Spokane County Bar Association

“The bar association is made up of members who pay dues for their association, with a goal to promote cooperation and comraderie within the membership. Members receive a discount for cle programs. The levels of membership are as follows: full membership associate membership paralegal membership government/public service membership honorary membership law student membership”

“The scba members vote on the board of trustees each year. They vote for the officers and trustees.”

“Members have to approve any changes to the membership dues which are set by the board of trustees. The board of trustees approve and oversee the finances and activities of the organization but the members must approve certain changes as described above.”

“A key employee and the treasurer review the 990 draft in detail before it is filed. The return is available for officer review and the final copy is provided to the board members at a regularly scheduled meeting.”

“Hr related activities, including conflict of interest and whistle blower policies, have not been formally adopted by the board but management and the board members work with associated industries of spokane to provide such services.”

“The board of trustees review compensation levels and approve increases annually.”

“Documents are available upon request and posted on public websites such as www.guidestar.org.”

“An association of attorney and the judiciary professionals, the organization promotes cooperation, camaraderie, and continuing education among its members, as well as providing resources and opportunities to serve the public interest.”

“Member services continued: newsletter - all members receive the calendar call newsletter, issued twice monthly, either by mail or digitally. Many members receive the digital version via e-mail. The calendar call contains cle notices, meeting notices and announcements, employment opportunities,federal, state and county court information and other important data that is vital to the practice of law. Online access to spokane county court documents - the spokane county bar association has worked toward the goal of having spokane county superior court documents available online.”

“Social and marketing services continued: other functions - the association also sponsors other functions and events which benefits the health and well being of the bar as a whole: monthly bar luncheons are offered featuring keynote speakers, members of the judiciary or community leaders. The annual professionalism dinner honors a member of the legal community who exhibits the highest standards of ethics and professionalism and honors members of bar who have been practicing for 50 years. The annual golf tournament, hosted in june, is a particular favorite of the many duffers that are members of the bar. The improved annual holiday party and vlp silent auction is a favorite of the local membership. The party provides the membership an opportunity to meet long time friends and to spread some good cheer. The silent auction is a successful fundraiser for the volunteer lawyers program. Auction items are excellent last-minute christmas gifts for a loved one, or perhaps, for yourself.”

“Committees include activities carried on by members to further enhance specialization in the legal profession. Additional accomplishments of the diversity and yld divisions are as follows - the diversity section: the mission of the diversity section of the spokane county bar association is to promote diversity in the local legal community; committed to promoting inclusiveness through ongoing efforts focusing on recruitment and retention of attorneys of color and diverse ethnic background. We are working within the spokane legal community to increase diversity within the local bar association and judicial system. In collaboration with gonzaga school of law and other organizations, we are seeking ways to address the racial and ethnic disparities that currently exists. The young lawyers division: members of the spokane county bar association (scba) who are 36 years of age or less, or are in the first five years of practice, are qualified to be members of the scba young lawyers division. Scyld membership offers several benefits, including networking and referral opportunities among other young lawyers, socials to meet fellow young lawyers; and free cles on topics of special interest to those of us who are new to the practice. Spokane county young lawyers division is a perfect chance to get involved in the local and state legal community, as well as the wider spokane community. The yld also sponsors a veterans will clinic for estate planning. Documents are prepared for no charge for veterans of the united states and their spouses.”