May 2008

WSBA Emeritus Program Enables Lawyers to Continue to Contribute

by Gregory Abbott

More and more attorneys leaving the active practice of law are enjoying the benefits of the WSBA’s innovative Emeritus Program. Designed for attorneys who are fully retired from their law practices, as well as those who are temporarily withdrawing from the profession for personal, family, or other reasons, the program is geared to lawyers who wish to retain their Bar membership and would like to contribute their skills to pro bono activities.

This special status affords Bar members a significantly reduced annual membership fee (currently $120 per year), abatement of CLE requirements, and the ability in most cases to change back to active WSBA membership status in the future, at the election of the attorney. In exchange for these benefits, Emeritus attorneys are asked to link up with one of a number of recognized legal aid organizations (called Qualified Legal Services Providers or QLSPs) and provide pro bono representation to indigent clients referred by the QLSP or to the QLSP itself. APR 8(e) Emeritus defines QLSPs as “a not-for-profit legal services organization whose primary purpose is to provide legal services to low-income clients.” The list of QLSPs include all legal service providers in the Alliance for Equal Justice and several additional specialized legal services providers. No specified minimum amount of pro bono work is imposed, and the attorney has the opportunity to enjoy the satisfaction of helping those who are truly in need of legal services. Most QLSPs provide specialized training and support, and malpractice liability coverage to their volunteer attorneys.

The Emeritus Program provides an excellent opportunity for retiring and inactive lawyers to maintain their connection to the practice of law without most of the headaches and expenses of keeping their law license. Moreover, Emeritus status offers a fulfilling way for attorneys to contribute their skills and compassion to enhancing access to justice for indigent individuals in need of legal help. For more information, see www.wsba.org/lawyers/licensing/¬faq-rule8e.htm, or contact Sharlene Steele at 206-727-8262 or 800-945-9722, ext. 8262, or e-mail sharlene@wsba.org. 

Gregory Abbott is an attorney and member of the WSBA Pro Bono and Legal Aid Committee. He also volunteers his time at the Northwest Immigrants Rights Project.