International Practice Section
Current Annual Report:
WSBA SECTION ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2006–2007
Washington State Bar Association
[ Period of October 1, 2006 – September 30, 2007 ]
Date: September 20, 2007
Section name: International Practice Section
Submitted by: Tracy M. Heims, Chair, 2006-2007
Term of office for section leadership: June – June
1. Section highlights and accomplishments for fiscal year 2007.
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CLEs. The International Practice Section has provided free monthly CLEs to all members providing over 10 free hours of CLE credits during our 2006-2007 year. Also have provided video links to CLEs for our colleagues on the East side of the state.
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Special events –Annual Meeting, Law Student Reception, Foreign Lawyer's Reception that features a mentor program that pairs our members with foreign lawyers (generally in the same field of practice), Joint Canada Event. Co-sponsored numerous events, including "Doing Business in Japan" with Japan America Society and "Importer Beware," sponsored by the Tacoma World Trade Center.
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Sponsorship. Started a sponsorship program where companies and organizations provide a sponsorship fee to the International Practice Section to provide member services either free or at highly reduced costs.
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Online Newsletter—the Global Gavel. The section started an online newsletter that provides pertinent information and articles for practitioners in the international field, along with a place for members to post want-ads and other useful information.
2. Current benefits for section members.
3. Section community involvement & special financial designations.
4. Section priorities, including new goals, for upcoming fiscal year 2008.
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Provide free CLEs to all members.
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Provide free bi-monthly social events.
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Provide opportunities for our sponsors to support the section and to promote their organizations.
5. Current relationship between the section and the WSBA.
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Collaboration and co-sponsorship of numerous programs with other sections & bar-affiliated groups.
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Currently Involved with Board of Governors to amend rules and by-laws with respect to foreign counsel's ability to practice in the State and to participate with the Bar and its sections.
