Last month, California released Leslie Van Houten after 52 years of incarceration.  A voice from the past reminds us how she got there.

Mr. Seligman, a lawyer and certified fraud examiner, explains how a plaintiff’s bad acts may prevent recovery even by a federal receiver who seeks damages from third parties on plaintiff’s behalf.

Texas Rangers v. Boston Red Sox (Fenway, Jul. 4–6, 2023). Overheard at the grandstand: “‘movurit. I kid you not. Just . . . why’d it have to be Bucky Frickin’ Dent?”

On June 13, the Board had a special meeting regarding the hiring of a new Executive Director. After President Watson opened the meeting, members of the hiring committee presented their recommendation to hire Christina Coad as the Executive Director. After their presentation, they introduced Ms. Coad to the Board. 

Wildfire smoke has not been gruesome so far this summer; hopefully, I am not jinxing the situation by stating so. I hope we will take advantage of the Pacific Northwest summer weather during lunch by being away from our desks for a bit and not worrying over the air quality index (and client matters).

OFFICE SPACE

SEATTLE – Class A 1000 2nd Avenue Building. Three partner size offices and one cubicle available for sublease with the potential for additional offices. Ideal for attorneys and professionals wanting a quiet intimate setting in the heart of downtown. Exterior full and partial Elliott Bay view offices, shared corner large conference room with unobstructed views of Elliott Bay. Convenient to I-5 and 99. Includes internet, receptionist, reception area seating, shared server closet and kitchen. Contact Anne Wakefield for rates and a showing. Wakefield Legal. anne@wakefieldlegal.com.

Today’s jurors tend to display both decreasing attention and patience and increasing desire for meaning in all aspects of life.  This month, Jury Economics explores how trial attorneys can create effective story models for post-pandemic juries.

Change can be difficult. However, with reflection we often realize change is needed and often brings new opportunities, new perspectives, and a fresh start. The King County Bar Association has encountered some intense change in the last few years. A global pandemic, the departure of two Executive Directors, the unionization of our staff, a potential spinoff of our beloved Housing Justice Project, increasing demand on our pro bono services, and the changing needs of our members have all presented challenges to our important organization.

It was just over eight months ago when Tahmina Watson, President and now Immediate Past President and Karen Orehoski, First Vice-President and now President met with me to ask me to step into the position of interim executive director. I was honored to be asked and agreed as long as the Board of Trustees took the time to determine what the Association’s goals and objectives truly are to ensure the board and next executive director understand the organization, its strengths, weaknesses, operating environment, current culture and its leadership needs to ensure future success.

Over the years, I have grown used to being the bearer of bad news when speaking to potential clients who are interested in appealing adverse decisions. See November 2020 Bar Bulletin (“Always Appealing: Damned Fools”). But nothing fills me with dread like a potential client who wants to “appeal” from an adverse arbitration decision in a family law matter. I am not referring to arbitration of parenting disputes governed by RCW 26.09.184(4), which provides for de novo review in superior court.1 Nor am I referring to mandatory arbitration of child support or spousal support issues governed by RCW 7.06.020, which provides for a trial de novo.2 I am referring to voluntary binding arbitration governed by RCW ch. 7.04.