June 2009

Find out what your fellow attorneys are up to. See www.wsba.org/media/publications/countynewsletters.htm for links to bar publications throughout the state. If you would like to contribute to Around the State on behalf of your county, minority, or specialty bar organization, or if you have a law-related item of interest, send your submissions to aroundthestate@wsba.org.

William H. Gates Honored with Washington Medal of Merit

At a joint session of the Legislature in February, William H. Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was honored with the Washington Medal of Merit. Chief Justice Gerry L. Alexander presented the medal to Gates, who has dedicated his life to public service and is well known for his integrity, compassion, leadership, and generosity. The WSBA congratulates Mr. Gates, a former WSBA president and 59-year member of the Bar, on this well-deserved honor.

The Medal of Merit was created by the Legislature in 1986 and was first awarded in 1987; to date, 30 people have received this prestigious honor. It is inscribed with the recipient’s name and the words: “For exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding services to the people and state of Washington.”

High School Teacher Honored by WSBA at Mock Trial Event

Former Franklin High School teacher and mock trial coach Rick Nagel was honored by the WSBA’s Council on Public Legal Education (CPLE) at the YMCA Mock Trial Awards Breakfast held in Olympia in March. Judith Billings, co-chair of the CPLE, presented Nagel with the “Flame of Democracy” award, created in 2002 to recognize individuals, organizations, and programs that significantly increase the public’s understanding of law, the justice system, and government. Nagel is the first classroom teacher to receive the award. During his 30 years at Franklin, he coached hundreds of students to participate in the YMCA mock trial competition, and the school won the national championship under his guidance in 2000. Nagel was also recognized for his inspiring and enthusiastic teaching at Franklin, where he created a Law and Society class. His former students include a King County Superior Court judge and a clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter. In accepting the award, Nagel told the assembled students that the skills and values they learn from the mock trial competition will benefit them in the future, whether they pursue legal careers or not.

The WSBA’s Young Lawyers Division (WYLD) supports the mock trial program in several ways. Led by YMCA Mock Trial Program Chair Dubs Herschlip, the WYLD recruits judges and attorneys to serve as coaches and raters; approximately 30 young lawyers volunteered for the 2009 competition. The WYLD co-sponsors the competition through a grant to the YMCA Youth & Government program. WYLD President Jaime Hawk addressed the 20 teams of young competitors at the breakfast, praising their advocacy skills and interest in the justice system. The breakfast was followed by the state championship mock trial, between Seattle Prep and University Prep. Seattle Prep won, and will represent Washington at the national championship in Atlanta. The state championship mock trial can be viewed on TVW’s website at www.tvw.org.

Dorsey Symposium Focuses on Corporate Leaders

More than 200 guests attended the first annual Dorsey Symposium for Corporate Leaders in February. General Barry McCaffrey, delivered a keynote speech on the topic of foreign policy and national security challenges under the Obama administration. Also at the event, top Dorsey attorneys presented on current business issues such as the credit crunch, global business law, and data security.

Williams Kastner Announces Its Own “Stimulus Package”

In light of the current economic crisis, Seattle-based law firm Williams Kastner announced that all non-management and non-lawyer employees will receive a special compensation check as part of the firm’s own “stimulus package.” The Williams Kastner “bailout compensation” aims to reward and recognize staff while bolstering the Northwest economy. In a departure from recent precedent established by Wall Street, the firm’s “bailout” recipients include all “staff” employees and exclude management.

Firm Honored for Contributions to Children

The Center for Children and Youth Justice presented the second annual Norm Maleng Advocate for Youth Award Breakfast, honoring international law firm Perkins Coie, LLP, for its exemplary contributions to children and youth. The event took place on May 13. The keynote speaker was Shay Bilchik, founder and director of the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform at Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute and former president and CEO of the Child Welfare League of America.

23rd Annual Goldmark Award Luncheon

The Legal Foundation of Washington presented the 2009 Charles A. Goldmark Distinguished Service Award to Bradley C. Diggs and Washington Appleseed at their award luncheon in February. Diggs’s leadership spearheading pro bono projects designed to aid low-income Washingtonians was critical to the development and success of Washington Appleseed. Washington Appleseed strives to provide creative, innovative work on behalf of the poor by its volunteers. WSBA Executive Director Paula Littlewood accepted the award on behalf of Washington Appleseed in her role as president of the Appleseed Board of Directors. Matthew and Benjamin Diggs accepted the award on behalf of their late father, while their mother, Peggy Diggs, and her brother, National Appleseed Board member Steven Hut, looked on. Linda Greenhouse, of Yale Law School, gave the keynote address, “What Judges Know.”
 
Paula Boggs and William Neukom to Chair Campaign for Equal Justice

Two legendary figures from the Washington state legal community will be at the helm of an important effort to help bridge the state’s “justice gap.” Paula E. Boggs and William H. Neukom will serve as the 2009–2010 co-chairs for the Campaign for Equal Justice, Washington state’s annual drive raising charitable support for the state’s 25-plus civil legal aid programs that provide free non-criminal legal assistance to low-income families and individuals with urgent legal problems and limited assistance.

Boggs and Neukom, both known for their deep commitment to access to justice and the essential role lawyers play in our society, will be leading the Campaign at a time when its success has never been more critical. As the financial meltdown forces more people into poverty for the first time, legal aid programs are experiencing an unprecedented demand for assistance. As the lead in Starbucks’ Law & Corporate Affairs Department, Boggs is responsible for overseeing all legal matters. Neukom is the managing general partner and chief executive officer for the San Francisco Giants. He was previously a partner in the Seattle office of the international law firm K&L Gates and is the immediate past president of the American Bar Association.

WSBA Civil Legal Aid Crisis Summit

The WSBA hosted a Civil Legal Aid Crisis Summit on April 17 at Seattle University School of Law. The event brought together leaders of the bar, members of the state judiciary, and those in the access to justice community, to address the current structure and state of Washington’s legal aid services delivery system. According to WSBA President Mark Johnson: “The collapse of our economy has resulted in our statewide legal service providers and county-based pro bono clinics being overwhelmed by people with legal problems. As a result of substantially increased need and significantly diminishing revenues, the ability of our civil legal aid system to deliver services has been decimated at the worst possible time. In response, the WSBA is exploring all possible ways for the legal community to lead during this critical time.”

The Summit began with a welcome from Seattle University School of Law Dean Kellye Testy. Then the co-chairs of this effort, King County Superior Court Judge Steven González and Seattle University law professor and former U.S. Attorney John McKay, addressed the crowd. Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander discussed the current status of the Justice in Jeopardy Initiative. WSBA Executive Director Paula Littlewood reported on a project currently being developed by the WSBA that will assist homeowners facing foreclosure. Director of the Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid Jim Bamberger and President of the Legal Foundation of Washington Board of Trustees Nick Gellert discussed the current status of civil legal aid funding. WSBA President Mark Johnson then led a discussion with attendees.

Anderson Hunter Receives Pro Bono Award

At its annual fundraising dinner and auction, Snohomish County Legal Services awarded the David Kastle Pro Bono Publico award to the entire Anderson Hunter Law Firm of Everett. The firm consistently contributes through ongoing financial support and pro bono direct representation of clients with civil legal needs. Its shareholders and associates contribute liberally of their time and participation as members of the Board of Snohomish County Legal Services, the Snohomish County Bar Association, the WSBA, and numerous other charitable organizations.

Caucuses Honor Women Lawyers

The University of Washington Law Women’s Caucus recently honored U.S. District Court Judge Carolyn Dimmick and Sara Ainsworth. Judge Dimmick received the Distinguished Alumnae Award and Ainsworth received the Outstanding Contribution to Women in the Law Award. Ainsworth, a 1996 UW Law graduate, is senior legal and legislative counsel at Legal Voice (formerly the Northwest Women’s Law Center).
 
The Women’s Law Caucus at the Gonzaga University School of Law recently honored Ellen Kalama Clark, Spokane County Superior Court judge, as its 2009 Myra Bradwell Award recipient. Each year, the Women’s Law Caucus at Gonzaga presents an award and hosts a ceremony and reception in honor of a Gonzaga Law School Alumni who has furthered women’s and children’s issues through the law. The award pays homage to Myra Bradwell, who fought to eliminate discriminatory practices in the legal profession. In 1869, Bradwell passed the Illinois State Bar examination, but was denied admission to the bar because of her gender. In response to Bradwell’s complaint, the U.S. Supreme Court held that prohibition from the practice of law on the basis of gender did not violate the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Despite this obstacle, Bradwell was a tireless advocate for equality in professional spectrums. In 1890, by its own motion, the Illinois Supreme Court finally admitted Bradwell to the state bar.

Locke Confirmed as Commerce Secretary

The U.S. Senate voted to confirm former Washington Governor Gary Locke as Commerce Secretary. Senator Patty Murray said: “Governor Locke understands the importance of the American dream because he has lived it. His grandfather emigrated from China and worked as a servant just one mile from the governor’s mansion in Olympia that his grandson would one day call home.”

President Barack Obama said of Locke at the time of Locke’s nomination: “Gary will be a trusted voice in my Cabinet, a tireless advocate for our economic competitiveness and an influential ambassador for American industry who will help us do everything we can, especially now, to promote our industry around the world.” Obama added: “I’m grateful he’s agreed to leave one Washington for another.”

WSBA Survey Participant Chosen for Free CLE

As part of providing better services for its members, the WSBA conducted its first “Pulse of the Profession” survey from January 20 through February 1, 2009.  The survey’s goal was to better understand the practice and professional issues currently facing WSBA members and to develop programming or policies to address those issues. The survey asked questions about the changing face of the law, how lawyers feel about practicing law in Washington, and what issues were most important to members. The WSBA received 2,309 responses during the survey period.  The WSBA also received 1,065 responses for a chance to win a free one-day CLE.  WSBA President Mark Johnson drew Ramina Dehkhoda-Steele’s name as the lucky winner. The WSBA thanks everyone who took part in the survey.

Swift Receives Local Hero Award

The WSBA presented Richland attorney James Swift with its Local Hero Award at its April BOG meeting in Richland. The Local Hero Award is presented by the WSBA Board of Governors as it travels around the state to lawyers who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities. “[Swift’s] efforts remain unsung and virtually invisible to those in all but a small sector of the legal community,” wrote Kenneth A. Miller, president of the Benton and Franklin Counties Bar Association (BFCBA), in his nomination letter. “The BFCBA appreciates the efforts of Mr. Swift and asks that the Washington State Bar recognize him as a local hero in our community.”

Earlier in his career, Swift was a judge advocate general with the United States Air Force, and also served as an attorney with the Department of Defense. After retiring from the Department of Defense, Swift worked for three years as a legal benefits advisor for Adult Protective Services, where he recognized a need for a guardianship monitoring program in Benton and Franklin counties. Since leaving Adult Protective Services in 2008, he has volunteered 30 to 40 hours a month to establish a guardianship monitoring program that protects vulnerable individuals in the Benton and Franklin counties’ court system. Currently, Swift serves as a file reviewer in the monitoring program. He is also developing a training program to teach others how to perform guardianship monitoring services on a volunteer basis.

WSAJ Presents Awards at Law Day

The Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ) presented its 2009 Judge of the Year Award to Skagit County Superior Court Judge John M. Meyer and its 2009 Excellence in Journalism Award to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer at their annual Law Day event in May. Seven judges from courts across the state were also honored for their 20 years of service on the bench at the event, which celebrates social and economic justice.

“Judge Meyer is an extremely worthy recipient of the Judge of the Year Award,” said Washington State Court of Appeals Judge Stephen Dwyer. “For 15 years his steady hand, diligent work ethic and good humor have made his one of the best courtrooms in the state. It is wonderful to see the Washington State Association for Justice recognize that courtroom excellence is often found in Washington’s rural courts, and not merely in those located in major urban counties.”

“We are deeply saddened by the March closure of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer,” said Gerhard Letzing, WSAJ executive director. “Journalistic competition and investigation are the best and sometimes the only ways to keep our democracy, our government and our business community honest. With the Excellence in Journalism Award, we celebrate the P-I’s distinguished 146-year run. Not only did the P-I record the daily history of Seattle and Washington as it unfolded, but it helped to shape us into who we are today.” The Excellence in Journalism Award was presented to P-I Executive Editor Ken Bunting.

These seven judges were were presented with 20-Year Judicial Service Awards: Judge Michael Cooper, Kittitas County Superior Court; Judge William Downing, King County Superior Court; Judge Joan DuBuque, King County Superior Court; Judge Alan Hancock, Island/San Juan County Superior Court; Judge Leroy McCullough, King County Superior Court; Judge Donald Schacht, Walla Walla Superior Court; Judge Brian Tollefson, Pierce County Superior Court.

Snippets

►Lane Powell’s Jennifer Wyatt has been appointed vice-chair of the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division Ethics and Professionalism Committee for 2009–2010. This committee explores useful ways in which lawyers can be made more conscious of their ethical and broader professional obligations. Through programming and publications, the committee identifies common pitfalls and prepares young lawyers to avoid them.

►Foster Pepper PLLC has recognized litigator Neil Dial for his pro bono activities in 2008 as recipient of the firm’s annual Pro Bono Litigator of the Year Award. The award is in recognition of Dial’s representation of a low-income father and his two children. The children’s mother was serving time in prison for raping, molesting, and sexually exploiting her children and was pursuing visitation rights. Neil accepted the case pro bono and provided invaluable legal advocacy.

►Joanna Plichta Boisen, pro bono counsel at Foster Pepper PLLC, has been named to the Law Fund and Campaign for Equal Justice Board of Directors. Law Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and its Board of Directors administers the Campaign for Equal Justice and engages in other funding initiatives to strengthen civil equal justice in Washington.

►Michael A. Herbst, a shareholder in the Seattle office of regional law firm Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, was recently elected president of the Canada-America Society of Washington. Established nearly 30 years ago, the Canada-America Society serves as a platform for Canadian expatriates and Americans to interface within the Seattle community.

►Attorney General Rob McKenna announced the appointment of Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey D. Goltz as chair of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). The UTC protects consumers by ensuring that utility and transportation services are fairly priced, available, reliable, and safe.

►David C. Snell was confirmed the 101st president of the Tacoma/Pierce County Bar Association (TCBA) in February, at their annual Lincoln Day Banquet. Interestingly, the first TCBA president, in 1908, was Bertha M. Snell, the first woman lawyer in Washington who progressed from pioneer to legislative intern, court reporter, secretary to the governor, and ultimately lawyer. Snell is researching his family history to see if he is a relation. At the event, TCBA also honored Joseph Gordon Sr. for his 100th birthday. Gordon has been practicing law for more than 70 years.

►Steven J. Hopp, from the Seattle firm of Carney, Badley, Spellman, has been appointed to the Lewis & Clark Law School Board of Visitors. The Board of Visitors provides support and counsel to the Law School’s programs and initiatives, offers guidance to law students, participates in fundraising initiatives at the school, and assists with admissions.

►John R. Knapp Jr., of the Seattle firm Cairncross & Hempelmann, has been named the chair of the Federal Bar Association (FBA) Bankruptcy Committee for the Western District of Washington. Knapp stated, “I am looking forward to keeping our local attorneys informed about constantly evolving bankruptcy law and practice, using the latest technology.” The FBA Bankruptcy Committee acts as a liaison between the bankruptcy bench and bar, disseminating information regarding rule, statutory, and case law modifications relating to bankruptcy practice.

►The American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Taxation presented Stoel Rives attorney Irwin Treiger with its 2009 Distinguished Service Award at the ABA plenary meeting in May. The award honors an individual whose career reflects exceptional contributions to the tax system and tax bar. This year’s award honors Treiger for his professional accomplishments, leadership, and community service. Treiger has served as chair of the ABA Section of Taxation and as a member of the ABA’s Board of Governors. He also chaired the WSBA Tax Section and the National Conference of Lawyers and CPAs.