News & Information of Interest to WSBA Members
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GET READY TO CELEBRATE
Save the date for the 2022 virtual APEX (Acknowledging Professional Excellence) Awards show on the evening of Sept. 22. For more information about the WSBA’s APEX Awards, and this year’s winners, please visit www.wsba.org/news-events/apex-awards.
WSBA NEWS
Bar Structure (ETHOS) Update
The WSBA Board of Governors held its final meeting in the ETHOS process on Aug. 13,
and approved its final recommendation to the Washington Supreme Court. In regards to the three questions below, the recommendations are:
1. Current federal litigation does NOT require the WSBA to make a structural change.
2. It will be important for WSBA and Washington Supreme Court leaders to act upon the actual decision if there is a ruling that forces structural change. Part of the process if such a ruling occurs will include looking at all the documents and information gathered for ETHOS.
3. Litigation aside, the ideal structure is the current integrated model, which provides critical programs and services that work together to support the public and the profession.
In September, the Board expects to finalize its report and send it to the Washington Supreme Court. When available, it will be posted at http://www.wsba.org/ethos.
Help Fill the Moderate Means Legal Need
The statewide Moderate Means Program serves moderate income clients through a network of attorneys and limited license legal technicians who offer assistance in family, housing, consumer, and unemployment law cases at reduced fees scaled to the client’s income. There is an urgent need for legal professionals to serve. Visit http://www.wsba.org/connect-serve/pro-bono-public-service/mmp for more information and join now through your myWSBA account, http://www.mywsba.org.
New WSBA Treasurer Elected
Congressional District 5 Governor Francis Adewale was elected as the 2022-2023 treasurer by a vote of the Board of Governors at the regular meeting in July.
Annual WSBA Solo and Small Firm Conference: Sept. 15-17
Designing the Future: Presented in partnership with the WSBA Solo & Small Practice Section. Three half-day virtual sessions beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day. This year’s conference includes presentations by, among others:
• Jordan L. Couch, Palace Law; member, WSBA Board of Governors (and liaison to the Solo & Small Practice Section); 2020 WSBA APEX Award recipient.
• Tahmina Watson, Watson Immigration Law; incoming KCBA president; chair of the Response Committee of the Washington Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA WA).
Check the Solo & Small Practice Section’s webpage, www.wsba.org/legal-community/sections/solo-and-small-practice-section, for further information and a link to the registration page.
New Office Hours
The WSBA’s office hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. These are the times in which our service representatives will staff the main phone lines and the reception desk. If you need to speak in person to a particular WSBA employee, please make an appointment; they will not be available on site for drop-in visitors. Visit www.wsba.org/about-wsba/contact-us for more information.
Engage With WSBA Leaders
The Member Engagement Council, which seeks member input and involvement in decision-making processes, wants to hear from you! The first agenda item of each meeting (the first Thursday of each month from 1-3 p.m. via Zoom) is reserved for member comments. All topics are welcome. Visit the events calendar at www.wsba.org for more information.
Follow Board Meetings and Submit Feedback
Join the Board meeting notice subscription list to receive WSBA Board of Governors meeting notices straight to your inbox! To join, email barleaders@wsba.org or complete the form at www.wsba.org/about-wsba/who-we-are/board-of-governors. Send your feedback to boardfeedback@wsba.org. Please note that all WSBA emails are subject to public records requests.
VOLUNTEER
Help Needed
The statewide Moderate Means Program serves moderate income clients through a network of attorneys and limited license legal technicians who offer assistance in family, housing, consumer, and unemployment law cases at reduced fees scaled to the client’s income. There is an urgent need for legal professionals to serve. Visit www.wsba.org/connect-serve/volunteer-with-wsba/mmp to learn more.
Volunteer With the WSBA
The Board of Governors is seeking applications to serve on one of the WSBA’s many committees, boards, and councils. Take a moment to learn about the various volunteer opportunities and find the one that matches your skills and interests. Visit www.wsba.org/volunteer.
Volunteer With the Lawyer Discipline System
Learn more about volunteering as an adjunct disciplinary counsel (ADC). ADCs assist as needed in carrying out the functions of the lawyer discipline system pursuant to Rule 2.9 of the Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct. An ADC must have been an active lawyer or judicial member of the WSBA for at least seven years at the time of appointment. Appointment is for a five-year term. Visit www.wsba.org/adc-panel or contact rachela@wsba.org to learn more.
Custodians Needed
The WSBA is seeking interested lawyers as potential volunteer custodians of files and records to protect clients’ interests. Visit www.wsba.org/connect-serve/volunteer-opportunities/act-as-custodian, or contact Darlene Neumann: darlenen@wsba.org, 206-733-5923, 800-945-9722, ext. 5923.
RESOURCES
Check Out DEI Resource Library
The DEI Resource Library is where WSBA members can learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts. There are compiled resource lists, books, and articles on the criminal legal system, identity and intersectionality, microaggressions/bias, and race. Visit www.wsba.org/about-wsba/equity-and-inclusion/dei-resource-library.
Practice Guides Available
Access two practice guides—”The Law Firm Guide to Document Retention” and “The Law Firm Guide to Disaster Planning and Recovery”—as well as other law firm guides and templates at www.wsba.org/guides.
Career Consultation
Get help with your résumé, networking tips, and more—www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/wellness/consultation—or email wellness@wsba.org.
Free Consultations and Practice-Management Assistance
The WSBA offers free resources and education on practice management issues. For more information, visit www.wsba.org/pma. You can also schedule a free phone consultation with a WSBA practice-management advisor. Visit www.wsba.org/consult to get started.
Lending Library
The WSBA Lending Library is open to members for both in-person and online checkouts. We have made a few changes to be aware of. For more information, visit www.wsba.org/library or email lendinglibrary@wsba.org.
Work at the WSBA
Interested in joining the WSBA team? Current openings include: Deputy Executive Director, MCLE Analyst, Member Wellness Clinical and Outreach Lead, and Sections Program Coordinator. Visit
www.wsba.org/career-center/work-at-the-wsba to learn more.
ETHICS
Ethics Line
Members facing ethical dilemmas can talk with WSBA professional responsibility counsel for informal guidance. Learn more at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/ethics/ethics-line or call the Ethics Line at 206-727-8284.
WSBA Advisory Opinions
WSBA advisory opinions are available online at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/ethics/about-advisory-opinions. For assistance, call the Ethics Line at 206-727-8284.
WSBA MEMBER WELLNESS
Telehealth is Here!
The Member Wellness Program is now offering hi-def, HIPAA-protected video consultations using the telehealth portal Doxy.me. Visit www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/wellness and click “Book Your Initial Consultation” to schedule time with our licensed providers.
Judges Need Help Too
The Judicial Assistance and Services Program (JASP) provides confidential support for judges, or those who are concerned about a judge. Contact Susanna Kanther, Psy.D., at 415-572-3803. Visit www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/wellness/judicial-assistance-service-program.
The ‘Unbar’ Alcoholics Anonymous Group
The Washington Unbar Alcoholics Anonymous group for legal professionals has been meeting regularly for almost 30 years. The group meets Wednesdays, 12:15–1:30 p.m., and Sundays, 7–8 p.m. Currently, the group meets online via Zoom, and attorneys from all over Washington participate. For more information and Zoom credentials contact unbarwa@gmail.com.
WSBA COMMUNITY NETWORKING
New Lawyers List Serve
This list serve is a discussion platform for new lawyers of the WSBA. To join, email newmembers@wsba.org.
ALPS Attorney Match
Attorney Match is a free online networking tool made available through the WSBA-endorsed professional liability partner, ALPS. Learn more at www.wsba.org/connect-serve/mentorship/find-your-mentor, or email mentorlink@wsba.org.
QUICK REFERENCE
September 2022 Usury
The usury rate for Sept. 2022 is 12%. The auction yield of the Aug. 1, 2022, auction of the six-month Treasury Bill was 2.93%.
HAVE SOMETHING NEWSWORTHY TO SHARE? Email wabarnews@wsba.org if you have an item you would like to place in Need to Know.