HearSay THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CLARK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
July 2021
February 2020 2019 December
HIGH DOSAGE LEGAL REMEDY
Available for consult, association, or referral for injury claims in Washington or Oregon. Sleep better. JESSE JACOBS OTLA Guardian WSAJ Eagle
DON JACOBS Trial Lawyer of the Year, Clark County (2015) Past President, Oregon Trial Lawyers Assoc.
Portland 503-222-7757 Vancouver 360-695-1624 nwinjurylawcenter.com
The Clark County Bar Association is a professional organization that serves to support our local attorney community through providing education and networking opportunities designed to enhance and foster better relationships within the local legal community.
July Hearsay Contributors Nathan Petersen The Petersen Law Firm Nathan Petersen’s practice focuses primarily on family law, including dissolutions, custody issues, child support and adoptions.
Christina Phelan Phelan Law Office
As an associate at Phelan Law Off ice, Christina focuses on Criminal Defense and Juvenile Law. Christina is also a dedicated member to both the Hearsay and Social Committees of the CCBA.
Commissioner Jill H. Sasser Clark County Superior Court Commissioner Jill H. Sasser was hired to the Clark County Superior Court in January 2021.
Judge Stahnke Retires page 12
Law Babies page 13
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President’s Message by: Christie Emrich
Dear Members, It’s July and we have already experienced some of the hottest weather of all time here in Clark County. And as a result, the typical firework filled 4th of July celebrations were banned. So, if getting back to normal means another summer of changes then I guess we are right on track. In keeping with the theme of doing something different this summer, we are excited to announce that our Barrister’s Ball is back and reinvented for summer. The CCBA will be hosting a Summer Soirée at the Marshall House on August 28th. Instead of a springtime indoor event, we will enjoy an outdoor venue at the end of the summer. And instead of a Casino Night, we will give our members an opportunity to show off their mad lawn game skills. We will also have live music and catering from Beaches. Most importantly, we are going to take the time this year to give awards to those amongst us who are most deserving. The ones whose willingness and ability to pivot this year, kept our system of justice working. So, keep an eye out for a survey where you can nominate a hard-working paralegal, judicial assistant, court clerk, or legal assistant for their efforts this last year. This month the CCBA’s Membership committee has joined with Clark County District Court, George and Donald Simpson Inns of Court, Clark County Prosecutor’s Office Action and Reform Committee, Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program, Navigate Law Group, Northwest Justice Project, and the Clark County YWCA to present a two-part CLE entitled Interrupting Racism. So, mark your calendars for July 21st and July 28th and sign up now, if you haven’t already, by visiting the CCBA website. For only $30, you can earn 6 CLE credits, including 3 Ethics credits, and more importantly become a part of a vital discussion on confronting bias and racism in our legal community. The phrase, “stay cool over the summer” takes on a different meaning now that we are air conditioning obsessed grown-ups and no longer writing it in yearbooks. I hope everyone gets out there and makes some mask-less memories this season. As I write this, I am in my home state of Michigan, enjoying my yearly dose of humidity and mosquitoes. But I’m not complaining because this trip wasn’t even possible last year. So, stay cool friends and I’ll see you at the Soirée! Christie
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Working with Interpreters in Clark County by Christina Phelan I recently met with Cindy Nosko and Korinne Wells from District Court Interpreter Services to discuss recent changes and standard procedures for using interpreters in and out of court. Below is a summary of what we as attorneys need to know to utilize these services. Out of Court Interpreter Services • Interpreter Services has implemented a Virtual Document Interpretation program, which allows attorneys to review documents with clients. These time blocks are held each Thursday from 9:30-11:30 for Spanish and Russian interpretation and the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month for Chuukese interpretation. Attorneys should email District Court Interpreter Services to schedule one of these time slots. Attorneys should then email any documents they want to review with the client during the appointment to District Court Interpreter Services. • Attorneys can still use the language line to communicate with clients outside of court. There is a slight change in language line procedures, where the attorney will now provide the case number for the client during the phone login process. Reach out to District Court Interpreter Services for a full instruction sheet on using the language line. Use of Interpreters in Jail • For the most part, interpreters are doing jail interpretation meetings remotely. To set this up, the attorney should make sure the interpreter is available for a certain appointment time, inform the jail of this appointment time, and then provide they interpreter with any documents that need to be reviewed with client during the appointment. At the appointment time, the jail will have the client will call the attorney and the attorney will then call the interpreter via three-way conference call. The attorney may also go into the jail to meet with the client in person, and a phone will be available to call the interpreter from there at the appointment time. In Court Interpreter Services • During court, Cindy and Korinne suggested a few helpful tips to assist interpreters in efficiently interpreting the proceedings. First, remember to wait after opposing counsel or the judge speaks before you start talking, to make sure the interpreter is able to interpret. Try not to use abbreviations or acronyms if you can help it, so that the interpreter can accurately relay what you are referring to. If an interpreter (particularly a newer one) is not interpreting when they should, do not be shy about asking them to interpret what was just stated. Finally, please be kind and polite to interpreters, as adjusting to Zoom interpretation has been difficult and sometimes technology does not allow things to go as smoothly as we all would like. • The scheduling of interpreters for court hearings is the Court’s responsibility, but attorneys should let Interpreter Services know if they cite something on, especially if it is last minute, to ensure that it makes it on the schedule. Interpreter Services is currently working with different court administrations to create a coordinated effort to sync up all the scheduling systems, but for now there are three different courts systems for interpreter calendaring, which can lead to cases falling through the cracks. While there are mechanisms currently to track and schedule interpreters in District and adult Superior court cases, there is no mechanism currently for the court to schedule juvenile interpreters without defense attorney notification. If you have any questions about interpretation, resources are available at https://clark. wa.gov/courts/interpreter-service. You can also contact Cindy Nosko at DistrictCourtIntCoor@clark.wa.gov.
CCBA Member Benefits
Let your CCBA membership pay for itself! A-Affordable Bail Bonds: 8% bond for any bond over $2,500 The Source Climbing Center: Climb 201 at 1/2 price Grays at the Park: 15% off (excludes drinks) Bleu Door Bakery and Mieko's Marketplace: 10% off NAEGELI Deposition and Trial: 10% off Court Reporting, Interpreting, Legal Copying/Scanning & Trial Presentation Novitas: Use Promo Code #Novitas4CCBA for 10% off your next project Pacific Office Automation, Lexis Nexis, & Law Pay: Call the CCBA for details
Judge Stahnke Retires by: Nathan Petersen
After more than 40 years of public service and 14 years serving on the bench, the honorable Judge Daniel Stahnke will retire on June 30, 2021. Judge Stahnke served on the bench as a Superior Court Judge for nearly 10 years, from September 1, 2011 to June 20, 2021. He stated that his greatest talent as a judge was that he was “Ready, willing and able to work.” He served as a commissioner for four years, from 2007 to 2011. When asked why he initial sought a position on the bench Judge Stahnke said, “I wanted to make a difference and apply some common sense to law and help families in conflict.” Judge Stahnke enrolled in law school at Lewis and Clark in the fall of 1989, attending night classes with a young family at home and graduating in 1993. After entering the practice of law, he worked at English, Lane, Marshall, Barrar, Stahnke & Vanderwood before joining the bench. The advice Judge Stahnke gives to new attorneys and judges is to “Work hard. Keep in mind your commitment to the community.” Prior to entering the practice of law, Judge Stahnke served as Clark County Sherriff’s custody officer starting in 1981.
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Judge Stahnke’s first car was a 1962 Rambler Classic. He states that he cannot live without coffee and snacks and his most memorable trip was to the Mariner’s spring training in Peoria, Arizona. His bucket list now is “To live a long healthy life.” When asked about his greatest talent and attribute, Judge Stahnke declined to answer. Kim Nigg, his judicial assistant answered this question for him:
“As everyone knows, Judge is not one to talk about himself – so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that he declined to answer what his greatest talent/attribute as a judge is. However, I have no problem answering that question!! First and foremost, it is his integrity and humility. He understands the value of hard work and dedication. It is apparent to all who have appeared in front of him that he has done his homework and is ready. I have watched him prepare for complicated, involved cases with in depth complex issues but once he takes the Bench, he has his game face on and is ready, as he says, to call balls and strikes. He treats everyone who comes before him fairly and is respectful of all. His integrity defines who he is and what he stands for – He has braved through conflicts and hardships while staying true to himself but keeping in mind the positions and feelings of others. He is tough when he has to be, he is not afraid to make a tough call, always willing to help out where needed and gives credit when credit is due. He has dedicated the last 40 years to the citizens of Clark County starting with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office in 1981 and ending with Department 1 of the Clark County Superior Court. Throughout, he has consistently demonstrated patience, open mindedness, courtesy, tact, courage, understanding, compassion and common sense. I am honored and proud to have worked alongside him for many years. He is a genuinely kind, decent human being. Judge will be greatly missed on the Bench. I am confident though, that the footprint he leaves will never diminish.” Congratulations to Judge Stahnke on his retirement!
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Law Babies By: Jill Sasser
Dear Readers: We love good news around here. And also babies. So, in honor of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, we are happy to announce some recent additions to our community in the last year or so. If you have a new baby (or any other exciting announcements), please don’t hesitate to let your Hearsay board know. We are happy to publish any good news! 1) Brad Thayer and Becca Gard were delighted to welcome a second son, Desmond “Des” Gard Thayer on April 5, 2021 at 4:23 p.m. His stats were 9 lbs., 2 oz. and 22 inches long. 2) Heather Norton reports her unexpected COVID gift was that her oldest daughter and her husband moved in shortly after the pandemic began. Baby Abigail joined the family on June 5, 2020. Heather says: “I have been reminded of several things: 1) taking care of a baby around the clock is a young person’s game!, 2) the “new car smell” ain’t got nothing on the “new baby smell," and 3) I had heard that the “grandparent thing” was a really great gig… and you know what? IT IS!!” 3) Lisa Ward and her husband welcomed a daughter, Madeleine Parker Ward, last July. Lisa says, “Having a child of my own has allowed me to more fully empathize with the parents I represent.” 4) Laurel Smith and Collin Hayes are proud to announce their first child, son Rune, and share an adorable family photo with our readership. 5) Josi Howard and her husband welcomed their first child, daughter Alex, in March of 2020. They are pleased to include her in her first publication! 6) Vickie Kesala became a first-time grandmother during COVID. Her granddaughter, Lillian Ada Kesala, was born in New Zealand where her son resides. Vickie says: “Being a grandmother is everything I had hoped for and more. I can't think of anything more wonderful than seeing the beloved child you raised and cared for thrive as a parent and take as much joy in the experience as you did yourself in him/her as a child. My granddaughter is my little sunshine. I am very thankful to be able to spend time with her often.” Inside scoop: John Lutgens and family are awaiting a new grandchild in the first week of June.
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Retirement Reports By: Comm. Jill Sasser Dear Readers: There comes a time when each of us will retire from the practice of law. This is a welcome process for some, and not so much for others. It can be exciting and scary at the same time. Therefore, we want to highlight some retired CCBA members who are living their best lives in retirement. This month we are featuring Larry Juday. Before retiring in 2005, Larry practiced law in Vancouver, where he chaired the Southwest Washington Lawyer Referral Service; served as a Clark County Bar Association trustee; was a member of the Superior Court Bench-Bar, Law Library, and Public Relations Committees; and provided pro bono services through the Clark County Volunteer Lawyer Program. Larry also chaired the 16member Washington State Bar Association Character and Fitness Board. Thank you for sharing about retirement life with us, Larry! Your community involvement and activities are inspiring. And, if you know a retired CCBA member who would like to be featured, please let us know! We would love to feature them in a future edition of Hearsay. Larry says, “Practicing was a privilege; retiring has been an adventure.” Here is a summary of Larry’s retirement experiences and advice over the past 15 years: Advice to potential retirees: Be aware that WSBA has no “retired” status and offers only limited guidance on retirement preparation. WSBA provides 3 options: “Emeritus Pro Bono status” ($200 annual dues, plus pro bono and CLE obligation), or “inactive” status (WSBA dues of $200 a year), or “voluntarily resignation”. Also, retiring solo-practice attorneys need to ensure they are prepared to comply with WSBA guidelines for retaining and transferring client files (https://www.wsba.org/for-legalprofessionals/member-support/practice-management/guides/document-retention-guide) Advice to newer attorneys: There is great benefit in starting with an existing practice where you can receive monitoring and mentoring while avoiding the task of managing an office. But, don’t be afraid of venturing in to solo practice or starting your own firm, especially if you have a specialty skill/practice niche. Solo practice offers freedom and eliminates the stress of office politics, personalities, and resource distribution. There is a ton of “how to” material available. What I miss the most: Working with my outstanding legal assistant, Cindy Price, and the association with other CCBA members and staff through CLEs and events – particularly volunteer committee work. I was honored to be chosen CCBA’s first “Volunteer Lawyer of the Year” and continued volunteering for the Volunteer Lawyer Program in Emeritus status after retiring. (While practicing I served on a variety of CCBA committees, as a CCBA Trustee, and as a member of two WSBA committees including service as Chair of the Character and Fitness Committee). What I am enjoying the most in retirement: Relief from the continuous pressure of appointment-driven deadlines; having time to read, cook, garden, travel, volunteer, and enjoy mutual activities with my spouse, Susan. 18
Life after law: Post-practice activities have centered around community volunteering, staying fit, working on the bucket-list, world and domestic travel, vegetable gardening, preparing meals and reading. Volunteering: After retiring I accumulated over 3,700 hours volunteering at the Humane Society of Southwest Washington facility, and nearly 1,000 addition hours providing in-home fostercare for over 250 cats and kitten. In June 2020, my spouse (Susan Immer) and I were chosen by the PetCo Foundation as a National Foster Hero (only 22 selected from over 500 nation wide nominations, the only couple chosen, and the only selectees from the Pacific Northwest) https://www.petcofoundation.org/events/be-a-foster/. I regularly volunteer with the Clark County Food Bank in their Seed-toSupper nutrition gardening classes, and perform small-appliance repair as a volunteer with the Columbia Springs sponsored “Repair Clark County” program. I also served on the 2008 Presidential campaign of Barack Obama and personally had the privilege of meeting him. Vegetable gardening and meal prep: I’ve continued vegetable gardening since retirement and often compared notes with retired attorney, friend, and fellow gardener, Peter Fels. In November 2020 I began an experiment growing tomatoes indoors during the winter. We began harvesting tomatoes in early March. (Also growing spinach and lettuce indoors. Yummy!) I enjoy preparing meals from scratch and typically prepare all three daily meals. Staying fit: Six years after retiring (age 66) we began rock climbing which subsequently included a 5-day trip to Yosemite National Park CA, two trips Muir Valley KY, and lots of time on the indoor rock-walls at Firstenburg and The Source in Vancouver. Two years ago (age 75) we began augmenting our climbing with Pickleball and were playing 4 times a week until the March 2020 closures. Reading: Retirement provided time for pleasure reading. I completed the 22 volume Time-Life set, The Seafarers; the 24 volume Time-Life set, The Civil War, and; a variety of biographies on Lincoln, Grant, and the founding fathers. For the past year I’ve been downloading and “reading” a variety of audio books ranging from humor (Bill Bryson, Sam Kean, Dave Barry) to neuroscience, animal navigation, medicine, death and dying, particle physics, math, and scientific discovery – over 65 books so far. 19
Travel: We have traveled at least once each year of the 15 years since retiring. Traveling included six by cruise ship (Panama, Alaska, Patagonia, Alaska, Canada, and Southeast Asia (Hong Kong, China, Cambodia, Thailand, and Singapore). In Thailand we had the unique experience of riding elephants into a river and bathing them. We also made separate trips to Europe (twice), England/Whales, China, and Japan, and enjoyed several domestic train travel excursions with side trips that included New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Marshall Space Center, and the Grand Canyon.
Bucket list. At age 70, I finally satisfied by lifelong desire of flying air-to-air combat (“top gun” stuff). My adversary/opponent for the 1-hour, high-g adventure was former Air Force test pilot and shuttle astronaut Bill Gregory. What a thrill!
Miscellaneous stuff: In addition to the activities listed above, post-retirement activities have included:
- Saturn V moon rocket – finally completing (in August 2020) constructing, painting and displaying a 42-inch tall model of the Saturn V moon rocket (Apollo) – a project I started in February 2001. - Volunteer editor - Served as volunteer editor for the 2009 publication of the 300-page history book for the AC-119 Gunship Association. - Published article - In May 2020 the Friends Journal, the quarterly publication of the Nation Air Force Museum Foundation printed a 3-page magazine article I wrote about the unique task of crew coordination flying the Air Force AC-119 gunship in combat. - Reunion organizer – pilot training - In 2014 I help organize the first reunion of my Air Force Pilot Training class by attempting locating and contacting classmates and instructors after 45 years of no contact. I also helped write the personal bios for many of the 96 surviving person I located. 20
Volunteer of the Month: June 2021 James Lutes James Lutes is an attorney near and dear to our hearts at the CCVLP. Fresh out of law school and newly licensed in 2013, James was eager to practice and immediately got established as a family law volunteer with us. Since then, James has maintained his active volunteer status, despite being busy growing not just his career but his lovely family as well. No matter how busy he gets, James always finds his way back to the CCVLP. As a member of the CCBA family law section, James sets a great example of what it means to be a committed family law attorney not just in the court room, but in the larger community as well. We always look forward to getting to schedule his monthly clinics
because we know our clients are going to be in good hands. For his kindness and dedication to the family law community, we honor James as our June 2021 Volunteer of the Month. Thank you, James! When did you know you wanted to be a lawyer and where did you go to law school? It was actually my friend’s mom who put the idea in my head. During a ride to middle school football practice she asked everyone in the car what we wanted to be when we grew up and I responded “rock star.” She quickly told me she’d seen me sing along to songs in the car and that I couldn’t be a rock star because I had no rhythm. She said I should be a lawyer instead because I argued with her so much whenever I spent the night at her house. I went to Willamette University. Did you always want to be a family law attorney? I actually had no idea what I wanted to do when I started at Willamette. But I had a friend from high school who did some marketing for a family law firm in Portland and he helped me get a job as a law clerk after my 1L year. It kind of clicked after that. Why do you think it is important to volunteer your time to give back to the community via the Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program advice clinics? Scott Horenstein and Deanna Rusch always encouraged me to volunteer after I became licensed, and I’m glad they did. After starting to volunteer I realized how much help you can provide people by just walking them through the forms. The clients are always very grateful and being on the receiving end of that gratitude will brighten your day. What is something you're looking forward to over the Summer? Teaching my daughter to golf and my son to swim :)
June 2021 Attorney Volunteers: Solo Practioners/In-house counsel/ Emeritus: Nicholas Alexander Tsering Cornell Ed Dawson Robin Krane Peter Fels Philip Foster Moloy Good Eric Hoffman Scott Horenstein Juliet Laycoe Howard Marshack Jennifer Nugent Jeff Peterson
Michael Reid Nancy Retsinas Mercedes Riggs Allison Widney
Law firms: Arwood and Blum: Matt Blum Gunn MacKenzie: Brian MacKenzie Gevurtz Menashe: James Lutes & Emily Roberts Henderson Taylor: Jordan Taylor Martin & Richards: Christie Martin Navigate Law Group: Chelsie Elliott, Tanya Green, Amber Rushbanks, & Anna Russo Northwest Justice Project: LeeAnn Friedman, Jeff Keddie, & Rob McMillan Philbrook Law Office: Adin Johnson
Create, Edit or Delete Memorized Transactions in QuickBooks Desktop by: Emanuela Sandri | Attorney Bookkeeping Services, Inc. QuickBooks offers some amazing short cuts that greatly add to efficiency and save time, and one of them is the memorized transaction feature. QuickBooks can either automatically enter memorized transactions or transactions that can be retrieved and modified as needed. The following is from the help menu within QuickBooks (go to Lists menu, then select Memorized Transaction List > press F1 on the keyboard or go to the Help menu, then select QuickBooks Desktop Help). You can see your memorized transactions at any time. Go to the Lists menu, then select Memorized Transaction List. Create a memorized transaction 1. Enter the transaction the way you want it to show up each month. Don’t select Save. If a field contains info that may change, leave the field blank. For example, leave the Memo field blank on a recurring check so you can enter a different memo when you need to. 2. From the Edit menu, select Memorize [Transaction Name]. For example, Memorize Check. 3. Enter a Name. Then, select how you want QuickBooks to handle it.
o Add to my Reminders List.
o The transaction will be added to the Memorized Transactions section of your reminders list. When you choose this option, fill in the How Often field. o Do Not Remind Me.
o The transaction won’t be added to your reminders list or added automatically. You can use this as a template for transactions that repeat from time to time.
o Automate Transaction Entry.
o The transaction will be entered when it's due. When you choose this option, remember to fill in the How Often and Next Date fields.
Tips: • If you set up an automatic schedule for a transaction, set your Next Date to a day in the future.
• When you fill in the Number Remaining, it includes the Next Date transaction.
4. Enter any other info, then select OK. 5. Select Save & Close or Save & Next. Create a memorized transaction group If you have transactions with the same due date, you can create a memorized transaction group. 1. From the Lists menu, select Memorized Transaction List. 2. Select the Memorized Transaction drop-down, then select New Group. 3. Enter info like the group name and frequency. 4. Select OK. Add a transaction to a memorized transaction group 1. Open or create a transaction you'd like to memorize. 2. Select Memorize. 3. Choose Add to Group and select the Group Name. 4. Select OK. Add a transaction you already memorized to a group 1. From the Lists menu, select Memorized Transaction List. 2. Right-click the memorized transaction and select Edit Memorized Transaction. 3. Select Add to Group, then select the Group Name. 4. Select OK. Edit a memorized transaction 1. From the Lists menu, select Memorized Transaction List. 2. Double-click the memorized transaction you want to modify. 3. Make the changes you want.
4. Select Memorize at the top. 5. Select Replace to update the transaction, or Add to create a new one. 6. Select Save & Close or Save & Next (Emanuela’s note: if edit is for a future transaction, select Clear). Delete a memorized transaction 1. From the Lists menu, select Memorized Transaction List. 2. Select the transaction you want to delete. 3. Select the Memorized Transaction drop-down, then select Delete Memorized Transaction. 4. Select OK.
Clark County Bar Association
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CCBA BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES June 2, 2021
Minutes for the CCBA Board of Trustees Meeting June 2, 2021; Meeting on the CCBA office patio Called to order 4:15p.m. Emrich, Jacobs, Larson, Phelan, Aquadro, Melnick, Spratt (Darco present) May 2021 board meeting minutes: motion to approve (Melnick/Aquadro) Approved Treasurer’s Report (Melnick): Reviewed financial reports for May; will likely have 6k-8k loss for the year, but we have healthy reserves to cover; nearly half of the loss was caused by not having a Barrister’s Ball event due to COVID; CLEs are breaking even. Ongoing Items Trustee Assignments •
Hearsay: Gasperino unavailable for report
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Social Committee: (Phelan) An end of summer bash is being planned for 8/28/21 at Fort Vancouver. Mark your calendars.
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CLE Committee: (Spratt) Nuts and Bolts CLEs are planned.
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Membership: (Aquadro) The first committee meeting happened in May, still developing the path forward for trainings and to facilitate connections between people that may result in mentorship.
Request for Dues Modification for Indigent Defense Contractors (Emrich) •
Will review in July
Previous Action Items Clark County Courts Processes Evaluation/ Survey of Membership (Aquadro) •
This report was given in the Membership Committee report, the Family Law Section and District Court have put out survey questions, CCBA might broaden these surveys
Email Problems (Jacobs) •
Need to consider moving email to a more secure site. No updates this month. This project will be delayed for the immediate need of hiring for Mariah’s Administrative Assistant position.
Insurance – Abuse Procedures Policy (Darco) •
No updates this month
Set nominating committee for board vacancies •
Emrich, Jacobs, Phalen, and Spratt will comprise the committee, will reach out to Membership Committee for nomination ideas
2021/2022 Board Positions •
President: Jacobs
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VP: Phelan 26
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Secretary: Larson
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Treasurer: Melnick
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Trustee: vacancy for Phalen’s 3rd year
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Trustee: Aquadro year 2 of 3
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Trustee: vacancy for 3 year term (Gasperino served 3 years)
Administrative Assistant Job Description •
Mariah leaves the area for law school in mid-July; Proposal is to pay her for part time hourly work to continue to publish The Hearsay.
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Administrative Assistant opening; Proposal: approximately 15 hours per week, office hours Wednesdays and Thursdays 9am-5pm, hourly rate range discussed, start date July 12th
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Motion to approve hiring Mariah part time to publish The Hearsay and hiring Administrative Assistant for approximately 15 hours per week (Aquadro/Spratt) Approved
Current Action Items Membership Update (Darco) •
414 members as of 6/1/21 (last year was 377). 39 people remain non-renewed.
Bar Poll/Forum (Emrich) •
Judge Hagensen will be retiring June 30th. Discussed Bar Poll tight timeline: 6/7/21 send out poll, 6/11/21 return deadline, 6/14/21 verify results with Mila Boyd and release results that afternoon; In lieu of a forum, the candidates will be given the opportunity to share a 250 word statement to be published in the June Hearsay issue. 9 candidates: Bartlett, Byrd, George, Hayes, Lawhon, Meyer, Schetky, Smith, Toth
WSBA Local Hero Award (Emrich) •
The WSBA Board Of Governors meeting will be 7/16/21 and 7/17/21,. The deadline to nominate is June 1st. Board discussed who to nominate from our local bar for the Local Hero Award.
CCBA Services Fee Adjustments (Melnick) •
Board reviewed rates for Hearsay ads and CCBA conference room rental. Evaluated modest increase to conference room rental. Motion to approve increase to conference room rental (Phelan/Spratt) Approved. Still competitive rate.
Change CCBA board meeting date/time •
The CCBA board meetings will be the first Tuesday of the month at noon. Can reassess that time later if need arises.
Adjourned 5:05 p.m. 27
Law Library Researching the Judicial Interpretation of a Statute in Westlaw You have free access to Westlaw through the Law Library homepage: (https://clark.wa.gov/law-library) At the time of this writing, they are allowing up to 20 hours over a 14 day period per email address. Our subscription covers primary law from all states and federal, as well as many secondary sources and practice aids such as Washington Practice, Am Jur, sample pleadings, etc. When you find a statute on Westlaw, you have several options to learn more about how it has been interpreted by the courts. From within the statute, you will see the following tabs:
Each of the other tabs offers you routes to find more information: 1. The Notes of Decisions tab provides annotations of important cases interpreting your statute. They are organized by topics to help you navigate within them. Pick a topic from the table of contents to the notes. This will open annotations on that topic, with links to the case and the Key Number. You can use the Key Number to branch out to other cases on the same legal issue. 2. The History tab brings up choices including a graphical view of the statute, earlier versions, bill drafts, legislative history materials, validity, and notes written by West’s editors and state revisors. 3. The Citing References tab includes cases, statutes, regulation, administrative decisions, secondary sources, briefs, pleadings, motions, memoranda, etc. that have cited your statute. These results are much broader than those you see at the Notes of Decisions tab. Once in this tab, you can use the document types list in the left column to filter your results, or you can use the Search within results feature to narrow down the list. Remember that you must use Boolean Terms and Connectors for Search within results. 4. The Context & Analysis tab will bring you to related materials such as law reviews or practice guides that may help you learn more about your statute.
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Clark County Superior Court BENCH/BAR COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES CLARK COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT June 8, 2021
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