Client Newsletters – 2008

By December 15, 2008 March 3rd, 2020 No Comments

January 3, 2008

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Happy New Year! I wish you all a positive and productive 2008, and look forward to working with you this year.  In January, my office will be closed on January 21st in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. In February, my office will be closed on February 18th for Washington’s Birthday.

Attached is a copy of an article I wrote, “The Fitness Advocate,” which will be published in the January issue of the King County Bar Bulletin. I enjoyed writing this article, and exploring how busy and stressed lawyers are able to fit exercise into their workdays in ways that enhance their energy and productivity. Fitness is one of my strong personal passions! It’s my philosophy that exercise gives you youthfulness, energy, and a zest for life. I hope you enjoy the article.

As a small business owner, I rely primarily upon referrals to build my practice. As we start the new year, please keep me in mind. I’d greatly appreciate any referrals you may have for me in the areas of small business law, estate planning and probate! Thank you so much – and have a good month!

The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.   ~ W.M. Lewis

 

 

February 4, 2008

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Attached is an article I wrote for the King County Bar Bulletin, to be published in the February issue, entitled “Leaping into Solo Practice.” I am immensely enjoying my eighth year of having my own business, and am continually thankful that I took the risk to venture out on my own. I was fascinated to interview other attorneys, and find out their motivation for starting their own businesses. I hope you enjoy the article!

Our office will be closed on February 18th in honor of Washington’s Birthday. On March 13th – 17th , the office will be closed. I will be in Palm Springs attending the Pacific Life Open tennis tournament. Our office will also be closed on March 21st – March 24th. I plan to spend that weekend in Phoenix with my niece, enjoying the sun and some spring training baseball games.

People become successful the minute they decide to. ~ Harvey Mackay

 

 

March 3, 2008

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Our office will be closed for five days in March. On March 13tt, 14th and 17th, the office will be closed, and I will be in Palm Springs. As a tennis player, I’m excited to be going to the Pacific Life Open tennis tournament, the biggest tennis tournament on the West Coast.  Our office will also be closed on March 21st and March 24th. I plan to spend some time in Phoenix with my niece, enjoying the sun and some spring training baseball games. If you need work completed which is time sensitive during March, please let us know as soon as possible so we can make sure to meet your deadlines.

On April 24th, I’m pleased to have been invited to be a speaker at the Washington State Bar Association’s Animal Law CLE (continuing legal education course), to be held in downtown Seattle. I will be speaking about pet trusts, and how important it is to make sure your pet will be taken care of in the event of your death. If you wish to have your Will revised to take care of your pet(s), I would be delighted to assist you.

I know that we have been very busy for the last number of months, so I wanted to let you know that, if you were holding back, please refer away in the areas of small business law, estate planning and probate! We have room in our office for additional clients, so I would greatly appreciate it if you could keep us in mind if your family, friends or business colleagues need legal assistance. In particular, if you know of anyone who is running their business as a sole proprietorship and noticing an increasing federal tax burden, it may be time to transition that business into a corporation or limited liability company in order to achieve tax savings. Please keep us in mind for these referrals. Thank you, and have a good month!

Champions take chances and pressure is a privilege. ~ Billie Jean King

 

 

April 1, 2008

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

March was a busy month! In addition to the scheduled week of vacation, unfortunately, I was also rear ended in an automobile accident. Many thanks to all of you who expressed concern during this past month! Your support has been very appreciated. I am pleased to let you know that my injuries are very minimal, and I am fully back at work.

Please note that our office will be closed on May 9th, 12th, and 26th (Memorial Day). On the 9th and 12th, I will be visiting my mother in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

On April 24th, I will be speaking at the Washington State Bar Association’s Animal Law CLE (continuing legal education course), to be held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in downtown Seattle. I will be speaking about pet trusts, and how important it is to make sure your pet will be taken care of in the event of your death. If you have any questions about pet trusts or wish to have your Will revised to take care of your pet(s), I would be happy to help you.

The fastest way to pass your own expectations is to add passion to your labor. ~ Mike Litman

 

 

May 1, 2008

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Please note that our office will be closed on May 8th – 12th, and 26th (Memorial Day). In addition, the office will be closed on June 13th and 16th.

On April 24th, I gave a presentation at the Washington State Bar Association’s Animal Law CLE (continuing legal education course) about pet trusts, and how important it is to make sure your pet will be taken care of in the event of your death. If you have any questions about pet trusts or wish to have your Will revised to take care of your pet(s), I would be happy to help you.

On June 6, 2008, I will be speaking at a WNET workshop. WNET stands for the Women’s Network for Entrepreneurial Training, which is an initiative of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The workshop is entitled “Are You Working For Your Business, Or Is It Working For You?”  The focus for the workshop is to hear from the key advisors to small businesses:  an attorney, CPA and financial advisor, about ways in which business owners can increase both business value and personal wealth through proper planning as they grow their businesses. The event will be held at the Avikai Spa in Issaquah, Washington. If you would like more information about this event, please contact my office.

Enclosed, for fun, is a copy of my article printed in the April issue of the King County Bar Bulletin, entitled “Lawyer Chic: In it to Win it.”

Winning is not a ‘sometime’ thing. You don’t win once in a while, you don’t do things right once in awhile, you do them right all of the time. Winning is a habit, unfortunately, so is losing.
~ Vince Lombardi

 

 

June 3, 2008

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Please note that our office be closed on June 13th and 16th for scheduled vacation days. I look forward to spending time with my nephew from Idaho, who will be coming to Seattle to visit. In addition, our office will be closed July 16th – 22nd.

On June 6, 2008, I will be speaking at a WNET workshop. WNET stands for the Women’s Network for Entrepreneurial Training, which is an initiative of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The workshop is entitled “Are You Working For Your Business, Or Is It Working For You?”  The focus for the workshop is to hear from the key advisors to small businesses:  an attorney, CPA and financial advisor, about ways in which business owners can increase both business value and personal wealth through proper planning as they grow their businesses. The event will be held at the Avikai Spa in Issaquah, Washington. If you would like more information about this event, please contact my office.

On July 17th and 18th, I will be speaking at the Washington State Bar Association’s Third Annual Solo and Small Firm Conference in Wenatchee, Washington.

I am also excited to let you know that I am a finalist for the Women Business Owner’s “Excellence Award,” which is based on “entrepreneurial spirit, ethics and community spirit, financial management skills, and risk and difficulty of business.” The winner will be announced October 1st at the annual Nellie Cashman dinner in Seattle. Wish me luck!

Enclosed is my article published in the May 2008 Bar Bulletin entitled, “Energize Me: Bring Your ‘A’ Game Every Day.” I hope you enjoy it!

Your ideas are like diamonds . . . without the refining process, they are just a dirty rock,
but by cutting away the impurities they become priceless.
~ Paul Kearly

 

 

July 2, 2008

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Please note that our office be closed July 16th – 22nd.  On July 17th and 18th, I will be speaking at the Washington State Bar Association’s Third Annual Solo and Small Firm Conference in Wenatchee, Washington.   On July 17th, I will be co-presenting on “Developing an Estate Planning Practice in the Solo/Small Firm Environment.” On July 18th, I will participate as part of a panel discussion on “Perspectives on Defining and Refining Your Personal Communication Style: Dealing Effectively with Clients (or Prospective Clients).” I look forward to the opportunity to participate in this event! Also, my office will be closed on August 6th – 8th.

Typically, our workload tends to be very hectic immediately prior to office closures. When the office re-opens, we have several days of e-mails and voice mails to address, which can take a day or two. So, if at all possible, please do your best to let us know as far in advance as possible if you need an appointment or work completed close to the time of the office closures. Lisa Vargo, who also has 20 years of experience and, as many of you know, does fabulous work, will be available to handle emergency situations in my absence.

Enclosed is my article published in the June 2008 Bar Bulletin entitled, “A Lifetime of Changes: Practicing Law in 2008.” I especially enjoyed writing this article, and realizing how many positive changes have occurred since I started practicing law 20 years ago. I hope you find it interesting!

Success is predictable. ~ Brian Tracy

 

 

August 4, 2008

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Please note that our office be closed on August 6th – 8th for vacation days.  Our office will also be closed on September 1st for Labor Day.

On July 17th – 18th, I spoke at the Washington State Bar Association’s Third Annual Solo and Small Firm Conference in Wenatchee, Washington on the topics of “Developing an Estate Planning Practice in the Solo/Small Firm Environment” and “Perspectives on Defining and Refining Your Personal Communication Style: Dealing Effectively with Clients (or Prospective Clients).” I enjoyed the opportunity to present my perspectives. This conference provided a fabulous opportunity to interact with and learn from my colleagues.

On September 6th, I look forward to presenting information regarding small business law at Biz Fair, sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Biz Fair provides excellent speakers and resources for small businesses in our area. For more information, please go to the Biz Fair website at www.bizfair.org.

Are you interested in socially responsible investing? On September 24th, I’ll be presenting “Mixing Money and Values” from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Phinney Neighborhood Association, located at 6532 Phinney Ave. N. in Seattle. In this presentation, which is co-sponsored by our office and Charles D. Tompkins, AAMS, of Tompkins Wealth Management, we will discuss an introduction to socially responsible investing (SRI), how to integrate economic, social, environmental and governance factors into investment decisions, charitable estate distributions, pet trusts, and community investments such as the Calvert Foundation. For more information, please contact my office.

To be a champion, you have to believe in yourself when nobody else will.  ~ Sugar Ray Robinson

 

 

September 3, 2008

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Please note that our office be closed on October 1st, and October 10th – October 14th.

On September 6th, I look forward to presenting information regarding small business law at Biz Fair, sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Biz Fair provides excellent speakers and resources for small businesses in our area. For more information, please go to the Biz Fair website at www.bizfair.org.

Are you interested in socially responsible investing? On September 24th, I’ll be presenting “Mixing Money and Values” from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Phinney Neighborhood Association, located at 6532 Phinney Ave. N. in Seattle. In this presentation, which is co-sponsored by our office and Charles D. Tompkins, AAMS, of Tompkins Wealth Management, we will discuss an introduction to socially responsible investing (SRI), how to integrate economic, social, environmental and governance factors into investment decisions, charitable estate distributions, pet trusts, and community investments such as the Calvert Foundation. For more information, please contact my office.

On October 1st, I invite all of you to attend the Women Business Owner’s Nellie Cashman Awards. I am pleased and honored to be a 2008 Excellence Award finalist! I encourage all of you to attend the Nellie – it’s a fabulous opportunity to meet inspiring women who have accomplished much in business and in life. Please see this review. If you’d like to attend, please e-mail me to let me know, and also indicate in your RSVP to Women Business Owners that I am the table captain.

Also enclosed is a copy of Irene Leonard’s article, “A Happy Lawyer is a Professional Lawyer,” published in the August 2008 issue of the Washington Bar News, in which I am quoted. Finally, enclosed is a copy of my article published in the August 2008 edition of the King County Bar Bulletin, “The New Cell Phone Law: Don’t ‘Lawyer’ and Drive.”

Society may predict, but only I can determine my destiny.  ~ Clair Oliver

 

 

October 3, 2008

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Please note that our office be closed October 10th – October 14th.  I will be in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho visiting family during that time. Also, our office will be closed on November 4th and November 27th – 28th for the Thanksgiving holiday. On November 4th, Election Day, I will be serving as the lead attorney for Pierce County on behalf of the Obama Voter Protection Team. Due to this pro bono responsibility, I may have limited availability for the remainder of that week.

September was a busy month for our office! On September 6th, I gave two presentations on small business law at Biz Fair, sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA). On September 18th, our office, in partnership with Debbie Whitlock of Sound Financial Partners, sponsored two briefings by Donna Pagano, nationally recognized speaker and author, discussing how to approach estate planning in a holistic manner. And, on September 24th, along with Charles D. Tompkins, AAMS, of Tompkins Wealth Management, I presented “Mixing Money and Values” at the Phinney Neighborhood Center in Seattle, which focused on SRI (socially responsible investing), charitable estate distributions and pet trusts.

On October 1st, our office was closed due to my nomination as an Excellence Award finalist for Women Business Owners. I did not win the award, but was truly honored to be among the top three finalists – along with Jean Hamilton of Speaking Results and the winner, Dr. Julie Miller of Business Writing that Counts.

Enclosed is a copy of my recent article printed in the September 2008 issue of King County Bar Bulletin, entitled, “LLM: Opening the Door to Unique Opportunities.” The article discusses the University of Washington LLM (Master of Laws) program in Asian and Comparative Law. I enjoyed writing it, and hope that you find it of interest. Also enclosed is a copy of Brett Rice’s article in the August 2008 issue of the King County Bar Bulletin, entitled ”Estate Planning: Where Paper Beats Technology,” in which I am quoted.

Accept the past for what it was. Acknowledge the present for what it is.
Anticipate the future for what it can become.
~ Tracy L. McNair

 

 

November 3, 2008

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Please note that our office will be closed on November 4th, and also on November 27th – 28th for the Thanksgiving holiday. On November 4th, Election Day, I will be serving as the Lead Attorney for Pierce County on behalf of the Democratic Voter Protection Team. Due to this pro bono responsibility, I may have limited availability for the remainder of that week if needed for post-election issues such as a recount.

Due to rising costs experienced in 2008, our hourly rates will be increasing beginning in January 2009. My hourly rate will be increased from $225.00 per hour to $250.00 per hour, which remains a very affordable rate in the Seattle market for an attorney with over twenty years of experience. Lisa Vargo’s rate will be increased slightly, from $220.00 per hour to $225.00 per hour. Andrea Logan’s rate of $125.00 will remain the same. If you have any questions or concerns about the 2009 rate change, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Please check out our new web page, with fun photos of the 2008 Women Business Owners Nellie Cashman Awards: https://www.staceyromberg.com/romberg-excellence-award-2008.htm.

The one thing that is constant is change. After nine years of using the conference room at the Foster Law Office, we now have a new conference room space. The Foster Law Office has grown, so the conference room tended to be unavailable at times convenient for our clients. Our new conference room is located at the Meridian Executive Offices, 1833 N. 105th, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98133. In addition, I am sad to announce that Lori Mason, who served as our talented and patient Office Administrator for the last five years, will be leaving at the end of the year to move to Omaha. We are currently searching for Lori’s replacement, but she will be missed!

If we are to achieve results never before accomplished, we must expect to employ
methods never before attempted.
~ Francis Bacon

 

 

December 1, 2008

NEWS FROM THE DESK OF STACEY L. ROMBERG

Happy Holidays! Please note that our office will be closed on December 25th and January 1st during the holiday season. We will also be closed on January 19th in honor of the Martin Luther King Day holiday.

I am pleased to announce the hiring of our new Office Administrator, Kristen Larsen. Kristen offers solid legal and customer service experience, previously working for a law firm in Southern California, and also as a Spa Director in Santa Barbara, a District Educator for Aveda Corporation, and as the Regional Coordinator and Head Coach for Team Danskin Training. In her spare time, Kristen enjoys swimming, cross country skiing, and being a mom to her two beautiful children. I know that you will all enjoy working with Kristen!

I am also pleased to announce that, for my estate planning work, Seattle Magazine recently named me as one of their 2009 Five Star Wealth Managers. I look forward to seeing the April 2009 addition of Seattle Magazine, which will list all of their 2009 choices.

Take a look at, “Cat Wills & Trusts,” by Jennifer Williams, Phd., which was published in the October 2008 issue of Cat Fancy magazine. I’m quoted in this article about setting up a pet trust to protect your cat. If you are interested in finding out more about pet trusts, please contact my office so we can assist you. It’s a great present to give your pet for the holidays!

I understand that the holidays are an especially hectic time. However, I ask that you please pay your bill before the end of this year. Remember, for businesses, legal expenses paid by the end of 2008 will be considered a deductible expense for purposes of calculating your final 2008 federal tax liability.

Successful people tend to become more successful because they are always
thinking about their successes.
~ Brian Tracy

(206) 784-5305