I person being sworn in

Running At-Large Part I: I Didn’t ‘Come Out’ of Nowhere

When asked if I would write a blog entry for NWSidebar about my reasons for seeking appointment as governor at-large of the Washington State Bar Association, it was hard not to feel exposed. You see, the at-large position is not an elected position from a district. It was established to enhance diversity and representation on […]

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raise right hand

Want to Do Good and Make a Living? Consider Low Bono

Law students often see themselves working at a public interest or legal-services setting. But after graduation, few new lawyers end up following that path. One study found just 4% of newer lawyers working in a public interest or legal services. Why might this be? Certainly, it is not for lack of demand or the need […]

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Lawyer's mingling

Friday 5: How WSBA Can Help Make You a Better Mentor …or Mentee

National Mentorship Month is underway, and the WSBA is rolling out informative workshops, a free Legal Lunchbox, free MentorLink Mixers, programs for credit, and more. There’s something for everyone, regardless of your area of practice or years in law. Plan to attend one or more of these events. And, throughout the year, you can use […]

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Michael Addams

Meet Michael Addams, WSBA Moderate Means Attorney

Like most attorneys, Michael Addams wears many hats: principal partner at the Spokane law firm Addams & Leavitt, board member of CASA Partners and Teen Closet, Washington Air National guardsman, WSBA Low Bono Section member, husband and father. In addition, Michael and his firm have incorporated a significant number of moderate means clients into their […]

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An attorney consults a young couple

5 Things You Need to Know about the Moderate Means Program

Contributed by Catherine Brown and Clay Wilson Five years ago this April, WSBA launched the Moderate Means Program (MMP), an initiative to help moderate-income individuals and families in Washington connect with lawyers who would offer affordable legal services. The impact on clients, law students and attorneys is overwhelmingly positive, and over the next year we […]

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Friday 5: Pledge to Serve on MLK Day, Jan. 19

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. If you’ve made a resolution to do pro bono service this year, now is the perfect time to get started! Here are some easy ways to get involved. Read the Seattle Times special report on Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, work, and legacy. This site […]

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Volunteering ideas for lawyers

The Spirit of Giving: Volunteer Ideas for Lawyers

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” -Mahatma Gandhi It’s the time of year when many people think about giving back. And according to Psychology Today, giving isn’t just theoretically better than receiving – it’s been scientifically proven. In the spirit of giving, we give you some […]

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