2025 June Hearsay

HearSay THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CLARK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

June 2025

December 2019

Welcome, Commissioner Lopez!

Happy Retirement Commissioner Swingen!

“Been there, done that.”

“Still there, still doing it.”

JESSE JACOBS

DON JACOBS

Injury law in Oregon and Washington Available for consult, association, or referral.

JESSE JACOBS Past President, Clark County, WA Bar Association OTLA Guardian WSAJ Eagle DON JACOBS Past Trial Lawyer of the Year, Clark County, WA Past President, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association

Portland 503.222.7757

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Vancouver 360.695.1624

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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.

RYLANDERLAW

AN APPEALING SOLUTION All business, commercial & family law appeals.

Kurt Greg Greg Cheney: 14+ years experience. Dedicated.

Meticulous. Strategic.

Kurt Rylander: 30+ years. All levels of appeal including before the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

Contact us today.

Rylander & Associates PC (360) 750-9931 www.RylanderLaw.com

Rylander@RylanderLaw.com

June Hearsay Contributors Commissioner Christina Phelan Clark County Superior Court

Commissioner Christina Phelan will be inducted to the Clark County Superior Court on June 27th, 2025.

Jesse Jacobs NW Injury Law Center

Jesse Jacobs is a trial attorney representing personal injur y clients in Southwest Wa s h i n g t o n . H e i s t h e immediate past president of the CBBA.

Jean Mccoy Landerholm, P.S.

Jea n McCoy’s practice focus is real estae transactions and conf lict resolution, landlord/ tenant and creditors’ rights.

Honorable Abigail Bartlett Clark County District Court

The Honorable Abigail Bartlett has ser ved on the Clark County District Court bench since 2021.

Ranked #2

large company category

teresa foster

partner in charge vancouver

come work with me

McKinley Irvin is seeking experienced family law attorneys to join our Vancouver team.

We offer the freedom to focus on what matters—delivering exceptional service to your clients and advancing your career. With a steady flow of quality cases, strong support, and a collaborative culture, you’ll have what you need to thrive.

Join a respected firm that values your skills and supports your success. learn more: mckinleyirvin.com/careers

seattle | bellevue | kirkland | everett | tacoma | vancouver | portland

Confessions of a Very Proud Papa page 10

Bottoms Up with Jean and Jesse page 14

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Celebrating Commissioner Amy Swigen page 23

CCBA’s Statement of Support for an Independent Legal Profession

On May 1, 2025, Clark County legal professionals resolidified their oath of professionalism along with legal professionals across the county on Law Day. As part of this national celebration of the rule of law, the CCBA is committed to promoting an independent legal profession and court system.

We call on our members, judges, lawmakers, and government officials to do the same. We acknowledge that all members of our profession are and should be independently regulated to ensure we uphold our special responsibilities and the law. To Clark County’s legal professionals, we proudly and unreservedly support your obligation to represent clients, across all political spectrums and walks of life, in good faith without fear of retaliation or retribution.

To the Washingtonians we serve, we proudly commit to serve the public, uphold the integrity of the legal profession, and champion justice. We will continue to promote a justice system and a legal profession committed to competent and well qualified representation for all, especially those who may be “defenseless or oppressed” as our oath requires.

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Whether you’re funding a dream or fueling a mission — whatever your awesome is, Washington Trust Bank can help you get there.

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watrust.com/AWESOME

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Injury Trial Coming Up?

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Consider associating with us — We can help optimize your settlements and/or verdicts.

• Clark County focused for over 30 years.

• Simplify complex cases to a jury • Multiple Clark County jury verdicts 8X higher than last settlement offer • Cutting edge technology and techniques • Generous fee splits per RPCs

Grant A. Gehrmann Attorney at law

203 SE Park Plaza Dr., Suite 215 Vancouver, WA 98684 360.253.3667

vancouverinjurylaw.com

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Clients Don't Often See the Whole Board

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Theresa Springer, CDLP® Certied Divorce Lending Professional Senior Loan Ofcer cell: 360.798.4161 direct: 503-766-4335 Theresa.Springer@movement.com www.TheresaSpringer.com

Divorce can be like a chess match. In the midst of the emotions that come with it clients don't often see the whole board. Having a CDLP® on your client team will protect them now and when they're ready to make the next move.

Contact Theresa Springer, CDLP® today!

Prepared Clients Are Better Clients A Resource for Clients Exploring Divorce Not all clients are ready for immediate legal action. Our workshops are ideal for those exploring their options. Referring them to Second Saturday prepares them for future steps, leading to more decisive clients for your practice.

Expand Your Network and Client Base

Presenting at Second Saturday Workshops showcases your expertise, builds connections, and attracts clients in the early stages of considering divorce. This exposure positions you as a trusted family law authority leading to new business opportunities.

For more information, to register, or to join our team of presenters, contact Theresa Springer, Co-Leader, today!

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Theresa Springer, CDLP® : 360.798.4161 l Dale Carstensen, CDRE : 541.659.1370 2ndsaturdayclarkcounty@gmail.com

Clark County Bar Association

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CLARK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING

May 6, 2025

Minutes for the CCBA Board of Trustees Meeting May 6, 2025

Called to Order (12:04 p.m.): Wechselblatt, Petersen, Hawke, Melnick, Busby, Rapp, Mendoza, and Executive Director Darco.

1. March 4 CCBA Meeting Minutes (Le Ann): Motion/Approved (Courtney/Petersen) – unanimously approved.

2. March 25 General Meeting Minutes (Le Ann): Motion/Approved (Courtney/Marla) – Whitney, Nathan, and Ryan abstain – not present.

3. Approval of April 1 CCBA Meeting Minutes (Courtney): Motion/Approved (Deb/Whitney) – all who were not present abstained.

4. Treasurer’s Report (Ben) – within a few dollars from this time last year, looking good!

5. CCBA Big Picture a. Bar Leader Summit recap (Lisa) – It was great! Good speakers, good engagement discussions, and would like to potentially send additional board members to future similar events.

CCBA is doing substantially better than many of other Bar Associations, 10x as many events and functions, our budget is comparatively better as well; but there are still areas we can improve and we plan to meet to discuss further alongside the written materials. b. Potential CCBA Statement Supporting an Independent Legal Community – Discussion on whether CCBA issues an independent statement, supports WSBA/CCBA statement.

To review statement options at June meeting. Potential forum discussing the statement and action steps in conjunction with the DEI Summer CLE. c. CCBA Survey 2025 Draft – Discuss in June. d. Review Trustee Job Description & Mission Statement Updates – Discuss in June. e. Mentorship Workgroup – Discuss in June.

6. Upcoming Events / Recaps: a. Together We Grow! – May 31st, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (noon) – Mendoza Law will sponsor

coffee, donuts, and water. b. Bowling – June 5th c. Golf – July 11th d. Summer Soiree – August 16th Adjourned (1:05 p.m.)

Respectfully Submitted,

Courtney Mendoza (she/her)

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