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May 2009Law Clerk Board The Law Clerk Board is a regulatory board composed of seven lawyers who are appointed for six-year terms. Members are appointed with consideration for the geographic distribution of the law clerks in the program. There are two positions available starting October 1, 2009; one position will serve primarily the Seattle area, and one the Bellingham/Northwestern Washington area. Preference will be given to applicants in these areas of the state. The Board is composed of both law school graduates and those who completed the Law Clerk Program; a balance of experience is sought. Each Board member acts as liaison for an average of six law clerks enrolled in the program. Liaisons receive monthly exams and certificates to review and assess the law clerks' progress. At quarterly meetings, liaisons make recommendations to the Board on petitions of enrolled law clerks and on the admission of new law clerks and tutors to the program, as well as other issues. Screened applicants to the program are required to meet in person with a liaison, so liaisons must be willing to host meetings in their offices or travel to the potential tutors' offices. The time commitment is generally four to eight hours per month in addition to the quarterly six-hour meetings and possible special meetings and projects. Interested members should review APR 6 and the Regulations for the Law Clerk Program at www.wsba.org/lawyers/licensing/apr6rulesandregulations.pdf. General information about the Law Clerk Program can be found at www.wsba.org/lawyers/licensing/faq-rule6.htm. Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to: WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539. American 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. Three delegate positions and one alternate position will be available in August 2009. A written expression of interest and résumé are required for incumbents seeking reappointment. The control and administration of the ABA are vested in the House of Delegates, the policy-making body of the ABA. The House, composed of 555 delegates, elects the ABA officers and board, and meets out of state twice a year. Delegate attendance is required. The alternate would participate in the House of Delegates if one of the WSBA delegates were unable to attend a meeting, so full voting capacity can exist at all times. Preferably, the alternate should be someone who usually attends the ABA midyear and annual meetings, since the substitution may need to be made on fairly short notice. The WSBA's allowance is $800 per year per delegate. Terms for both the member and alternate positions 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. 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. 2009 Board of Governors Elections Ballots have been mailed and will be counted on or about May 15. Following are brief biographical statements received from candidates. 1st District Edward V. Hiskes The Board of Governors awarded Edward the WSBA Courageous Award in 1992 for his advocacy of free public access to the RCW, WAC, and Washington Reports databases held by state agencies. These databases form the basis for free legal research on the WSBA Casemaker system, currently available at www.wsba.org. Marc L. Silverman My practice emphasizes personal injury, insurance, and professional liability litigation. I passionately believe in access to justice and that it is every lawyer's job to vigilantly maintain the independence and essential health of Washington's judiciary. 4th District — Unopposed Leland B. Kerr I am also very active in civic events, including election committees for schools, hospitals, and even judicial candidates. I seek to maintain the high integrity of our profession, contribute common sense, and express the high values embraced by the majority of our bar. 5th District Paul A. Bastine I like lawyers — I like being a lawyer. I have served on more legal-related boards, committees, and task forces than can be listed, including the WSBA Disciplinary Board, President — Spokane Bar, presiding judge — Superior Court and on the Board of Advisors — Gonzaga Law School. I will commit the time and effort to report on matters before the BOG, as well as meet with groups and members of the bar on matters of interest to you. Nancy L. Isserlis I have served on the board of the Legal Foundation of Washington, which administers IOLTA funds, and as past president of the Spokane County Bar Association. These volunteer endeavors, along with many others, are an important part of my personal and professional obligation. I look forward to making our voice heard on important issues for lawyers practicing in eastern Washington. 7th District West Roger A. Leishman George Wallace McLean Jr. I am the managing attorney for the State Farm Insurance Claim Litigation Counsel Office in Seattle. I have previously served on the WSBA Rules of Professional Responsibility Committee. If elected, I will diligently work to maintain the professionalism of the Bar via strict enforcement of ethical and professional standards. Elizabeth M. "Lisa" Carney During law school, I was involved in a civil suit, acquiring firsthand knowledge of the horrific costs of litigation. The life lessons learned are that there is a time to listen, and a time to speak. Allow me to do both on your behalf. WSBA-CLE's 2009 Washington Real Property Deskbook, Vols. 1 and 2: Real Estate Essentials Available for Sale The first two volumes in the new Washington Real Property Deskbook series (4th edition) are now available for sale. This two-volume set, Real Estate Essentials, contains 26 chapters, comes with more than 100 forms on CD, and sells for $350 (plus shipping and handling and applicable sales tax). Additional, stand-alone volumes in this series (which replaces the 1997 third edition with 2000–2002 supplements) will be released later in 2009 and in 2010. Also new this spring: the 2009 Supplement to the Washington Legal Ethics Deskbook ($100 plus shipping and handling and applicable sales tax), and the 2009 Supplement to the Washington Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance Deskbook ($75 plus shipping and handling and applicable sales tax). Go to www.wsbacle.org and click "deskbooks" to review the full table of contents of these new releases and to order — or use the order form in the 2009 WSBA-CLE Publications Catalog, mailed to all WSBA members in April, which lists all of our WSBA-CLE deskbook titles. 2009 Licensing Information and Changes Licensing suspensions. If any portion of your license fee or late fee remains unpaid, or if you are on Active status and haven't paid your Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection assessment or filed your A1 Licensing Form after two months' written notice of your delinquency, a recommendation for suspension will be submitted to the Supreme Court. Licensing forms changes. In an effort to control costs and simplify renewal, the 2009 licensing forms were condensed into one double-sided form or two forms for those reporting MCLE credits this year. One change to note: The form(s) were mailed the first week of December in a standard-size envelope. Verify your address in the online lawyer directory (http://pro.wsba.org). You are required to keep your contact information current; see Admission to Practice Rule 13. If you have not received the 2009 licensing forms, you may print them online at www.wsba.org/licensing or call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945 WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722). Deadline Approaching for WSBA's "Justice for All" Video Contest Washington residents have six more weeks to enter the WSBA's new video contest. Filmmakers of all ages and ability levels are invited to create a short video that captures their vision of "justice for all" and post it to the YouTube website. Students are especially encouraged to enter, either individually or as a class project. Two prizes of $1,000 each will be awarded to the best contest entries – one selected by a panel of judges, and one selected by popular vote. The judges include state Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander, musician and media columnist Krist Novoselic, Yakima Herald-Republic Managing Editor Barbara Serrano, and Northwest Film Forum Director of Children's Programming Elizabeth Shepherd. Deadline for entries is June 15. For further information, see www.wsba.org/justiceforall.htm. Youth Court Start-up Conference Open to All Communities and individuals interested in starting a youth court are invited to attend a one-day conference on May 16, 2009, at Seattle University School of Law. The purpose of this event is to increase understanding of youth courts (also known as teen courts, peer courts, and student courts), and how to create one. In youth courts, young people sentence their peers, using peer pressure to correct youth offenses and other problem behavior. In Washington, youth courts address juvenile offenses and truancy cases diverted from juvenile court, traffic and other infractions diverted from municipal and district courts, and school rule violations diverted from school administrators. Washington residents may attend the conference at no charge, and lunch will be provided. The conference is co-sponsored by the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Washington Judges Foundation, and the Washington State Bar Association's Council on Public Legal Education. Registration forms are available online at www.wsba.org/ple. For more information, please contact Margaret Fisher, Administrative Office for the Courts, 206-501-7963 or margaret.fisher@courts.wa.gov. Gifted High School Interns Available to Law-Related Organizations Are you the right person to guide a highly capable, motivated, passionate student exploring a career in law or a related field? Bellevue School District is seeking eight-hour-per-week, one-semester internship situations for seniors in the Gifted High School Program at Interlake for the 2009–2010 school year. These students think critically, embrace responsibility and challenge, work independently (with moderate supervision/direction), and thrive on learning. If you can provide a window to life in the real world that includes specific assignments in your work environment, please contact Arlene Scott at scottar@bsd405.org. The internship may be in a law firm, court, or other law-related organization, located in the greater Seattle area. "Foundations of American Democracy" Civics Pamphlet Available The WSBA offers a pamphlet for the public called "Foundations of American Democracy" that describes the basics of American government: the rule of law, the separation of powers, checks and balances, and a fair and impartial judiciary. It also includes a short quiz and a list of useful websites. Lawyers and judges are encouraged to bring the pamphlet with them when they speak to students or the public in schools, courtrooms, and the community. Teachers may also request the pamphlet for classroom use. The WSBA can provide reasonable numbers of copies at no charge, or the pamphlet may be downloaded from the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/foad.htm. Requests for copies should be directed to Pam Inglesby, WSBA public legal education manager, at pami@wsba.org. Computer Clinic The WSBA offers a hands-on computer clinic for members. Learn 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 May 11 clinic will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the WSBA office and will focus on using Outlook and practice management software. The May 14 clinic will meet from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and will focus on using Adobe Acrobat Professional (not the Reader). For more information or to RSVP, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. Monthly Lawyer Discussion Roundtable Hosted by the WSBA Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP), this roundtable is useful for meeting other members and WSBA Lawyer Services Department staff who will answer questions on ethics, practice, and substantive law. We meet the second Tuesday of the month from noon to 1:30 p.m. May 12 is the next scheduled meeting date. Walk-ins are welcome! The roundtable is held at the WSBA office. Job Seekers Monthly Discussion Group Looking for a job or making a transition? Join us at this informational group that meets the second Wednesday of each month from noon to 1:30 p.m. The next meeting is May 13 at the WSBA office; John Clynch will be sharing best practices around informational interviewing. 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, 800-945-9722, ext. 8269, or e-mail rebeccan@wsba.org. If you would like to attend the meeting by telephone, please RSVP by May 12. LOMAP and Ethics Traveling Seminars Join us in Colville on May 5, Spokane on May 6, Marysville/Tulalip on June 10, Wenatchee on June 23, or Yakima on June 24. The cost is $99. Four credits are available, including some ethics credits. To register, call or e-mail Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. LAP Solution of the Month: Grief and Loss Losses of all kinds trigger grief reactions. While these reactions are usually normal and predictable, they can easily overwhelm when you're already feeling stressed or anxious. Whether you've lost a case, a job, a pet, a loved one, or an aspect of your health, you'll probably experience grief to some degree. If you'd like a supportive ear, call the Lawyers Assistance Program at 206-727-8268, or 800-945-9722, ext. 8268. 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) 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, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. Weekly Job Finders Strategy and Support Group Unemployed? Discouraged — or trying not to be? We're taking names of lawyers interested in being on the wait list for a weekly meeting of lawyers looking for work. The focus of this group is on setting goals, accountability, and maintaining motivation. This is an opportunity to trade job-search advice and offer each other support in this difficult process. The group meets on Monday or Tuesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:45. Contact Dan Crystal, Psy.D., at 206-727-8267, 800-945-9722, ext. 8267, or danc@wsba.org if you are interested in this group or in other groups forming for senior lawyers and lawyers in transition. 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 two business days. 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. 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, 800-945-9722, ext. 8268, or visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/services/lap.htm. 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 Margaret Shane at 206-727-8244, 800-945-9722, ext. 8244, or margarets@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 2009 was 0.427 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. Circle of Professionalism The WSBA Random Acts of Professionalism Award is given from lawyers to lawyers to recognize and encourage professionalism among the members of the Bar. The acts recognized, large and small, are as varied as the profession, but are always in keeping with the tenets enunciated in the Creed of Professionalism. Those nominated for the award receive a certificate, a copy of the Creed, and a letter from the chair of the Professionalism Committee. Neither the Committee nor the WSBA Board of Governors explicitly endorses a selection; the award is simply from one professional to another. The Professionalism Committee encourages you to look for the best among your peers and nominate them at www.wsba.org. Bradley D. Swanson Bellingham attorney Bradley D. Swanson was nominated by an anonymous colleague for the Random Acts of Professionalism Award. After working with Brad as opposing counsel on several matters, the nominator found Brad to be "the epitome of a professional." In numerous interactions, Brad, through his unwavering courtesy and respect, set an example of professionalism to other attorneys with much more experience. "He is gracious in negotiations and puts forth an honest, creative, and good-faith effort to resolve cases amicably." All the while, though, Brad is able to maintain a firm position as an advocate for his client. Ultimately, the nominator summed up Brad with one phrase: "His word is his bond." |
