January 3, 2012
NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG
Happy New Year! I always particularly enjoy this time of year, which to me represents energy, setting new goals and optimism for the future. I hope you feel similar passion for 2012. I’m ready to partner with you as you achieve your goals, so please keep me posted and don’t hesitate to ask if I can help!
For your review here is a copy of my article, “Following Lincoln’s Example of Professionalism.” It was published in the December issue of the King County Bar Association’s Bar Bulletin. As many of you know, I’m a Lincoln fan! I enjoy learning about the talents and integrity he brought to his law practice as well as the presidency. In particular, I find Lincoln’s relationship with his co-counsel and later Secretary of War Edwin Stanton remarkable, and worthy of study. What do you think? Please let me know. I’d love to hear from you.
On January 17th, I am excited to partner with Debbie Whitlock of Sound Financial Partners and host of the Femme Finance radio program on the CBS Radio Network for a WBO (Women Business Owners) event entitled, “Your Family – Your Business – Your Legacy: Dying with Clarity in a Culture of Denial.” Our one hour presentation, which will be held at the Karmen Executive Center in Bellevue, will focus on key issues for business owners to get their “house in order,” including estate planning, business succession and insurance. If interested, please contact my office or WBO for more details (http://womenbusinessowners.org/).
On February 9th, I look forward to again presenting with Debbie Whitlock to the parent’s group at Holy Rosary School in West Seattle. More details to follow!
Please note that our office will be closed on January 16th (Martin Luther King Day) and January 23rd – 27th (winter vacation). In February, our office will be closed on February 10th for a vacation day, and on February 20th for President’s Day.
“Read something positive every night and listen to something helpful every morning.” Tom Hopkins
February 1, 2012
NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG
Hello, and happy February! I sincerely hope that 2012 has started off with a renewed energy and passion for all of you.
My January started 2012 off well! On January 17th, I teamed up with Debbie Whitlock of Sound Financial Partners and host of the Femme Finance radio program on the CBS Radio Network for an event sponsored by Women Business Owners entitled, “Your Family – Your Business – Your Legacy: Dying with Clarity in a Culture of Denial.” We discussed key issues for business owners to get their “house in order,” including estate planning, business succession and insurance.
On February 9th, I look forward to again presenting with Debbie Whitlock. We’ll be speaking to the parent’s group at Holy Rosary School in West Seattle. We plan to address parents’ questions and concerns about estate planning, setting up testamentary trusts for their children, the need to name a guardian in their Will, and how life insurance takes on a special significance for parents.
On February 24th, I’ll be speaking at a continuing legal education course sponsored by the Washington State Bar Association entitled, “The Small Firm in Today’s World.” I’m grateful to all my clients for choosing to work with my small law firm! I strongly believe that attorneys practicing law in small firms spend less time on bureaucracy, less money on overhead, and in turn provide more efficient and affordable work for our clients! I look forward to supporting this event.
Please note that our office will be closed on February 20th for President’s Day. In March, I will be out on vacation from March 12th – 16th.
Please let me know what I can do to help you meet your goals this month!
“Never stop learning. If you learn one new thing everyday, you will overcome 99% of your competition.” Joe Carlozo
March 1, 2012
NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG
It’s hard to believe it’s already March. February flew by. I truly enjoyed working with all of you last month! In addition, I had fun giving two presentations.
On February 9th, I partnered with Debbie Whitlock (President of Sound Financial Partners, and host of the Femme Finance radio program on the CBS Radio Network) to speak to the parent’s group at Holy Rosary School in West Seattle. We spoke about issues directly impacting parents, including setting up testamentary trusts for their children, tackling the sometimes tricky issue of naming a guardian, and establishing a temporary caregiver for children in a General Durable Power of Attorney in the event of incapacity.
On February 24th, I spoke at a continuing legal education course sponsored by the Washington State Bar Association entitled, “The Small Firm in Today’s World.” I enjoyed participating in this event, and supporting other practitioners in solo and small law firms.
On April 24th, I’m looking forward to being a panelist for the Washington State Bar Association’s (WSBA) continuing legal education program “Lincoln on Professionalism,” be held in the WSBA’s conference center in downtown, Seattle. This program focuses on ethical issues faced by Abraham Lincoln in his law practice, and teaches attorneys how Lincoln’s straightforward, practical values regarding ethics and professionalism still apply today. I’ve participated in these programs four times previously, and am excited to have been invited back once again! For more information, please contact my office or visit www.wsba.org.
Please note that our office will be closed on March 12th – 16th for vacation.
“I do believe I am special. My special gift is my vision, my commitment, and my willingness to do whatever it takes.” Anthony Robbins
April 2, 2012
NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG
On April 24th, I look forward to participating as a panelist for the Washington State Bar Association’s (WSBA) continuing legal education program “Lincoln on Professionalism” to be held in the WSBA’s conference center in downtown, Seattle. This program focuses on ethical issues faced by Abraham Lincoln in his law practice, and teaches attorneys how Lincoln’s straightforward, practical values regarding ethics and professionalism still apply today. I’ve participated in these programs four times previously, and am excited to have been invited back once again! For more information, please contact my office or visit www.wsba.org.
Please note that our office will be closed on May 28th – June 1st for vacation.
“Man is what he believes.” Anton Chekov
May 1, 2012
NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG
Happy May Day! I hope all of you are enjoying spring, and looking forward to a fun and productive summer.
On April 24th, I again participated as a panelist for the Washington State Bar Association’s (WSBA) continuing legal education program “Lincoln on Professionalism.” This program focuses on ethical issues faced by Abraham Lincoln in his law practice, and teaches attorneys how Lincoln’s straightforward, practical values regarding ethics and professionalism still apply today.
To give you a flavor of the event, some of the questions I tackled as a panelist included, “How can we be tenacious and persistent on behalf of our clients, without being self-righteous?” and “Do you think in this day and age that a lawyer can be an effective advocate while demonstrating courtesy and goodwill?” Tough questions! What do you think? I continually drew from my 24 years of experience in addressing these issues, and, more importantly, in striking the best note possible for the effectiveness of my own advocacy on a daily basis. Lincoln proved masterful at finding the right balance between persuasively arguing his client’s case to achieve best results, while avoiding going over the line into the overly aggressive behavior that a few lawyers engage in – behavior that unfortunately taints us all. I find, when in doubt, if I try to model Lincoln’s behavior, I’ve chosen correctly!
Please note that our office will be closed on May 28th – June 1st, and July 2nd – 6th for vacation.
“The starting point of all achievement is desire. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small amount of fire makes a small amount of heat.” Napoleon Hill
June 4, 2012
NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG
I’m excited to announce that I’m now serving on the Board of Directors for Tennis Outreach Programs (“TOPS”). TOPs, a nonprofit organization founded in 2003, designs and offers affordable tennis programs and a safe place to learn for underserved and at-risk youth in our community. By introducing tennis to our youth, TOPS introduces kids to a sport that they can play for their lifetime and promotes fitness in an engaging and entertaining way. The game of tennis teaches sportsmanship, confidence, teamwork and builds positive relationships — all valuable lifelong skills that go well beyond the court. For at-risk youth, these skills can provide the edge to achieve a successful life. As a former sectionally ranked junior and college player, I strongly supports TOPS’s mission. For more information, please visit TOPS’s website at: https://www.topskirkland.org/.
On July 19th, I look forward to speaking at the 7th Annual Washington State Bar Association’s Solo and Small Firm Conference: Reinvent, Recharge and Rejuvenate Your Practice! This continuing legal education course will be held in Ocean Shores, Washington. Due to my participation in this conference, I will be out of the office on July 18th and 19th. For more information, please contact my office or visit the Bar’s website at www.wsba.org.
Please note that our office will be closed on July 2nd – 6th for vacation.
“It’s a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you often get it.” W. Somerset Manghan
July 2, 2012
NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG
Happy summer! Please note that my office is closed this week for vacation.
On a personal note, I enjoyed my trip to Boise last month to attend my nephew’s wedding. I’m originally from Boise, so it was fun to take in the sunshine, catch up with old friends and see all the growth and change of my home town! When I’m on vacation, I am able to fully access e-mail and our office’s digital files. Thankfully, I can work nearly as effectively in a hotel as in my home office!
On July 19th, I look forward to speaking at the 7th Annual Washington State Bar Association’s Solo and Small Firm Conference: Reinvent, Recharge and Rejuvenate Your Practice! This continuing legal education course will be held in Ocean Shores, Washington. I’m a strong supporter of lawyers practicing in small firms because lawyers generally find more work satisfaction (I know I have!), and it also provides valuable cost savings and personalized service to clients. I’m always pleased to be asked to speak at these events, and to support Washington’s vibrant legal community of solo and small practitioners! Due to my participation in this conference, I will be out of the office on July 18th and 19th. For more information, please contact my office or visit the Bar’s website at www.wsba.org.
Please read my most recent article: “Develop Your Game Plan: Building Meaningful Professional Connections”, which was published in the June issue of the King County Bar Bulletin. Most of us, at least sometimes, find it challenging to meet new people in unfamiliar environments. By preparing in advance, and focusing on developing relationships rather than promoting yourself, you may actually find yourself having fun at that event you initially dreaded!
“Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable.” Emily Guay
August 1, 2012
NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG
On July 19th, I enjoyed speaking at the 7th Annual Washington State Bar Association’s Solo and Small Firm Conference: Reinvent, Recharge and Rejuvenate Your Practice! This continuing legal education course was held in Ocean Shores, Washington. I found it inspiring to collaborate with other solo and small law firm practitioners, who also want to increase their professionalism, quality of work product, and enjoyment of their practices.
On July 23rd, I teamed up with Debbie Whitlock of Sound Financial Partners to speak at the Ballard PEPS groups (Program for Early Parent Support) about estate planning issues. These new mothers came prepared, and asked thoughtful questions about setting up testamentary trusts for their children within their Wills, choosing a guardian, and utilizing their General Durable Power of Attorneys to make sure that someone is authorized to care for their children in the event that both parents are incapacitated. I enjoyed our discussion, and appreciated their invitation!
Please note that Lisa Vargo will be out of the office visiting family in Idaho until August 21st. During this time, Lisa’s availability will be limited. If you are working with Lisa regarding a matter, please feel free to contact me directly. Additionally, I will be out of the office September 3rd – 7th for a Labor Day vacation.
Finally, it’s time to vote in our Washington primary election! Both Lisa and I worked for Bruce Hilyer while he was in private practice, before he became a King County Superior Court Judge. Lisa and I learned much from Bruce’s high integrity, good client service, and outstanding legal skills. Since Bruce became a judge, he has received high marks both from other lawyers and the King County Bar Association. We enthusiastically recommend Bruce, and encourage you to vote for him for our Washington Supreme Court! For more information, please ask either Lisa or me, or visit Bruce’s website at: http://judgehilyerforjustice.com/.
“He who conquers others is strong. He who conquers himself is mighty.” Lao Tzu
September 1, 2012
NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG
Please note that my office will be closed for our summer vacation from September 3rd – 7th. During this period, Lisa Vargo, Of Counsel, will be available to assist you as needed. Lisa can be reached at lisa@staceyromberg.com or at 206-595-4816. I will also be available on a limited basis.
September 8th is the 13th Anniversary of starting my own law practice! Thanks so much to all of you for your support, for being such wonderful clients, and for making these years so much fun!
On September 27th, I look forward to participating for the sixth time as a panelist for the Washington State Bar Association’s (WSBA) continuing legal education program “Lincoln on Professionalism” to be held in the WSBA’s conference center in downtown, Seattle. As you can surmise, this seminar has been a hit and that is why it has been repeated so many times. The program focuses on ethical issues faced by Abraham Lincoln in his law practice, and teaches attorneys how Lincoln’s straightforward, practical values regarding ethics and professionalism still apply today. I continue to be excited to be invited back once again! I’m also enthused because one of my fellow panelists will be The Honorable Frank J. Williams, Chief Justice (retired) of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. For more information, please contact my office or visit www.wsba.org.
Seattle’s Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance becomes effective today! We’ve sent out a separate letter to our business clients explaining the impact of this new requirement. If you’d like assistance to ensure you’re in compliance, please feel free to contact my office.
“We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winters evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; they nurse them through bad days until they bring them to the sunshine and the light that always comes to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true.”
Woodrow Wilson
October 1, 2012
NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG
On September 27th, I participated for the sixth time as a panelist for the Washington State Bar Association’s (WSBA) continuing legal education program “Lincoln on Professionalism” in Seattle. As you can surmise, this seminar has been a hit! That is why it has been repeated so many times. The program focuses on ethical issues faced by Abraham Lincoln in his law practice, and teaches attorneys how Lincoln’s straightforward, practical values regarding ethics and professionalism still apply today. For this program, our panel was enhanced by the participation of Honorable Justice Frank Williams, the former Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Justice Williams and I focused on questions involving dignity and civility, qualities exemplified by Lincoln in his law practice. I’m quite grateful for the opportunity to participate, and find that I continually learn from this experience and feel inspired!
On September 29th, I once again volunteered at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) program, “Biz Fair.” Biz Fair is a free event, allowing future business owners to attend a variety of courses to help them launch their new enterprises. I taught four classes for budding entrepreneurs, focusing on a variety of legal issues including choosing a business entity, contracts, and commercial leases. The enthusiasm of the participants is contagious! For more information about the Biz Fair program, please see: www.bizfair.org.
As many of you know, I serve on the Board of Directors for Tennis Outreach Programs. Our 2012 tennis party and auction will be held on November 3rd. Our entire office is excited to attend! If you’d like to come, I’d love to see you join me in supporting the kids. For more information, please see: www.topskirkland.org or call my office.
In November, I will be out of the office from November 5th – 9th, and also from November 19th – 23rd (Thanksgiving). I will have limited availability during this period. Lisa Vargo, Of Counsel for my office, will be fully available to provide assistance except for the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Success is a peace of mind which is a direct result of the self-satisfaction knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” John Wooden
November 1, 2012
NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG
On November 2nd, I’m excited to team up with Richard Furman, an attorney with Aiken, St. Louis & Siljeg, P.S. in Seattle, to present at the Washington State Bar Association’s 57th Annual Estate Planning Seminar. This seminar has historically enjoyed the highest attendance of any continuing legal education program sponsored by the Bar. Richard and I will be speaking on “TEDRA: A Panacea for Curing Trust & Estate Ailments.” TEDRA, Washington’s Trust and Estates Disputes Resolution Act, is a truly ground-breaking statute that places Washington at the forefront of efforts to resolve estate-related disputes in an efficient, cost-effective manner. For example, if you have an irrevocable trust that no longer serves its purpose, you may not be stuck with it. TEDRA can be used to revoke the trust. Or, in a probate setting involving a nasty, protracted family battle, TEDRA can be used to settle the matter expeditiously through either a TEDRA “Non-Judicial Dispute Resolution Agreement,” or through TEDRA mediation or arbitration proceedings.
Our hourly rates will increase beginning in January 2013. It’s been four years since our last rate increase, and insurance and other costs have significantly increased. Our attorney hourly rate will be increased from $250.00 per hour to $270.00 per hour, which remains a very affordable rate in the Seattle market for attorneys with over twenty years of experience. Our paralegal rates will increase from $125.00 per hour to $130.00 per hour. If you have any questions or concerns about the 2013 rate change, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
In November, I will be out of the office from November 5th – 12th, and also from November 19th – 23rd (Thanksgiving). I will have limited availability during this period. Lisa Vargo, Of Counsel for my office, will be fully available to provide assistance except for the Thanksgiving holiday.
“People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves, they have the first secret of success.” Norman Vincent Peale
December 3, 2012
NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG
On November 2nd, Richard Furman, an attorney with Aiken, St. Louis & Siljeg, P.S. in Seattle, and I spoke at the Washington State Bar Association’s 57th Annual Estate Planning Seminar. Our topic was “TEDRA: A Panacea for Curing Trust & Estate Ailments.” TEDRA, Washington’s Trust and Estates Disputes Resolution Act, is a truly ground-breaking statute that places Washington at the forefront of efforts to resolve estate-related disputes in an efficient, cost-effective manner. I enjoyed teaching at the fall seminar, which was attended by over 800 estate planning lawyers from throughout the Pacific Northwest.
I look forward to presenting on estate planning issues at the upcoming Moneywise Women Conference, to be held on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at North Seattle Community College. These popular conferences create excellent opportunities for women to network and attend classes on a variety of financial topics. For further information and to register, please visit: Money Wise Women.
Please note that our office will be closed on December 25th and January 1st for the holidays. Lisa Vargo will be out on vacation from December 31st through January 7th. In January, our office will be closed on the 21st in observance of the Martin Luther King Day holiday. I will be out of the office on vacation from January 22nd – January 25th. I will have limited availability during this period. Lisa will be fully available to provide assistance during this time.
I understand that the holidays are an especially hectic time. However, I hope that you’ll include paying the enclosed bill in the things you’ll do before the end of this year. Remember, for businesses, legal expenses paid by the end of 2012 will be considered a deductible expense for purposes of calculating your final 2012 federal income tax liability. Thank you, and please have a happy, safe and warm holiday season!
“Allow yourself to dream and fantasize about your ideal life; what it would look like, and what it would feel like. Then do something everyday to make it a reality!” Brian Tracy
Phone: (206) 784-5305
