Is “Diverse” Really What You Mean?
Language matters—I mean really, really matters. The words we choose can make a huge difference to the overall meaning of something we are communicating. Even little connotations and implications can have a big impact on the meaning. For example, if I were to write the sentences, “His actions were youthful,” and, “His actions were childish,” you would see that the last words in each sentence have the same definition (denotative meaning) but very different implications (connotative meaning). Denotatively they both mean seeming young or having qualities associated with a child, but connotatively, the former suggests spry and lively (positive connotations) while the latter suggests naiveté or immaturity (negative connotations). Read more 
TAP Scholarship Recipient Recalls 5 Moments of Insight
Are you a new or young lawyer who would like to participate in this year’s Trial Advocacy Program (TAP)? Apply for the New Lawyer Programs Scholarship by Friday, Sept. 15, 2017.
If you haven’t heard of WSBA’s Trial Advocacy Program, it’s a two-day intensive trial-skills training seminar led by local trial attorneys. It culminates in an all-day mock trial before a sitting judge. It’s a great opportunity for anyone who wants to be a trial attorney. I had the fortune to attend TAP last year as a scholarship recipient and was asked to share a few “aha moments” that resonated with me. Read more
Meet the New WSBA Law School Representatives
Each of the three law schools in Washington state has a student government position dedicated to connecting law students with WSBA programs and initiatives and to support the broader legal community. WSBA is excited to introduce you to the law student representatives elected this spring to serve during the 2017-2018 school year! Read more
Court of Appeals Underscores Significance of Written Fee Agreement
A recent decision by Division I of the Washington Court of Appeals highlights the importance of a written fee agreement. Davis Wright Tremaine LLP v. Peterson, 2017 WL 1593009 (Wn. App. May 1, 2017) (unpublished), was a fee collection case by a law firm against a client. The law firm had represented the client in commercial litigation before withdrawing. After the underlying case resolved, the law firm sued the client for unpaid fees and related expenses that the law firm had advanced. Read more
