News & Information of Interest to WSBA Members
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2023 APEX Award Nominations Are Open: Do you know someone who achieved something extraordinary for their client, their community, or the legal profession over the past year? The WSBA is accepting nominations through Feb. 28 for the 2023 APEX (Acknowledging Professional Excellence) Awards. To find and submit a nomination form, visit www.wsba.org/news-events/apex-awards.
WSBA NEWS
2023 License Renewal
The license renewal deadline was Feb. 1. If you have not completed all mandatory portions of your license renewal, including MCLE requirements and certification, trust account declaration, and disclosing professional liability insurance or financial responsibility, if applicable, you are delinquent and your license is at risk of administrative suspension. Licensing requirements, including MCLE certification, must be completed online at www.licensing.wsba.org. Visit www.wsba.org/licensing to learn more.
Proposed Rules of Court Published for Comment
The WSBA encourages members to actively monitor and provide feedback when the Washington Supreme Court is considering any amendments to its rules. Several proposed rule changes are currently published for comment, with some comment periods expiring on Apr. 30. View all opportunities to comment at https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/?fa=court_rules.proposed.
Section Membership
Want to gain access to list serve communities, free and discounted CLEs, and networking opportunities in your practice area? Want to join thousands of other WSBA members who are a part of one (or more) of the WSBA’s 29 sections? All this and more is waiting for you. Join through your myWSBA account, www.mywsba.org.
Free Postings for Positions in Rural Parts of Washington State
Many rural communities in Washington do not have enough lawyers to meet the legal needs of their residents. In an effort to increase awareness among WSBA members about employment opportunities in rural parts of the state, the WSBA and the Career Center are offering free 30-day postings of jobs for legal professionals in “rural” areas, defined as: “any job not in Thurston, Clark, Pierce, King, Snohomish, Spokane, and Whatcom counties, with the proviso that if the job is in a town of 5,000 or less within said county, it may also be posted for free.” To determine eligibility for a free posting, please contact memberbenefits@wsba.org with “RURAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY” in the subject line.
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 www.wsba.org/connect-serve/pro-bono-public-service/mmp for more information and join now through your myWSBA account, www.mywsba.org.
Update on WSBA 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 http://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.
WSBA Office Space for Sublease
The state Bar is offering space for sublease at its headquarters in the Puget Sound Plaza Building in the heart of downtown Seattle.
There is a mix of size and space configurations available with competitive terms. All interested parties should go through broker Adam Chapman at 206-521-2672 or adam.chapman@am.jll.com. The WSBA’s current lease runs through December 2026, and space has become available as many positions have transitioned to remote or hybrid work. The WSBA’s Long-Range Strategic Planning Council is currently investigating the future of the WSBA’s office location beyond 2026.
VOLUNTEER
Applications Will Open Soon
The WSBA Volunteer Application will open March 1. There are many reasons to volunteer with the WSBA: to support the Bar’s mission, to grow your professional network, to learn a new skill, or to reap the health benefits of volunteering. No matter your reason, you are welcomed and encouraged to join a community of other WSBA members and have an impact on the profession. Complete the Volunteer Interest Form at www.wsba.org/volunteer and we will contact you to discuss the opportunities that match your interests.
Serve on the WSBA Board of Governors
The WSBA Board of Governors is seeking applicants for congressional district positions 3, 6, 7N, and 8. The application deadline is Feb. 15. The WSBA Board of Governors is also seeking applications for the governor at-large position (with applications going through the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council) and 2023-2024 president-elect. The application deadline for these positions is April 17. Visit www.wsba.org/elections to learn more.
Midterm Volunteer Opportunities Available
It can be hard to commit, at first, to a two- or three-year term. Some volunteer opportunities that have, for various reasons, remained open may have a shorter time commitment. Consider: Board of Bar Examiners, Character and Fitness Board, CLE Committee, Client Protection Board, Court Rules and Procedures Committee, Disciplinary Advisory Round Table, Editorial Advisory Committee, Pro Bono & Public Service Committee, and the Washington Young Lawyers Committee. If interested, please contact barleaders@wsba.org.
RESOURCES
Check Out the 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.
‘Gideon at 60’ Conference
The Defender Initiative at Seattle University School of Law is having a “Gideon at 60” Conference on March 17, 2023. The conference will explore topics including new workload standards, how to develop a record to address race bias, and more. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/defender-initiative-conference-tickets-513506952117.
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 http://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
The WSBA is hiring! Current job openings include equity and justice lead, WSBA bar exam proctor, and audit manager. 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.
Health Benefits
The WSBA Private Health Insurance Exchange offers members access to the most competitive group health insurance solutions on the market. Enjoy unique cost-saving opportunities, complimentary enrollment technology, valuable HR tools, and voluntary premier-level ancillary benefits with special pricing and concessions. Speak to a benefits counselor and request a free quote today: www.memberbenefits.com/wsba.
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
Feb. 2023 Usury
The usury rate for February 2023 is 12%. The auction yield of the Jan. 3, 2023, auction of the six-month Treasury Bill was 4.812%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(a) and 4.56.115 for February 2023 is 6.812%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(b) and 4.56.111 for February 2023 is 9.50%.