News from the Desk: December 2016

By January 3, 2017 March 4th, 2020 No Comments

We hope everyone is looking forward to a peaceful and joyous holiday with friends, family and loved ones. Even our firm’s morale leader, Roger, has taken time away from his busy schedule to contemplate the true meaning of the holiday season.

On December 2, Sherry was one of three presenters on legal ethics and client communications at a very well-attended Continuing Legal Education (CLE) course hosted by the Snohomish County Bar Association. The program, which featured lively discussion prompted by audience participation, included a focus on issues specific to communicating with clients who may have diminished capacity – such as elderly clients, clients with a mental disability, or clients with substance abuse problems.

I am excited to again moderate the Washington State Bar Association’s Best of CLE (Continuing Legal Education) 2016 on December 28-29. This is a two-day online overview of some of the best WSBA CLE presentations throughout the last year. Having been the moderator the past four years, I am excited to bring my best Tina Fey to this year’s event! The WSBA chose some interesting presentations from the past year, including one on Ethics, Civil Liability Issues and Risk Management From the Use and Abuse of Social Media. I’ve spoken on ethics and social media numerous times, as I believe it is important for attorneys to use social media in a thoughtful and ethical way. For example, attorneys have gotten into trouble for revealing confidential client information while participating in social media. I look forward to my fourth year as the moderator for this fantastic program!

Our team has enjoyed some fun holiday events this month, including the King County Bar Association’s (KCBA) Solo and Small Practice Section Holiday Luncheon on December 8. We enjoyed a lively gift exchange, full of archaic rules that only lawyers could love, and had a terrific time catching up with our colleagues.

As always, I would love to hear your questions and comments. If you have any questions about our firm and the work we do, please contact me or visit our website.

Recent Updates from our Blog

Our Malpractice Insurance Premium Went Up – Why Do You Care?

Stacey explains why an increase in our firm’s malpractice insurance premium is important to you, our clients. If a mistake is made, it’s important that clients are reimbursed for any financial losses. Malpractice insurance isn’t required here in Washington – but you want to pick a law firm that maintains good coverage.

How to Avoid Your Memorial Sparking a Terrorism Scare

Have you ever hiked to a beautiful location or visited a breathtaking spot and thought “I’d like to have my ashes scattered here one day”? Sherry explains why it’s important to check with an attorney and/or the local jurisdiction first, or your friends and family might end up in legal hot water for following your thoughtful, but possibly illegal, wishes.

Three by 33 – Part II

In Part II of her Three by 33 series, Vi delves deeper into why it is critical to get your estate planning in order by the time you turn 33, by listing the three most important documents you need in order to secure your estate for your family, friends and pets after you’re gone.

Photo credits: Teresa Qin on Flicker, Veronique Mergaux on Flickr, Pictures of Money on Flickr, Stacey Romberg

 

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