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December 2007Washington State Access to Justice Board The Washington State Access to Justice Board (ATJ Board) announces one vacancy, effective May 2008, for a judge or attorney. The Washington State Supreme Court established the Access to Justice Board in 1994 to assure equal access to the civil justice system for those facing economic and other significant barriers. The ATJ Board works to achieve this mission through the oversight of its State Plan for delivery of civil legal aid; coordinating and implementing statewide initiatives for improving access for unrepresented and underrepresented populations in Washington state; and building leadership, funding, and other support for equal access to the civil justice system. The ATJ Board consists of nine members, including up to two lay members, selected on the basis of a demonstrated commitment to, and familiarity with, access to justice issues. Board members may serve up to two three-year terms. The ATJ Board has approximately seven full-day meetings throughout the year in Seattle. Additionally, the Board has an annual retreat and meets at the annual Access to Justice Conference. Travel expenses are reimbursed. Responsibilities of ATJ Board members include attending Board meetings and the annual planning sessions; serving as liaison to at least one Board committee; and actively participating in Board initiatives. A demonstrated commitment to equal justice principles and an enthusiastic commitment to serve in equal justice community leadership are required, as are strong communication skills and an ability to see the "big picture." The ATJ Board strives to have a membership that reflects inclusion, diversity (including geographic diversity), and cross-cultural competence. For more information about the ATJ Board, please contact WSBA Justice Programs Manager Joan Fairbanks at 206-727-8282, 800-945-9722, ext. 8282, or joanf@wsba.org, or visit www.wsba.org/atj. Please submit a résumé and letter of interest, including a summary of qualifications, to: WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539, or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. Council on Public Legal Education (CPLE) The WSBA Board of Governors seeks two members to serve on the Council on Public Legal Education beginning February 1, 2008. One position expires September 30, 2009, and the other September 30, 2010. Both positions are renewable for three years. The mission of the CPLE, which is an advisory committee of the WSBA, is to promote public understanding of the law and civic rights and responsibilities. The CPLE pursues this mission by conducting, coordinating, encouraging, and publicizing public legal education efforts in Washington state. The CPLE's 25 members comprise attorneys, judges, educators, and community leaders. The CPLE's accomplishments include creating the lawforwa.org website, increasing the amount of civics education in the state's K–12 schools, and sponsoring the state's first youth court conference. Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to: WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle WA 98101, or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. For further information on the CPLE, contact the WSBA public legal education manager, Pam Inglesby, at pami@wsba.org or 206-727-8226, or 800-945-9722, ext. 8226. WSBA ABA House of Delegates Alternate The WSBA Board of Governors is accepting letters of interest and résumés from members interested in serving as an alternate for the ABA House of Delegates. The alternate would participate in the ABA House of Delegates if one of the WSBA delegates were unable to attend a meeting, so full voting capacity can exist at all times. Preferably, the alternate should be someone who usually attends the ABA Midyear and Annual meetings, since the substitution may need to be made on fairly short notice. The term of service is two years, and the alternate may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. The ABA House of Delegates alternate must be an ABA member in good standing throughout his/her term. Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to: WSBA Bar Leaders Division, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539; or e-mail barleaders@wsba.org. Call for Applications for One of Two Board of Governors At-Large Seats To increase member representation on the Board of Governors, the WSBA Bylaws provide for two at-large seats. The full text of the Bylaws can be reviewed at www.wsba.org/bylaws. One of these seats is up for election to a three-year term commencing at the close of the annual meeting in September 2008. Persons interested in filling an at-large position should submit a letter of application and current résumé. The Board of Governors will elect the at-large governor at their meeting on June 6, 2008. The application should include a statement addressing how the applicant believes he or she meets the intent specified in Article III, Section N. There is no intent that these seats are dedicated or rotationally filled by any one element of diversity or group of members. (Excerpt from the WSBA Amended Bylaws, Article III, Section N) At the regularly scheduled June meeting of the Board of Governors following the regular election of Governors from Congressional Districts, or at a special meeting called for that purpose, the Board of Governors shall elect additional Governors from the active membership at-large. Election may be by a secret written ballot. There shall be two at-large Governor positions to be filled with persons who, in the Board's sole discretion, have the experience and knowledge of the needs of those lawyers whose membership is or may be historically under-represented in governance, or who represent some of the diverse elements of the public of the State of Washington, to the end that the Board of Governors will be a more diverse and representative body than the results of the election of Governors based solely on Congressional districts may allow. Under-representation and diversity may be based upon the discretionary determination of the Board of Governors at the time of the election of any at-large Governor to include, but not be limited to, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, geography, areas and types of practice, and years of membership, provided that no single factor shall be determinative. Members interested in the at-large position on the Board of Governors should submit a letter of application and résumé to: WSBA Office of the Executive Director, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539; 206-727-8244 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8244. 2008 Notice of Board of Governors Election Four positions on the WSBA Board of Governors will be up for election this year. These are the governors representing the 3rd, 6th, 7th-East*, and 8th Congressional Districts. These positions are currently held by Kristal K. Wiitala (3rd District), Salvador A. Mungia (6th District), Liza E. Burke (7th-East District), and Douglas C. Lawrence (8th District). The WSBA Bylaws provide that any member in good standing, except a member previously elected to the Board of Governors, may be nominated for the office of governor from the congressional district (or geographical region within the 7th District*) in which such member is entitled to vote. Nominations are made by filing a statement of interest and a biographical statement of 100 words or less. Generally, members are entitled to vote in the congressional district in which the member resides. All out-of-state active WSBA members are eligible to vote in the district of the address of their agent within Washington for the purpose of receiving service of process as required by APR 5(e), or, if specifically designated to the WSBA executive director, within the district of their primary Washington practice. However, the member must reside in the congressional district to be eligible for election. Nomination forms are available from the WSBA Office of the Executive Director, 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle, WA 98101-2539; 206-727-8244, or 800-945-9722, ext. 8244, and the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/info/bog/default.htm. The WSBA executive director must receive nomination forms by 5:00 p.m. on March 3, 2008. The Board of Governors determines the official dates of the election. Ballots are mailed on or about April 15 and are counted on or about May 15. Note: The biographical statements of nominated candidates will be published in the May issue of Bar News. *The 7th Congressional District is divided into three sub-districts, East, Central, and West. These sub-districts are distinguished by zip codes and each has one elected governor. For the coming year, the East sub-district (zip codes are 98105, 98115, 98118, 98122, 98125, 98144, 98155, 98178, and 98185) will elect a new governor. Seeking Questionnaires from Candidates for Judicial Appointments The WSBA Judicial Recommendation Committee (JRC) is accepting questionnaires from attorneys and judges seeking consideration for appointment to fill potential Washington State Supreme Court and Court of Appeals vacancies. Interested individuals will be interviewed by the Committee on the dates listed above. The JRC's recommendations are reviewed by the WSBA Board of Governors and referred to Governor Gregoire for consideration when making judicial appointments. Materials must be received at the WSBA office by the deadline listed above. To obtain a questionnaire, visit the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/groups/judicialrecommendation or contact the WSBA at 206-727-8212 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8212, or barleaders@wsba.org. 2008 License Fee, Late Fees, and Suspension Information 2008 License Fee Packets. Licensing packets will be mailed in early December. This year's packet has been condensed. The packet includes your license-fee invoice with status change request to inactive or for resignation, as well as contact information changes and contact restriction requests. Active members will have a mandatory trust account declaration form, backed by a mandatory professional liability insurance disclosure form and, as applicable, separate MCLE information or certification forms. All members will receive the voluntary pro bono and demographic information form. If you have not received your licensing packet by mid-January 2008, please call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org to request a duplicate. Please note that it is your responsibility to pay your annual license fee, regardless of whether you receive the licensing packet. New Fee to Change Status to Active. Beginning January 1, 2008, all members on inactive, judicial, or emeritus status who apply for a change to active status will be required to pay a $100 investigation fee at the time of filing an application for a change of membership status to active. The Board of Governors approved the fee to help defray the costs associated with researching a member's background and membership history. You may also pay online. To pay online, go to www.wsba.org, select the "For Lawyers" tab, and see "Pay License Fee Online." Contact Information. APR 13(b) requires all attorneys to update their office address and telephone number within 10 days of the change. You can check your listing by going to the online lawyer directory at http://pro.wsba.org. If any of your contact information (name, address, phone number, or e-mail address) has changed, please update the information by e-mailing questions@wsba.org, faxing the change to 206-727-8319, or calling the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722). Note: If you list a home address as your public contact address, that address will be provided to all inquirers as your contact information. All requests for contact information changes must be made directly by the member or with the member's demonstrated approval. Resources. The 2008 Resources directory will print the contact information that is in the WSBA membership database on February 1, 2008. Now is the ideal time to check that the WSBA has your correct contact information in its database. You can check by going to the online lawyer directory on the WSBA website at http://pro.wsba.org. If your contact information has changed, please complete and return the Contact Information Change form included in the license packet to the address shown on the form or by fax to 206-727-8319, or e-mail the changes to questions@wsba.org. Please update your information as soon as possible, but no later than January 31, 2008, for inclusion in Resources. WSBA Bylaw on Armed Forces Fee Exemption. The WSBA will begin processing Armed Forces Exemption requests in December for the 2008 licensing year. WSBA Bylaw Section II.E.1.b. provides for a fee exemption for eligible members of the Armed Forces. This section of the WSBA Bylaws provides: "An active member of the Association who is activated from reserve duty status to full-time active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than sixty days in any calendar year, or who is deployed or stationed outside the United States for any period of time for full-time active military duty in the Armed Forces of the United States shall be exempt from the payment of membership fees and assessments for the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection upon submitting to the Executive Director satisfactory proof that he or she is so activated, deployed or stationed. All requests for exemption must be postmarked or delivered to the Association offices on or before March 1st of the year for which the exemption is requested. Eligible members must apply every year they wish to claim the exemption. Each exemption applies for only the calendar year in which it is granted, and exemptions may be granted for a maximum total of five years for any member." WSBA members whose membership status is active and who are otherwise eligible for the Armed Forces exemption as described above can apply for a waiver of WSBA license fees beginning in December. (WSBA members whose WSBA membership status is inactive or emeritus must still pay the annual WSBA license fees for that status.) If you are an active member and you believe you are eligible for the fee exemption, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or questions@wsba.org; or contact Kevin McKee at kevinm@wsba.org or 206-727-8243 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8243, for application information. More Information. For more information, please see the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/licensing/annuallicensing.htm, or contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722), 206-443-WSBA (9722), or questions@ wsba.org. MCLE Certification for Group 1 (2005-2007) If you are an active WSBA member in MCLE Reporting Group 1 (2005-2007), you will receive your Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2/C3) forms in the license packet that will be mailed in early December. The deadline for returning the C2/C3 form to the WSBA is February 1, 2008. Any C2/C3 forms delivered to the WSBA or postmarked after March 3, 2008, will be assessed a late fee. Members in Group 1 include active members who were admitted to the WSBA through 1975 or in 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, or 2003. Members admitted in 2006 are also in Group 1 but are not due to report until the end of 2010. Their first reporting period will be 2008-2010; however, any credits earned on or after the day of admittance to the WSBA may be counted for compliance. The Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2/C3) form that you received in your license packet is a declaration that lists all the MCLE Board-approved courses that were in your MCLE online profile for the 2005–2007 reporting period as of mid-October 2007. If you took other courses after mid-October, you can add these to the back of the C2/C3 form when you receive it. The C2/C3 form, not your online profile, is the official record of MCLE compliance. The original copy of the C2/C3 form must be returned to the WSBA to meet compliance requirements. All MCLE Board-approved courses that you list on your C2/C3 form must have an Activity ID number. This number is listed in your online MCLE profile and is assigned at the time that the Form 1 for each course is input to the MCLE system. If you have taken courses that have not yet been approved by the MCLE Board, please submit Form 1s for these courses immediately to ensure that they are approved before your C2/C3 is due. A "Certificate of Attendance" or other sponsor-provided certification is not sufficient to receive course credit. If the sponsor has not received course accreditation from the Washington MCLE Board, you must submit a Form 1 application and full agenda for the course in order to receive credit. Because of high volumes from October through February, Form 1s submitted electronically (at http://pro.wsba.org) could take up to four weeks or more to process. Paper Form 1s may take up to six weeks or more to process. If you submit a paper Form 1, you will be notified by mail of its Activity ID number. If you are not able to meet the credit requirement by December 31, 2007, and need more time to complete your credits, an automatic extension will be granted until May 1, 2008. There is no need to apply for it. However, a late fee will be assessed if you took any courses after December 31 that are needed for compliance or if your C2/C3 form is submitted late. If this is the first reporting period in which you will not meet MCLE compliance requirements, the late fee will be $150. The late fee increases by $300 for each consecutive reporting period you are late in meeting MCLE requirements. If you have questions about the Form 1 process or MCLE compliance, please contact the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org. MCLE Certification for Active Members Due Date for MCLE Reporting. WSBA members are divided into three MCLE reporting groups based on year of admission. (Newly admitted members are exempt. See "Newly Admitted Members" below.) Group 1: Admitted through 1975, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, or 2006. Reporting Group Next Reporting Period Complete Credits by File C2/C3 Form by Credit Requirements. The following credit requirements must be met by December 31 of the last year of an active member's reporting period: • At least 45 total credits of MCLE Board-approved CLE activities must be taken, which need to include a minimum of 30 live credits and six ethics credits. The courses must meet the requirements of APR 11, but they do not need to be taken in Washington state. Many courses are offered around the world which meet the requirements of APR 11. "Live" courses include classroom instruction, live webcasts (not pre-recorded webcasts), and teleconferences. "Ethics" courses, and segments of larger courses, must meet the requirements of APR 11 Regulation 101(n) or (o) to be considered for ethics credit. • Pre-recorded self-study (A/V) courses cannot be more than five years old, except MCLE Board-approved "skills-based" courses. Pre-recorded self-study courses include the traditional audio-visual (A/V) media of video tapes and cassette tapes. They also include archived webcasts, DVDs, compact disks, and other media with a sound track of the MCLE Board-approved course presentation. Written materials should be included with these courses and reviewed prior to claiming credit. In addition, written materials must be purchased by each member, where required by the sponsor, prior to claiming credit. • Six pro bono credits can be earned per year. Two of these credits are for approved annual training, which must be taken prior to being able to earn credit for the pro bono work. Four pro bono credits may be earned each year if at least four hours of pro bono work was provided through a qualified legal services provider. Carry-over CLE Credits. Carry-over credits from the previous reporting period may be used to meet the requirements of the current reporting period. If your current reporting period credits total exceeds 45, you may carry over a maximum combined total of 15 credits to your next reporting period. Only two ethics credits and five A/V credits may be carried over. C2/C3 Reporting Requirement. All active members due to report are required to file a Continuing Legal Education Certification (C2/C3) form listing all CLE courses taken for credit compliance. The deadline for filing your C2/C3 form is February 1 of the year following the end of your reporting period. Note: • Your online roster is not a substitute for filing the C2/C3 form. • The C2/C3 form is a declaration and must be signed and dated, and the city and state where signed must be identified. • C2/C3 forms are included in the license packets sent in early December to all members due to report (Group 1 members this year). • All CLE courses listed on member rosters as of October 2007 will be printed on the back of the C2 form. If you took more CLE courses after October 1, and if they appear on your online roster and you do not want to hand-write them on the back of the C2 form, you may print a copy of your roster and attach it to your C2/C3 form. State on your C2/C3 form that the attached online roster printout is a true and correct statement of the CLE courses taken for credit compliance. • You must verify that the credit hours listed on the C2/C3 and on your online profile correctly reflect the hours actually attended for each CLE. Online credits may be edited by clicking on the "edit" link next to each course. Credits on the C2/C3 may be corrected manually. • The C2/C3 form should be filed by February 1 even if all the credits needed for compliance have not been completed. MCLE Late Fees. All active members who have not completed their credits by December 31 of the last year of their reporting period, or who submit their C2/C3 reporting forms after March 1 of the following year (the end of the grace period after the February 1 deadline), must pay a late fee. The late fee for the first reporting period of noncompliance is $150 and increases by $300 for each consecutive three-year reporting period of noncompliance. Newly Admitted Members. If you are a newly admitted member, you are exempt from reporting CLE credits for the year of your admission and the following calendar year. If you were admitted in 2006, you will not report for this reporting period (2005–2007) even though you are in Group 1. You will first report at the end of the 2008–2010 reporting period. Members admitted in 2007 will not report until the end of the 2009–2011 reporting period. When you report at the end of your first reporting period, you may claim all CLE credits earned on or after your date of admission to the WSBA. MCLE Comity. If you are an active member of the WSBA and your primary office for the practice of law is outside of Washington and if you are a member of the Oregon, Idaho, or Utah state bars (comity states), you may meet your Washington mandatory CLE requirements by providing proof of current MCLE compliance from your comity state bar. Only a Certificate of MCLE Compliance from your comity state bar (not a "Certificate of Good Standing"), sent with your WSBA C2/C3 form, will satisfy your MCLE requirements in Washington. MCLE System — Course Listing and Member Profiles. You can use the online MCLE system to: review courses taken and credits earned; apply for course approval; apply for writing credit, pro bono credit, or prep-time credit; and search for approved courses being offered. To use the MCLE system, go to the WSBA website at www.wsba.org and click on "MCLE Web Site" in the upper left corner. On the next screen, click on the "Member" tab, then select "Member Login." The online instructions lead you through the process of creating a confidential password and using the system. Online help is available. If you have questions about using the MCLE system or about the MCLE compliance requirements, see the online FAQs at www.wsba.org/lawyers/licensing/faq-mcle.htm, call the WSBA Service Center at 800-945-WSBA (9722) or 206-443-WSBA (9722), or e-mail questions@wsba.org. New APR 11 Regulation 104(e) Requirements for In-House CLEs. Starting with the 2005–2007 reporting period, members are limited to a total of 15 credits of private law firm CLEs and 15 credits of corporate-legal-department CLEs in each reporting period, regardless of who the private legal sponsor was and regardless of whether the course was open or closed. There are no limits on the number of credits you may earn at CLEs sponsored by government agencies. These limitations are the result of amendments to APR 11 Regulation 104(e) adopted by the Supreme Court that went into effect on November 8, 2005. The Supreme Court will not be changing this requirement in 2007. MCLE Compliance Report (C4/C5) in 2008 License Packets All active members who are not due to report MCLE compliance at the end of this year, including new admittees, will receive a report (the C4/C5 form) in their 2008 licensing packets. Each member's report lists all credits reported to the WSBA for the member's current reporting period as of mid-October. APR 11.6(a)(3) requires that the WSBA provide an annual report to each active member regarding the credits and courses posted to their MCLE online rosters. This report helps non-reporting active members to better track their credits, as well as ensure correct reporting and compliance at the end of their reporting period. If you receive the C4/C5 form in your 2008 license packet, it is for your information only. No action needs to be taken unless you want corrections to be made. If you want to make corrections to your WSBA MCLE roster, go to http://pro.wsba.org. Click on the "Member" tab, and then on "Member Login." The online instructions lead you through the process of creating a confidential password and beginning to use the system. Online help is available. You may also contact the WSBA Service Center to have corrections made and/or to request an MCLE system instruction booklet at 800-945-WSBA (9722), 206-443-WSBA (9722), or questions@wsba.org. Third-Party Liability Information If your client is involved in a personal injury case and has received or is receiving medical assistance (Medicaid) payments for their medical care, you are required to contact the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) if you are pursuing a recovery of damages for that injured client. RCW 43.20B.060 places a lien against the portion of the settlement or judgment your client receives for medical costs from a third party, which means also their own insurance coverage, that is responsible for your client's injuries in order to reimburse the medical bills that have been paid by Medicaid. Before settling your client's claim with the third party and/or their insurance company, please contact the Coordination of Benefits Casualty Unit of DSHS at 800-894-3754 or COB Casualty Unit, PO Box 45561, Olympia, WA 98504-5561 to supply the information that DSHS requires or go to http://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/maa/ltpr. Failure to pay any lien imposed by the department on any settlement or judgment obtained by your client can subject you to personal liability for any funds improperly distributed. (RCW 43.20B.070) CLE Credits-To-Go at WSBA-CLE Bookstore December 17-31 No time to attend live seminars to get your required end-of-the-year CLE credits? Pick up credits-to-go in the form of recorded seminars at the WSBA-CLE bookstore, located at the WSBA office, weekdays from December 17 through December 31 (excluding December 24 and 25, when the store will be closed). Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except for December 31, when the hours are 9:00 a.m. to noon. A limited supply of selected recorded seminars with coursebooks, approved for MCLE A/V credit, will be for sale. (You may claim up to 15 total A/V credits for the current reporting period. All 6 ethics credits can be acquired using approved A/V self-study.) Payment may be made by cash, check, MasterCard, or Visa, and there are no shipping and handling charges for members who take their purchases with them. For members outside the Seattle area, shop online at www.wsbacle.org and order in-stock recorded seminar products by December 10 to ensure delivery by December 31. Thinking of Changing Your WSBA Membership Status? Consider Emeritus As the 2008 WSBA licensing period approaches, you may be thinking of changing your membership status to accommodate your current career or lifestyle. If you no longer need your active WSBA license, here's why you should consider Emeritus status. APR 8(e) creates a limited license status of Emeritus for attorneys otherwise retired from the practice of law to practice pro bono legal services through a qualified legal services provider. A qualified legal services provider is a "not-for-profit legal services organization whose primary purpose is to provide legal services to low-income clients." There are no MCLE requirements (although you may attend optional CLE seminars at no cost so that you are aware of changes in the law). The 2008 license fee for Emeritus is $120. This is a significant savings in time and money if you are paying for an active license that you no longer need. Under most circumstances, Emeritus attorneys can remain in Emeritus status indefinitely without having to re-take the bar exam if/when returning to active status. Most qualified legal services providers provide malpractice insurance for Emeritus volunteers. There is no age requirement for Emeritus attorneys. Volunteering for a "qualified legal services organization" allows you to control your own schedule. Most importantly, the Emeritus program provides an opportunity for attorneys to give something back to their communities by helping those who are less fortunate. An Emeritus training session has been scheduled for January 21, 2008, at the WSBA office. This training is a requirement for changing to Emeritus status and provides an opportunity for you to meet representatives from qualified legal services providers. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. For more information about the Emeritus program, registration for the training session, and the logistics of changing your WSBA status to Emeritus, please contact Sharlene Steele, WSBA access to justice liaison, at 206-727-8262, 800-945-9722, ext. 8262, or sharlene@wsba.org. Contract Lawyer Meeting Discuss the issues with other contract lawyers on December 11 from noon to 1:30 at the WSBA office. Bring your lunch — coffee is provided — and network with other contract lawyers. For more information, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. Please note the WSBA's new address: 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle. LAP Solution of the Month: Financial Stress How fiscally sound is your law practice? Do you struggle with untimely billing or failure to collect your receivables? Financial distress can wreak havoc with a law practice. For help with getting your firm onto a stable financial footing, call the Law Office Management Assistance Program at 206-733-5914 or 800-945-9722, ext. 5914. Facing an Ethical Dilemma? The WSBA Ethics Line can help members analyze a situation involving their own prospective conduct, apply the proper rules, and reach an ethically sound decision. Calls made to the Ethics Line are confidential, and most calls are returned within one business day. Any advice given is intended for the education of the inquirer and does not represent an official position of the WSBA. Call the Ethics Line at 206-727-8284 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8284. Computer Clinic The WSBA offers a hands-on computer clinic for members wanting to learn more about what Microsoft Office programs — Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word, as well as Adobe Acrobat — can do for a lawyer. Are you a total beginner? No problem. The clinic teaches helpful tips you can use immediately. Computers are provided, and seating is limited to 15 members. There is no charge, and no CLE credits are offered. The December 10 clinic will focus on getting started, navigating Windows, computer features, security, and maintenance. Sessions are held from 10 a.m. to noon at the WSBA office. For more information or to RSVP, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. Please note the WSBA's new address: 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle. Job Seekers Discussion Group Looking for a job or making a transition? Join us at the Job Seekers Discussion Group the second Wednesday of each month from noon to 1:30 p.m. The next meeting is December 12 at the WSBA office. The group discusses where to look for jobs, how to grow your network of contacts, strategies for résumés and cover letters, and how to keep yourself organized and motivated. Exchange information and ideas with other lawyers looking to make a change. Come as you are — no need to RSVP. Bring your business cards and practice networking skills. For more information, call 206-727-8269 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8269, or e-mail rebeccan@wsba.org. Please note the WSBA's new address: 1325 Fourth Ave., Ste. 600, Seattle. LOMAP and Ethics on the Road: The 2007 Traveling Seminars Plan to attend in Oak Harbor on December 4, Bellingham on December 5, or Marysville on December 6. Registration is $89. This seminar has been approved for four CLE ethics credits. For more information and a complete calendar of fall seminars, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, or 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org, or visit www.lomap.org. Problem Getting a Client to Pay? Dispute with another lawyer or an expert witness? The WSBA offers two programs to aid in the resolution of disputes involving lawyers. These programs serve both members and the public. The Fee Arbitration Program focuses on fee disputes between a lawyer and his or her client. To participate, both parties must agree to be bound by the arbitrator's decision. The Mediation Program provides a venue for parties to work together to resolve any dispute involving a lawyer, including those between a lawyer and a client, a lawyer and another lawyer, and a lawyer and another professional. Either party to a dispute may initiate fee arbitration or mediation. Both programs are non-disciplinary, voluntary, and confidential. For more information, visit the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/lawyers/services/adr.htm or call the ADR coordinator at 206-733-5923 or 800-945-9722, ext. 5923. Search WSBA Ethics Opinions Online Formal and informal WSBA ethics opinions are available online at http://pro/wsba.org/io/search.asp, or from a link on the WSBA homepage, www.wsba.org. You can search opinions by number, year issued, ethical rule, subject matter, or keyword. Ethics opinions are issued by the WSBA to assist members in interpreting their ethical obligations in specific circumstances. The opinions are the result of study and analysis in response to requests from WSBA members. For assistance, call the Ethics Line at 206-727-8284 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8284. Help for Judges The WSBA Judges Assistance Program provides confidential assistance to judges experiencing personal or professional difficulties. Telephone or in-person sessions are available on a sliding-scale basis. For more information, call the program coordinator at 206-727-8268 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8268. Assistance for Law Students The Lawyers Assistance Program offers counseling to third-year law students attending Washington schools. Sessions are held in person or by phone. Treatment is confidential and available for depression, addiction, family and relationship issues, health problems, and emotional distress. A sliding-fee scale is offered ranging from $0-30, depending on ability to pay. Call 206-727-8268, or 800-945-9722, ext. 8268, or visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/services/lap.htm. Learn More About Case-Management Software The WSBA Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) maintains a computer for members to review software tools designed to maximize office efficiency. The LOMAP staff is available to provide materials, answer questions, and make recommendations. To make an appointment, contact Julie Salmon at 206-733-5914, or 800-945-9722, ext. 5914, or juliesa@wsba.org. Usury Rate The average coupon equivalent yield from the first auction of 26-week treasury bills in November 2007 was 3.918 percent. Therefore, the maximum allowable usury rate for December is 12 percent. Information from January 1987 to date can be found at www.wsba.org/-media/publications/barnews/usury.htm. Upcoming Board of Governors Meetings With the exception of the executive session, Board of Governors meetings are open, and all WSBA members are welcome to attend. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Contact Donna Sato at 206-727-8244, 800-945-9722, ext. 8244, or donnas@wsba.org. The complete Board of Governors meeting schedule is available on the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/info/bog/schedule.htm.
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