The Washington State Bar Association seeks members of the public to serve on three boards and one council for terms beginning October 1, 2015. Serving on a WSBA board or council is an excellent opportunity to get an insider’s view on how the practice of law is regulated in Washington State. Applications are being accepted through May 1.

 

This year the WSBA will appoint (or, in some cases, recommend to the state Supreme Court) Community Representatives to the following boards:  

 

·         Character and Fitness Board

The Character and Fitness Board deals with matters of character and fitness bearing on qualifications of applicants for admission to practice law in Washington. The Board conducts hearings on the admission of any applicant referred to it for hearing, considers petitions for reinstatement after disbarment, and makes recommendations to the Board of Governors and Supreme Court regarding admission and reinstatement. Hearings generally are held every month. Appointment is for a three-year term.

 

·         Council on Public Defense

The Council on Public Defense addresses concerns about the quality of indigent defense services in Washington State. Appointment is for a two-year term.

 

·         Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection Board

The Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection Board compensates clients who have suffered a direct financial loss caused by the dishonest conduct of a lawyer in connection with the practice of law. The Fund is funded by an annual assessment of members of the WSBA by order of the Washington State Supreme Court. Appointment is for a three-year term.

 

·         Limited License Legal Technician Board 

The Limited License Legal Technician Board authorizes non-attorneys who meet certain educational requirements to advise and assist clients on specific areas of law. Licensing of LLLTs will begin soon. Appointment is for a three-year term.

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If you would like to be considered for any of these openings, please complete the application by following the instructions posted here: http://tinyurl.com/WSBACommMem. Previous applicants should re-apply as applications expire after one year.

 

For further information about each board, contact the staff liaison listed on the web page linked to above. If you have questions about the application process, email barleaders@wsba.org or call Pam Inglesby at 206-727-8226.