September 2006

Letters

The ACLU wants you!

Dan Young’s article (“Pro Bono Publico: What Have You Done (Reported) Lately?” — August 2006 Bar News) describes many excellent avenues for pro bono service. In addition, RPC 6.1(b)(1) recognizes that attorneys’ pro bono responsibility also extends to work done on behalf of “organizations seeking to secure or protect civil rights.” The American Civil Liberties Union of Washington is proud to be such an organization. With more than 25,000 members statewide, we are determined to make the promise of the Bill of Rights a reality for all people in America.

While our membership is large, our legal staff is small. Volunteer lawyers are therefore integral to the ACLU’s efforts. Attorneys from firms both large and small litigate ACLU cases, write amicus briefs, analyze legislative proposals, and speak before community groups. The time commitment can vary considerably, as does the subject matter. Attorneys who are interested in freedom of speech and religion, freedom from discrimination, and ensuring fair treatment from the government can find rewarding and exciting pro bono work on our docket.

Freedom can’t protect itself. The job takes time, resources, and dedicated volunteers. If you wish to join the ranks of pro bono lawyers who share our commitment to freedom and fairness, please contact us at 206-624-2184 or send an e-mail to legal@aclu-wa.org.

Aaron Caplan, Seattle

E-discovery primer primo

As a nonlawyer who does research on topics including law, I found the recent article on e-discovery by Robert A. Medved both readable and helpful (“E-Discovery and the Proposed Amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure: A Primer” — June 2006 Bar News). The cases cited that involved high-profile companies made the article interesting. Among other things, the judge’s oral ruling in the Hyundai case sends a message about the price of compromising high ethical standards — in law, business or anywhere else.

Mary Ann Mackin, Seattle