“Always Appealing” is a column addressing current issues in appellate practice and recent appellate cases written by the lawyers of Smith Goodfriend, P.S., a Seattle law firm that limits its practice to civil appeals and related trial court motions practice.

My colleagues Catherine Smith and Valerie Villacin have pounded the drum, advocating a more robust use of sanctions, including attorney fees, for frivolous or obstreperous appeals under RAP 18.9(a). While most of the case law under RAP 18.9 deals with frivolous appeals, as last month’s piece notes, the rule also authorizes an award of “terms or compensatory damages” against a party “who uses [the appellate] rules for purpose of delay...“¹ Delay remains the flavor of the month in this installment of “Always Appealing.”

As anyone who has ever worked in a library knows, there will always be that person who, upon finding out that one works in a library, comments, “That must be so great, I’d love to just sit around and read all day. “Ummm…. yeah… not in any public law library that I know …. but sure, most of us give a polite nod and refrain from an overly sarcastic eyeroll. That said, libraries do attract people who love books and yes, we do spend a lot of our free time reading them. In this month’s column you can get a bird’s eye view into what the law library and foundation staff are currently reading.

Seattle is known for its coffee. It is arguably the coffee capital of North America (at least we think so). But there are a few of us who prefer beverages other than coffee (believe it or not). Seattle does sport a few places to the most classic of those beverages: tea. Worldwide tea is more popular than coffee and is second only to packaged water as the most consumed beverage.

KCBA’s Neighborhood Legal Clinics now number over 30. But, like the mustard seed, the program started with a single clinic — Country Doctor, in old Fire Station 7 on Capitol Hill. We are proud to have had a role in making it happen.

While at this point I have nothing conventional or analytical to add to either the initial reactions to the end of term Supreme Court immunity decision — to crown a king, or to Biden’s recent proposed legislative fixes. I do have an unexpected story that made my day a tad more tolerable, and which I forever will savor.

As you read this, we are past the summer and are in the throws of a busy fall season. What I appreciate is in many cultures that follow a lunar calendar, the fall is a time for a new year and renewal. 

This meeting was the last Board meeting of the 2023–2024 fiscal year. President Karen Orehoski called the meeting to order and welcomed the Board and guests, the Board approved the meeting minutes for the Board meeting on May 15, 2024, with a slight change by voice vote.

During a recent backpacking trip in the North Cascades, my hiking boot sole fell off halfway through the 30-mile trek. Attempted repairs included duct tape, cord, and Leukotape (the Leukotape held up the best in case you’re wondering). 

MERIDIAN OFFICE BUILDING: Mailbox, conference room, suites, and offices available in building owned and operated by non-profit Northwest Danish Association.

Not enough couples choose to divorce through the Collaborative Divorce process under Ch. 7.77 RCW. A Collaborative Divorce is not for every divorcing couple, but when two people can both commit to the unique process, there are many benefits. The Collaborative Divorce process preserves the couple’s confidentiality, is more cost effective than traditional divorce and reduces conflict between spouses and within the family.