[WSBAPT] Why it matters....

[Brent Williams-Ruth]

I got a few emails back, directly, asking me why I care about the ability
to present directly to a commissioner.

Notwithstanding all of the reasons why it (in certain instances) benefits
my clients - I remember being a new attorney and other new associates that
I worked with who are not as blessed/cursed as me with the gift of public
speaking. Our bosses would frequently send the most junior of associates to
the Courthouse with agreed orders or non-contested matters.

It gave those with little to no experience an opportunity to appear before
the Court. To navigate the courthouse. To speak on the record when there
was nearly nothing at stake.

When I went to the KC RJC to try and open the probates on Tuesday, I walked
into the courtroom and the presiding officer was talking to the attorney
and asked for their bar number. It was because they had forgotten to put it
next to their name on their pleading. So without being
snide/rude/condescending the Commissioner just asked for them to write in
their number and reminded them that every pleading signed has to be
accompanied by your WSBA number.

THIS is why I am truly sad that we are moving to this robotic system of Ex
Parte Via the Clerk.  How many harmless errors have been committed in from
of commissioners, just like this one, where there wasn't a client sitting
at the table or a boss looking over your shoulder as 1st chair.

As I wrap up this calendar year - I am eternally grateful for the members
of this section and list-serv for being willing to share experiences,
forms, knowledge, citations to me and all the others.

The gratitude that I have is only repaid by paying it forward and now, with
9 years experience in this realm of practice, I always try to jump on those
"this may be a silly/stupid question" email to help out others in honor of
those who have done (and will do in the future) the same for me.

Have each of you have a spectacular and safe end to 2023 and may 2024 be
filled with exciting adventures, health, and prosperity of you and yours.

With humble gratitude as a member of the RPPT Executive Committee, and as
one of the At-Large members of the Board of Governors.

Brent

*Brent Williams-Ruth* (pronouns: he/him)
*Attorney-At-Law*

*Law Offices of Brent Williams-Ruth, **a division of BWR Consulting, PLLC*

*Physical Address: 500 S 336th Street, Suite 214; Federal Way, WA 98003*

***EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY** All mail sent through the USPS should be sent to
the following address: **PO BOX 3319; Federal Way, WA 98063 *

Office/Scheduling Phone: (253) 285-7751

Direct: (253) 285-7453

e-mail <Brent at Williams-RuthLaw.com> / website
<http://www.williams-ruthlaw.com/> / facebook
<http://www.facebook.com/bwrlaw> /
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