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VISIT YOUR Office Any member may use the conference rooms at the Bar office for depositions and/or client meetings at no charge (must be scheduled in advance). At your “office away from your office” you have access to a comfortable Lawyers’ Lounge, wireless internet, and a dedicated computer workstation, as well as member-only priced fax, phone and copier services. The Bar office is located in downtown Washington in a historic home built in 1850. The facility is owned by the Washington County Bar Foundation, our charitable organization established in 1989. Please note that the Bar office is not currently handicapped accessible; arrangements can be made for members to utilize all benefits and services. CLE Programs An accredited CLE provider, WCBA offers quality, affordable CLE courses throughout the year at Bench-Bar conferences, section and Association meetings. Currently, members pay only $25/credit — the average cost across the state is $48/credit. In 2006, the Bar Association offered a total of 47 CLEs to a total of 968 attendees. In collaboration with the Bench, the Association hosts an all-day Bench-Bar Conference in town in the winter and a “weekend getaway” Bench-Bar conference for members and families in the summer. COMMITTEES & PRACTICE AREA SECTIONS The Association has 18 standing committees and a number of special & sub-committees. Members are surveyed each fall regarding committee preferences and are encouraged to become involved in at least one committee. There are currently four practice area sections: Family Law, Criminal Law, Estate Planning and Administration, and Juvenile Law. Dues for each section are $5 per year. All sections meet at least quarterly and elect officers annually. Fee Dispute Program Consistent with rules of procedure of the PA Supreme Court Disciplinary Board, a panel of attorneys is available to mediate fee disputes at the request of either the client or attorney. ETHICS COMMITTEE Upon request, a panel of attorneys will research and furnish an advisory opinion regarding whether or not any course of professional conduct violates the ethics of the profession. Resume Bank Stop by our office to browse through our file of resumes submitted by attorneys, paralegals, secretaries, administrative assistants and other support staff professionals. (WCBA does not screen submissions.) Referral Programs As a public and member service, WCBA coordinates three separate private attorney referral programs. Members pay a nominal annual fee to participate in the Lawyer Referral Service program and agree to accept initial consultation appointments on a rotating basis. Panelists for the Legal Aid Conflict program provide pro bono or reduced-fee services to Legal Aid conflict clients. In cooperation with the court and Children & Youth Social Services, a CYS Adoption Referral project was developed to accommodate adoption referrals. Mentor Program To encourage professionalism, collegiality and civility, members practicing less than five years can opt into a year-long mentoring program. The newer attorney is paired with a more experienced lawyer and encouraged — through a monthly lunch subsidy — to meet regularly to discuss matters of general professional concern. Call the Bar office for an application for the Mentor program. ENDORSED PROGRAMS The Association from time to time grants exclusive or nonexclusive endorsement of products or services designed and intended for the beneficial use of members. Contact the Bar Association for a current list of programs. |
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Member Resources |
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Washington County Bar Association 119 South College Street Washington, PA 15301 Phone: 724.225.6710 Fax: 724.225.8345 Email: washbar@washcobar.org |