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May 2007ABA House of DelegatesApplication deadline: May 15, 2007 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. Three positions, one of which is for a member under 35 years of age, will be available in August 2007. A written expression of interest and résumé are required for any incumbents seeking reappointment. The control and administration of the ABA are 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. Terms are two years, and members may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. Those serving on the ABA House of Delegates must be ABA members in good standing throughout their terms. 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 Application deadline: May 15, 2007 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. 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. Deadline: June 29, 2007 The WSBA Board of Governors will be nominating one WSBA member who will be appointed by the Supreme Court to serve a three-year term on the Board for Court Education. The three-year term will commence upon appointment and continue through June 30, 2010. A written expression of interest and a résumé are also required in the event that the incumbent elects to seek reappointment. The purpose of the Board for Court Education is to improve the quality of justice in Washington by fostering excellence in the courts through effective education. The 16-member board meets four times a year. For additional information, visit www.courts.wa.gov/programs_orgs/pos_bce. Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-23539; or barleaders@wsba.org. 2007 Board of Governors Elections Ballots have been mailed and will be counted on or about May 15. Following are statements from candidates received as of April 12. 2nd District – Unopposed Governor-elect G. Geoffrey Gibbs Lori S. Haskell Keith Scully 9th District Robert L. Beale David S. Heller Tom Kalenius Harlan C. Stientjes At-Large 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. Applications for the 2008 WSBA Leadership Institute will be available June 1, 2007. The deadline for applications for the 2008 Leadership Institute will be early September 2007. Application and nomination forms and instructions will be available on the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/leadership_institute.htm. For further information, contact Camille Campbell at camillec@wsba.org or 206-239-2116. Seeking Questionnaires from Candidates for Judicial Appointments Deadline: 5:00 p.m., May 11, 2007, for June 13, 2007, interview The WSBA Judicial Recommendation Committee (JRC) is currently 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 by the deadline listed above at the WSBA office. 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. 2007 License Fee, Late Fees, and Suspension Information If your payment was postmarked or delivered in person to the WSBA offices after April 2, 2007, a 50 percent late fee penalty has been assessed. Presuspension Notice. A presuspension notice was issued in mid-March to those members who had not paid their 2007 license fees. If you received 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. If after checking your payment, you believe the information is incorrect, please contact the WSBA Service Center. Suspension information. If any portion of your license fee, late fees or LFCP assessment remains unpaid two months after the WSBA issues a presuspension notice (issued March 16, 2007), the Supreme Court will enter an order suspending you from the practice of law in this state. If you pay your fees online by May 16, 2007. To pay your fees online, go to our website, www.wsba.org, click on the "For Lawyers" tab, and select "Pay License Fee Online." Sign in with your WSBA number and password. Prompts lead you through the process to pay your 2007 license fees by MasterCard or Visa. The system allows payments for only the full amount billed, e.g., no Keller deductions or status changes. 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. 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 after the 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 complete and return the Contact Information Change form included in the license packet to the address shown on the form or fax it to 206-727-8319, or e-mail the changes to questions@wsba.org. 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. 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. 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. Update on MCLE Rules and Regulations Revision Project The MCLE Board presented proposed changes to APR 11 (MCLE rules) and the MCLE regulations to the WSBA Board of Governors at their April 13 meeting. These changes were made with input from a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the proposed revisions addressed major issues in a balanced, clear manner while supporting the purpose of APR 11. The purpose is to ensure that attorneys continue their legal education throughout the period of their active practice — training that maintains or enhances the competence of lawyers with respect to the practice of law. One of the ways that the MCLE Board received feedback was through an online survey posted on the WSBA website in February with questions related to MCLE issues. Responses were received from 1,528 people: 1,243 lawyers, 138 CLE sponsors, and 147 lawyer support staff. Summary results of this survey can be viewed on the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/mcle/apr11review07.htm. Input was also received from the MCLE Board discussions with private law firm and corporate legal department representatives, as well as from solicitation of feedback through direct e-mails to interested offices. A general invitation for comment from the WSBA membership was also posted on the WSBA website, where drafts of the proposed MCLE rules and regulations were posted. For updates on the status of the APR 11 Review Project, see: www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/mcle/apr11review07.htm. King County Superior Court Family Law Forms Now in Spanish King County Superior Court has become the first court in the state to offer family law forms in Spanish, a step that will offer thousands of non-English-speaking King County residents enhanced access to the civil court system. The King County Superior Court has historically provided forms and instructions to these individuals, but this is the first time that bilingual forms have been made available in the area of family law. The forms are available on the court's website at www.metrokc.gov/kcsc/famlaw/spanish.htm. Contract Lawyer Meeting Discuss the issues with other contract lawyers on May 15 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. 2007 Fee Arbitration Training Seminar The WSBA ADR Committee is pleased to announce the 2007 Fee Arbitration Training Seminar. The seminar will be held at the WSBA office in Seattle on Thursday, May 24, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. This year's program will focus on the WSBA's Fee Arbitration Program and will include interactive panel discussions of key challenges faced by arbitrators, and solutions from the field. Admission for the seminar is free; however, seating is limited, as some seats will be reserved for WSBA Fee Arbitration and Mediation Panel members. Open registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. 2.75 CLE credits are approved: 1.75 general, 1 ethics. For more information or to register, contact Natalie Cain, ADR program coordinator, at 206-733-5923, 800-945-9722, ext. 5923, or nataliec@wsba.org. LAP Solution of the Month: Anger Management Got rage? Does your temper cause problems for you, your 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 May 14 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. 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 next meeting is May 9 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 more. Exchange information and ideas with other lawyers looking to make a change. Come as you are — no need to RSVP. For more information, contact Rebecca Nerison, Ph.D., at 206-727-8269, 800-945-9722, ext. 8269, or rebeccan@wsba.org. 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. 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. 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. 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 Vancouver on May 1, Aberdeen on May 2, or Olympia on May 3. In June, plan to attend in Pullman on June 19 or Colville on June 20. Registration is $89, and each seminar has been approved for 4.0 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 June 1, Wenatchee • July 27-28, Quincy • September 20-21, Seattle 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 April 2007 was 5.076 percent. Therefore, the maximum allowable usury rate for May 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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