Deadline: January 31, 2006 The WSBA Board of Governors is accepting letters of interest and résumés from members interested in serving the remaining two years of a four-year term on the Commission on Judicial Conduct, with the ability to reapply for a full four-year term. The goal of the Commission is to maintain confidence and integrity in the judicial system by preserving judicial independence and public accountability. The public interest requires a fair and reasonable process to address judicial misconduct or disability separate from the judicial appeals system that allows individual litigants to appeal legal errors. The Commission reviews new complaints, discusses the progress of investigations, and takes action to resolve complaints. The Commission consists of 11 members who serve four-year terms — six nonlawyers, three judges, and two lawyers. The lawyers must be admitted to the practice of law in Washington and are selected by the WSBA. The term will commence upon appointment. Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to: Bar Leaders Division, WSBA, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330, or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. ABA House of Delegates Application Deadline: March 31, 2006 The WSBA Board of Governors is accepting letters of interest and résumés from members interested in serving on the ABA House of Delegates representing Washington state. There are four positions available (three incumbents are eligible for reappointment) commencing in August 2006. A written expression of interest and a résumé are required for incumbents seeking reappointment. 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 500 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 appointed to the House of Delegates serve a two-year term, with the opportunity to reapply to serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to: WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330, or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. Washington Attorneys Assisting Community Organizations (WAACO) WAACO is a statewide organization that matches volunteer attorneys with charitable and community-based nonprofit organizations in need of business-related pro bono legal services. Volunteer lawyers are needed. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to attend a training seminar on January 24 in Seattle and in February in Spokane (date pending). For more information, e-mail contact@waaco.org or call 866-288-9695. YMCA Mock Trial Program Seeks Volunteers 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 prepares the case for trial before a real judge in an actual courtroom. A “jury” of attorneys rates teams on their presentations, 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 law and the judiciary. The state championship competitions will be held Friday, March 24 through Sunday, March 26, 2006, at the Thurston County Courthouse in Olympia. Volunteer attorney raters and judges are needed. To volunteer, please contact Janelle Nesbit at 360-357-3475 or e-mail youthandgovexec@qwest.net. For details, visit www.youthandgovern Washington Attorneys with Disabilities Bar Association Kick-off Reception The new Washington Attorneys with Disabilities Bar Association will hold a kick-off reception on Friday, January 27, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the WSBA Conference Center. This will be an organizational meeting and reception for members who want to get involved, meet other attorneys with disabilities, and learn more about ADA and other topics. Attorneys with disabilities and those interested in disability issues are encouraged to attend. In addition to regular meetings, planned activities include CLE seminars and a survey of Washington attorneys with disabilities. For more information, please contact Shawn Murinko at smurinko@spokanecity.org or 509-835-5988, or WSBA Diversity Advocate Joslyn K.N. Donlin at joslynd@wsba.org or 206-727-8216. Please RSVP by January 18 to Brenda Jackson at brendaj@wsba.org or 206-727-8252. 2005 WYLD Awards The Washington Young Lawyers Division (WYLD) is proud to announce its 2005 awards recipients. Seattle attorney Soojin E. Kim of The Adolph Law Group received the Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Award for her exceptional leadership and contributions to the profession and her community. The Thomas Neville Pro Bono Award went to Silverdale attorney Stephen T. King for his tireless service to Kitsap Legal Services and his dedication to providing pro bono legal representation to senior citizens, victims of domestic violence, people with disabilities, and others. Seattle attorney Tisha Pagalilauan of Preston Gates & Ellis received the Professionalism Award for her substantial contribution to the King County Bar Association’s Ethnic Diversity in the Legal Profession Committee and her dedication to providing equal access to justice for all members of the community. The Outstanding Affiliate Organization Award was presented to the Spokane County Young Lawyers Division in recognition of its outstanding commitment to member and community service through the hard work of its dedicated members. Withdrawal of Formal Opinion 186 At its December 9, 2005, meeting, the WSBA Board of Governors voted to withdraw Formal Opinion 186, “The Proper Handling of Advanced Fee Deposits and Retainers.” This opinion dealt with the question of when a retainer is deemed to be earned, thus belonging to the lawyer and not the client. In light of a recent Washington State Supreme Court decision, the opinion became outdated and misleading. In addition to withdrawing the opinion, the Board created a task force to examine the issue of nonrefundable fees and to seek input from interested members of the Bar. Minority Law Student Networking Reception The WSBA Committee for Diversity is pleased to sponsor the annual Minority Law Student Networking Reception, welcoming students from Washington’s three law schools. The reception will be held February 23 in the WSBA Conference Center in Seattle. For more information, contact WSBA Diversity Advocate Joslyn K.N. Donlin at joslynd@wsba.org or 206-727-8216. Celebrate Diversity The WSBA Board of Governors and WSBA Committee for Diversity are pleased to announce the annual “Celebrate Diversity” meeting and reception, to be held March 2 in Seattle. For more information, contact WSBA Diversity Advocate Joslyn K. N. Donlin at joslynd@wsba.org or 206-727-8216. 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 Article 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. Estate Planning Seminar Celebrates Golden Anniversary WSBA-CLE and the Estate Planning Council of Seattle presented the 50th Annual Estate Planning Seminar at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center on November 7 and 8. This milestone event — for one of the largest estate-planning seminars in the country — involved 994 program registrants, 39 exhibit booths, and two days of noteworthy presentations from 31 nationally and regionally recognized estate-planning professionals. The event also recognized University of Washington School of Law Professor Emeritus John R. Price and Professor of Law Thomas R. Andrews, editors-in-chief of the new WSBA-CLE Estate Planning Deskbook and Probate Deskbook, and Seattle University School of Law Professor Emeritus Mark Reutlinger, author of the second edition of Washington Law of Wills and Intestate Succession, also published by WSBA-CLE. Books for Belarus WSBA members can once again help law students and faculty in Belarus by donating your books. We are collecting new and old legal texts, journals, and dictionaries from Washington attorneys for donation to Belarusian law-school libraries through March 31, 2006. Although all areas of practice are welcome, resources in trade law, business, taxation, international public law, trust and estates, and property law are especially needed. Due to shipping costs and regulations, no sets or series can be accepted. The WSBA will accept donations during regular business hours. Include your name and address with all donations so we can acknowledge your contribution. Materials will be shipped and distributed with help from the U.S. Embassy in Minsk. Donations can be delivered to: WSBA, Member and Community Relations Dept., 2101 Fourth Ave., Ste. 400, Seattle, WA 98121-2330. North Columbia Volunteer Legal Services North Columbia Volunteer Legal Services (NCVLS) is a pro bono organization that provides free legal services to low-income residents of Grant, Adams, and Lincoln counties. Beginning in January 2005, this program has provided half-day clinics once a week in which clients meet with volunteer attorneys. In 2005, more than 30 attorneys volunteered to assist 117 people through NCVLS, which also provided direct representation to eight low-income clients. NCVLS is funded through the North Columbia Community Action Council, which provides staff, office, and facilities. NCVLS is governed by a board of attorneys from Grant County. Brian Dano served as president from the inception of NCVLS until September 2005. Julie Harper is the current president. Other board members are George Ahrend, Judge John Antosz, Mitchell Heaps, Robbie Scott, and Ted Vanden-Bosch. WSBA Holds Employee Charity Auction WSBA employees’ Eighth Annual Holiday Auction raised more than $5,400 for charity, an increase of a third from last year. The two charities chosen by the WSBA staff this year were the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Treehouse. This year’s top item was a week-long trip to Whistler, British Columbia, which went to a lucky staff member for $550 after a spirited round of bidding. Items included handmade crafts, event tickets, and hotel stays donated by local businesses and the WSBA staff.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2006 The WSBA Judicial Recommendation Committee is accepting applications from attorneys and judges seeking consideration for appointment to fill potential vacancies on the Washington State Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. Candidates will be interviewed by the Committee in March 2006. Applications must be received at the WSBA office by 5 p.m., February 28, 2006. 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. If you are interested in scheduling an interview, please contact the WSBA at 206-727-8239, or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org for an application. Please specify whether you need an application for a judge or an attorney. Board of Governors Election Three positions on the WSBA Board of Governors will be up for election in 2006: governors representing the 1st, 5th, and 7th-West Congressional Districts. These positions are currently held by Kristin G. Olson (1st District), Michael Pontarolo (5th District), and Mark Johnson (7th-West 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 statement of interest 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. *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 2006, the west sub-district (zip codes: 98013, 98070, 98106, 98107, 98116, 98117, 98119, 98121, 98126, 98133, 98136, 98146, 98160, 98177, 98190, 98195, 98199) will elect a new governor. PILA Benefit Auction The Public Interest Law Association (PILA), a nonprofit organization run by University of Washington law students, is hosting a benefit auction to help fund a loan repayment assistance program and a summer grant program for law students who accept unpaid legal internships. Since 1995, PILA has awarded over $320,000 in grants supporting work at a wide range of public-interest organizations, including the Northwest Justice Project, the Unemployment Law Project, and Columbia Legal Services. The benefit will be held on February 10, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the W Hotel in downtown Seattle. For more information, contact Katie Meyer at 206-543-8899 or katie@uwpila.org. Labor and Employment Law Section Joins in Support of The Docket The Labor and Employment Law Section has joined the Family Law; Real Property, Probate and Trust; and Senior Lawyers sections in helping the WSBA support TVW’s new legal-affairs program The Docket, which airs the first Sunday of every month at 8 p.m. with frequent rebroadcasts. Thanks to these sections for their generous contributions. This half-hour magazine-style program features interviews, reviews of recent Supreme Court cases, and educational programs. Twelve programs will be produced in 2006. Judge James P. Swanger Receives WSBA Local Hero Award County District Court Judge James P. Swanger received the WSBA’s Local Hero Award, presented to members who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities. WSBA President S. Brooke Taylor presented the award to Judge Swanger at the WSBA Board of Governors meeting in Vancouver on October 28. From his earliest days as an intern in the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Judge Swanger has dedicated himself to improving the justice system, establishing several programs to improve the courts and better serve the community, including the Fort Vancouver Student Traffic Court, Mitigation by Mail, Deferred Findings, and Small Claims Mediation. Judge Swanger is also a generous legal educator and mentor. He teaches a “Street Law” class at Hudson’s Bay High School, his alma mater, and since 1994, has been an adjunct faculty member of Clark College. It is in recognition of this distinguished service to public legal education and for displaying extraordinary dedication to the judicial branch of government that the WSBA is proud to call Judge Swanger a local hero. 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 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. 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 the official position of the WSBA. Call the Ethics Line at 800-945-9722, ext. 8284, or 206-727-8284. 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 Emeritus Training If you are considering changing your WSBA status in 2006, you might want to consider emeritus. APR 8(e) creates a limited-license status of emeritus for attorneys otherwise retired from the practice of law to practice pro bono legal services through a qualified legal-services provider (QLSP). A QLSP is a nonprofit legal-services organization whose purpose is to provide legal services to low-income clients. There are no MCLE requirements for Emeritus attorneys. The next Emeritus training session will be held on January 18. To register or for more information, contact Sharlene Steele at 206-727-8262 or sharlene@wsba.org. Casemaker Now Available Casemaker — a powerful online research library provided free to WSBA members — is now available. 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, call Barbara Konior at the WSBA Casemaker help desk at 206-733-5983 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., or e-mail barbarak@wsba.org. You can also contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, or e-mail questions@wsba.org. 2006 License Fee Packets License fee 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 received your license fee 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. It is your responsibility to pay your annual license fee regardless of whether you receive the license packet. Mailing Your Forms and Payment. The return envelopes for your forms and payments have instructions on the reverse side. Review them carefully before mailing your forms and payment. Paying Your Fees Online. To pay your fees online, go to pro.wsba.org, click on the “For Lawyers” tab, and see “Pay License Fee Online.” Log in with your WSBA number and password. Prompts will lead you through the process of paying your 2006 license fees by MasterCard or Visa. The system allows payments only for the full amount billed (no Keller deductions or status changes). 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. Payment Deadline. 2006 license fees are due no later than February 1. If your payment is postmarked or delivered to the WSBA office after March 1, WSBA Bylaws require that a 20 percent penalty be assessed and a pre-suspension notice mailed. A 50 percent penalty will be assessed if your payment has not been postmarked or delivered to the WSBA office by April 3. Paying Your Fees. If your license fee, late fee, or the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection assessment (for active members) 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. New MCLE Compliance Report in 2006 License Packets All active members who were not due to report MCLE compliance at the end of 2005, including new admittees, will receive a new report — the C4/C5 form — in their 2006 license packets. APR 11.6(a)(3) requires that the WSBA provide an annual report to all active members regarding the credits and courses posted to their MCLE online rosters. This new report will help non-reporting active members to better track their credits, ensuring correct reporting and compliance at the end of their reporting period. If you receive the new C4/C5 form in your 2006 license packet, it is for your information only. No action needs to be taken. If you need to make corrections to your WSBA MCLE roster, go to 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 password and using the system. Help is available online. You can also contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA, or e-mail questions@wsba.org to have corrections made or request an MCLE system instruction booklet. Estate Planning and Probate Titles Coming from WSBA-CLE Publications WSBA-CLE is releasing three new titles providing definitive coverage of estate planning, probate, and wills in Washington. These are the Washington Estate Planning Deskbook and Washington Probate Deskbook, and a new revised edition of Professor Reutlinger’s popular Washington Law of Wills and Intestate Succession. To view complete tables of contents or to order online, go to store.yahoo.com/wsbastore. To order by phone, call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA or 206-443-WSBA. 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, or need application information, 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 206-727-8243 or e-mail 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. MCLE Certification for Group 2 (2003-2005) Due February 1 Active WSBA members in MCLE Reporting Group 2 (2003-2005) should have received their Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2) forms in the license packets mailed in early December. The deadline for returning the C2 form to the WSBA is February 1. If you did not receive your packet 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 in your license packet is an affidavit that lists all the WSBA-approved courses that were listed 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 courses 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 write in on the back of the C2 form (the C3 form) the additional WSBA-approved courses you took. All WSBA-approved courses that you list on your C2 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 is due. Due to high volumes, Form 1s submitted electronically (at pro.wsba.org) could take up to four weeks or more to process if they are submitted in October through February. Paper Form 1s may take up to six weeks or more to process during the same period. If you submit a paper Form 1, you will be notified by mail of its Activity ID number. The deadline for completing the C2/C3 form and returning it to the WSBA is February 1, 2006. All active members must send in a completed C2/C3 form. If you were not able to meet the credit requirement by December 31, 2005, and need more time to complete your credits, an automatic extension will be granted until May 1, 2006. There’s no need to apply for it. However, a late fee will be imposed if you took any courses after December 31 that were needed for compliance or if your C2 form is submitted late. If this is the first reporting 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 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 or 206-443-WSBA, or e-mail questions@wsba.org. MCLE Certification for Active Members — General Information 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. 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 WSBA-approved continuing legal education (CLE) activities must be taken, including a minimum of 30 live credits and six ethics credits. 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 exceed 45, you can 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:
MCLE Late Fees/Noncompliance. 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 mandatory CLE requirements by providing proof of current MCLE compliance. Only a Certificate of MCLE Compliance from your primary state bar (not a Certificate of Good Standing), sent with your Washington Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2) form, will satisfy your MCLE requirements in Washington. MCLE System — Course Listing and Member Profiles. Members can use the online MCLE system at pro.wsba.org to: To use the MCLE system, go to pro.wsba.org, click on the “Member” tab, then select “Member Login.” The online instructions will lead you through the process of creating a password and using the system. Online help is available. If you have any questions, 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. Resources Directory The 2006 Resources Directory will print the contact information in the WSBA membership database on February 1, 2006. Now is the ideal time to check that the WSBA has your correct contact information. You can check by going to the online lawyer directory on the WSBA website at pro.wsba.org. If your contact information has changed, please complete and return the Contact Information Change form included in your license packet to the address shown on the form, or fax it to 206-727-8319, or e-mail the changes to questions@wsba.org. Update your information no later than January 31 for inclusion in Resources. New Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Section Considered This notice is posted pursuant to Article IX of the WSBA Bylaws regarding a six-month prior notification of intent to establish a new Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Legal Issues Section. For more information, please contact Rachel da Silva at 360-943-6260, ext. 203, or e-mail rachel.dasilva@columbialegal.org. 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. 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 January 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. 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. 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. LAP Solution of the Month: The “Blues” or Depression? Many lawyers are depressed but don’t realize it. Symptoms include depressed mood, loss of pleasure or interest in activities, weight gain or loss, sleep problems, feeling restless or slowed-down, fatigue, and trouble thinking or concentrating. Depressed lawyers may procrastinate, avoid answering phone messages and opening mail, or abuse alcohol in order to feel better. Untreated, depression can cause serious work dysfunction and other problems. Talk to your doctor, or call the WSBA Lawyers’ Assistance Program at 206-727-8268. 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. 20th Annual Goldmark Award Luncheon The Legal Foundation of Washington (LFW) will present the 2006 Charles A. Goldmark Distinguished Service Award to the Washington State Supreme Court at the 20th Annual Goldmark Award Luncheon. The luncheon will be held February 17, at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle from noon and 1:30 p.m. The Goldmark Award honors the memory of attorney Charles A. Goldmark — a community leader and ardent supporter of access to justice. Goldmark was serving as the LFW’s president at the time of the tragic assault that led to his death in 1986. The program will include remarks from Goldmark’s brother to commemorate the 20th anniversary of this award. The public is invited to attend the luncheon, where tribute will be paid to all the volunteer lawyers and legal-aid providers in Washington. A registration form appears on this page. Visit www.legalfoundation.org for more information. Upcoming Board of Governors Meetings January 12-13 — Olympia, March 3-4 — Seattle, April 21-22 — Walla Walla. 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 December 2005 was 4.335 percent. Therefore, the maximum allowable usury rate for Januray is 12 percent. Information from January 1987 to date is on the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/media/publications/barnews/usury.htm.
|
