News & Information of Interest to WSBA Members
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Rural Virtual Hiring Event > Get ready for the second annual virtual hiring event, “Rural Practice: Small Towns, Big Opportunities,” to be held on April 5. This free event will connect attorneys and law students with Washington state legal employers with offices more than 40 miles from Spokane, Seattle/Tacoma, or Vancouver/Portland urban areas. This event is hosted by Gonzaga University School of Law, in partnership with the WSBA Small Town & Rural Practice Committee, Seattle University School of Law, and University of Washington School of Law. To learn more, visit
www.wsba.org/news-events/events-calendar/2024/04/
05/access-to-justice-board/rural-practice-small-towns-
big-opportunities—2nd-annual-virtual-hiring-event.
WSBA NEWS
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.
Presuspension Notices Mailed
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 may 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.
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.
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.
Seeking Applicants for WSBA Representative Positions
The WSBA is seeking applicants for two members (one member; one alternate) to serve on the Commission on Judicial Conduct and one member to serve on the Washington Civil Legal Aid Oversight Committee. Applications are due March 29. Visit www.wsba.org/connect-serve/volunteer-with-wsba/volunteer-as-a-wsba-representative to learn more.
RESOURCES
Legal Clinic Volunteers Needed
A free legal clinic put on by the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington, the King County Bar Association, and El Centro de la Raza is looking for attorney volunteers interested in doing pro bono work. The clinic takes place from 6-8 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month through November 2024 at El Centro de la Raza in Beacon Hill (2524 16th Ave. S, Seattle, 3rd Floor). Volunteers provide general consultations in areas of the law including immigration, family law, auto accidents, personal injury, worker’s rights/wage claims, tenant rights, and criminal law. For more information, email clinics@lbaw.org. Find the volunteer application at www.lbaw.org/services/clinics. Upcoming clinic dates: March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, and Nov. 13.
State of the Judiciary
The recently released 2024 State of the Judiciary Report details the challenges, strengths, and progress made by Washington’s courts and judicial branch agencies over the past year. Highlights of the report include the launch of the Blake Refund Bureau, which provides online reimbursement to people whose simple drug possession convictions were found unconstitutional in the 2021 State v. Blake decision; the pilot launch of a modern case management, eFiling, and probation management system to be implemented in Washington’s district and municipal courts; and the expansion of therapeutic courts across the state. Find the report on the court’s website here: www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/content/StateoftheJudiciary2024.cfm.
IOLTA FAQs
Have questions about trust accounts? Check out the new IOLTA FAQs to learn important information about such topics as unidentified owners and unclaimed property, recordkeeping, disbursements, general banking, reconciliation, and more. Find the FAQs at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/practice-management-assistance/iolta-faqs.
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.
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
March 2024 Usury
The usury rate for March 2024 is 12.00%. The auction yield of the Feb. 5, 2024, auction of the six-month Treasury Bill was 5.263%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(a) and 4.56.115 for March 2024 is 7.263%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(b) and 4.56.111 for March 2024 is 10.50%.