News, Information, and Resources of Interest to WSBA Members
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Avoid Phishing Scams > Phishing is a type of online fraud that involves someone masquerading as a trustworthy/reputable source to get you to reveal sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. Long gone are the days of clumsy emails from fake foreign princes asking for your bank account number—phishing is on the rise and becoming more sophisticated. That includes reports from members who have received fraudulent messages purporting to be from WSBA officers or lawyer colleagues. The WSBA has compiled resources to help you keep your data safe: How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams; Phishing 101 — An Introduction to Phishing Awareness and Prevention; and Email Phishing Scams? Prevent Common Threats by Using the S.T.O.P Method. To learn more, visit www.wsba.org/for-the-public/public-home/scam-alert.
WSBA NEWS
2025 License Renewal and Sections Information
License Renewal is Paperless (online only). Notifications and reminders will be sent by email. Please be sure your email address is current, and emails from the wsba.org domain will not be marked as spam. License renewal must be completed online at https://licensing.wsba.org, where you will be able to complete required certifications and securely pay your license fee or print an invoice to mail with a check.
Certify MCLE Compliance. If you are in the 2022-2024 reporting period, you are due to report CLE credits and certify MCLE compliance. The deadline for completing credits is Dec. 31, 2024. The certification must be completed online by Feb. 3, 2025. Visit www.wsba.org/MCLE to learn more.
License Fee Payment Plan and Exemptions. If you are experiencing financial challenges, a payment plan option is available. Payments may be made in up to five installments with the balance required to be paid in full by Feb. 3, 2025. License fee exemptions are available for licensed legal professionals who qualify. Visit www.wsba.org/licensing to learn more.
New Option for Member Pronouns. You now have the option of including pronouns on your profile in the WSBA Legal Directory. Please go to https://mywsba.org/ to include yours! Pronouns are words used to refer to someone in the third person in place of their name. The purpose of including them is to indicate how others can respectfully refer to you.
Voluntary Demographic Information. Please update your information during license renewal at licensing.wsba.org. This information is essential to understanding the demographic makeup of Washington licensed legal professionals and can help inform better policymaking by decision-makers, including the Washington Supreme Court.
Join or Renew Your Section Membership. The Section membership year is Jan. 1–Dec. 31. Visit www.wsba.org/legal-community/sections/about-sections to learn more.
Pro Bono Status. If you are considering going inactive, pro bono status is a great alternative that lets you provide pro bono services through a qualified legal services provider (QLSP). The license fee will be waived for pro bono status members who completed at least 30 hours of pro bono service with a QLSP in the prior year. Learn more at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/license-renewal/status-changes.
Judicial Status. Please note you are required to inform the Bar within 10 days of your retirement or your ineligibility for judicial status (and you must apply to change to another status or to resign). Visit www.wsba.org/licensing to learn more.
DEADLINES
Dec. 31, 2024:
- Complete MCLE credits.
Feb. 3, 2025:
- Pay license fee.
- Certify trust account information and liability insurance disclosure or financial responsibility.
- Certify MCLE credits.
- Optional: Request license fee exemptions.
Feedback Needed: New Equity and Justice Plan
The WSBA’s DEI Council has drafted a new Equity and Justice Plan as a roadmap to help the WSBA advance equity and justice in our legal profession and legal system. The draft plan is based on the 2024 membership demographic study and a broad spectrum of member input. It focuses on three main goals: strengthening the legal profession by fostering belonging and building community; advancing a fair, inclusive, effective, and accessible legal system for all; and deepening and broadening the WSBA’s commitment to equitable decision-making. To learn more and take advantage of several different methods to comment, including an online survey and live, remote feedback sessions, visit www.wsba.org/equity-and-justice-plan.
Apply for Ninth Circuit Judgeship
The Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit invites applications from highly qualified candidates for a bankruptcy judgeship for the District of Oregon. This position is available immediately; however, the selection process may take up to 18 months to complete. The official duty station for this position is Eugene, Oregon. The term of office is 14 years with a possible renewal appointment subject to reappointment procedures. Application instructions and the application form are available on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals website at www.ca9.uscourts.gov. A copy may also be obtained by emailing personnel@ce9.uscourts.gov.
Spanish Language Access to the Lawyer Grievance Process
Please help spread the word: Information, directions, forms, and telephone interpreters are now available in Spanish for anyone who would like to contact the state bar with a concern about the ethical conduct of a lawyer. Spanish speakers can click “En Español” on the top menu bar at http://www.wsba.org to learn more. This is a pilot project that the WSBA hopes to expand to more languages soon. Visit www.wsba.org/for-the-public/concerns-about-a-lawyer/preocupaciones-por-un-abogado.
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.
VOLUNTEER
WSBA CLE Volunteer Presenter
WSBA CLE is currently seeking volunteer CLE speakers on the topics of limited practice officer/title/escrow, and legal technology/AI. If you are interested in presenting a CLE on one of the above topics, visit https://zurl.co/saqX to sign up. Please email rachelm@wsba.org if you have questions.
Be a Judge for UW In-House Competitions
The University of Washington School of Law hosts three in-house competitions during the school year and seeks local attorneys and judges to evaluate, score, and give feedback to the student competitors. If you are interested, please email trialad@uw.edu. Find out more at www.law.uw.edu/academics/experiential-learning/moot-court.
RESOURCES
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. 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.
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
Share Your Story
The Member Wellness Program wants to hear your inspiring stories. We know there are many challenges you have faced and hardships you have overcome. Share your story anonymously (some stories may be published) at https://tinyurl.com/c5c8frft. Your story can make a difference in the lives of your fellow legal professionals.
Virtual Mental Health Support Group
The free group led by WSBA staff Adely Ruiz, LICSW, and Dan Crystal, Psy.D, meets the first Thursday of every month 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.
Health Benefits
The WSBA Private Health Insurance Exchange offers members access to the most competitive group health insurance solutions on the market. Speak to a benefits counselor and request a free quote today at www.memberbenefits.com/wsba.
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. Currently, the group meets online via Zoom, and attorneys from all over Washington participate. For more information and Zoom credentials contact unbarwa@gmail.com.
ETHICS
Ethics Line
Members 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
Dec. 2024 Usury
The usury rate for Dec. 2024 is 12.00%. The auction yield of the Nov. 4, 2024, auction of the six-month Treasury Bill was 4.414%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(a) and 4.56.115 for Dec. 2024 is 6.414%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(b) and 4.56.111 for Dec. 2024 is 10.00%.