Section Events
Family Law Section Mid-Year
Join us on the riverfront of Vancouver, Washington! Right off I-5 or an Amtrak ride away, we'll be on the banks of the Columbia River for those wishing to join us in person. We will also be live streaming online for those who prefer to join us remotely. Either way, this will be an informative and interesting midyear.
Details will be updated. Registration Link will be posted here when available.
If you are interested in participating in the Midyear, please contact Dawn Sydney.
Section Election Deadline
Family Law Section Executive Committee Elections
April 15, 2024 — Section Election Application Portal closes.
Interested Applicant Informational Drop-in
Family Law Section Executive Committee Elections
What should you know if you think it might be time to take a seat at the table?
Eligibility:
Persons who qualify as voting and dues-paying members of the Section as of March 1, 2024, are eligible to run for election to FLEC.
For FLEC Members with expiring terms see: https://wsba.org/legal-community/sections/family-law-section
Preferred Skills/Experience:
You can listen.
You can form an opinion and articulate it respectfully.
You are willing to learn.
You are willing to let others know when you have to miss a meeting.
You care.
Application Materials:
Statement of Interest (max. 250 words)
Timeline:
Candidate Applications Open: NOW!
Candidate Applications Close: Friday, April 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
Voting Begins: Monday, June 3, 2024, at 8:00 a.m.
Voting Closes: Monday, June 17, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Position Cycle: 5 Member-at-Large positions with terms beginning 10/01/2024 and ending 09/30/2027.
1 Member-at-Large position open due to vacancy with the remaining term beginning 10/01/2024 and ending 09/30/2025.
Family Law Section Executive Committee Meeting
Information
Section members are welcome to attend. An opportunity for comments will be offered early in the meeting.
Family Law Executive Committee Meeting
Zoom Meeting
Call-In: 253-215-8782
Access Code: Meeting ID: 823 5717 2537
Section Website Launch
Key Features:
Events Calendar: Stay informed about upcoming Family Law Section seminars, workshops, and networking events. Connect with fellow members and expand your professional network.
Around Washington: Navigate the complexities of family law proceedings through our dedicated Washington State Court Information Center. Access up-to-date court rules, procedural guidelines, and essential resources to bolster your practice.
Family Law Resources: Access legal resources and publications to stay informed and enhance your professional expertise.
Legislative Activity: Stay at the forefront of legislative activity and legal developments with our comprehensive page dedicated to current legislative activity. Watch for updates and links to family law bills of interest throughout the legislative session.
Family Law Section Committee: Stay informed about your Executive Committee’s activities and advocacy efforts on key family law policies affecting our community.
Podcasts: Insightful discussions with family law professionals, experts, and judicial officers on topics and issues relevant to your practice and your clients.
UFLAA - Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act
What You Need to Know
Friday, October 27, 2023
8:30-5:00 p.m.
WSBA Office 1325 Fourth Ave., Seattle
Hybrid: Live & Zoom
7 CLE credits
Review and explanation of the new legislation. A “look behind the curtain” how the legislation was drafted and refined over three legislative sessions by both judicial and legislative FLEC committee members. Valuable presentations and practice tips from distinguished and experienced family law arbitrators. Training by expert clinicians in child development, juvenile mental health, domestic violence, and trauma – informed practices.
Presenters
Commissioner Mark Hillman
Judge Janet Helson
Arbitrators
Commissioner Jacqueline L. Jeske, Rt.
Cheryll Russel, Attorney
Teresa McNally, Attorney
Clinicians
Jennifer Tininenko, Ph.D.
Mark Adams, MA, LMHC
Tracee Parker, PsyD
Jennifer Keilin, MSW, LICSW
Jennifer Wheeler, Ph.D.
Mid-Year Conference - Wenatchee
2023 Family Law Midyear Meeting and Conference
Event Agenda
Register for In-person
Register for Webcast
Presented in partnership with the WSBA Family Law Section
Join us for the Family Law Midyear—back with an in-person option from Wenatchee this year! This Midyear is a hybrid event, with both an in-person and webcast component, at the Wenatchee Convention Center from July 28-30, 2023.
Jurists, practitioners, and other professionals from around the state will present on critical updates, case studies, success stories and challenges. Leave with information and instruction on a variety of topics to enhance your practice, see a new part of the state, and reconnect with colleagues. We look forward to being together in person and hope you can be a part of it.
When: July 28-30, 2023
Location:
Wenatchee Convention Center, 121 N Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee, WA 98801-2238
Credits:
1.00 Ethics // 13.25 Law & Legal Procedure // 0.50 Other
Tuition:
Early Bird Pricing valid thru June 26, 2023
$375 – Family Law Section Members (discount applied at checkout)
$410 – Standard/Non-Section Members
$410 – Join the Section [add the Related Items Family Law Section membership ($35) to your cart during checkout and register at the Section member rate ($410)]
$285 – New Members*
*New Members who have been admitted to practice in Washington for fewer than five years are eligible to receive the new member tuition. Note: The store will automatically discount your registrations during checkout.
Regular pricing valid effective June 27, 2023
$390 – Family Law Section Members (discount applied at checkout)
$425 – Standard/Non-Section Members
$425 – Join the Section
[add the Related Items Family Law Section membership ($35) to your cart during checkout and register at the Section member rate ($410)]
$300 – New Members*
*New Members who have been admitted to practice in Washington for fewer than five years are eligible to receive the new member tuition. Note: The store will automatically discount your registrations during checkout.
To omit your name from the networking list made available to exhibitors and/or attendees, enter the code OPTOUT in Promo Code field during checkout.
Co-Chairs:
Cynthia Buhr, Skellenger Bender PS, Seattle
Tamara Garrison, Lumosity Law PLLC, Mountlake Terrace
Dawn Sydney, Law Offices of Dawn Sydney, PLLC, Seattle
For more information on the schedule, scholarships, or lodging, please visit the WSBA Store page.
Register online now to attend in-person.
Register online now to attend the webcast.
AGENDA & FACULTY
Abusive Litigation in Washington
Sarah Thorpe, Northwest Justice Project, Seattle
Weaponized Decision Making
Lisa Ward, Kindred Law, Seattle
Dr. Landon Poppleton, NW Family Psychology, PLLC, Vancouver
Mediation Tips, Benefits, and Pitfalls
Hon. Judge Helen Halpert (Ret.), JAMS, Seattle
Caroline Davis, CD Davis Mediation, Seattle
Jacqueline Porter, 8 Second Legal, Spokane
Preparing to Present for an Administrative Child Support Hearing
Hon. Judge Edward Pesik Jr., Office of Administrative Hearings, Seattle
Hon. Judge Carolyn Pinkett, Office of Administrative Hearings, Seattle
The Importance of the Indian Child Welfare Act
Brooke Pinkham, Center for Indian Law and Policy, Seattle University School of Law, Seattle
A.I. Possibilities in Family Law
Hon. Judge Sean O'Donnell, King County Superior Court, Seattle
Advice from the Bench - In Person Trials
Hon. Judge Patrick Moriarty, Snohomish County Superior Court, Everett
Family Law Trial Tips
Todd DeVallance, DeVallance Law, PLLC, Seattle
Objection! Frequent Evidentiary Quandaries
Scott Volyn, Volyn Law Firm, Wenatchee
Rigo Garcia, Northwest Justice Project, Wenatchee
The New UFLAA: Deja Vue
Jacqueline Jeske, Jeske Dispute Resolution LLC, Woodinville
Patrick Rawnsley, PWR Law PLLC, Olympia
Legislative Update
Patrick Rawnsley, PWR Law PLLC, Olympia
Gender Diverse Youth in Family Law Cases
Aidan Key, Gender Diversity Education and Support Services, Seattle
Denise Diskin, QLaw Foundation, Seattle
Case Law Update
Christine Meserve, Connolly, Tacon, & Meserve, Olympia
Charles Szurszewski, Connolly, Tacon, & Meserve, Olympia