2025 May Hearsay

HearSay THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CLARK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

May 2025

December 2019

Welcome, Commissioner Lopez!

Clark County Attorneys Renew Their Washington Oaths, pg. 10

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May Hearsay Contributors

Whitney Hawke

Courtney Mendoza

Mia Demay

Wheeler Boyd

Mendoza Law

Clark County Volunteer

Attorney’s at Law

Lawyers Program

Whitney Hawke is an Associate at

Courtney Mendoza’s practice

Mia Demay started at the CCVLP

Wheeler Boyd, and the immediate past

focuses on criminal defense and

in March 2025 as Co-Executive

president of the CCBA. Her practice

family law, including dissolutions,

Director. She primarily focuses her

focuses primarily on family law.

parenting plans, and child support.

work on Community Engagement.

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Established 1980

Hi, I’m New Here: Sedi Caine page 18

Law Day 2025

n working in Clark County? year on January 22!

you liking it so far?

hool in order to do environmental justice work on the directly with clients on their criminal charges and legal system is incredibly rewarding.

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page 10

From Law to Paw: McKean Smith’s Humane Partenership page 22

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Clients Don't Often See the Whole Board

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RULE OF LAW AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

TOOL KIT

The Rule of Law Ambassador Program provides guidance and resources for legal professionals to champion and defend legal institutions in our constitutional democracy. Here are three steps you can take now to help rebuild trust in the U.S. Constitution and Rule of Law:

STEP ONE

STEP TWO

SCAN TO ACCESS THE WSBA’S RULE OF LAW AMBASSADOR WEBPAGE

STEP THREE

Make sure you’re versed in the U.S. Constitution, the rule of law, and the functions of our democracy.

Prepare to connect rather than correct when dispelling misinformation about the legal system.

Demonstrate a non-partisan commitment to civil discourse about democracy in your community.

The Washington Supreme Court calls on the WSBA, in GR 12.2, to “maintain and foster programs of public information and education about the law and the legal system.”

Lawyers have a unique and solemn obligation, as stated in the preamble to their Rules of Professional Conduct: “A lawyer should further the public’s understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and the justice system because legal institutions in a constitutional democracy depend on popular participation and support to maintain their authority.”

The same laws apply to everyone, and everyone is treated equally under the law; government power is bound by law; and human rights are guaranteed to all. This is the promise of the rule of law in our constitutional democracy, and what we strive for in Washington.

American Bar Association

What is the Rule of Law? WSBA CLE

“Rule of Law and Constitutional Crises for Lawyer Ambassadors” Presented May 6, 2025, live; register or watch the recorded version of this free CLE at www.wsba.org/ambassadors.

Divided Community Project

Speaking Out to Strengthen the Guardrails of Democracy Guidance from UW’s Information School

“To Combat Misinformation, Start with Connection not Correction”

Divided Community Project, Moritz College of Law

Key themes for speaking out

Ted Talk by Stephen J. Cox, Republican governor of Utah

“How to Disagree with Respect, not Hate”

This list is for accessible, daily actions. It is just the start of an evolving, dynamic tool kit.

If you’re ready to go further, both the WSBA and American Bar Association are here to support our Ambassadors.

Please reach out if you’d like to brainstorm about a step you’re ready to take. You can request presentation templates, a speaker for a community or civic presentation, guidance for writing op-eds, and more. > ambassadors@wsba.org

16 SPRING 2025

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Oath of Attorney I, _____________________________________________ do solemnly declare: I am fully subject to the laws of the State of Washington and the laws of the United States and will abide by the same.

I will support the constitution of the State of Washington and the constitution of the United States.

I will abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct approved by the Supreme Court of the State of Washington.

I will maintain the respect due to the courts of justice and judicial officers.

I will not counsel, or maintain any suit, or proceeding, which shall appear to me to be unjust or any defense except as I believe to be honestly debatable under the law, unless it is in defense of a person charged with a public offense. I will employ for the purpose of maintaining the causes confided to me only those means consistent with truth and honor. I will never seek to mislead the judge or jury by any artifice or false statement.

I will maintain the confidence and preserve inviolate the secrets of my client, and will accept no compensation in connection with the business of my client unless this compensation is from or with the knowledge and approval of the client or with the approval of the court.

I will abstain from all offensive personalities, and advance no fact prejudicial to the honor or reputation of a party or witness unless required by the justice of the cause with which I am charged.

I will never reject, from any consideration personal to myself, the cause of the defenseless or oppressed, or delay unjustly the cause of any person.

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Meet: Sedi Caine

Hi, I’m New Here!

Where are you from?

I grew up in the Bay Area of California and lived there until moving up to Portland for Law School at Lewis & Clark.

Where do you work?

I work at Vancouver Defenders doing public defense for misdemeanor cases.

How long have you been working in Clark County?

I just hit my one year on January 22!

How are you liking it so far?

I love it. I originally chose to go to Law School in order to do environmental justice work on the civil side, but I have found that working directly with clients on their criminal charges and helping people navigate the legal system is incredibly rewarding.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My coworkers. I really value being surrounded by like-minded individuals who are dedicated to helping people. It's an incredible environment and I love being in the office with everyone. Plus, we're all really funny. That's a huge bonus.

What neighborhood do you live in?

I live in Beaverton, OR. Quite the commute, but completely worth it.

Do you have any pets?

I have an old dog who is my son and the light of my life! I also have two stepanimals, and old cat and a lively puppy, that belong to my roommates.

Drink of choice – beer, wine, coffee?

Coffee, carbonated water, and gin and tonics.

Favorite restaurant in Portland/Vancouver?

I am a pescatarian so places that cater to my dietary needs are always preferred. I am a huge fan of Three Howls on Main Street.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

Despite all of my achievements in life, my proudest moment was the day I stopped a baby carriage that was rolling down a hill in San Fransico and into the street. I just think that's probably a unique experience and I imagine that baby really appreciated it.

Thank you to Sedi for sharing. Say hello next time you see her around!

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From Law to Paw: McKean Smith’s Humane Partnership By: Whitney Hawke

How did McKean Smith first get involved with the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society?

At McKean Smith, we’ve always believed in giving back to the community and supporting causes that matter to our team members. One cause that’s especially close to our hearts is animal welfare, which led us to connect with the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS) in Washougal, WA. In 2020, Deanna Rusch, a partner and attorney at McKean Smith, joined the WCGHS board, motivated by her passion for both community service and animal advocacy.

As a resident of Camas which is served by WCGHS, Deanna saw firsthand how vital the organization is in providing essential animal services and control. What began as a way to give back quickly evolved into a deep commitment. In fact, Deanna later stepped into a leadership role as co-president alongside her friend and colleague, Brendan Greenen. Our firm’s ongoing support of WCGHS reflects our broader commitment to community involvement. With Deanna’s leadership, McKean Smith remains actively engaged in helping the organization flourish.

Why is this type of work important to McKean Smith?

At McKean Smith, we believe that being a successful law firm means more than just practicing law—it means being an active and engaged member of our community. It means giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves. Animal welfare is a cause that is especially close to our hearts, not just because many of us are passionate pet owners, but because we understand the deep connection between thriving communities and the wellbeing of all their members—human and animal alike.

The work that WCGHS does ensures that animals in need receive the care, shelter, and chance for a better life they deserve. We’re proud to be part of that mission, and it’s something that truly resonates with our firm’s core values.

What type of work does McKean Smith do to support their mission?

McKean Smith has been a proud sponsor of the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS) since 2021.

We began by supporting their events, including the annual Hike on the Dike—an enjoyable, family-friendly event that brings together the community and their furry companions to support the organization’s mission. We also sponsored A Tail to Remember, WCGHS’s largest event of the year, a dinner and auction that raises crucial funds for their programs.

In 2023, we took our partnership to the next level by becoming the Partner in Placement sponsor. This role allows us to have a direct, lasting impact on the lives of animals awaiting adoption. As a Partner in Placement, we help cover the adoption fees for long-term or hard-toplace animals, giving them the opportunity to find their forever homes. This sponsorship is vital in removing financial barriers to adoption, making it possible for more animals to move into loving homes while supporting the Humane Society’s critical work in our community.

Our continued involvement with WCGHS reflects McKean Smith’s deep commitment to animal welfare and community service.

Besides snuggling cute puppies, what do you find most rewarding about your service to the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society?

The most rewarding part of my service to the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society is knowing that we are making a real difference in the lives of both animals and people in our community.

Every pet we help find a loving home, every family we support in keeping their furry companion, and every life we save reinforces the incredible bond between humans and animals.

Our work isn’t just about sheltering animals—it’s about building a compassionate community where every pet receives the love and care they deserve. These animals give us unconditional love, and it’s our mission to make sure they get that love right back. Whether it’s providing medical care, food assistance, or just a second chance, seeing the impact on both pets and their owners is what makes this work so fulfilling.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about rescuing animals—it’s about strengthening the connections that make our community a more caring and humane place.

What are the Humane Society's greatest needs right now?

Financial contributions are always best! We also always need foster homes, especially for puppies, kittens, and medical/special needs dogs and cats. For supplies, we could use puppy food right now as we are caring for three litters of puppies and their mamas. A list of ongoing needs can also be found on our website at wcghs.org with links to our Amazon and Chewy wishlists.

If people are interested, how can they get involved and help out?

Adopt, volunteer/foster, donate, advocate (tell people about us)!

Saving the lives of animals since 1994

According to the WCGHS website, in 2024: 608 pets were adopted 481 pets fostered 7,979 pounds of pet food distributed in the community

Learn more about the organization at: wcghs.org

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Clark County Bar Association

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CLARK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING

April 1, 2025

Minutes for the CCBA Board of Trustees Meeting April 1, 2025 Called to Order (12:11 p.m.): Wechselblatt, Hawke, Mendoza, and Executive Director Darco.

1. March 4, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes: *Will be addressed at our next meeting – no quorum.

2. Treasurer’s Report: *Will be addressed at our next meeting.

3. CCBA Big Picture

a. 2025 CCBA Survey – Review and discussion about draft questions. Lisa will update and we will further discuss at our next meeting.

b. Trustee Job Description & Mission Statement – *Will be addressed at our next meeting.

c. ABA / WSBA Statement Supporting an Independent Legal Community – Deb is going to incorporate comments into the President’s Message for Hearsay, and Hearsay will post the letters.

d. Mentorship Workgroup – *Will be addressed at our next meeting.

e. Law Day Email from WBSA – May 1st – We need to provide a name of a Judge and a location, then help advertise the event. Deb/Lisa will work on finding the Judge.

4. Upcoming Events / Recaps:

a. Barrister’s Ball Recap – 3/8/25 – It was a fabulous event!

b. General Meeting Recap – 3/25/25 – Great meeting followed by an engaging CLE.

c. Formal Swearing In – 4/21/25 – Will be held at 4 p.m. in District Court with Judge Parcher.

d. CCBA DEI Committee Community Event – May 31st, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (noon) at Heritage Farms – they donate food to Clark County Food Bank. Family friendly.

Help prepare the fields for planting. Bring gloves if you want your own, they’ll otherwise have everything you need.

e. Bowling – June 5th

f. Golf – July 11th

g. Summer Soiree – August 16th

Adjourned (12:49 p.m.)

Respectfully Submitted, Courtney Mendoza (she/her) 30

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