Updated: Nov. 12, 2025

Legal Assistance to Military Personnel Section

The WSBA Legal Assistance to Military Personnel (LAMP) Section addresses matters related to the rendition of appropriate and efficient legal service to members of the armed forces of the United States. Initially formed as a standing committee of the Washington State Bar Association in 1996, the LAMP Section was formed in October 2004.

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The Legal Assistance to Military Personnel Section offers many resources and benefits for members. On this page you will find information about the section, their upcoming events and offerings, as well as information about the section's executive committee.

Upcoming Programs

Past Programs

Legislation

Resources

Executive Committee


Upcoming Programs

LAMP Executive Committee Meeting

When: Nov. 6, 2025

Time: 11 a.m.–Noon PT

Zoom Meeting Link

Meeting ID: 858 4676 7043
Passcode: 943269

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Past Programs

Webinar Series on Evictions Representation

LAMP supports, protects and legally empowers America’s current and past uniformed military members.  Patriots should expect no less. As part of this responsibility, LAMP provided, in conjunction with the AGO OMVLA, a three-part Mini-CLE series which addressed the empowerment of Veterans, through their counsel, in cases in which they erroneously face eviction from their homes. All Veterans deserve to have a home; the law, through dedicated professionals, should ensure it.

As such, we earnestly invite you to carefully listen to Part 1 of this insightful Mini-CLE series, which is available below. Part 1 analyzes the applicable legislations. Part 2 addresses the processes specific to eviction law, and Part 3, winning strategies at show cause hearings. Veterans deserve legal protection, and you, as advocates, are uniquely positioned to make a major difference in their lives, as they once, not long ago, did for you, and your family.

Part 1: Understanding the Changing Legal Landscape and How the Legal Community Can Help Veterans and Servicemembers at Risk of Being Evicted

This webinar, presented on June 25, 2021, reviews how the new legislation impacts the eviction process (RCW 59.12) and how it amended the Residential Landlord Tenant Act in Washington State (RCW 59.18). The webinar also provides information on opportunities to help veterans and service members at risk of being evicted.

FACULTY

Joyce Bruce, Attorney General’s Office of Military and Veteran Legal Assistance, Seattle
Scott Crain, Northwest Justice Project, Seattle

Watch now

This link is not accredited for CLE credit and is available for viewing for up to one year after the live event date (June 25, 2021).

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LAMP in the News!

See the Section Spotlight feature in the November 2020 issue of Washington State Bar News: 

LAMP at the Forefront of Helping Our Uniformed Folks in Washington State


Legislation

Attorneys Assisting Citizen-Soldiers and Families (AACF)

RCW's Relating Military Affairs and Veteran Affairs

APR 8(b)

SHB 1170 (parenting plans based on military service)

ABA Military Pro Bono Project

WSBA Legislative Activities

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Resources

The following resources include information describing issues affecting military personnel. Lawyers, businesses, and members of the public will find help regarding reserve and active military personnel in all branches of service.

WSBA recommends that military personnel visit their base JAG office for specific information regarding particular questions.

ABA Resources

Army JAG Resources

Army Review Boards Agency

Navy Judge Advocate General

Resources for Reserve Officers

The New SCRA

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Department of Defense Resources

Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Representing Washington Veterans

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Executive Committee

Chair: Stephen Carpenter Jr. (2024-2026) 

Vice Chair: Sean Mangan (2024-2026)

Immediate Past Chair: Paul Apple (2024-2026)

Secretary-TreasurerEric McDonald (2024-2026)

HistorianDaniel Russ (2024-2026)

New Member Liaison*TBD

*Nonvoting member

Legislative Committee Chair: 
Brian Chinchar (2024-2026)

Northwest Justice Project Liaison*TBD

Strategic Planning Committee*
TBD

Law Student Liaison*Vacant

Board of Governors Liaison*: Christopher Bhang (2025-2026)

Please contact subcommittee members for details on their upcoming meeting dates and locations.

To join the section list serve and for more general section questions, please send your email address and Bar number to sections@wsba.org. For more information and to get involved with the section, please contact the section chair.

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