The WSBA Board of Governors determines the Bar’s general policies and approves its annual budget
The agenda, materials, and video recording from this Board of Governors meeting (held in Port Angeles), as well as past meetings, are online here: www.wsba.org/bog.
SIDEBAR
The WSBA Receives Clean Financial Audit
Certified Public Accounting firm Clark Nuber has issued an unmodified, “clean” audit opinion for the WSBA’s 2024 fiscal year. This marks another year of upstanding independent audit reports for the state bar. The WSBA has been issued “clean” audits—that is, without a modified opinion, verifying that our financial records accurately present our fiscal status and obligations—dating back to at least 1970. Additionally, the WSBA’s annual audits have had no management letters—that is, no issues of note or concern to communicate to the Board of Governors—dating back to at least 1996.
“Financial integrity is paramount,” said WSBA Treasurer Kari Petrasek. “We’re proud to have another consecutive year of an unmodified opinion, highlighting the accuracy and prudent management of our financial operations.” More information about the WSBA’s finances can be found at www.wsba.org/about-wsba/finances.
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May 2-3, 2025
TOP MEETING TAKEAWAYS
In Support of the Rule of Law. More than 1,600—that’s how many legal professionals turned out on Law Day, May 1, to retake their professional oath, emphasizing their duty to protect the Constitution and rule of law. Thank you to all who participated, sending a powerful message to Washingtonians: We stand united in protecting the liberties and rights of all! Law Day also kicked off our Rule of Law Ambassador Program, which will help legal professionals fulfill one of their most important duties, to educate the public about the rule of law and to build trust and confidence in the justice system. Visit www.wsba.org/ambassadors or email ambassadors@wsba.org to learn more.
Incoming President-Elect. Congratulations to Kari Petrasek. The Board selected Kari to assume the WSBA presidency in 2026-2027. She is currently serving as WSBA treasurer, governor for the 2nd District, chair of the Small Town and Rural Council, and member of the executive committees for the Solo/Small Practice and Juvenile Law Sections. She will be only the third lawyer from Snohomish County (the first in 35 years) and the seventh woman to hold the position of WSBA president.
Local Hero. The WSBA recognized James Rodriguez as a Local Hero, an honor bestowed by the WSBA president in partnership with county bar associations to recognize colleagues who make noteworthy contributions to their communities. James was nominated by the Clallam County Bar Association for his outstanding pro bono contributions made through Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers (CJCPBL) and as Clallam County Bar Association (CCBA) president from 2021 to 2024.
Approval of an Equity and Justice Plan. The Board of Governors adopted an Equity and Justice Plan
(www.wsba.org/about-wsba/equity-and-inclusion/equity-and-justice-plan), with much thanks to the WSBA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and the hundreds and hundreds of members who contributed to the drafting; the plan is built on comprehensive quantitative and qualitative data reflecting members’ demographics and experiences. The plan is a roadmap to drive resources and actions toward the overall goal of expanding justice for all. The plan has three focus areas—the legal profession, the clients we serve, and WSBA leadership—with steps that all contribute to the overall goal: To foster a legal system that is committed to ensuring that everyone in Washington needing legal services can realistically access those services, and that everyone in Washington interested in entering the legal field has a realistic opportunity to achieve success in our profession. Stay tuned as the WSBA now begins implementation of the plan.
WSBA Budget Reforecast and License Fee Philosophy. The Board of Governors approved a reforecast of the current FY25 budget, which is a midyear reconciliation of the projected budget with actual expenses and revenues thus far. The reforecast shows a slight uptick in expenses and downtick in revenues, compared to what was initially projected, with an overall healthy and expected reserve outcome for the year. The Board also heard a first reading of a proposed license fee philosophy focused on stability and predictability for members: Under the proposed process, a market factor (COLA) would be considered each year to ensure the license fee is keeping track with the changing value of the dollar; then the Board would adjust the fee, depending on anticipated changes in revenues, expenses, reserve funds, and program needs. More information at www.wsba.org/about-wsba/who-we-are/board-of-governors/license-fee-philosophy. Any questions can be directed to BoardFeedback@wsba.org.
Member Well-Being. One of the WSBA’s strategic goals is to expand and improve well-being resources for legal professionals. Toward that end, a Well-Being Task Force began studying member well-being in mid-2024, which has included a comprehensive member survey and consulting national models and best practices. Task force leaders reported that they are on track to produce a final report in March 2026.
The Board also:
- Held a moment of silence to honor and remember Justice Susan Owens. (Read a short obituary for Justice Owens on page 48.)
- Recommended to the Washington Supreme Court that the Client Protection Fund assessment remain the same, $20, for the 2026 licensing year and that relevant APRs be amended to increase initial gift payment amounts and per-claim limits.
- Held a first reading of a technical amendment to a WSBA bylaw regarding license status for eligibility for service on a WSBA committee; that bylaw amendment will be on the Board’s consent calendar in July and, if approved, sent to the Washington Supreme Court for consideration.
SAVE THE DATE > The next regular meeting is July 17–19, 2025, in Walla Walla. To subscribe to the Board Meeting Notification list, email barleaders@wsba.org.