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HearSay THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CLARK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

October 2026

December 2019

Welcome, Commissioner Lopez!

Clark County Bar Association 2026 Annual Meeting

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.

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October Hearsay Contributors Jason Rosenbaum Chenoweth Law Group Jason focuses his practice on real estate, business and commercial, and construction litigation, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in contract disputes, construction defect claims, lien foreclosures, payment disputes, and real estate matters.

Katie Sinclair Clark County Prosecutor’s Office Katie Lyn Sinclair is a dedicated Government Lawyer at the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office in Vancouver, WA. With her extensive legal background, Katie focuses her practice on criminal and government law.

Anne Kevelin Anne Kevlin, Esq. is a full-time mediator and arbitrator specializing in insurance, employment, and commercial disputes throughout the United States. She lives in Camas and has been certified by the Washington Mediation Association.

CCBA Annual Meeting page 10

Representing Injured Workers on Their Washington Claims

Law Office of Steven L. Busick

(360) 696-0228 1915 Washington Street Vancouver, WA 98660

New Faces at the Prosecuter’s Office page 14

Why Mediation is not Litigation page 18

CCBA President’s Message Let Me Introduce Myself – Your New CCBA Bar President My name is Marla – I am originally f rom in Tucson, Arizona, with a detour to California. My late husband and I moved to Clark County 26 years ago and I am proud to call this my home. Although I love (and highly recommend visiting) the Arizona sunsets and Catalina mountain views nothing can compare to living in Southwest Washington. I love our small city as well as our mountains, beaches and rivers. I have three kids – all up in Seattle. Two currently attending the University of Washington and my oldest a recent grad. (Yes, I consider myself an honorary member – Go Dawgs!). I work at Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program – I feel fortunate to be one of the few attorneys here on staff!! (* plug – this is an amazing organization and we would love to have any of you come see what we do and consider volunteering.) My practice consists of family law specializing in domestic violence. Another thing about me – I often am accompanied by my dog George - if you see us please say hi - George truly gets his feelings hurt when snubbed on the streets. MARLA RAPP | CCBA PRESIDENT 8 MARLA@CCVLP.ORG | (360) 602-2616

We at the CCBA want everyone to feel like they are part of this organization – that they have a voice in what we do, they feel welcome attending events and appreciated for participation. If you have not been as involved I encourage you to take a step and come to something. Or reach out and contact me – I would love to chat: marla@ccvlp.org What I am listening to: As a history nerd I am really enjoying the podcast “History That Doesn’t Suck.” Interesting and informative stories about US history - keeps me captivated during long walks or even longer drives.

CCBA ANNUAL MEETING FOCUSES ON GROWTH AND PROFESSIONALISM By Jason Rosenbaum The Clark County Bar Association's annual meeting took place on September 14, 2026 at the Fort Vancouver Artillery Barracks. At the annual meeting, several speakers highlighted the organization's improving financial position and major court developments. The annual meeting was followed by a CLE presentation in which two judges, the Honorable Christine D. Hayes and James Smith, gave their views on the legal profession's continuing responsibility to maintain civility and professionalism.

Annual Meeting Treasurer Ben Melnick kicked off the meeting by reporting that the CCBA projects a positive net income for 2027 for the first time in years. The organization currently maintains a concerningly low $25,000 in reserves. To strengthen its financial position, the Board increased CCBA dues from $195 to $295, corrected how it accounts for non-lawyer serviceprovider dues, expanded sponsorship opportunities, and will be increasing Barrister's Ball ticket prices from $100 to $150. Members also received an update on recent bylaw amendments that give sections greater responsibility for managing their budgets while confirming that all section funds remain CCBA funds.

Marla Rapp, Le Ann Larson, and Josh Sherman

The Honorable Derek J. Vanderwood then gave his report on the Superior Court. Judge Vanderwood reported that Superior Court now operates with four full-time commissioners and one part-time commissioner. Family law ex parte proceedings have returned to in-person appearances, and the criminal division continues addressing staffing challenges. The court also continues planning for courthouse consolidation. If current timelines hold, the county will relocate family law courtrooms to the courthouse's second floor and expand the clerk's office into former jury administration space. Judge Vanderwood encouraged attorneys interested in serving as pro tem judges to apply during

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the annual application process this November. The court also continues seeking legislative approval for an additional superior court judge. District Court Judge James Smith reported that the District Court moved into its new courthouse facility in February and encouraged attorneys to tour the building. Judge Smith also noted a new local rule requiring parties to disclose AI-assisted filings. Amanda Willden reported dramatic growth in filing volume throughout the Clark County courts, from approximately 4,000 documents annually in 2005 to roughly 3,600 documents each month in 2026. The Clerk's Office employs 47 clerks and continues restructuring responsibilities to increase specialization and improve service. Court staff encouraged attorneys to e-file whenever possible, use the attorney drop box for routine filings, submit documents separately as required by the local general rules, and verify docket status before filing. Several Clark County Bar Association committees reported successful programming during the past year. The Family Law Section remains CCBA's largest section, with approximately 140 members and ten CLEs completed last year. Committee leaders encouraged members to become involved in CLE planning, Hearsay publication, social events, and section activities.

Nathan Petersen and Marla Rapp

The CCBA unanimously elected Marla Rapp as President and Courtney Mendoza as Vice President. Le Ann Larson was approved as Secretary and Ben Melnick as Treasurer. The membership also approved Josh Sherman, Chelsey Butchard, and Colin McHugh as trustees. Nathan Petersen will stay on the board as Immediate Past President. During the leadership transition, Marla Rapp presented a plaque to outgoing President Nathan Peterson, recognizing him for fostering an inclusive and engaged CCBA community.

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Views from the Bench The meeting concluded with a CLE entitled "Views from the Bench", featuring a conversation between the Honorable Christine D. Hayes from the Superior Court and the Honorable James Smith from the District Court that focused on professionalism, preparation, and collegiality. Both judges emphasized that lawyers resolve more disputes by talking directly than by exchanging lengthy emails. They observed that many continuances and delays stem from a lack of communication between counsel and encouraged attorneys to pick up the phone, meet for coffee, and build professional relationships. Judge Hayes stressed that lawyers play a critical role in maintaining public confidence in the judiciary. Professional conduct, civility toward opposing counsel, respect for court staff, and courtroom preparedness all strengthen public trust in the legal system. Both judges also offered practical reminders to the Clark County bar: follow local rules, provide required bench copies, communicate promptly with judicial assistants, read cited authorities carefully, and avoid last-minute scheduling requests whenever possible. As Judge Hayes observed, professionalism begins with everyday interactions inside and out of court, whether speaking with opposing counsel, court staff, or the bench. Professionalism is not only important for doing one's job but is also crucial to maintaining the public's trust in the legal system—a trust that has rapidly eroded in recent times—and, by extension, the rule of law.

Judge Smith and Judge Hayes 12

Jean McCoy and Le Ann Larson 12

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New Attorneys at Clark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office by: Katie Sinclair

The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is excited to introduce some of the newest members of our District Court team! Some are just beginning their legal careers, still finishing law school or awaiting their bar numbers, and each brings the qualities we value most: sound judgment, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. We’re grateful they chose to build their careers with us, and we know they’ll make a real difference in our community. Please help us give them a warm welcome to the local legal community!

Trenton James I just graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law and recently moved to Vancouver a few weeks ago. I am originally from Ohio, and I lived in Texas during my high school and undergraduate years. After obtaining my Finance and Economics degree from the University of Texas at Dallas, I relocated to Seattle, WA where I met my girlfriend, Brianna. We have a 4-year-old dog named Eddie, and we spend a lot of time exploring the outdoors. I enjoy fishing, hiking, and cooking. I am excited to start my legal career at this office and look forward to connecting with new people in the area. 14

Hilary Brooks Hilary is a law student at Lewis & Clark Law School where she also serves as President of Lewis & Clark’s American Constitution Society chapter. She is the mother of two boys and two dogs. She is also an avid fountain pen enthusiast and loves to oil paint.

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Robert Wood, Jr. Hello, my name is Robert Wood, Jr. I am originally from Oakland, CA. I spend a lot of my free time watching sports. I am a fan of the Golden State Warriors, Golden Golden State Valkyries, Las Vegas Raiders, and Oakland Athletics. I received my bachelor degree and MBA from Pacific University where I also played football. I was inspired to become an attorney by my father who is a Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury lawyer.

Jane Provost Hello! I graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law in May 2026. Previously, I worked for a year at the City of Spokane Prosecutor’s Office. I am excited to be back in Clark County as I grew up in East Vancouver and went to Mountain View High School. I did my undergrad on the east coast where I ran cross country and track and interned for WA’s 3rd Congressional District in DC. After college, I was in the Peace Corps for a short time before being evacuated during COVID. I really enjoy distance running. I ran the Boston Marathon this Spring and I am running the Chicago Marathon in October. If you know any good routes for training please let me know!

48 Amanda Bishop Hello! My name is Amanda Bishop, I am a 3L at Lewis & Clark Law School. I am the Notes & Comments Editor on the Lewis & Clark Environmental Law Review. Further, I am the President of the Lewis & Clark Plaintiffs Law Association. My passion for the law comes from working with my Nana and the East County Rotary spreading awareness about sex trafficking. When I am not busy with school or work, I enjoy baking with my mom and playing with my mini golden doodle Teddy. I had the best summer as a Rule 9 Intern in Clark County and I am excited to continue throughout the school year! Ronny Lee Hello! I'm a 3L at the University of Oregon and previously worked at the Washington County DA. I realized how much I like prosecution work from last year to this year at CCPA. Originally from South Korea, I have alsolived in New York, Texas, and Oregon before making my way to Washington. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, hiking, and camping to explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Always happy to take recommendations for places to eat or hike around Vancouver and Portland. 15

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CLARK COUNTY

VETERANS THERAPEUTIC COURT presents

VETS Standing Up

3RD ANNUAL

for

VETS

HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED DATE:

NOVEMBER 9, 2026

TIME:

11 AM - 12PM CLARK COUNTY LOCATION: DISTRICT COURT 210 E. 13TH ST. VANCOUVER, WA 98660 COURTROOM TBD SNACKS AND LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US AS WE HONOR, UPLIFT, AND STAND ALONGSIDE THE VETERANS IN OUR PROGRAM AND COMMUNITY. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Angie Hutton Program Coordinator angie.hutton@clark.wa.gov

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Fellow CCBA members and colleagues, With Veterans Day approaching on November 11, it’s time for an update on the Veterans Therapeutic Court program or VETCO as it’s commonly known. VETCO is a therapeutic court specifically designed to aid eligible veterans who have pending criminal charges and suffer from substance use disorder, mental illness, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Since 2019, in coordination with Superior Court, the program accepts both felony and misdemeanor cases. Most cases are admitted on a “pre plea” basis though in some situations the prosecution may only agree to a case being admitted after a guilty plea. Pursuant to RCW 2.30.030(1) and program guidelines, the prosecution acts as an initial gatekeeper for referring cases. Veterans often have unique needs and challenges related to the sacrifices they made while serving. VETCO’s ultimate goal is to create lasting recovery and positive change for veterans to both improve their lives and make our local community safer and stronger. I’ve had the honor to serve as the VETCO judge for the past three and a half years. In January, Judge Leslie Lopez will rotate in as the VETCO judge. While in VETCO, veterans participate in treatment through community partners such as Lifeline Connections or with the Department of Veterans Affairs. In many cases, public funding is available for treatment and monitoring that the veteran would normally have to pay out of pocket for. VETCO participants also engage in sobriety monitoring, pro social events, and community supervision for at least twelve months. Upon successful graduation, the charges are dismissed with prejudice for pre-plea cases. Finally, and importantly, I would like to invite any members of the CCBA and any support staff who are veterans to an event on November 9 at 11:00 AM. This is the third annual “Vets Standing Up for Vets” event sponsored by VETCO. It will be at the new District Court courthouse at 210 E. 13th Street in downtown Vancouver. Light refreshments and drinks will be offered. This year will feature VETCO graduates as guest speakers. This event is intended to honor the service of the veterans in the VETCO program and the local legal community. It’s also an opportunity to recognize the common bond between all who have served our nation. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. Sincerely, James B. Smith Clark County District Court Judge – Department 3 17

Why Mediation Isn’t Litigation: The Mindset Shift Every Litigator Must Make By Anne Kevlin, Esq. Litigators spend careers mastering persuasion in an adversarial forum: controlling narratives, exploiting weaknesses, and pressing every advantage toward a binary outcome decided by a judge or jury. These are formidable skills — and largely the wrong ones for mediation. Mediation is not a quieter version of trial. It runs on different incentives, a different audience, and a different def inition of winning. A litigator who simply turns down the intensity of their courtroom approach isn’t adapting — they’re running the same playbook at lower volume, diminishing the odds of successful mediation. This article, the f irst in a three-part series, covers the foundational mindset shifts litigators need before any specif ic technique matters. 1. The Audience Changes — and So Must the Argument In litigation, a judge or jury imposes an outcome. In mediation, only the parties can end the dispute, and only by voluntary agreement — a mediator’s opinion of the merits is often irrelevant to whether a deal gets done. Arguments engineered to “win” on the merits often fail because they don’t address why the other side is or isn’t willing to settle, and can even harden a position by making someone feel cornered. The better question isn’t “how do I prove I’m right?” but “what does the other side need to hear, feel, or understand to say yes?” Merits still matter, but they’re an input to negotiation, not the f inish line. Interests replace positions. Litigation trains lawyers to defend positions. Mediation rewards interests — the why behind the position. A plaintiff ’s “$2 million” demand may rest on interests like covering costs or avoiding trial stress; a defendant’s “no liability” stance may reflect interests in controlling expense or protecting reputation. Skilled advocates work both tracks at once — the position track that becomes contract language, and the interest track that actually makes movement possible. Conf identiality terms, apology language, or payment structure can unlock value that dollar bargaining alone cannot. Preparing an interest map — your client’s and your best hypothesis of the other side’s — is one of the highest-leverage steps in mediation prep.

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2. The Mediator Is Not a Judge, a Witness, or an Opponent Litigators often over-invest in convincing the mediator their case is strong, as if a favorable opinion translates into a better settlement. It usually doesn’t — the mediator decides nothing. Our job is to manage the process and create conditions where movement becomes possible. Rather than trying to “win” the mediator’s sympathy, effective advocates use us as a conduit for testing offers, a coach on technique, a channel for hard messages, and a validator who can help a client accept a diff icult number as a neutral assessment rather than a capitulation. This requires real transparency — sharing true bottom lines and concerns in private caucus — since our ability to help is directly proportional to the honesty we are given. 3. Conf identiality Changes What Can Be Said Litigation statements are on the record and quotable for years, producing a defensive crouch. Mediation communications are typically protected by privilege and conf identiality — an advantage that should change what advocates are willing to say, not just how loudly they say it. This isn’t license for recklessness. Distinguish statements that create real risk if mediation fails f rom defensive hedging that serves no purpose but habit. 4. Risk Framing Replaces Fact Framing Trial persuasion is narrative construction fitted to legal elements. Mediation persuasion is usually about risk: walking the other side through a realistic distribution of trial outcomes, discounted for probability and cost, to show a settlement range makes sense relative to continued litigation. Rather than “you will lose,” the skilled negotiator invites the other side to do their own risk math instead of defending against attack. Litigators comfortable arguing certainty need comfort arguing probabilities instead. 5. Client Management Looks Completely Different Litigation manages client expectations episodically. Mediation demands continuous management, often the hardest part of the day: clients absorb hard truths, wait through hours of downtime, and make an irreversible decision under time pressure. The shift is f rom managing the client’s understanding of the case to managing their decision-making state — watching for fatigue and sticker shock, and preparing them beforehand with realistic ranges so the room isn’t where they f irst discover the real parameters of their case.

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6. Time Horizon Shrinks From Years to Hours Litigation unfolds over months and years; mediation compresses the entire negotiation into a few hours. This rewards advocates with a pre-planned negotiation strategy, concession sequence, and walk-away point already worked out — not those hoping to improvise the way they might improvise cross-examination. 7. Emotional Intelligence Is a Core Competency, Not a Soft Skill Litigation rewards compartmentalizing emotion. Mediation puts raw emotion — years of f rustration, fear, or grief — directly into the room, and it doesn’t disappear because a lawyer prefers to stay on the merits. A party who feels genuinely heard is far more likely to accept a fair number than one offered the same number with no acknowledgment. This means real comfort sitting with anger or distress without escalating or rushing back to “the numbers.” It’s a professional skill, not a personality trait. 8. Case Evaluation Serves a Different Purpose Litigation case evaluations support internal strategy and are often calibrated — sometimes optimistically — to keep clients conf ident in their legal representation. Mediation needs something additional: a decision-useful range that holds up under real-time settlement pressure. A client whose only prior evaluations were rosier-than-reality can be blindsided in the room. Best practice is an unvarnished case-evaluation conversation days before mediation, so clients make better, faster decisions instead of f reezing under pressure. Conclusion The shift f rom litigation to mediation isn’t cosmetic. It means reorienting f rom a decision-maker-focused, position-based, defensively-worded, long-horizon practice to one that is agreement-focused, interest-based, risk-f ramed, and compressed into hours. Litigators who make this shift consciously — rather than assuming trial skills transfer automatically — consistently achieve better outcomes for their clients. The next article in this series turns to the specif ic communication skills that operationalize this mindset.

The Reading Bar

By Jean McCoy

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For those of you who have not connected, The Reading Bar is the one-year old group of Clark County Bar Association members and staff who like to read, like to talk about reading, and like to read either a group book, or read their own book in a happyhour type setting with other like-minded readers.

All that is to say – join us! There are many ways to participate. Some people are just on the email list and get our announcements of books we are reading and dates we are meeting. Maybe they (a) just like being part of the list; (b) maybe they are reading the book but don’t have time for the meetings; or (c) maybe they desperately want to join the meetings but are trapped under something heavy. Others attend one or more of our meetings in person. We meet monthly on the second Monday of the month, alternating between the traditional book club where we all read the same book and discuss; and a silent book club where we meet after work at a disclosed location and have some connection time, and then companionably read our separate books (and occasionally burst out with comment). Our last in-person meeting was held on October 12, 2026. The book we read is “The Liar I Married” by D.K. Hood. We had a birthday party and raffled off a $30 gift card to White Oak Books. We had a collective “vote” of around 2.75 out of a 5 star review. Also, get in on the holiday spirit! We will meet on December 14, 2026 at 5:45 pm at White Oak Books, 1700 Main Street, Suite D, Vancouver for our traditional book club meeting. We will be doing the second-annual Book Swap on at this meeting so let us know if you want to be a part of it. The next book read is “The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls, another memoir, but we hope better than our last one. Our next “silent” book club meeting is on November 9, 2026 at 5:45 pm (come when you can!) at Loyal Legion, 1109 Washington Street. Bring the next book or something else you want to read (even People magazine for those who don’t have time for a full book). It’s all about the connection. If you are not already on the email list for more details, don’t wait! Contact jean.mccoy@landerholm.com and/or celliott@navigatelawgroup.com. 21

Clark County Bar Association

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CLARK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETING

September 1, 2026

Minutes for the CCBA Board of Trustees Meeting September 1, 2026 1. Called to order 12:08 pm: Petersen, Rapp, Melnick, Larson, Busby, Mendoza, Wechselblatt, and Executive Director Darco in attendance. 2. Approval of August 4, 2026 Board Meeting minutes: Correction. (Melnick/Wechselblatt) Approved 3. Treasurer’s Report (Melnick): Reviewed handout concerning historical losses. Reviewed Treasurer’s written report. Finances are dire and we have approximately two years to stem the losses and save our CCBA. Motion to approve the proposed 2026/2027 budget for presentation and vote at Annual Meeting (Larson/Busby) Approved 4. To Discuss A. Family Law Section Reserves: The section is spending down their reserves and has questions. There will be a form for the sections regarding the section reserves policy. B. Clerks Office Forum/Poll: discussion and decision to hold a forum and poll. Darco will schedule the forum. C. Motion to approve slate of officers to be presented and voted on at Annual Meeting: President: Marla Rapp, Vice President: Courtney Mendoza, Secretary: Le Ann Larson, Treasurer: Ben Melnick, Trustee: Josh Sherman, Trustee: Chelsey Butchard, Trustee: Colin McHugh, Immediate Past President: Nathan Petersen. (Larson/Busby) Approved D. Honorary Membership of the Bench: Discussion. Motion to approve Honorary CCBA Membership for Judges (Melnick/Wechselblatt) Approved 5. Upcoming Events a. Annual Meeting: 9/14/26 at Artillery Barracks at Fort Vancouver b. Membership Kickoff Coffee event September 18th Adjourned 22

Clark County Bar Association

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CLARK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

September 14, 2026

Minutes of the CCBA Annual Membership Meeting 9/14/2026 In Person at the Artillery Barracks at Fort Vancouver CCBA President Nathan Petersen Called to order, Opening remarks about coming events: 9/18/26 Grounds for Growth membership kickoff coffee event. September 30th In Good Company round table discussion on Work/Life Balance. October 16th Clark County Clerk candidate forum at noon PCS 6th floor hearing room. REPORTS A. Treasurer’s Report, Ben Melnick Ben presented the 2026/2027 Proposed Budget. He went line by line through a three page budget report comparing the projected income and expenses of 2025/2026 to the actual income andexpenses for this past year and projected income and expenses of 2026/2027. Motion to approve the proposed 2026/2027 budget (Hawke/Pruett) Approved B. Annual Report Of Superior Court, Judge Vanderwood Now 4 Superior Court commissioners. Public defense staffing issues in criminal courts. It is anticipated if all goes well, that Superior Court will be in the Courthouse 6/1/27. When the move happens, the Family Law Annex will close. The annual opportunity to apply for pro tem positions will be in November. Superior Court will request an additional judicial position and should hear by January/February 2027. Superior Court is requesting that the Clark County Charter Review Commission propose a charter amendment to make the County Clerk an unelected position. C. Annual Report Of District Court, Judge Smith There were three new judicial officers this year: Judge Lopez, Judge Peyton, and CommissionerRamsay. District Court moved to the new courthouse in February 2026. It is modern and efficient, but there are space concerns. The new District Court Administrator is Marianne Clear. There is a new local court rule concerning disclosure of AI generated/assisted materials. There were 9,700 cases filed in 2025 and this year filing numbers will likely exceed that, but there are delays in filings due toindigent defense issues so that may affect the year end filing numbers. District Court is considering a request to the Clark County Council for another judicial position; the last judicial position was granted in 2003 and started in 2005. D. Clerk’s Report, Amanda Willden (Clerk’s Office Program Manager) The Clerk’s Office processes an average of 36,000 documents per month. 40% are e filed. TheClerk’s Office is staffed with 47 clerks, 2 managers, and a Chief Deputy clerk. Of the 47 staff, halfhave less than 2 years experience. The staff is divided into criminal and non criminal groups. They average 120 customers a day in the lobby. Please use attorney drop box when feasible. Electronic filing is encouraged. A common rejection in e filing is when documents are all submitted as one and should be separate. Family Law ex partee is prioritized from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Reminder to send an email to the expartee email address to request a JIS report. Register for echeck to avoid processing fees and collection delays. 23

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E. CCBA Committee Reports Family Law Section: Chelsey Butchard The 2025/2026 board was elected to serve again for 2026/2027. Thank you. 140 section members. 10 annual CLEs. It is time to join or re new your section membership. Young Lawyers Section:Leaa Petersen A new board is being elected. There is a Happy Hour event planned to follow the attorney swearing in ceremony; watch for an invite. Guardianship, Probate, and Elder Law Section: Marissa Bartolucci The section is planning member engagement. CLEs and socials are being planned. CLE Committee, Josh Sherman The committee needs members; are you interested? The 2026/2027 CLE schedule is largely set. 6/9/2027 is an open date; do you have ideas for a topic and speaker? CCBA Diversity Equity Inclusion Committee, Marla Rapp The committee’s purpose is to increase the diversity of the CCBA. Events this past year included the annual summer CLE, a Heritage Farm event, and a panel event for collegians that covered a variety of careers in the legal system. Hearsay Committee: Whitney Hawke The committee meets the first Thursday of the month. Meetings are via Zoom. Come join this strong committee. You could write, or edit, or design, or proof read, or come up with ideas for articles, and hang out with fun people. Social Committee: Christie Edwards Loads of fun this year with Barrister’s Ball, Bowl ing with the Judges, The Mayhew Golf Tournament, and the Summer Soiree where Kim Nigg was just honored. This committee plans and organizes the fun. It was addressed in the Treasurer’s report that fundraising is a part of what they do. Thank you for supporting CCBA events! When you sponsor events and attend events it makes them revenue neutral, which is important for CCBA finances. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS OF NEW OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES Slate presented President: Marla Rapp, Vice President: Courtney Mendoza, Secretary: Le Ann Larson, Treasurer: Ben Melnick, Trustees Josh Sherman(2 years remaining), Chelsey Butchard (3 year term), Colin McHugh (3 year term), Immediate Past President: Nathan Petersen no nominations from the floor Motion to elect slate of officers (Melnick/Hawke), Vote. Slate elected.

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INTRODUCTION OF NEW CCBA PRESIDENT MARLA RAPP Nathan Petersen introduced President Marla Rapp. Marla spoke briefly. 2025/2026 PRESIDENT’S AWARD TO NATHAN PETERSEN Plaque presented to Nathan Petersen by Marla Rapp. Thank you to Nathan for his service as Trustee, V.P., and President. Nathan will continue to serve as the Immediate Past President. BOARD APPRECIATION Thank you to Ryan Busby for three years of board service and his involvement on the CCBA CLE and Golf Tournament committees. Adjourned CLE “A View from the Bench” presented by Judge Hayes and Judge Smith followed the meeting.

Clark County Superior Court

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BENCH/BAR COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES September 8, 2026

Persons in attendance: Judge Camara Banfield (Camera.Banfield@clark.wa.gov), Elizabeth Fitzgearld (elizabethf@ccvlp.org), Carl Snodgrass (carl.snodgrass@nwjustice.org), Aaron B a r t l e t t ( A a r o n . B a r t l e t t @ c l a r k . w a . g o v ) , K a t e M e y e r s ( ka t e . m e y e r s @ a t g . w a . g o v ) - If you have matters that you would like to bring to the attention of the Bench/Bar, you are welcome to contact the abovementioned members of the committee. The next meeting will be Tuesday, November 10th at 12:00. Please email Jessi Anderson (jessi@ccvlp.org) for the Zoom link if you would like to attend. Meeting commenced: 12:02 pm

Meeting adjourned:12:18 pm

Meeting Updates: Court updates: Judge Banfield - Civil department:

- Family Law has moved to in-person ex parte

- It has made the process go faster

- Has led to fewer frivolous filings in FL

- The aim is for the civil department do the same

- There would be two judges present at the same time (one for Civil, one for

Family)

- If anyone has strong feelings about that, email Judge Banfield directly

- Courthouse: - Giant trees are getting cut town outside the courthouse Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s office: Aaron Bartlett - Has continued to work on updating the PA’s website to include things that have been previously requested and discussed in Bench/Bar meetings

- They’ve added Blake content, but there is more to add

- Judge Banfield said it would be nice to know who directly to reach out to for certain types of matters (i.e. CROPs).

- They will have docket fully staffed soon (with addition of Dakota Black)

- This is where firearm restorations and motions to vacate will be heard

- Aaron is going to cover CROPs for now since they are something most are

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- Carl Snodgrass said increase may be because of NJP work

- Elizabeth noted CROPs have been intermittently requested over the

years as part of legal aid services (when capacity allows) but they are

relatively rare because of expanded eligibility for vacate orders.

- Judge Banfield requested NJP provide a memo to the court on what these are as it doesn’t seem members of the bench are familiar with them. Northwest Justice Project: Carl Snodgrass - Agreed Orders

- NJP has been having an issue with agreed orders (and how to get them to the

court) on records vacating matters

- Often NJP attorneys will go to the clerk’s office and request to take

agreed orders to ex parte.

- They are told by the Clerk’s office that this is not the appropriate

avenue.

- NJP attorney ultimately pushes to try bringing to ex parte anyway,

and it does get signed.

- Understandably, they don’t want to clog the out-of-custody

criminal docket

- The question: Is this still the best course of action for NJP

to take?

- Judge Banfield said the court prefers these to go ‘directed’ to assigned

department (in court admin) and bypass the clerk’s office completely

- BAVU (Blake Administrative Vacate Unit)

- OPD alerted Carl about this program

- The Court can opt into participating in this to make the process more automated

and streamlined

- Rumor has it District Court is looking into it.

- There is a brochure of what this does.

- The question: Has Superior Court looked into it?

- Judge Banfield said the court is not familiar, so please share the brochure

with the court.

- Carl shared the brochure in the meeting chat and by email after

the meeting.

Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program: Elizabeth Fitzgearld - In July, the court started closing a whole bunch of family law cases without notifying parties.

- CCVLP just found out a week ago when pro se clients started telling them about

it.

- The litigants weren’t notified about it.

- It seems these are cases where the last thing to happen was a temporary order

and there hadn’t been action in awhile

.- There is no standard/sample motion to re-open (or motion to vacate a closing order).

- One of the matters was spotted by a CCVLP staff attorney who created a motion

that was granted by the court.

- Question: Can the court come up with a sample motion to re-open or a motion to vacate a closing order that the legal aid organizations can give to pro-se folks?

- Judge Banfield said this was raised to the bench, but the presumption was that

litigants were receiving notification.

- Judge Bandfield asked that CCVLP send an email with this information so she

can bring this to the clerk’s office and Judge Retsinas

- She also asked that CCVLP send along their staff attorneys motion to

potentially use it to create a sample motion for pro ses.

Attorney General’s office: Kate Meyers - Just transitioned from Commissioner Ellis to Commissioner Phelan on Dependency Docket

- Commissioner Phelan is doing an amazing job

- It is going super smoothly

- They are working with Julie Christian at AOC to work out kinks - Sometimes the clerk’s office doesn’t have everything updated, but generally it is working really well - Judge Banfield asked if they have talked with Judge Retsinas, who is part of the court’s bench meetings, and they are aware of learning curves. They are trying to provide information to improve quality control. - Asks that Kate either pass it along to Judge Retsinas or to Judge Banfield. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Fitzgearld

Clark County Bar Association Officers & Trustees 2026-2027

CC BA

Marla Rapp

Courtney Mendoza

President

Vice President

(360) 602-2616 marla@ccvlp.org

(360) 553-0503 courtney@Mendoza-Legal.com

Josh Sherman Trustee (360) 859-3823 josh@janeclarklegal.com

Le Ann Larson Secretary

Ben Melnick Treasurer

(564) 397-2265 leann.larson@clark.wa.gov

(360) 695-4244 benm@washingtonoregonlawyers.com

Chelsey Butchard Trustee

Colin McHugh Trustee

Nathan Petersen Immediate Past President

(360) 946-0600 chelsey@butchardlaw.com

(360) 558-7099 colin@colinmchughlaw.com

(she/her)

(360) 326-4577 nathan@thprlawfirm.com

(she/her)

Christy Grafton SWLRS Coordinator

Mariah Mantzke Hearsay Production

(360) 695-5975 lisa@ccbawashington.org

(360) 695-5975 office@ccbawashington.org

Lisa Darco Executive Director