News, Information, and Resources of Interest to WSBA Members
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Comment on Court Rules > A variety of court rules have been published to the Washington State Courts website for comment. The comment period for many of the rules closes April 30. To view the proposed changes on the table for comment, visit www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/?fa=court_rules.proposed.
WSBA NEWS
2025 License Renewal
Deadline was Feb. 3, 2025. 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.
Interested in Being Interviewed for Appellate Court Vacancies?
On March 27, the WSBA Judicial Recommendation Committee (JRC) will interview attorneys and judges interested in being appointed by the governor to fill potential vacancies on the Washington Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. The JRC’s recommendations are reviewed by the WSBA Board of Governors and forwarded to the governor for consideration when making appointments. To be considered for an interview, complete and submit the questionnaire posted on the JRC webpage at http://www.wsba.org/JRC by Feb. 21. For further information, visit the JRC webpage, www.wsba.org/connect-serve/committees-boards-other-groups/JRC.
New Equity and Justice Plan Presentation
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council will present the first draft of the new Equity and Justice Plan to the WSBA Board of Governors at their meeting March 21–22. The Council received significant feedback, so it postponed its presentation of the draft plan from January to March to allow sufficient time to review and incorporate feedback. Visit www.wsba.org/about-wsba/equity-and-inclusion/equity-and-justice-plan for more; send feedback on the plan to diversity@wsba.org.
Please Complete Your Confidential Demographics Form
Did you know that the WSBA regularly publishes a variety of demographic information about the broader WSBA membership? This information is essential to understanding the makeup of the profession, assessing the services the WSBA provides, and informing policymakers as they contemplate changes related to regulation of the practice of law. We highly encourage WSBA members to participate in this voluntary demographic information collection. Please answer the short form of demographic questions during your license renewal. If you have already renewed your license, you can still return to the license renewal page (https://licensing.wsba.org/) to complete the demographics section. Individual gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability information is kept strictly confidential, and is used only in the aggregate for demographic analysis. Thank you for your participation.
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.
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 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 and clinics2@lbaw.org.
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
vLex Fastcase Platform Upgrade
In October 2024, Fastcase 7, the WSBA’s free legal research platform for members, transitioned to vLex Fastcase. The upgraded platform includes everything Fastcase 7 offers plus unique features to enhance your productivity and provide you with greater insights into legal matters. For additional resources and information, please visit https://vlex.com/vlex-fastcase, or www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/legal-research-tools/free-legal-research.
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
Washington Lawyers Assisting Lawyers
Washington Lawyers Assisting Lawyers is a new nonprofit that offers free and confidential services. WaLAL is separate from the WSBA and is not affiliated with any 12-step organization. WaLAL’s trained lawyer volunteers serve as peer counselors to lawyers, judges, and law students facing substance use and other mental health challenges. WaLAL’s Director of Peer Training and Intake Coordinator is Andy Benjamin, J.D., Ph.D. Dr. Benjamin is a licensed psychologist and University of Washington clinical professor of psychology and affiliate professor of law. To learn more about WaLAL, to seek assistance, or to volunteer as a peer counselor, see www.WALAL.org or email info@walal.org.
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
Save the Date for Young Lawyer Social
The Washington Young Lawyers Committee (WYLC) cordially invites WSBA members—both new and experienced—to attend a networking social on Feb. 26. Whether you’re celebrating the end of the bar exam or just looking to connect, this is the perfect chance to unwind, network, and meet fellow young lawyers in a relaxed setting. Visit www.wsba.org/news-events/events-calendar/2025/02/26/default-calendar/wylc-new-and-young-lawyer-social.
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
Feb. 2025 Usury
The usury rate for February 2025 is 12.00%. The auction yield of the Jan. 6, 2025, auction of the six-month Treasury Bill was 4.256%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(a) and 4.56.115 for February 2025 is 6.256%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(b) and 4.56.111 for February 2025 is 9.50%.