News & Information of Interest to WSBA Members
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2023 Member Demographic Study > You should have received a request to participate in a membership-wide survey as part of the WSBA’s once-in-a decade Member Demographic Study, which was last conducted in 2012. The 2023 Member Demographic Study will be used to inform how to improve our legal profession, including how to better support underrepresented and historically marginalized legal professionals. The study will also inform a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan that will replace the 2012 Diversity and Inclusion Plan. We invite you to participate in the study. To learn more visit www.wsba.org/about-wsba/equity-and-inclusion/achieving-inclusion.
WSBA NEWS
Work at the WSBA
The WSBA is hiring! Current openings include assistant general counsel. Visit www.wsba.org/career-center/work-at-the-wsba to learn more.
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.
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.
Lawyers Helping Hungry Children
Lawyers Helping Hungry Children has worked since its 1991 founding by recently retired Robert “Bob” Mussehl, to get nutritious food to children who do not have enough to eat. The annual Fundraiser & Awards Luncheon, hosted in conjunction with Global Social Business Partners, will be held Nov. 8, from 12–1:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Congregational Church in downtown Seattle. Register at: https//bit.ly/LHHCGSBP; learn more at https://lhhcwash.org and www.gsbp.life.
RESOURCES
Monthly Virtual Career Guidance Group
This free drop-in group is for legal professionals seeking support in their job search or in other career dilemmas. This group will be led by Dan Crystal, Psy.D, or Adely Ruiz, LSWAIC. They can assist with résumé review, best practices for applying online, informational Interviewing, identifying the ideal career, transitioning between practice areas, and other workplace challenges. The group will meet on Zoom monthly on the first Thursday of each month from 3–4 p.m., beginning Aug. 3. Sign up at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/wellness/group-sessions.
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.
Software and Services for Your Practice
As a member of the WSBA, you have access to the Practice Management Discount Network, a collection of discounts on products and services to help you improve your law practice. We offer discounts on conflict-checking, credit-card processing, encryption, cybersecurity, document editing, document management, e-discovery, marketing and website support, office supplies, practice management software, remote receptionists, and retirement planning. Learn more and access your discounts today at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/practice-management-discount-network.
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 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.
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
Virtual Mental Health Support Group
The free group, “Healing Minds: Managing Persistent or Overwhelming Challenges to One’s Well-Being as a Lawyer,” led by WSBA staff Adely Ruiz, LSWAIC, and Dan Crystal, Psy.D, meets biweekly on Wednesdays from 1-2 p.m. Learn more at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/wellness/group-sessions.
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
September 2023 Usury
The usury rate for September 2023 is 12.00%. The auction yield of the Aug. 7, 2023, auction of the six-month Treasury Bill was 5.499%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(a) and 4.56.115 for September 2023 is 7.499%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(b) and 4.56.111 for September 2023 is 10.50%.