I often think of Transfer on Death (TOD) deeds as a new estate planning tool in Washington, but they’ve actually been around for almost a decade. That said, it seems like TOD deeds are still flying under the radar for many attorneys. In this column, I chat with Stephen Seely, Director of the Pierce County Law Library, about all things TOD. When Stephen was the KCLL Outreach Services Attorney, he created an excellent self-help Transfer on Death deed packet. The packet is available for purchase in the law library or via our website.

Local restructuring expert and regular Bar Bulletin contributor Al Davis dispels the myth that banks require customer deposits to extend credit and explains what that means in today’s tightening credit environment.

Last month we walked through the basic steps of preparing for and participating in your first personal injury mediation. I was encouraged to write that article after reviewing comments from a recent lecture I presented to a group of young lawyers. I was asked to focus on more practical advice for the young lawyer. Having been a young lawyer once, I remember some of those early experiences where I might have had to “fake it” before I really understood it. And while that works well enough in many situations because the mediator will essentially hold your hand as you work towards a solution, it is much more productive and better for your client if you know what you are getting into before you arrive at the mediation.

Alisa Brodkowitz grew up on a sheep farm in Vermont close to the border with Quebec, which is how she learned French. She loved “fixing things” that broke on the farm because that usually meant taking stuff apart and figuring out how it worked. Nestled in the remote mountains of the Northeast Kingdom, Alisa attended a tiny elementary school (started by the town doctor) where the kids were taught to be world citizens, learned Latin, designed their own kites and down-hill skied daily in the winter. Alisa left her equally tiny high school in the final semester to attend Lycée in France and study art.

The dean of local insolvency attorneys also happens to be an avid bike commuter and technician.  In this enjoyable read, Mr. Rizzardi provides thoughtful tips on cycling in this beautiful city.

Practitioners schooled in political science will remember their Machiavelli: constitutions shall perish unless renewed by reversion to first principles.  The Federalist Constitution is no different.  By considering historical facts and contemporary issues, the author examines the problem and proposes solutions.   

July is finally here, and it brings with it the weather many of us wait for throughout the grey winter and wet spring months of the Pacific Northwest. It also brings the new fiscal year at the King County Bar Association which means a change in our leadership and a reminder it is time to renew our memberships in, and commitments to, KCBA.

Summer is here and as July begins, we bring a close to our current membership year and start transitioning to working with new leaders in all areas of the Bar. It is easy to look forward to new things. However, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to look back and shine a light on the outstanding work our Sections and Committees accomplished this year.

Joseph Grube introduces your new KCBA President.  Ms. Orehoski credits KCBA with much more than just her professional development: “Many of my closest friendships have come as a result of my involvement with the KCBA.”

I read recently with delight about the Mariners & Major League Baseball teaming up to give more than $2 million for renovations for Seattle’s Rainier Playfield, grants to local baseball and softball teams, and an intramural league to connect middle schoolers with sports.