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June 2007Washington State Bar Foundation's Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) Advisory CommitteeApplication deadline: July 10, 2007 The WSBA Board of Governors is seeking to fill one position to serve a three-year term on the Washington State Bar Foundation's Loan Repayment Assistance Program Advisory Committee. Applicants must be active members of the WSBA. This Washington State Bar Foundation committee has a mission to provide loan forgiveness to attorneys committed to working in the public interest, thereby helping to meet the legal needs of the people of Washington. One of the principal ongoing charges of the Advisory Committee will be to select qualified participants. For more information, see www.wsba.org/lawyers/lrap.htm. Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to: WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539 or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. Supreme Court Action on WSBA Suggested Amendments to RPCs On April 5, 2007, the Supreme Court entered an order approving for publication a proposed amendment to RPC 1.15A(e). The amendment would change the language of that section so that the annual written reporting requirement applicable to all client property held by a lawyer would apply to funds only. The proposed amendment was published in the April 24, 2007, Washington Reports Advance Sheets with a 60-day comment period ending June 22, 2007. The Court's order also stays enforcement of the existing reporting requirement during the rulemaking process. For more information on this proposed rule, see the Washington State Courts website at www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/?fa=court_rules.proposedRuleDisplay&ruleId=100. The Court also adopted the WSBA's suggested amendment to RPC 1.8(e) pursuant to the emergency provisions of GR 9(j)(1). Rule 1.8(e) regulates lawyer-advanced court costs and expenses. Effective September 1, 2006, the Court had adopted the ABA Model Rule version of Rule 1.8(e), which permits repayment of advanced costs and litigation expenses to be contingent on the outcome of a matter and permits a lawyer to pay court costs and expenses of on behalf of an indigent client. Owing to unforeseen tax consequences of the change, the WSBA requested that the Court amend RPC 1.8(e) so that it would be essentially identical to the prior version of the rule. The amendment became effective upon publication in the April 24, 2007, Washington Reports Advance Sheets. For a copy of the amended rule, please see the Washington State Courts website at www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/adopted/RPC1.8.doc. WSBA Leadership Institute Seeks Fellows for 2008 The WSBA seeks applicants for the 2008 WSBA Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute recognizes that many lawyers, especially those from diverse backgrounds and other underrepresented groups, have not been traditionally recruited for leadership positions or made aware of opportunities for leadership training, skill development, and professional growth available through the WSBA. Ten to 12 attorneys in practice for three to 10 years will be carefully selected for the fourth year of the program. The program will take place January to August 2008. The program is a collaborative, experiential, and individualized curriculum that includes eight professional-development seminars. WSBA Leadership Institute fellows will benefit from the latest trends in professional leadership development; exposure to the legislative and judicial systems; interaction with high-level state and local officials and judges; and opportunities to meet high-profile attorneys from the private and public sectors. The program requires a two-year commitment. Following the completion of the first year, fellows are expected to serve on a WSBA section or committee, or bar-related activity. Fellows will earn a minimum of 30 CLE credits, and the program is no charge to participants. To be considered for the program, applicants must: (1) complete an application with cover letter, résumé, and three references; (2) be an active WSBA member; (3) have practiced law in a U.S. jurisdiction for three to 10 years, i.e., any attorney who has been admitted in a U.S. jurisdiction between January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2005, meets this criterion; (4) be nominated by his/her employer, or if self-employed, by another individual; and (5) provide evidence of interest in community and WSBA activities. The deadline for applications for the 2008 Leadership Institute is September 15, 2007. Application and nomination forms and instructions are available on the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/-lawyers/leadership_institute.htm. For further information, contact Camille Campbell at camillec@wsba.org or 206-727-8213. Equal Justice Coalition Receives ABA Grassroots Advocacy Award The Equal Justice Coalition received the ABA Grassroots Advocacy Award in Washington, D.C., on April 19. The award is given to state, local, territorial, and/or specialty bar associations and access to justice commissions or their equivalent, or individual ABA members who were instrumental in successfully advocating or advancing ABA/organized bar legislative priorities each session of Congress. ABA President Karen Mathis presented the award. Justice Susan Owens and Scott Smith accepted the award on behalf of the Equal Justice Coalition. Congratulations! WSBA Names Noelle McLean and Ted Watts Local Heroes The WSBA recently presented Noelle McLean and Charles "Ted" Watts with its Local Hero Award. The Local Hero Award is presented to lawyers who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities. Kelso attorney Noelle McLean graduated from the University of Puget Sound School of Law (now Seattle University School of Law) in 1993. She is active in the community and has served on many boards and committees, including the YMCA Mock Trial Competition and Cowlitz and Wahkiakum County Youth Commission. She is president of the Washington state chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, a leadership and service organization, and a past executive board member of Cowlitz-Wahkiakum County Bar Association. "[McLean] volunteers to cover any need she sees…. She is an excellent organizer, no matter how complex the task, and works very well with anybody and everybody," said Frank F. Randolph, president of the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum County Bar Association, in his nomination. Bellevue attorney Ted Watts received degrees from Whitman College and the University of Washington and received his law degree from the University of Washington School of Law. He belonged to the UW Law Review and the Order of the Coif. After admission to the Bar, Watts served three years as an assistant attorney general for the state of Washington, handling construction contract and land condemnation cases, before entering private practice. His current practice focuses on commercial litigation and real estate litigation. Watts has a background in admiralty and marine law and is a member of the King County Bar Association. WSBA Administrative Law Section Donates Public Records Act Deskbooks to County Law Libraries As part of its annual public-service project that promotes access to administrative justice, the WSBA Administrative Law Section will donate a copy of the Public Records Act Deskbook: Washington's Public Disclosure and Open Public Meetings Laws (WSBA-CLE 2006) to each county law library in the state of Washington. The Deskbook was produced by the Section over a period of four years, with support from the Washington Attorney General's Office, and published by WSBA-CLE. The deskbook was written for laypersons, attorneys, and judges in Washington as a practical guide to improving access to public records. A brief ceremony announcing the donation and presenting deskbooks to several county law librarians will be held at the June Access to Justice conference in Wenatchee. WYLD Seeks Award Nominations The WYLD is accepting nominations for the Thomas Neville Pro Bono Award, Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year, and the Professionalism Award. All three awards recognize lawyers who epitomize the best in the legal profession. Nominations are also being accepted for Outstanding YLD Affiliate or Organization for recognition of public service and/or member service programs. If you know of a young lawyer or organization that deserves to be recognized, visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/wyld/default.htm for full details and nomination form. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Please note that a completed nomination form must accompany each nomination to be considered. Nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. on August 1, 2007. Live Preadmission Education Courses Offered by Local Bar Associations In 2006, the Washington State Supreme Court amended Admission to Practice Rules 5 and 18 to require all Bar applicants to complete four hours of approved preadmission education. Since June 1, 2006, the effective date of this requirement, more than 1,200 bar applicants have completed the mandatory Preadmission Education course, including 237 applicants who attended live seminars presented by local bar associations last fall. Local bar associations will again offer live Preadmission Education seminars this spring in conjunction with local swearing-in ceremonies. By attending a live Preadmission Education seminar, Bar applicants are able to meet members of their local bar association, learn about local bar activities, and gain the perspective of experienced attorneys and judges about practicing law in Washington. Attendees receive a coursebook with information regarding each topic plus tips, research, and local materials selected by the local bar for each seminar location. Local bar associations offering these programs, including cities and dates, are: May 24 — Chelan-Douglas Counties, Wenatchee Bar applicants who wish to attend a local course must register in advance. Further details regarding the course and registration information are available at www.wsbacle.org/preadmission. For information about swearing-in ceremonies this spring, contact admissions@ Bar applicants who are unable to attend a live Preadmission Education seminar may take the course online. The online video, as well as the coursebook, are available through the Preadmission website at www.wsbacle.org/preadmission. Direct questions regarding this program to Yvonne K. Chapman, WSBA-CLE orientation program developer, at yvonnec@wsba.org. 2007 License Fee, Late Fees, and Suspension Information Contact information. It is always a good idea to check that the WSBA has your correct contact information in its database. APR 13.b states that address updates shall be provided to the WSBA within 10 days of a change. 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 contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722), 206-443-WSBA (9722), or by e-mail at questions@wsba.org. Suspension recommendations sent to the Washington State Supreme Court. The WSBA sent to the Washington State Supreme Court a list of members who still had any portion of their license fee, late fees, or LFCP outstanding two months after the WSBA issued a presuspension notice (issued March 16, 2007). The Supreme Court has entered an order suspending these members from the practice of law in Washington. Trust Account Declaration, MCLE Certification, and other forms. A Trust Account Declaration (one was included in your licensing packet) must be completed by all active members regardless of whether you actually have a trust account. Failure to file this form can result in disciplinary action. Also, Group 3 active members were required to complete a MCLE certification form. There may be other forms included from your licensing packet that you wish to complete and return, such as updating your contact information or reporting pro bono hours. More information. Full explanations of license fees, forms, policies, and deadlines are on the WSBA website at: www.wsba.org/lawyers/licensing/annuallicensing.htm. Also, the WSBA Service Center is available to assist you Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 800-945-WSBA (9722), 206-443-WSBA (9722), or by e-mail at questions@wsba.org. WSBA-CLE Annual Member Appreciation Summer Sale July 2-13: Online orders only Use Your MCLE Homepage to Find Approved CLEs From your MCLE homepage, you can now find approved live activities that fit your schedule and are in a location that is convenient for you. You can also find live webcasts and teleconferences in which to participate. To use this feature, go to the WSBA website 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 lead you through the process of creating a confidential password and using the system. After you log in, you are at your MCLE homepage. On your homepage, there is a box in the center with a heading banner "MCLE." Inside that box is a link that says "Search for approved upcoming CLE courses." Clicking this link brings you to a "Search Approved Activities" box. Enter the city and state in which you would like to find a CLE course. At the bottom of the box there are date fields called "Start Between … And." The dates default to the next 60 days. You can change the date in each field to any other date. To find a live webcast, input "Webcast" in the city field and change the state field to "Any." To find a teleconference, input "Teleconference" in the city field and change the state field to "Any." To find courses being given by a particular sponsor, type the sponsor's name in the "Sponsor" field. If you have any questions about using the MCLE system, online help is available. You can also call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org. Contract Lawyer Meeting Discuss the issues with other contract lawyers on June 12 from noon to 1:30 at the WSBA office. Bring your lunch — coffee is provided — and network with other contract lawyers. For more information, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. Please note the WSBA's new address: 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle. "Foundations of Freedom" Civics Pamphlet Available The WSBA has created a consumer-information pamphlet called "Foundations of Freedom" that covers the basics of American government and democracy. The pamphlet describes the rule of law, the separation of powers, checks and balances, and judicial independence. It also includes a short quiz and a list of useful websites. Lawyers and judges are encouraged to bring the pamphlet with them when they speak to students or the public in schools, courtrooms, community organizations, and community centers. Teachers may also request the pamphlet for classroom use. The WSBA can provide reasonable numbers of copies at no charge, or the pamphlet may be downloaded from the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/-public/consumer. Requests for copies should be directed to Pam Inglesby at pami@ 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. Feelings of being overwhelmed 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. Learn More About Case-Management Software The WSBA Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) office maintains a computer for members to review software tools designed to maximize office efficiency. The LOMAP staff is available to provide materials, answer questions, and make recommendations. To make an appointment, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, or 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. 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. Click on the Casemaker button to begin. For help using Casemaker, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914 or juliesa@wsba.org, or the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722). 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 June 11 from 10 a.m. to noon at the WSBA office. For more information, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. Please note the WSBA's new address: 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle. Problem Getting a Client to Pay? Dispute with another lawyer or an expert witness? The WSBA offers two programs to aid in the resolution of disputes involving lawyers. These programs serve both members and the public. The Fee Arbitration Program focuses on fee disputes between a lawyer and his or her client. To participate, both parties must agree to be bound by the arbitrator's decision. The Mediation Program provides a venue for parties to work together to resolve any dispute involving a lawyer, including those between a lawyer and a client, a lawyer and another lawyer, and a lawyer and another professional. Either party to a dispute may initiate fee arbitration or mediation. Both programs are nondisciplinary, voluntary, and confidential. For more information, visit the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/services/adr.htm or call the ADR coordinator at 206-733-5923 or 800-945-9722, ext. 5923. Facing an Ethical Dilemma? The WSBA Ethics Line can help members analyze a situation involving their own prospective conduct, apply the proper rules, and reach an ethically sound decision. Calls made to the Ethics Line are confidential, and most calls are returned within one business day. Any advice given is intended for the education of the inquirer and does not represent an official position of the WSBA. Call the Ethics Line at 206-727-8284 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8284. Search WSBA Ethics Opinions Online Formal and informal WSBA ethics opinions are available online at http://pro/wsba.org/io/search.asp, or from a link on the WSBA homepage, www.wsba.org. You can search opinions by number, year issued, ethical rule, subject matter, or keyword. Ethics opinions are issued by the WSBA to assist members in interpreting their ethical obligations in specific circumstances. The opinions are the result of study and analysis in response to requests from WSBA members. For assistance, call the Ethics Line at 206-727-8284 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8284. Job Seekers Discussion Group Looking for a job or making a transition? Join us at the Job Seeker Discussion Group the second Wednesday of each month from noon to 1:30 p.m. The June 13 meeting will feature Law Office Management Assistance Program Advisor Peter Roberts, and LOMAP Program Coordinator Julie Salmon. The topic will be "The Top 10 Tips for Getting Your Law Practice Up and Running." Practice your networking skills and exchange information and ideas with other lawyers looking to make a change. No fee or pre-registration. Come as you are — no need to RSVP. For more information, contact Rebecca Nerison, Ph.D., at 206-727-8269, 800-945-9722, ext. 8269, or rebeccan@wsba.org. Speakers Available The WSBA Lawyers Assistance Program offers speakers for engagements at county, minority, or specialty bar associations, or other law--related organizations. Topics include stress management, life/work balance, and recognizing and handling problem-personality clients. Contact Jennifer Favell, Ph.D., at 206-727-8267 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8267. Assistance for Law Students The Lawyers Assistance Program offers counseling to third-year law students attending Washington schools. Sessions are held in person or by phone. Treatment is confidential and available for depression, addiction, family and relationship issues, health problems, and emotional distress. A sliding-fee scale is offered ranging from $0-30, depending on ability to pay. Call 206-727-8268, or 800-945-9722, ext. 8268, or visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/services/lap.htm. Help for Judges The WSBA Judges Assistance Program provides confidential assistance to judges experiencing personal or professional difficulties. Telephone or in-person sessions are available on a sliding-scale basis. For more information, call the program coordinator at 206-727-8268 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8268. LOMAP and Ethics on the Road: The 2007 Traveling Seminars Plan to attend in Pullman on June 19 or Colville on June 20. Registration is $89, and each seminar has been approved for four ethics CLE credits. For more information, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945- 9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org, or visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/services/lomapontheroad.htm. Upcoming Board of Governors Meetings July 27-28, Quincy • September 20-21, Seattle Usury Rate The average coupon equivalent yield from the first auction of 26-week treasury bills in May 2007 was 5.017 percent. Therefore, the maximum allowable usury rate for June 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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