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March 2008WSBA Presidential Search The WSBA Board of Governors is seeking applicants for the position of WSBA president for 2009–2010. Pursuant to Article IV (A)(2) of the WSBA Bylaws, the primary place of business of candidates for president for 2009–2010 must be Western Washington (non-King County). The WSBA member selected to be president will have an opportunity to provide a significant contribution to the legal profession. Applications for 2009–2010 WSBA president will be accepted through May 15, 2008, 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 23, 2008. Applications and endorsement letters should be sent to the WSBA Executive Director, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101. 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 6, 2008, Board of Governors 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 2008 following selection. A one-year term as president-elect will begin at the Annual Business Meeting in September 2008. 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 2009, 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. See www.wsba.org/bylaws. Call for Applications for One of Two Board of Governors At-Large Seats To increase member representation on the Board of Governors, the WSBA Bylaws provide for two at-large seats. The full text of the Bylaws can be reviewed at www.wsba.org/bylaws. One of these seats is up for election to a three-year term commencing at the close of the annual meeting in September 2008. Persons interested in filling an at-large position should submit a letter of application and current résumé. The Board of Governors will elect the at-large governor at their meeting on June 6, 2008. The application should include a statement addressing how the applicant believes he or she meets the intent specified in Article III, Section N. There is no intent that these seats are dedicated or rotationally filled by any one element of diversity or group of members. (Excerpt from the WSBA Amended Bylaws, Article III, Section N) Members interested in the at-large position on the Board of Governors should submit a letter of application and résumé to the WSBA Office of the Executive Director, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101; call 206-727-8244 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8244, for more information. Notice of Board of Governors Elections for 2008 Four positions on the WSBA Board of Governors will be up for election this year. These are the governors representing the 3rd, 6th, 7th-East*, and 8th Congressional Districts. These positions are currently held by Kristal K. Wiitala (3rd District), Salvador A. Mungia (6th District), Liza E. Burke (7th-East District), and Douglas C. Lawrence (8th 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. However, the member must reside in the congressional district to be eligible for election. Nomination forms are available from the Office of the Executive Director, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539; 206-727-8244 and on the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/info/bog/default.htm. The WSBA executive director must receive nomination forms by 5:00 p.m. on March 3, 2008. The Board of Governors determines the official dates of the election. Ballots are mailed on or about April 15 and must be returned by May 15. Note: 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 the coming year, the east sub-district (zip codes are 98105, 98115, 98118, 98122, 98125, 98144, 98155, 98178, and 98185) will elect a new governor. 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, Greater Olympia District; trustee, King County District; trustee, North Central District; trustee, Northwest District; trustee, South Central District; trustee, Southeast District; president-elect, Washington state. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2008. For detailed information and application instructions, please visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/wyld. 2008 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. 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. 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. 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. Norm Maleng Leadership Award. This award is given jointly by the WSBA and the Access to Justice Board in honor of Norm Maleng’s legacy as a leader. He was an innovative and optimistic leader committed to justice and access to justice in both civil and criminal settings. Within the profession, his leadership was characterized by his love of the law and commitment to diversity and mentorship. This award will recognize those who embody these qualities. 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. Nomination submissions. If you know an individual who fits the criteria set forth above, please visit www.wsba.org and complete and submit the nomination form. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Please note that the completed nomination form must accompany each nomination in order to be considered. The deadline for Pro Bono Award and Norm Maleng Leadership Award nominations is March 31, 2008. The deadline for all other nominations is April 30, 2008. Please send nominations to: WSBA, Attn: Annual Awards, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539; fax: 206-727-8310; e-mail:greggh@wsba.org. The awards will be presented at the WSBA Annual Awards Dinner in Seattle on September 18, 2008, with the following exceptions: The Pro Bono and Norm Maleng Leadership Awards will be presented at the Access to Justice/Bar Leaders Conference in Vancouver on June 7, and the Outstanding Judge Award will be presented at the Fall Judicial Conference. Seeking Questionnaires from Candidates for Judicial Appointments The WSBA Judicial Recommendation Committee (JRC) is accepting questionnaires 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 date 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. Materials must be received at the WSBA office by the deadline listed above. To obtain a questionnaire, visit the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/¬judicialrecommendation or contact the WSBA at 206-727-8212 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8212, or barleaders@wsba.org. 2008 License Fee, Late Fees, and Suspension Information 2008 License Fee Packets. Licensing packets were mailed in early December. 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 you receive the licensing packet. Fees. Payments were due to the WSBA office on February 1, 2008. WSBA bylaws require a 20 percent late-payment fee if the annual license fee remains unpaid after March 3, 2008. After April 1, 2008, a 50 percent late-payment fee is imposed. If any portion of your license fee, late fee or Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection assessment remains unpaid after May 2008, the delinquency will be certified to the Supreme Court, which will enter an order of suspension from the practice of law. In order to be reinstated to your former status after suspension for nonpayment, you must pay double the amount of the combined fee and late fees (triple the original fee). You may pay your license fee online. To pay online, go to www.wsba.org, select the “For Lawyers” tab, and see “Pay License Fee Online.” Please note that there may be forms in your licensing packet that you are required to submit even if you pay online. Presuspension Notice. A presuspension notice will be issued in mid-March to those members who have not paid their 2008 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. New Fee to Change Status to Active. Beginning January 1, 2008, all members on inactive, judicial, or emeritus status who apply for a change to active status will be required to pay a $100 investigation fee at the time of filing an application for a change of membership status to active. The Board of Governors approved the fee to help defray the costs associated with researching a member’s background and membership history. 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. APR 11 Amendments Published for Comment The amendments to Admission to Practice Rule (APR) 11 and Appendix APR 11, sent to the Supreme Court in June 2007, have been published for comment by the Court. The amendments and instructions for making comments can be found at www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/?fa=court_rules.¬proposed. The comment period will close on April 30, 2008. • Change the official title of the Board of Continuing Legal Education to the “Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board” or “MCLE Board”; MCLE Certification for Group 1 (2005-2007) If you are an active WSBA member in MCLE Reporting Group 1 (2005–2007), 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, 2008. Any C2/C3 forms delivered to the WSBA or postmarked after March 3, 2008, will be assessed a late fee. Members in Group 1 include active members who were admitted to the WSBA through 1975 or in 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, or 2003. Members admitted in 2006 are also in Group 1 but are not due to report until the end of 2010. Their first reporting period will be 2008–2010; however, 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 that you received in your license packet is a declaration that lists all the MCLE Board-approved courses that were in your MCLE online profile for the 2005–2007 reporting period as of mid-October 2007. If you took other courses after mid-October, you can add these to the back of the C2/C3 form when you receive it. The C2/C3 form, not your online profile, is the official record of MCLE compliance. The original copy of the C2/C3 form must be returned to the WSBA to meet compliance requirements. All 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 is not 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, 2007, and need more time to complete your credits, an automatic extension will be granted until May 1, 2008. 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 Group 2: Admitted in 1976 through 1983, 1992, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, or 2007 Group 3: Admitted in 1984 through 1990, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2002, or 2005
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
• 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. The courses must meet the requirements of APR 11, but they do not need to be taken in Washington state. Many courses are offered around the world which meet the requirements of APR 11. “Live” courses include classroom instruction, live webcasts (not pre-recorded webcasts), and teleconferences. • “Ethics” courses, and segments of larger courses, must meet the requirements of APR 11 Regulation 101(n) or (o) to be considered for ethics credit. • 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 disks, and other media with a sound track of the MCLE Board-approved course presentation. Written materials should be included with these courses and reviewed prior to claiming credit. In addition, written materials must be purchased by each member, where required by the sponsor, prior to claiming credit. • Six pro bono credits can be earned per year. Two of these credits are for approved annual training, which must be taken prior to being able to earn credit for the pro bono work. Four pro bono credits may be earned each year if at least four hours of pro bono work was provided through a qualified legal services provider. Carry-over CLE Credits. Carry-over credits from the previous reporting period may be used to meet the requirements of the current reporting period. If your current reporting period credits total exceeds 45, you may carry over a maximum combined total of 15 credits to your next reporting period. Only two ethics credits and five A/V credits may be carried over. C2/C3 Reporting Requirement. All active members due to report are required to file a Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2/C3) form listing all CLE courses taken for credit compliance. The deadline for filing your C2/C3 form is February 1 of the year following the end of your reporting period. Note: • Your online roster is not a substitute for filing the C2/C3 form. 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 2006, you will not report for this reporting period (2005–2007) even though you are in Group 1. You will first report at the end of the 2008–2010 reporting period. Members admitted in 2007 will not report until the end of the 2009–2011 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 outside of Washington and if you are a member of the Oregon, Idaho, or Utah state bars (comity states), you may meet your Washington mandatory CLE requirements by providing proof of current MCLE compliance from your comity state bar. Only a Certificate of MCLE Compliance from your comity state bar (not a “Certificate of Good Standing”), sent with your WSBA C2/C3 form, will satisfy your MCLE requirements in Washington. MCLE System — Course Listing and Member Profiles. 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 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. Online help is available. If you have 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, members are limited to a total of 15 credits of private-law-firm CLEs and 15 credits of corporate-legal-department CLEs in each reporting period, regardless of who the private legal sponsor was and regardless of whether the course was open or closed. 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 2008 License Packets All active members who are not due to report MCLE compliance at the end of this year, including new admittees, should have received the C4/C5 form in their 2008 license packets. The report on the C4/C5 form lists all credits reported to the WSBA for the member’s current reporting period as of mid-October 2007. 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 helps non-reporting active members to better track their credits, as well as ensure correct reporting and compliance at the end of their reporting period. If you received the C4/C5 form in your 2008 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 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 800-945-WSBA (9722), 206-443-WSBA (9722), or questions@wsba.org. 2008 Judicial Campaign Forums The 2008 Judicial Campaign Forums will be held in Seattle on April 2 and Spokane on April 8. Registration information can be found at www.courts.wa.gov. WYLD Annual Awards Join us in congratulating the following 2007 WYLD Annual Award Recipients! The Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Award was presented to Breena Roos, of Perkins Coie LLP. The Thomas Neville Pro Bono Award was presented to Sara Lingafelter, of First Ascent Law PS. The Professionalism Award went to Charles Wiggins, of Wiggins & Masters PLLC, and the Outstanding Affiliate Organization Award went to Clark County Young Lawyers Division. Read more about the honorees at: www.wsba.org/media/¬releases/wyld2007awards.htm. YMCA Mock Trial Program Seeks Volunteers State Championships 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 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 28, through Sunday, March 30, 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 youthandgovexec@qwest.net. Visit www.youthandgovernment.org for more details. This program is sponsored in part by the Washington Young Lawyers Division. Lawyer Services Department Sponsors Law Office Management Workshops The Success Strategies Workshops “hands-on/how-to” intensives will teach new-to-practice attorneys or more experienced attorneys the skills and processes to better manage their law practices in an ethical, effective, efficient, and profitable manner. Through a combination of teaching methods and experiences in a confidential workshop setting held at the WSBA office, law office management consultant Ann Guinn will assist attorneys in solo or small firms to develop and reach their career goals. Workshops will be held the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30–8:30 p.m. You may join during any month. Three MCLE-approved CLE credits are available for each workshop. The cost per workshop is $100. For information or to pre-register, contact Ann Guinn at 253-946-1896 or anngp15@aol.com; or Jennifer Favell, Ph.D., at jenniferf@wsba.org or 206-727-8267 or 800-945-9722, ext 8267. Lawyer Services Communication Conference Join us April 4 and 5 for 24 hours of communication skill building at Campbell’s Resort at Lake Chelan. CLE credits are available. For registration information, call the Lawyers Assistance Program at 206-727-8268. ADR Training Announcement — 2008 Fee Dispute Mediation Training Seminar The WSBA ADR Committee is pleased to announce that it will sponsor the 2008 Fee Dispute Mediation Training Seminar on May 29, 2008. The seminar will be held at the WSBA office in Seattle from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. It is the committee’s goal this year to have practitioners present a practical and engaging seminar that focuses on the benefits of mediation, pointers on handling common problem areas, and tips for handling difficult people during mediation, with demonstrations and role-playing. In addition to practitioners, the seminar will feature WSBA staff speakers on various topics related to mediation services. CLE credits will be offered. Admission to the training seminar is free; however, seating is limited, and the seminar historically fills up quickly. Open registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information, or to register, contact Darlene Neumann, WSBA Dispute Resolution/Ethics Program coordinator at 206-733-5923 or 800-845-9722, ext. 5923 or darlenen@wsba.org. We invite you to join us. Computer Clinic The WSBA offers a hands-on computer clinic for members. Learn about what programs, such as Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Adobe Acrobat, can do for a lawyer. Are you a total beginner? No problem. The clinic teaches helpful tips you can use immediately. Computers are provided, and seating is limited to 15 members. There is no charge, and no CLE credits are offered. The March 10 clinic will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the WSBA office and will focus on PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat Version 8. The March 13 session will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and will focus on Casemaker and other online research resources. For more information or to RSVP, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. Recovery Support Group for Lawyers The WSBA Lawyers Assistance Program is offering a new weekly group in Seattle for lawyers in their first three years of recovery from drug or alcohol dependency. We meet on Tuesdays, 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. Discussion topics include relapse prevention, improving relationships, work/life balance, and other themes chosen by the group. Coed. Sliding-fee scale of $5–$15 per session. Call Abby Smith, LAP addictions counselor, at 206-733-5988 or 800-945-9722, ext. 5988. Contract Lawyer Meeting Discuss the issues with other contract lawyers on March 11 from noon to 1:30 p.m. 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 or 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. LAP Solution of the Month: Anger Management Got rage? Does your temper cause problems for staff, family, or friends? Learn constructive ways to handle your anger before you lose someone or something you value. If you’d like suggestions on how to proceed, call the Lawyers Assistance Program at 206-727-8268 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8268. 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 12 at the WSBA office. The group discusses where to look for jobs, how to grow 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. Bring your business cards and practice networking skills. For more information, call 206-727-8269 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8269, or e-mail rebeccan@wsba.org. Upcoming Board of Governors Meetings 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 or 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 2008 was 2.22 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.
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