March 2023 > Need to Know

News & Information of Interest to WSBA Members

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WSBA NEWS

Presuspension Notices Mailed

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 http://www.licensing.wsba.org. Visit www.wsba.org/licensing to learn more.

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.

ATJ Conference

The Access to Justice Board’s Conference Planning Committee is now accepting session proposals for the 2023 Access to Justice Conference. The deadline to submit is March 24. This year’s theme is Shifting Justice Towards Accountability and Trust. Visit http://allianceforequaljustice.org/accesstojusticeconference/ to learn more about the conference and submit a proposal. Send questions to atj@wsba.org.

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.

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

Volunteer Application is Open

The WSBA volunteer application opened 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. Join a community of other WSBA members and have an impact on the profession. To learn more visit: www.wsba.org/volunteer.

Notice of WSBA Board of Governors Congressional District Election

The WSBA is conducting the election for the Congressional District Positions 6 and 8 (Districts 3 and 7-North have already declared winners; more information at www.wsba.org/elections). If you reside in District 6 or 8, you will receive an electronic ballot on March 15. The ballot will come from the email address help@election-america.com. The election closes at 5 p.m. PDT on April 3. Please email questions to barleaders@wsba.org

Serve on the WSBA Board of Governors

The WSBA Board of Governors is seeking applicants for the governor at-large position (with applications going through the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council) and 2023-2024 president-elect. The application deadline is April 17. Visit www.wsba.org/elections to learn more.


RESOURCES

Virtual Stress Management Group begins March 29

How are you managing your three S’s: stress, self-care, and sanity? Looking to enhance your ability to take care of yourself while managing your workload? Join our 8-week program on Zoom tailored to help you build a personalized stress management plan. Free of charge. Sign up at www.wsba.org/stress.

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.

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 Practice-Management Consultations 

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.


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

March 2023 Usury

The usury rate for March 2023 is 12%. The auction yield of the Feb. 6, 2023, auction of the six-month Treasury Bill was 4.94%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(a) and 4.56.115 for March 2023 is 6.94%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(b) and 4.56.111 for March 2023 is 9.75%.