Whatcom County Bar Association News

5th Superior Court Judge Position Announced

Tue, 28 May 2024 22:35:50 GMT

Apply by June 7th!

Notice of Vacancy - New Seat.pdf

(Position Closed) Wolf Lee Hurst & Slattery, PLLP seeks Associate Attorney

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 17:57:10 GMT

Company Name: Wolf Lee Hurst & Slattery, PLLP

Position: Associate Attorney

Job Type: Full Time

Job Description: Our small, but long established law firm in Bellingham, Washington is looking for applications to fill an associate position. The ideal candidate will have 0-3 years of experience and be licensed to practice law in Washington or eligible to become licensed within 6 months of being hired. Our areas of practice include civil/commercial litigation, business transactional work, cannabis regulatory compliance, real property, and municipal law. This will be an in-person position at our downtown Bellingham office with a focus on civil litigation. To apply, please provide a resume, three references, and a writing sample to info@bellinghamlegal.com. Compensation $72,000-$92,000, DOE. Start date is flexible.

Link to company website: www.bellinghamlegal.com

Job Duration: Indefinite

Required Travel: 0-10%

Minimum Education: J.D.

Job Location: Bellingham, WA

Contact Person: Wolf Lee Hurst & Slattery, PLLP

Email Address: info@bellinghamlegal.com

Carly Parce

Office Manager

Wolf Lee Hurst & Slattery, PLLP

230 E. Champion St.

Bellingham, WA 98225

www.bellinghamlegal.com

(p): (360) 676-0306 ext. 1007

(f): (360) 210-1183

Save the Date for COA Division 1 Visit to Bellingham April 15th-16th!

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 23:04:21 GMT

We are so excited to announce that the Court of Appeals Division 1 will be hearing cases at WWU on Tuesday, April 16th. Time and location to be announced. In the meantime, save the date.

AND, WCBA in partnership with the Law, Diversity, and Justice program is hosting a reception to welcome our COA Judges:

Monday, April 15th, from 5 to 8pm at Twin Sisters Brewery (all ages welcome). Please join us in welcoming our COA Judges to Bellingham!

In Memory of Judge David Nichols

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:58:34 GMT

Remembering Judge David Nichols

You are invited to join friends and colleagues on Friday, March 29th at 3:30pm in Department One, before the Honorable Robert E. Olson to reflect on the life and service of the late Judge David Nichols.

Please see the attached statement by Doug Shepherd for more information and reflection on Judge Nichols' service to our community.

In Memory of Judge Nichols.pdf

Nooksack Tribe seeks Prosecuting Attorney

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 20:24:27 GMT

The Nooksack Indian Tribe is seeking a part-time Prosecuting Attorney to manage the criminal and civil violation case load in the Nooksack Tribal Court.

The incumbent will be a salaried, exempt employee and will receive a weekly salary based on 8 hours per week on-site. The starting weekly rate will be $367.20 - $413.28, DOE.

For more information and to apply online, please visit:https://nooksacktribe.org/departments/humanresources/

Thank you,

Carrie Kentner, THRP

Employee Benefits Specialist

Nooksack Indian Tribe

(360)592-5176 Ext. 3111

Recording of January 9th Water Law Adjudication CLE

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 18:24:58 GMT

You can use this link to access the recordings and materials for the January 9th CLE. This was recorded on an iPhone, so please don't expect a professional quality production. But the audio/video are decent and it will suffice for gaining knowledge and CLE credits.

IMPORTANT: You will need to report your own credits after watching the recording. The activity ID number is 2011383 and it is approved for 3.0 law and legal credits.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Avb3rTx57ToMMhLzHyTBgxKjPmplffuY?usp=sharing

If you have any questions, contact Genissa Richardson, past-president at Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com(360) 639-3393.

Requesting a legal notice or announcement to be sent out by email....

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 18:27:27 GMT

TO REQUEST A LEGAL NOTICE OR ANNOUNCEMENT BE SENT OUT TO OUR EMAIL LIST, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR REQUEST TO WCBAMEMBERSHIP@GMAIL.COM AND COPY OUR CURRENT YEAR'S SECRETARY (EMAIL LISTED ON THE HOME PAGE IN THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PROFILES).

Doug Hyldahl named to Public Defense Advisory Committee

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 19:18:42 GMT

Congratulations to Doug Hyldahl, and thank you for your willingness to serve! Based on a vote of the membership, Doug Hyldahl has been appointed as the next member of the WCBA to serve on the Whatcom County Public Defense Advisory Committee. His 2-year term will begin February 1st, 2024.

Water Rights Adjudication Advisory Committee formed

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:26:56 GMT

A Water Rights Adjudication Advisory Committee is being formed subsequent to a vote on December 6th. Any attorneys interested in joining the committee or for more information, contact Shannon Hinchcliffe:

Shannon Hinchcliffe J.D.

Shannon.Hinchcliffe@courts.wa.gov

Principal Legal Analyst – Water Adjudication | Court Services Division

Administrative Office of the Courts

www.courts.wa.gov

Water Rights Adjudication CLE January 9th at 1:30PM

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:49:55 GMT

SAVE THE DATE!

The Water Rights Adjudication CLE is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9th from 1:30pm to 5pm. Location, registration, and speaker line up to follow soon.

Sincerely, WCBA

Custodian Appointed in re: the Law Office of Christina King

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:19:26 GMT

See attached order regarding the Custodianship of the Law Office of Christina King.

King Custodian order.pdf

Proposed bylaws amendment for December 6th meeting

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 22:03:10 GMT

Please see attached the proposed bylaws amendment for our December 6th meeting, to allow APR 6 Law Clerks and law school graduates awaiting licensure to be regular members of the WCBA. Proposed bylaw amendment for 12.06.2023.pdf

Honoring the career of Judge Steven J. Mura

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 21:47:47 GMT

Superior Court of the State of Washington

In and for the County of Whatcom

Whatcom County Superior Court Dept. 2

2^nd floor, Courtroom #2

360-778-5615

Whatcom County Courthouse

311 Grand Avenue

Bellingham, Washington 98225

Let the record reflect:

That on the 30^th day of November 2023, from 3:00–4:00 in the Whatcom County Superior Court Department 2 Courtroom on the 2^nd floor, members of the legal community may come together for a brief court hearing recognizing the distinguished career in law of:

Honorable Steven J. Mura

There will be brief remarks made and invited, an exhibit of those in attendance will be marked and admitted, and an official transcript preserved in the office of the Clerk, so it be remembered…

WCSC Dept2 is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic:

Hearing to Recognize the Distinguished Legal Career of Honorable Steven J. Mura

Time: Nov 30, 2023 03:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85659538878?pwd=K6OYxVA0GLbcaeNBzmlAM3s70nahzx.1

Meeting ID: 856 5953 8878

Passcode: 073958

Whatcom County District Court Local Rule Amendment - Effective Immediately

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 21:10:14 GMT

It has come to the attention of Whatcom County Judicial Officers, that the current motions rule, was a barrier to access to justice for those defendant’s being held in custody. As a result, WCDDCCrR 4 and 6 have been amended by adding section (4)(i) and (6)(c).

4(i) Motions For Bail Review. Motions for Bail Review are controlled by WCDCCrR 6-Warrant Quash and Special Set Arraignments. [New section 6(c)]**

[Formerly WDCrRLJ 2, adopted effective September 1, 2003; Amended effective September 1, 2008; Renumbered WDCrR 3, amended effective September 1, 2019, amended and adopted June 30, 2023, effective September 1, 2023.]**[WCDCCrR (4)(i) Amended and Effective November 15, 2023 Pursuant to WCDCLCR 1-Scope of Rules subsection 1(a) Authorization and Adoption - Any of these rules may be suspended or modified, upon good cause shown, and by written stipulation of the parties approved by the Court, or by the Court upon its own motion. It has come to the attention of the Presiding Judge, Judge, and Commissioner, that this amendment is required to ensure timely access to justice.]**

6(c) Bail Review. Motions for Bail Review shall be noted no later than 1200 noon the day prior to the hearing. Bail Reviews shall be heard Tuesday through Friday at 130 PM in custody, or Thursday 130 PM before the assigned judicial officer. The “Note for Calendar / Docket” filed by the moving party shall be accompanied by a written motion and declaration in support per CrRLJ 8.2. The failure to note the matter timely and with the motion and declaration in support filed simultaneously will result in the matter not being set for hearing.**

[Adopted June 30, 2023, effective September 1, 2023] **[WCDCCrR 6(c) amended in conjunction with WCDCCrR (4)(i) Amended and Effective November 15, 2023 Pursuant to WCDCLCR 1-Scope of Rules subsection 1(a) Authorization and Adoption - Any of these rules may be suspended or modified, upon good cause shown, and by written stipulation of the parties approved by the Court, or by the Court upon its own motion. It has come to the attention of the Presiding Judge, Judge, and Commissioner, that this amendment is required to ensure timely access to justice.]**

The WCDC webpage, has been updated with this change. https://www.whatcomcounty.us/422/Court-Rules-PDF

Jonathan Rands

Judge

Whatcom Co. District Court

311 Grand Ave. Fourth Floor

Bellingham WA 98225

Email- jrands@co.whatcom.wa.us

Water Law Committee forming:

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 19:30:42 GMT

Whatcom County Superior Court is currently preparing for the anticipated filing of a general water adjudication of the Nooksack Watershed in the Spring of 2024. The court will be drafting proposed local court rules, evaluating the relevance of pre-trial orders issued in Ecology v. Acquavella, et al., and preparing to implement innovative practices and technologies as encouraged by the legislature. The court would like to ask the Whatcom County Bar Association to create a committee of interested practitioners who are willing to give feedback on these processes. The court plans on soliciting general public feedback on local court rules, but believes there is great value in having the court’s case management strategies and use of innovative practices and technologies informed by local practitioners. Committee members should anticipate serving for at least one year and meeting several times early in the process and then at least quarterly.

Anyone interested in serving on the committee should contact:

John All, PhD, JD

JDAll@co.whatcom.wa.us

Shannon Hinchcliffe

Shannon.Hinchcliffe@courts.wa.gov

WSBA seeks a volunteer custodian in re: the closure of the Law Office of Christina King.

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 19:30:20 GMT

The custodian’s duties would involve returning client files, returning unearned fees, and filing NOIWs. The custodian need not practice in Mx. King’s practice area, which is juvenile law. Any practice area is fine. Custodianship does not involve taking over the cases, but in some cases it may be helpful to refer clients to other practitioners.

Any local attorney interested in assisting should contact:

Mock Trial Volunteer Judges Needed December 5th and 7th

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 19:29:29 GMT

Fairhaven College is looking for volunteer judges for upcoming mock trials for FAIR311 U.S. Legal Systems on December 5 and 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Each mock trial will be one hour long and there will be a total of four mock trials consisting of two criminal trials and two civil trials.

We are looking for a minimum of four attorneys or at least one judge for each mock trial. However, we welcome additional volunteer judges. A volunteer judge may judge one or more mock trials depending on their availability.

A minimum commitment consists of reviewing the mock trial packet(s) (one for civil and one for criminal) that will be provided, attending at least one 1-hour mock trial on December 5 and/or 7, completing student evaluation forms for each participant, and providing a few minutes of feedback to students right after their mock trials.

Please email Esther Hyun, Visiting Assistant Professor, at hyune@wwu.edu to volunteer and receive further details.

LAW Advocates announces new Executive Director!

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 17:58:20 GMT

LAW Advocates is pleased to announce its new Executive Director, Heidi Bode. Bode comes to LAW Advocates with both a legal and nonprofit background as a family law attorney and a housing case manager at Lydia Place in Bellingham. In 2023 Bode started at LAW Advocates as the Programs Manager.

“I am honored to have been selected as LAW Advocates’ next Executive Director. I look forward to working with staff and volunteers to further LAW Advocates’ mission with a continued client-centered approach to serving Whatcom community’s underserved population.”

Dave Reynolds' Retirement and New Procedure for GAL Strike Sheets

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 20:54:09 GMT

A message from Sandra Kiele:

Hello Counsel and Legal Assistants,

I am not sure if you are aware that Dave Reynolds will be officially retired on November 27, 2023. His numerous titles are being divided between Executive Branch and Judicial Branch governments.

Obtaining GAL strike list falls under Court Administration (Judicial Branch). Stephanie Kraft is our new Court Administrator, and Kelline Pedersen is her Administrative Supervisor. I will remain as the Chief Deputy Clerk in the Clerk’s office. Our new County Clerk is Raylene King, who will start on November 28^th.

Starting on November 28^th, you will need to email Ms. Kraft & Ms. Pedersen your Strike List requests. I am copying them for your assistance and information.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sandra Kiele

Chief Deputy Clerk / Asst. Court Administrator

Whatcom County Superior Court

311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301

Bellingham, WA 98225

(360) 778-5566

skiele@co.whatcom.wa.us

Law Office of Christina King Permanently Closed

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 20:52:58 GMT

Effective immediately, the Law Office of Christina King is permanently closed. Mx. King's paralegal is working to file and serve Notices of Withdrawal and to provide prior clients with their case files and with Pro Se Notices of Appearance they can fill out and file. Any local family law attorneys who are willing to provide a free consultation to one of Mx. King's prior clients are requested to contact the Whatcom County Bar Association President, Genissa Richardson, at (360) 639-3393 or Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com and she will initiate contact between the parties.

How to set up your member profile

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 20:49:16 GMT

If you recently signed up for membership online, you had the opportunity to set up a username and password. This allows you access to your member profile for set up and ongoing administration.

For those of you whose names were manually entered into the new system by the WCBA executive committee, follow these steps to set up your profile:

On the top right of our website click "Login."

Scroll down to the bottom and click "Forgot Password."

Next, enter your email address and click "Submit."

You will receive an email with a link to set a password.

Once your password is set, you can login and set up your member profile.

Our member profiles will allow our colleagues and members of the public to more easily locate local attorneys and identify judicial officers.

Let me know if you have any questions,

Genissa Richardson

Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com; (360) 639-3393.