News & Information of Interest to WSBA Members
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APEX Award Nominations Open Through Feb. 29 > 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. 29 for the 2024 APEX (Acknowledging Professional Excellence) Awards. Submit nominations to barleaders@wsba.org; forms are available at www.wsba.org/news-events/apex-awards. Please include details and specifics and invite your friends and colleagues to write statements in support! There will be no deadline extensions. Questions? Please contact barleaders@wsba.org for more information. You can watch interviews with the 2023 APEX Award winners on the WSBA YouTube channel.
WSBA NEWS
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. Dozens of proposed rule changes are currently published for comment, with some comment periods expiring on Apr. 30. View all opportunities to comment at www.courts.wa.gov/courtrules.
2024 License Renewal
Deadline was Feb. 1, 2024. If you have not completed all mandatory portions of your license renewal, you are delinquent and your license is at risk of administrative suspension. Depending on your license status, mandatory requirements include MCLE certification, trust account declaration, and disclosing professional liability insurance or financial responsibility. Licensing requirements, including MCLE certification, must be completed online at www.licensing.wsba.org. Visit www.wsba.org/licensing to learn more.
Work at the WSBA
The WSBA is hiring! Visit www.wsba.org/career-center/work-at-the-wsba to see what’s available.
WSBA Membership Counts
Did you know that the WSBA publishes membership statistics—including total count by license type, location, year of admission, practice type, and certain demographics—refreshed each month as part of the Who We Are page? Visit www.wsba.org/docs/default-source/licensing/membership-info-data/countdemo_20190801.pdf, or you can search “WSBA demographics” on any search engine to easily get to the right webpage.
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.
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.
Virtual Career Guidance Group
This free group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. This is a chance to receive guidance on your résumé, informational interviewing, applying for positions, and where you see yourself in your legal career. This group is led by Dan Crystal, Psy.D. Sign up at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/wellness/group-sessions.
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
This free group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. This is a chance to receive guidance on your résumé, informational interviewing, applying for positions, and where you see yourself in your legal career. This group is led by Dan Crystal, Psy.D. Sign up at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/wellness/group-sessions.
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.
WSBA MEMBER WELLNESS
Pathways to Productivity
Presented in collaboration with the WSBA’s Practice Management Assistance Program, this free group meets via Zoom every other week for six sessions, noon–1 p.m., Feb. 7–April 17. We will continue offering additional six-week-long groups later in the year. If you’re a legal professional navigating productivity challenges in the workplace, this group is tailored for you. Learn more and sign up at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/wellness/group-sessions.
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 every other Thursday from 1-2 p.m. Learn more and sign up 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.
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 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
February 2024 Usury
The usury rate for February 2024 is 12.00%. The auction yield of the Jan. 2, 2024, auction of the six-month Treasury Bill was 5.264%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(a) and 4.56.115 for February 2024 is 7.264%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(b) and 4.56.111 for February 2024 is 10.50%.