|
|
|
 |  |
 |
 |
WSBA Info | |
|
For Lawyers | |
|
For the Public |  |
 |
For the Media |  |
|
CLE |  |
| | Bench Bar Guidelines | News Releases | Publications | |
|
|
March 2007FYIAmerican Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates The WSBA Board of Governors is accepting letters of interest and résumés from members interested in serving on the ABA House of Delegates representing the WSBA, to serve the remainder of a two-year term now vacant due to the election of Paula Boggs, a previous WSBA delegate, as the state delegate. The term will commence upon appointment and expire in August 2008. 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 550 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 have the opportunity to reapply to serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. Those serving on the ABA House of Delegates must be ABA members in good standing throughout their tenure. 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. Commission on Judicial Conduct The WSBA Board of Governors is seeking applicants interested in serving on the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Two positions are available: one as a member and one as an alternate. The Commission reviews complaints of ethical misconduct against judicial officers, discusses the progress of investigations, and takes action to resolve complaints. The goal of the Commission is to maintain confidence and integrity in the judicial system by seeking to preserve both 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 consists of 11 members who serve four-year terms — six nonlawyer citizens, three judges, and two lawyers. Each member has an alternate whose term coincides with their corresponding member’s term. The lawyers must be admitted to practice in Washington and are appointed by the WSBA. Incumbents are eligible for reappointment, limited to two terms as an alternate member and two terms as a full member. Letters of interest and résumés are also required for incumbents seeking reappointment. The term for this alternate position will commence on June 17, 2007, and expire on June 16, 2011. 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. Further information about the Commission can be found at their website, www.cjc.state.wa.us, or by contacting them at 360-753-4585. WSBA Presidential Search The WSBA Board of Governors is seeking applicants for the position of WSBA president for 2008-2009. Pursuant to Article IV (A)(2) of the WSBA Bylaws, the primary place of business of candidates for president for 2008-2009 must be King County. The WSBA member selected to be president will have an opportunity to provide a significant contribution to the legal profession. Applications for 2008-2009 WSBA president will be accepted through May 15, 2007, and should be limited to a current résumé, a concise application letter stating interest and qualifications, and no fewer than five or more than 10 references. The Board of Governors will consider endorsement letters received by May 18, 2007. Applications and endorsement letters should be sent to the WSBA Executive Director, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539. Direct contact with the Board of Governors is encouraged. All candidates will have an interview with the full Board of Governors in open session at the June 1 meeting. Following the interviews, the Board will select the president. Although prior experience on the WSBA’s Board of Governors may be helpful, there is no requirement that one must have been a member of the Board of Governors or had previous experience in Bar activities. The candidate must be willing to devote a substantial number of hours to WSBA affairs and be capable of being a positive representative for the legal profession. The position is unpaid. Some expenses, such as WSBA-related travel, are reimbursed. The commitment begins in June 2007 following selection. A one-year term as president-elect will begin at the Annual Business Meeting in September 2007. The president-elect is expected to attend the two-day board meetings held approximately every five to six weeks, as well as numerous subcommittee, section, regional, national, and local meetings. In September 2008, at the WSBA Annual Business Meeting, the president-elect will assume the position as president. During his or her service, the president-elect and president will also be required to meet with members of the Bar, the courts, the media, and public and legal interest groups, as well as be involved in the Bar’s legislative activities. Appropriate time will need to be devoted to communication by letter, e-mail, and telephone in connection with these responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of the president are set forth in the WSBA Bylaws. Seeking Applications from Candidates for Judicial Appointments The WSBA Judicial Recommendation Committee (JRC) is currently accepting applications from attorneys and judges seeking consideration for appointment to fill potential Washington State Supreme Court and Court of Appeals vacancies. Interested individuals will be interviewed by the Committee on the dates listed above. The JRC’s recommendations are reviewed by the WSBA Board of Governors and referred to Governor Gregoire for consideration when making judicial appointments. Application materials must be received by the deadlines listed above at the WSBA office. To obtain an application, visit the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/judicial MCLE Certification for Group 3 (2004-2006) If you are an active WSBA member in MCLE Reporting Group 3 (2004-2006), you should have received your Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2/C3) forms in the license packet that was mailed in early December. The deadline for returning the C2/C3 form to the WSBA was 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 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 MCLE Board-approved courses that you list on your C2/C3 form must have an Activity ID number. This number is listed in your online MCLE profile and is assigned at the time that the Form 1 for each course is input to the MCLE system. If you have taken courses that have not yet been approved by the MCLE Board, please submit Form 1s for these courses immediately to ensure that they are approved before your C2/C3 is due. A “Certificate of Attendance” or other sponsor-provided certification will not be sufficient to receive course credit. If the sponsor has not received course accreditation from the Washington MCLE Board, you must submit a Form 1 application and full agenda for the course in order to receive credit. 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 were 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 assessed if you took 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, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org. MCLE Certification for Active Members — Due Date for MCLE Reporting WSBA members are divided into three MCLE reporting groups based on year of admission. (Newly admitted members are exempt. See “Newly Admitted Members” below.) Group 1: Admitted through 1975, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, or 2006
• At least 45 total credits of 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 webcasts, DVDs, compact discs, and other media with a soundtrack 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 were 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 a declaration 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 (Group 3 members this year). • All CLE courses listed on member rosters as of October 2006, are 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. • You must verify that the credit hours listed on the C2/C3 and on your online profile correctly reflect the hours actually attended for each CLE. You can edit credits online by clicking on the “edit” link next to each course. You can correct credits on the C2/C3 manually. • The C2/C3 form should be filed by Febru--ary 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 noncompliance 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 System — Course Listing and Member Profiles. You can 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 website at www.wsba.org and click on “MCLE Website” 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. 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 (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org. New APR 11 Regulation 104(e) Requirements for In-House CLEs. Starting with the 2005-2007 reporting period, you 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 you 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 Compliance Report (C4/C5) in 2007 License Packets All active members who are not due to report MCLE compliance at the end of this year, including new admittees, received a report (the C4/C5 form) in their 2007 licensing packets. Each member’s report lists all credits reported to the WSBA for the member’s current reporting period as of mid-October 2006. APR 11.6(a)(3) requires that the WSBA provide an annual report to each active member regarding the credits and courses posted to their MCLE online rosters. This report will help non-reporting active members to better track their credits as well as to ensure correct reporting and compliance at the end of their reporting period. If you received the C4/C5 form in your 2007 license packet, it is for your information only. No action needs to be taken unless you want corrections to be made. If you want to make corrections to your WSBA MCLE roster, go to http://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 confidential password and beginning to use the system. Online help is available. You may also contact the WSBA Service Center to have corrections made and/or to request an MCLE system instruction booklet at 800945WSBA (9722) or 206443WSBA (9722), or questions@wsba.org. APR 11 Review Project — Input Invited The MCLE Board is undertaking a project to review all the rules and regulations that govern mandatory legal education in the State of Washington (APR 11) to update and clarify them. A comprehensive review of APR 11 was last done in 1997-1999 with new rules and regulations being adopted by the Supreme Court in 2000. All members, sponsors, and other stakeholders were invited to give input to this process in February 2007 by responding to an online survey to give feedback on significant MCLE issues. You may also send input to be considered by the Board to the MCLE Board executive secretary, Kathy Todd, at kathyt@wsba.org. Online, On-Demand CLEs from WSBA-CLE Want CLE credits without having to stir from your office? WSBA-CLE now offers 200 online courses in 20 practice areas, including ethics. Most are one-hour segments, providing 1.0 CLE A/V credit each, so you can purchase exactly the amount of credits you need. From your computer, you get audio and text from a course originally presented live. Once you purchase a course, you have three months to listen to it. Go to www.wsbacle.org/-ondemand to browse the offerings. 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. 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 dates 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.” 2007 Licensing Packets Licensing packets were mailed in December 2006. The packet includes your license fee invoice, trust account declaration form and, if applicable, the MCLE certification form. If you have not received your licensing packet, please call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org to request a duplicate. Please note that it is your responsibility to pay your annual license fee, regardless of whether or not you received the licensing packet. Active members must complete, sign and return a Trust Account Declaration and, if applicable, an MCLE Certification. There may be other forms included in the packet that you wish to complete and return such as updating your contact information or reporting pro bono hours. If you are paying your fees online. To pay your fees online, go to www.wsba.org, click on the “For Lawyers” tab, and select “Pay License Fee Online.” Sign in with your WSBA Bar Number and password. Prompts lead you through the process to pay your 2007 license fees by MasterCard or Visa. The system allows payments only for the full amount billed, e.g., no Keller deductions or status changes. Note that you do not need to return the A2 form if you pay online. If you are an active member, there are other forms in the packet that must be postmarked or delivered to the WSBA office by the due date. There are other voluntary forms in the packet that you may want to complete and return to the WSBA as well. If you are mailing your forms and payment. The return envelopes for your forms and payments have instructions on the reverse side for improvement in processing and ease of use. Please review them carefully before mailing your forms and payment. Use the white envelope for returning your licensing form (A2) with a check payment. Use the blue envelope for your licensing form when making a payment by credit card. Also use the blue envelope for mailing the Trust Account Declaration, MCLE Certification, and any voluntary forms. Trust Account Declaration. The Trust Account Declaration included in your licensing packet must be completed by all active members regardless of whether or not you have a trust account. Failure to file this form can result in disciplinary action. Payment deadline. Please note that if your payment is postmarked or delivered in person to the WSBA offices later than March 1, 2007, WSBA Bylaws require a 20 percent late fee to be assessed. Also, if your payment is postmarked or delivered in person to the WSBA offices after April 2, 2007, a 50 percent late fee will be assessed. Presuspension Notice. A presuspension notice will be issued in mid-March to those members who have not paid their 2007 license fees. If you receive a presuspension notice and have paid your license fees, you can confirm receipt by the WSBA 10 days after you sent your payment by checking online at http://pro.wsba.org or contacting the WSBA Service Center at 206-443-WSBA (9722), 800-945-WSBA (9722) or questions@wsba.org. Important note about paying your fees. If any portion of the license fee, penalty, or assessment remains unpaid two months after the WSBA issues a Presuspension Notice, the Supreme Court will enter an order suspending you from the practice of law in this state. How has the Armed Forces Exemption changed? Not all active Armed Forces members stationed in the United States will be eligible for consideration unless activated from reserve status to full-time active duty. This must be for more than 60 days of the applicable licensing year. Additionally, those who are deployed or stationed outside the United States for any period of time for full-time active military duty will still be considered for eligibility. Members must submit satisfactory proof that they are so activated, deployed, or stationed. Electronic mail address: An attorney should advise the Washington State Bar Association of a current business electronic mail address if one exists. An attorney whose business electronic mail address changes should, within 10 days after the change, notify the Executive Director of the Washington State Bar Association, who shall forward changes weekly to the Office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court for entry into the state computer system. Use of electronic mail addresses for court notice, service and filing must comply with GR 30. You can go to the online lawyer directory on the WSBA website at http://pro.wsba.org to check your listing. If your contact information has changed, please complete and return the Contact Information Change form included in the license packet. Forms should be returned to the address shown on the form or by fax to 206-727-8313, or e-mail the changes to questions@wsba.org. More Information. Full explanations of license fees, forms, policies, and deadlines are on the WSBA website at: www.wsba.org/lawyers/licensing/annuallicensing.htm. 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. 2007 WSBA Awards Nominations Sought Each year, members of the WSBA are asked to identify those who deserve the legal profession’s recognition and appreciation. Nominations are sought for the following awards: Award of Merit. First given in 1957, this is the WSBA’s highest honor. The Award of Merit is most often given for long-term service to the Bar and/or the public, although it has also been presented in recognition of a single, extraordinary contribution or project. It is awarded to individuals only — both lawyers and nonlawyers. Professionalism Award. This honor is awarded to a member of the WSBA who exemplifies the spirit of professionalism in the practice of law. “Professionalism” is defined as the pursuit of a learned profession in the spirit of service to the public and in the sharing of values with other members of the profession. Angelo Petruss Award for Lawyers in Public Service. Named in honor of the late Angelo R. Petruss, a senior assistant attorney general who passed away during his term of service on the WSBA Board of Governors, this award is given to a lawyer in government service who has made a significant contribution to the legal profession, the justice system, and the public. Outstanding Judge Award. This award is presented for outstanding service to the bench and for special contribution to the legal profession at any level of the court. Pro Bono Award. This award is presented to a lawyer, nonlawyer, law firm, or local bar association for outstanding efforts in providing pro bono services. This award is based on cumulative efforts, as opposed to a lawyer’s or group’s pro bono hours or financial contribution. Courageous Award. This award is presented to a lawyer who has displayed exceptional courage in the face of adversity, thus bringing credit to the legal profession. Excellence in Diversity Award. This award is made to a lawyer, law firm, or law-related group that has made a significant contribution to diversity in the legal profession’s employment of ethnic minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and other persons of diversity. Outstanding Elected Official Award. This award is presented to an elected official for outstanding service, with special contributions to the legal profession. It is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to justice beyond the usual call of duty. Lifetime Service Award. This is a special award given for a lifetime of service to the WSBA and the public. It is given only when there is someone especially deserving of this recognition. President’s Award. The President’s Award is given annually in recognition of special accomplishment or service to the WSBA during the term of the current president. Excellence in Legal Journalism Award. This award recognizes that describing the context, facts, and players involved in the legal system with fairness and sensitivity requires intelligence, knowledge, dedication, and skill. This award is given to the journalist and his/her organization that has set the standard for relevance, clarity, accuracy, and understanding in reporting. Community Service Award. This award was created in 2006. Lawyers are known for giving generously of their time and talents in service to their communities. This award recognizes exceptional non-law-related volunteer work and community service. Award presentation: It is important to note that presentation of any WSBA award is made only when there is a truly deserving recipient. Some years, no award is given in some categories. Awards are limited to one recipient per category, except when a group of individuals earned the award together. The awards will be presented at the WSBA Annual Awards Dinner in Seattle on September 20, 2007, with the following exceptions: The Pro Bono Award will be presented at the Access to Justice Conference in Wenatchee on June 2, and the Outstanding Judge Award will be presented at the Fall Judicial Conference. YMCA Mock Trial Program Seeks Volunteer Attorneys and Judges 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 prepare the case for trial before a real judge in an actual courtroom. A “jury” of attorneys rates the teams for their presentation 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 role of law and the judiciary. The state championship competitions will be held Friday, March 23, through Sunday, March 25, at the Thurston County Courthouse in Olympia. Volunteer attorney raters and judges are needed. To volunteer, contact Janelle Nesbit at 360-357-3475 or youthandgovexec@qwest.net. Visit www.youthandgovernment.org for more details. This program is sponsored in part by the Washington Young Lawyers Division. WSBA Holds Public Records Act Deskbook Reception At a reception held in Seattle on October 24, 2006, WSBA President Ellen Conedera Dial and Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna recognized the volunteer editors and authors of the WSBA’s Public Records Act Deskbook. The deskbook was a three-year effort by 18 chapter authors and editors, with attorneys participating from Spokane to Aberdeen. Attorney General McKenna wrote the preface for the Deskbook and thanked the many authors who are current or former members of the Attorney General’s Office. President Dial noted the joint effort of private-sector and public-sector attorneys and highlighted the excellent work of the WSBA CLE Department’s editing and production of the Deskbook (which was finished ahead of schedule). The Public Records Act Deskbook: Washington’s Public Disclosure and Open Public Meetings Laws is available for purchase through the WSBA website (go to www.wsba.org; click on “WSBA store” in the left column), or by calling the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722). “There has long been a need for a comprehensive treatise on Washington’s open-government laws, and I’m glad the WSBA and these volunteer attorneys took on the challenge of writing it. It will help citizens and agencies alike,” said McKenna. WYLD President-Elect and Trustee Applications Sought Young lawyers interested in serving on the WYLD Board of Trustees are invited to submit applications for the following positions: trustee, at-large; trustee, King County District; trustee, Snohomish County District; trustee, Southwest District; trustee, Spokane County District; and president-elect, Washington state. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2007. For detailed information and application instructions, please visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/wyld/default.htm. Contract Lawyer Meeting The WSBA Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) hosts a meeting of contract lawyers the second Tuesday of every month at the WSBA’s conference room facility. The next meeting is March 13 from noon to 1:30. Bring your lunch — coffee is provided — and network with other contract lawyers. Please note the WSBA’s new address: 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle. LAP Solution of the Month: Job Satisfaction 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, trouble thinking or concentrating, and thoughts of death. Untreated, it can cause serious work dysfunction and more. Talk to your doctor, or call the Lawyers Assistance Program at 206-727-8268 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8268. 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, you can contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722), or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org. Computer Clinic The WSBA offers a hands-on computer clinic for members wanting to learn more about what Microsoft Office programs — 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 March 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the WSBA office. For more information, contact Pete Roberts at 206-727-8237 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8237, or peter@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 Seekers Discussion Group the second Wednesday of each month from noon to 1:30 p.m. The next meeting is March 14 at the WSBA office. 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, call 206-727-8268 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8268, or e-mail rebeccan@wsba.org. Please note the WSBA’s new address: 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle. 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. 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. Upcoming Board of Governors Meetings April 13-14, Kelso • June 1, Wenatchee • July 27-28, Quincy With the exception of the executive session, 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, 800-945-9722, ext. 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 February 2007 was 5.153 percent. Therefore, the maximum allowable usury rate for March is 12 percent. Information from January 1987 to date is on the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/media/publications/barnews/usury.htm.
|
