2026 July Hearsay

HearSay

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CLARK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

July 2026

The Clark County Bar Association is a professional organization that serves to support our local attorney community through providing education and networking opportunities designed to enhance and foster better relationships within the local legal community.

July Hearsay Contributors

Jeff Sowder

Sowder Law Office, PLLC

Jeff Sowder’s practice focuses on real estate and criminal law. Jeff has been practicing law for 47 years.

Jean Mccoy Landerholm, P.S

Jean McCoy’s practice focus is real estate transactions and conflict resolution, landlord/ tenant and creditors’ rights.

Grant Gehrmann

Gehrmann Personal Injury

Grant Gehrmann is a Vancouver personal injury attorney focused on serious injury and wrongful death cases.

Judge Abigail Bartlett

Clark County District Court

Judge Abigail E. Bartlett was appointed as a District Court Judge in July 2021, after serving as a District Court Commissioner and a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.

I N M E M O R

J A M E S

H

By Jeff

In Memorium: Hamilton

Jim Hamilton aka James Ham passed away Easter day, Apri complications during heart s California on August 10, 1948 and attorney. He is survived and Christina, by his stepson marriage to Ann. He was luc with Pauline Stalnaker, a gre companion to the end. He o and master’s degrees from C University - Chico. His educa was diverse. He fought fires for the Forest Service in California, for Areias Dairy Farms, and was a pilot. He frequently flew out

C C B A

President’s Message

B y N a t h a n P e t e r s e n

T h a n k y o u to e v e r y o n e w h o c a m e o u t f o r t h e s p e c i a l m e e t i n g o n

J u n e 1 8 t h . We a p p r e c i a te t h e s u p p o r t a n d p a r t i c i p a t i o n f r o m

e v e r y o n e w h o a p p e a r e d a n d v o te d .

T h e F o u r t h o f J u l y i s a l w a y s a f u n h o l i d a y. We g o t to g e t h e r w i t h

f r i e n d s a n d s e t o f f a f e w f i r e w o r k s . O u r f r i e n d s ’ n e i g h b o r p u t u s

a l l to s h a m e a n d p u t o n a n e a r p r o f e s s i o n a l - l e v e l d i s p l a y.

S u m m e r i s a l i t t l e q u i e te r w i t h e v e n t s , b u t I e n c o u r a g e e v er y o n e

to c o m e o u t to t h e S u m m e r S o i r e e o n A u g u s t 2 9 t h a n d t h e C l a r k

Co u n t y Vo l u n t e e r L a w y e r P r o g r a m G a r d e n P a r t y o n A u g u s t 2 n d

R e a d i n g : S u r v i v o r b y C h u c k P a l a h n i u k

L i s t e n i n g : A s I s b y J o s i a h a n d t h e B o n n e v i l l e s .

a s a p h o n e t r e e t h a t s p i t s o u t a n a m e a n d

w h a t w e' r e r u n n i n g h e r e A n d l e t ' s r e t i r e a

n o t l e g a l a i d , a n d i t ' s n o t a f a v o r y o u ' r e

e r r a l i s o n e o f t h e q u i e te r t h i n g s C C B A

d o e s a n d o n e o f t h e m o s t u s e f u l , f o r t h e p u b l i c a n d f o r o u r m e m b e r s a l i ke . W h e n

s o m e o n e i n o u r c o m m u n i t y d o e s n ' t k n o w w h e r e to s t a r t , d o e s n ' t k n o w w h a t k i n d o f

a t to r n e y t h e y n e e d , o r h a s b e e n p u t t i n g o f f a c a l l b e c a u s e t h e l e g a l w o r l d f e e l s l i ke a

l o c ke d d o o r , S W L R i s t h e ke y. Fo r $ 1 2 5 , t h e y g e t a r e a l 3 0 - m i n u te c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h

a r e a l a t to r n e y, m a tc h e d to t h e i r a c t u a l i s s u e . N o g u e s s i n g , n o c o l d s e a r c h r e s u l t s , n o w o n d e r i n g i f t h e y p i c ke d t h e r i g h t s p e c i a l t y o u t o f a d i r e c to r y.

H e r e' s t h e p a r t s o m e m e m b e r s h a v e n ' t c l o c ke d : t h i s i s a p a y i n g - c l i e n t p i p e l i n e ,

n o t a p r o b o n o p r o g r a m . E v e r y p e r s o n w h o c a l l s S W L R h a s a l r e a d y d e c i d e d t h e y ' r e w i l l i n g to p a y f o r r e p r e s e n t a t i o n t h e y j u s t d o n ' t k n o w w h o to c a l l . T h a t ' s w h e r e

t h e c o n f u s i o n u s u a l l y l i v e s T h e g e n e r a l p u b l i c d o e s n ' t h a v e a m e n t a l m a p o f w h o

h a n d l e s w h a t ; t h e y d o n ' t k n o w a f a m i l y l a w a t to r n e y f r o m a r e a l e s t a te a t to r n e y

f r o m a p e r s o n a l i n j u r y a t to r n e y, a n d m o s t o f t h e m h a v e n e v e r n e e d e d to k n o w u n t i l

n o w We d o t h e s o r t i n g Yo u g e t t h e c l i e n t

Fo r m e m b e r s , t h a t m e a n s S W L R i s n ' t a r e q u e s t f o r y o u r t i m e i t ' s a s o u r c e o f n e w

b u s i n e s s , p r e - q u a l i f i e d a n d r e a d y to e n g a g e . E v e r y r e f e r r a l i s s o m e o n e w h o ' s

a l r e a d y c l e a r e d t h e h a r d e s t h u r d l e : d e c i d i n g to c a l l a l a w y e r . T h e y ' r e n o t s h o p p i n g

f o r a d i s c o u n t o r a h a n d o u t . T h e y ' r e s h o p p i n g f o r t h e r i g h t p e r s o n , a n d w e c a n p u t

y o u i n f r o n t o f t h e m .

H o w i t w o r ks :

A m e m b e r o f t h e p u b l i c c a l l s o r e m a i l s t h e S W L R S w i t h a g e n e r a l d e s c r i p t i o n o f

t h e i r l e g a l i s s u e n o c o n f i d e n t i a l d e t a i l s , n o a t to r n e y - c l i e n t r e l a t i o n s h i p f o r m e d

y e t , j u s t e n o u g h f o r u s to m a ke a g o o d m a tc h . We c o n n e c t t h e m to a p a r t i c i p a t i n g

a t to r n e y i n t h e r i g h t p r a c t i c e a r e a , a n d t h a t a t to r n e y o f f e r s a n i n i t i a l c o n s u l t a t i o n o f

u p to 3 0 m i n u te s f o r n o m o r e t h a n $ 1 2 5 a r e a l , p a i d f i r s t m e e t i n g , n o t a g i v e a w a y

H o w y o u c a n p a r t i c i p a te :

J o i n i n g t h e r e f e r r a l p a n e l p u t s y o u r n a m e a n d p r a c t i c e a r e a i n f r o n t o f a s te a d y

s t r e a m o f p e o p l e a c t i v e l y l o o k i n g f o r r e p r e s e n t a t i o n a n d r e a d y to p a y f o r i t I t ' s o n e o f t h e m o s t d i r e c t w a y s to g r o w y o u r c l i e n t b a s e t h r o u g h C C B A

Wa n t i n? Fu l l s i g n - u p d e t a i l s , i n c l u d i n g h o w i t t i e s i n to y o u r m e m b e r s h i p r e n e w a l , a r e c o m i n g i n n e x t m o n t h ' s i s s u e . Fo r n o w, j u s t k n o w : t h e c l i e n t s a r e c a l l i n g . We j u s t n e e d m o r e o f y o u o n t h e o t h e r e n d o f t h e l i n e .

C C B A H E A R S A Y

QUARTER CENTURIONS

B Y J E A N M C C O Y

T h e r e a r e 4 3 8 M e m b e r s o f t h e C l a r k C o u n t y B a r

A s s o c i a t i o n ( C C B A ) , a n d o f t h o s e 1 2 7 h a v e b e e n

p r a c t i c i n g 2 5 y e a r s o r m o r e , a n d s o m e ( l i k e m e )

M A N Y m o r e ! E x c l u d i n g t h o s e w h o h a v e o f f i c i a l l y

r e t i r e d o r b e c a m e i n a c t i v e , a l i s t o f t h e s e “ Q u a r t e r

C e n t u r i o n s ” i s i n c l u d e d i n t h i s a r t i c l e ( s o m e a r e

e m e r i t u s ! ) I f y o u s e e s o m e o n e o n t h e l i s t w a l k i n g

a r o u n d o u t i n t h e “ w i l d ” c o n g r a t u l a t e t h e m o n

s t i c k i n g w i t h t h i s c r a z y g i g f o r s o l o n g .

Y o u a l l r e s p o n d e d s o t h o r o u g h l y t o t h e c o n c e p t o f

t h i s a r t i c l e t h a t w e a r e g o i n g t o h o n o r e a c h

p e r s o n t h a t r e s p o n d e d w i t h t h e i r c o n t e n t i n t h e

c o m i n g p u b l i c a t i o n s . T h e r e w e r e t o o m a n y f o r

o n e a r t i c l e a l o n e . I f y o u d i d n ’ t r e s p o n d t o m e , b u t

w a n t e d t o , a n d y o u h a v e b e e n p r a c t i c i n g m o r e t h a n 2 5 y e a r s , i t i s n o t t o o l a t e !

Y o u r t h o u g h t s , p i c t u r e s , m e m o r i e s , e t c . c a n b e s h a r e d w i t h m e a t

j e a n . m c c o y @ l a n d e r h o l m . c o m . I w i l l p u t t o g e t h e r w h a t y o u s e n d m e w i t h y o u r

o t h e r c o m r a d e - i n - a r m s a n d i t w i l l b e r e a l l y g r e a t

I n r e f l e c t i n g o n m y 3 4 y e a r s i n p r a c t i c e , I a l m o s t c a n ’ t b e l i e v e i t h a s b e e n t h i s

l o n g , b u t y e t i t a l s o s e e m s l i k e f o r e v e r M a n y o f y o u h a v e l a m e n t e d t h a t l i f e w a s

s i m p l e r 2 5 y e a r s a g o a n d b e f o r e A l o t o f y o u t a l k e d a b o u t t e c h n o l o g y , p h o n e s

a n d c o m p u t e r s W h e n I f i r s t s t a r t e d p r a c t i c i n g i n 1 9 9 2 c e l l p h o n e s w e r e m o v i n g

f r o m t h e “ b r i c k ” t o a s m a l l e r d e v i c e t h a t c o s t a f o r t u n e . I n t h e e a r l y 9 0 ’ s I t o o k

o v e r a l o n g - t e r m f i r m c l i e n t w h o h a d s m a l l D i s t r i c t C o u r t c o l l e c t i o n m a t t e r s a l l

a r o u n d t h e C o l u m b i a R i v e r G o r g e : S k a m a n i a , K l i c k i t a t ( E a s t a n d W e s t ) , H o o d

R i v e r a n d W a s c o c o u n t i e s . B e f o r e w e b e c a m e s a v v y a n d d i d n o t b o o k h e a r i n g s

f o r D e c e m b e r o r J a n u a r y , I w a s s t u c k i n m a n y a s t o r m h e a d i n g t o c o u r t e a r l y i n

t h e m o r n i n g f i n d i n g i c e o r s n o w b l o c k i n g m y w a y . C a n y o u i m a g i n e t o d a y n o t b e i n g a b l e t o c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h y o u r o f f i c e o r t h e c o u r t s d r i v i n g d o w n t h e h i g h w a y ? N o u p - t o - t h e - m i n u t e f o r e c a s t s a n d r o a d c o n d i t i o n s ? W e l l , m y f i r s t

U n t i l t h e m i d - 9 0 ’ s e m a i l w a s m o s t l y i n t e r - o f f i c e w i t h a d u m b - b o x m o n i t o r a n d a

s e r v e r r o o m c o n n e c t i n g y o u t o o t h e r e m p l o y e e s i n y o u r f i r m . W i - f i – w h a t i s i t ?

W h e n a l e t t e r c a m e i n t h r o u g h t h e m a i l , i t d i d n ’ t u s u a l l y w a r r a n t a f i r e d r i l l . I t

w a s p u t i n a s t a c k a n d t w o w e e k s w a s t h e n o r m f o r f o l l o w u p T h i n g s m o v e d i n

a n o r m a l p a c e ; n o o n e w a s u s u a l l y i n t h e o f f i c e a f t e r 5 : 0 0 p m ( o u r f i r m , h o w e v e r,

w a s o p e n o n S a t u r d a y s f r o m 8 a m t o n o o n , m o s t l y t o h a n d o u t d i s a b i l i t y c h e c k s ) ,

b u t n o o n e I k n e w w a s k i l l i n g t h e m s e l v e s t o g e t i t a l l d o n e . T h e r e w a s m o r e

t i m e f o r t h o u g h t f u l r e s p o n s e , c o n g e n i a l i t y , l u n c h w i t h c o l l e a g u e s , p u b l i c s e r v i c e

p r o j e c t s

W e a l l v o l u n t e e r e d f o r t h e a d v i c e c l i n i c s a t t h e C l a r k C o u n t y V o l u n t e e r L a w y e r s

p r o g r a m a n d a t t e n d e d t h e A n n u a l M e e t i n g f o r C C B A . W e h a d a J u l y b a r b e q u e

i n t h e p u b l i c s e r v i c e c o u r t y a r d , u s u a l l y w i t h J u d g e M e l n i c k a t t h e g r i l l , a n d t h e

R e d L i o n a t t h e Q u a y w a s o u r u s u a l h a u n t f o r m e e t i n g s a n d s e m i n a r s ( W e w o u l d s o m e t i m e s h a v e c o c k t a i l s a t l u n c h – g a s p ) ! T h e J u d g e s k n e w a l l o f u s , a n d t h e F r i d a y m o r n i n g d o c k e t w a s a m e e t - a n d - g r e e t w i t h a l l y o u r f a v o r i t e ( a n d m a y b e n o t s o f a v o r i t e ) p r a c t i t i o n e r s . C o u r t w a s i n p e r s o n – o n l y t h e b r a z e n S e a t t l e l a w y e r s w o u l d d a r e t o t r y a n d a t t e n d a h e a r i n g v i a p h o n e . Y o u c o u l d t e l l o u t - o f - t o w n a t t o r n e y s w i t h t h e i r p o l i s h e d w i n g - t i p s a n d s u p e r d a r k s u i t s ( w i t h

t w o a s s o c i a t e s i n t o w d r e s s e d i d e n t i c a l l y ) . S t e v e H o r e n s t e i n r e c a l l s w h e n

w o m e n l a w y e r s w o u l d n o t d a r e t o s h o w u p i n c o u r t i n a p a n t s s u i t ( I s t i l l w o n ’ t ! ) a n d t h e g r o u n d w o u l d s w a l l o w y o u u p i f y o u e v e r f o r g o t a t i e o r a j a c k e t .

S o m e t h i n g s h a v e p r o g r e s s e d f o r t h e g o o d o f t h e o r d e r – o u r l o c a l j u d i c i a r y i s a

d i v e r s e g r o u p a n d t h e r e i s a l o t o f i n t e r e s t i n m a k i n g s u r e o u r j u r y s y s t e m i s a s

f a i r a s w e c a n m a k e i t . D o c k e t s s e e m t o b e l e s s h e c t i c w i t h s o m u c h d o n e v i a e m a i l b e f o r e t h e h e a r i n g a n d Z o o m h e a r i n g s t a k e a l o t o f t r a f f i c o u t o f t h e

c o u r t r o o m . I t h i n k t h e y o u n g o n e s a r e t i r e d o f u s b e m o a n i n g t h e a d v e n t o f t h e

s a d l i t t l e r e c t a n g l e s w e c a r r y a r o u n d e v e r y w h e r e b u t t h e r e i s n o a r g u m e n t t h a t

t h e r e l i a n c e o n t h e c e l l p h o n e , e m a i l a n d t h e i n t e r n e t h a s s p e d u p s o c i e t y t o t h e p o i n t w h e r e w e c a n ’ t g e t a d e c e n t v a c a t i o n w i t h o u t b e i n g c h a s e d a r o u n d b y

c l i e n t e x p e c t a t i o n s A n d h e a v e n f o r b i d y o u t a k e t o o l o n g t o r e s p o n d o r y o u r c l i e n t w i l l t r y t o D I Y t h e p r o j e c t w i t h C h a t G P T a n d m e s s i t a l l u p b e c a u s e t h e s e

p r o g r a m s a r e n o s u b s t i t u t e f o r o u r i n t e l l e c t a n d e x p e r i e n c e R e t i r e m e n t i s

s o m e t i m e s b e i n g d e l a y e d b e c a u s e h e a l t h i n s u r a n c e i s c o s t p r o h i b i t i v e p r i o r t o

t h e a g e o f 6 5 , o r i t i s d i f f i c u l t t o k e e p a t t o r n e y s a n d s t a f f a r o u n d t o t a k e o v e r a

l i f e t i m e p r a c t i c e w h e n t h e p o p u l a t i o n i s s o m u c h m o r e m o b i l e a n d t h e r e i s a

s h o r t a g e o f e x p e r i e n c e . T h e r e i s a l s o t h e f e a r o f w h a t e l s e m i g h t b e o u t t h e r e t h a t c o u l d b e a s r e w a r d i n g a s t h i s ?

B u t , d i d n ’ t w e h a v e t h e b e s t m u s i c ! ? ! A s w e h o n o r t h o s e w h o h a v e c o n t r i b u t e d

s o m a n y y e a r s t o t h e p r a c t i c e o f l a w , p l e a s e e n j o y s o m e c o m m e n t s a n d r e f l e c t i o n s f r o m t h o s e a m o n g u s w i t h a l o t o f l i f e e x p e r i e n c e o v e r t h e n e x t s e v e r a l e p i s o d e s o f H e a r s a y .

HEADER (CHANGE ON MASTER B)

N e i l C A n d e r s o n

N e i l C . A n d e r s o n

J o h n R . B a c h o f n e r

J a s o n C . B a i l e s

H o n . C a m a r a B a n f i e l d

W i l l i a m V B a u m g a r t n e r

H e a t h e r C . B e a s l e y

M i c h a e l G . B e a t y

J . M a r v i n B e n s o n

M i c h a e l W . B o r t z

C h r i s t o p h e r M B o y d

B a r r y W B r a n d e n b u r g

L e A n n e M . B r e m e r

R a c h e l B r o o k s

S t e v e n L . B u s i c k

L o u i s B B y r d , J r

J u l i e C C a r m e n a

M a r k A . C a r t e r

J a n e E . C l a r k

H o n . S u z a n C l a r k

W i n n i f e r d C l e m e n t s

H o n S c o t t C o l l i e r ( R e t )

S h a r o n D . C o u s i n e a u

I v a n C u l b e r t s o n

J a m e s E . D a v i d

A d a m L D e a n

W i l l i a m J E l i n g

D o n a l d A . E s a u

M a g g i e E v a n s e n

H o n . J o h n F a i r g r i e v e

G r e g o r y D F e r g u s o n

K a r e n E F e u l n e r

T h o m a s J . F o l e y

D e b b i e L . F o n g - U r i b e

R u s s e l l D . G a r r e t t

C h a r l e s D . G a z z o l a

G r a n t A G e h r m a n n

C i n d y G i d e o n

A n t h o n y F . G o l i k

H o n . G r e g o r y G o n z a l e s

A l i s o n G r e e n e

R o n a l d W G r e e n e n

H o n D a v i d G r e g e r s o n

R o b e r t M . G r e g g

D a v i d G r o s s

T R a n d a l l G r o v e

F r a n c e s R . H a m r i c k

W e s l e y L i n c o l n H a r v e y

J e f f r e y J . H a t c h

M a r l a R . L . H e i k k a l a

M a t t h e w R H o f f

S c o t t A . H o g a n

K a t h r y n E . H o l l a n d

S c o t t J . H o r e n s t e i n

S t e p h e n W . H o r e n s t e i n

E v a n D H u l l

D o n a l d L J a c o b s

P h i l i p B . J a n n e y

S c o t t L . J e n s e n

H o n . B a r b a r a D . J o h n s o n

( R e t )

E r i c P J o h n s o n

V i c t o r i a A . K e s a l a

J e r e m y K r a u e l

L e A n n S . L a r s o n

C o m m J u l i e t L a y c o e

S t e p h e n G L e a t h a m

D a m i e n L e e

H o n . R o b e r t L e w i s

K r i s t i n L i n c e

P a m e l a L o h

A l i c i a L L o w e

L a u r a L . M a n c u s o

S h e r y l M a n l e y

K a t h l e e n M . M c C a n n

K e v i n J M c C l u r e

J e a n M M c C o y

V e r n o n H . M c C r a y

J o n J . M c M u l l e n

H o n . R i c h M e l n i c k ( R e t )

L a w r e n c e S . M e r r i f i e l d , J r .

D a v i d W M e y e r

A r t h u r D . M i l l e r

S t e v e C . M o r a s c h

J o h n D . N e l l o r

J o h n N i c h o l s

M e r i d e e P a b s t

T h o m a s C P h e l a n

D o n a l d B . P o t t e r

D e v i n P o u l s o n

G r e g o r y E P r i c e

K a r i R e a r d o n

J u l i e L . R e e d

J e f f r e y R e n s h a w

H o n . N a n c y R e t s i n a s

M a r i l y n K R e y n o l d s

M i c h a e l V . R o e

T o n y a R . R u l l i

R o b e r t C . R u s s e l l

S c o t t E . R u s s o n

M e g a n S a w y e r

C r a i g F S c h a u e r m a n n

D a r c y J . S c h o l t s

B r a d l e y S c h r o c k

K y l e D . S c i u c h e t t i

J a m e s D S e n e s c u

C a r o l y n A . S i m m s

H o n E m i l y S h e l d r i c k

H o n . J e n n i f e r S n i d e r

S t e v e n M . S o w a r d s

J a m e s J S o w d e r

C l a y t o n L S p e n c e r

K e v i n G . S t a p l e s

C h r i s R . S u n d s t r o m

C h r i s t o p h e r S w a b y

K a l k a d o r a T h a n g k h i e w

W i l l i a m K T h a y e r

M a r i e N . T i l d e n

H o n . D e r e k V a n d e r w o o d

M i c h a e l W . V a u g h n

K a s e y V u

R o b e r t M V u k a n o v i c h

L a u r e n c e R . W a g n e r

B r i a n A . W a l k e r

L o r e n W a x l e r

C u r t i s A . W e l c h

D o u g l a s O W h i t l o c k

J u d i t h Z e i d e r

I N M E M O R I U M :

J A M E S H A M I L T O N

By Jeff Sowder and friends

Jim Hamilton aka James Hamilton, Attorney at Law, passed away Easter day, April 5, 2026, due to complications during heart surgery. Jim was born in California on August 10, 1948. He was a great friend and attorney He is survived by his children Justin and Christina, by his stepson Tommy from his marriage to Ann. He was lucky to find love again with Pauline Stalnaker, a great lady who was his companion to the end He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University - Chico. His education and experience was diverse. He fought fires for the Forest Service in California, was a financial officer for Areias Dairy Farms, and was a pilot He frequently flew out of Pearson Air Park in Vancouver. Jim attended law school at Lewis and Clark Law School. He was a public defender in the original Public Defender’s office in Clark County started by J. Dean Morgan and Jack Welch in 1978. J. Dean Morgan later became Judge Morgan of the Clark County Superior Court and Justice Morgan of the Court of Appeals, Division II At the Public Defender’s office Jim formed a close knit group of life-long friends with the attorneys and staff. When the Public Defender’s office closed in 1980 and the indigent contract system began, Jim went into private practice focusing on personal injury, commercial and real estate law, aviation law, and business law. Jim was one of the original members of the “Banana Slugs” soccer team made up primarily of attorneys, including Tom Phelan, Jeff Sowder, Barry Brandenburg, Scott Collier, Don Jacobs Chuck Buckley, Bill Thayer and Bob Yoseph. Many of their children cheered the team on from the sidelines. Judge Skimas was an occasional referee. Jim went on to serve on the state and national level in adult soccer associations. He was inducted into the USASA Hall of Fame in 2010 and the USASA Region IV Hall of Fame in 2016 – honors that reflect both his longevity and the depth of his influence on the game. In 2025 he was named an Honorary Life Member of U.S. Soccer, one of the organization’s highest distinctions I office shared with Jim, Gerald Wear, Bill Kittelson and Paul Bruce We were magnificently assisted by Legal Assistants Katherine Laurie, Teresa Christensen, Pat Wendt, Linda Busch, Stephanie Dunnigan and others . Jim was an understated and modest man He led a highly successful and diverse life, touching many with his intelligence, warmth and service. He will be greatly missed.

(360) 696-2010 801 Grand Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661.

Access to Telehealth Treatment

Offering telehealth services for in-state and out of state clients, providing remote counseling to meet legal and recovery

for Over 40 Years

Washington & Oregon Court Approved

Approved by courts and probation, we offer recovery treatments designed to fulfill mandated requirements with accessible,

Department of Licensing Approved

Starting Point as a WA state approved treatment agency offers services that meet the DOL requirements for the reinstatement of a clients

Offering the Tools for Lasting Recovery DUI Evaluations ADIS Class Outpatient Treatment Deferred Prosecution

Collateralized Evaluations

HIRING ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY - FAMILY LAW

The Vern McCray Law Firm is hiring a motivated Associate Attorney to join our well-established family law practice. The primary emphasis is on family law, with exposure to criminal defense, estate planning, and probate. We provide an experienced administrative staff and a relaxed atmosphere designed for long-term success. With a large and growing client base, we offer a desirable compensation split with generous bonuses. If you have previous experience in or a passion for family law, we would love to meet you.

Requirements: Candidates must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association in good standing, with technical proficiency in MS365, Adobe, e-filing, and FamilySoft, along with a firm grasp of Clark County Local Court Rules.

Pay: $120,000 - $180,000 per year

Benefits: Health, Dental, and Vision insurance. Paid CLEʼs and provided parking.

Location: Camas, WA 98607

How to Apply: If youʼre interested in building a great client base and working in a relaxed atmosphere, please submit your confidential resume to: mccraylaw@vernmccraylaw.com

Inspiring the Next Generation

By Judge Abigail Bartlett

Working in the justice system is uniquely rewarding because you can see the impact you are having on someone else’s life, immediately. Whether you are advocating for a client in court, getting someone the paperwork they need at court public services, or assisting someone in accessing treatment through the probation department – you have helped someone that day in a meaningful way.

On May 12th of this year, the CCBA DEI Committee brought local professionals to Fort Vancouver High School to talk about the many amazing careers in the justice system. The event began with a career panel, which was emceed by two outstanding students from Fort. Panelists shared information about their training and education, what a typical day looks like at their jobs, and why they find their jobs rewarding. Attendees then met in smaller breakout groups, divided by career-type, where questions could be answered on a more personal level Lunch and snacks were provided by the CCBA Family Law Section and Butchard Law.

One of the highlights of the event was when panelist Irma Gomez-Hernandez shared her story. Irma, who is the daughter of immigrant parents, graduated from Fort Vancouver High School as well She has gone on to help countless members of our community as a probation case manager and recently earned her master’s degree Irma was a powerful, real-life example of what is possible after graduation.

Connections were also made at this event. In fact, one of the students attending has since been placed in a summer internship with the Mabry Work Crew Center Another student, who hopes to become a human rights lawyer, is actively looking for volunteer or internship opportunities in our community. If you need an intern or volunteer at your law firm, please contact Judge Abbie Bartlett or Deb Wechselblatt and we will work on connecting you!

Special thanks to Elizabeth Prager (Fort Vancouver faculty and civics/college U S History teacher) for making this event possible Thank you as well to our participants for lending your time and expertise, and for the phenomenal work you do.

Participants included: Stephanie Stephenson - Probation Services Case Manager / Mental Health Court Case Manager; Heather Kahl – Family Services Coordinator, Clark County Superior Court; Alicia Hensley – Management Analyst and ADA Coordinator, Clark County District Court; Irma Gomez-Hernandez: Probation Services Case Manager; Michelle Gonzalez: Judicial Assistant, Vancouver Defenders; Derek Beach –Court Assistant Senior, Clark County District Court; Lev Kouliachov – Court Assistant II, Public Service, Clark County District Court; Eric Schmidtke – Senior Public Defender, Clark County Public Defense; Kayla Rogers – Defense Attorney, Clark County Public Defense; LaQuinta Daniels – Program Coordinator, Clark County Juvenile Court; Rolando Santiago - Crew Chief Lead, Mabry Work Crew Center; Grayce Goddard –Judicial Assistant, Clark County District Court; Bailey Truax – Court Assistant II, Public Service, Clark County District Court; Lisa Biffle – Program Manager II, Mabry Work Crew Center; Chelsey Butchard – Owner, Butchard Law; Judge Abbie Bartlett.

J

U R

Y T R I A L S A N D T H O S E P E S K Y

“yellow gremlins”

B Y G R A N T G E H R M A N N

“ T r i a l B r a i n ” i s r e a l . Y o u r m i n d r a c e s , y o u s l e e p l e s s , a d r e n a l i n e c o u r s e s

t h r o u g h y o u r b o d y . B u t t r i a l b r a i n i s a g o o d t h i n g . Y o u b e c o m e f o c u s e d , y o u

s h a r p e n y o u r a r g u m e n t s , y o u b u t t r e s s y o u r d e f e n s e s , a n d y o u a n t i c i p a t e

a t t a c k s I l i k e t o t h i n k t h a t t r i a l i s l i k e g e t t i n g r e a d y t o m o w a l a r g e l a w n

Y o u r t r i a l b r a i n i s t h e l a w n m o w e r a n d i t r u n s b e t t e r i f y o u r e g u l a r l y s t a r t i t u p

A s I g e t o l d e r , I s o m e t i m e s w o n d e r i f m y l a w n m o w e r w i l l s t a r t p r o p e r l y A t

l e a s t f o r n o w , m y l a w n m o w e r s t i l l g e t s r u n n i n g , b u t i t d o e s t a k e a f e w m o r e

p u l l s t o s t a r t u p , w a r m u p , a n d s m o o t h t h e i d l e t h a n i t u s e d t o . O n c e y o u r

l a w n m o w e r i s s t a r t e d , i t ’ s t i m e t o t a c k l e t h e l a w n o f t h e t r i a l i t s e l f .

W h a t a b o u t “ y e l l o w g r e m l i n s ” ? T h i s i s w h a t I c a l l t h e n a s t y l i t t l e c r i t t e r s t h a t

s h o w u p a s y o u p r e p a r e f o r t r i a l . T h e y a r e f e a r s a n d d o u b t s , i s s u e s a n d

c o n c l u s i o n , a n d l a s t - m i n u t e p a n i c a b o u t t h i n g s t h a t y o u f e e l a r e s u r e w i l l

k n o c k y o u o f f y o u r g a m e a n d w r e c k y o u r t r i a l . U n d e r s t a n d t h a t y e l l o w

g r e m l i n s h a p p e n t o e v e r y l a w y e r b e f o r e t r i a l .

T h o s e g r e m l i n s a r e s n e a k y a n d t h e i r p r e s e n c e d r i l l s i n t o y o u r b r a i n . I f y o u

h a v e O C D ( a l l l a w y e r s s e e m t o h a v e s o m e ) t h e n t h o s e g r e m l i n s s p i k e u p

O C D a n d m a n i f e s t t h e m s e l v e s a s U R G E N T T R O U B L E i n y o u r t r i a l b r a i n B u t

t h e y a r e n o t U R G E N T T R O U B L E , t h e y a r e j u s t g r e m l i n s m a k i n g a l o t o f n o i s e

i n y o u r h e a d Y o u c a n l e a r n t o t u r n d o w n t h i s g r e m l i n n o i s e , b u t i t t a k e s

w o r k S o m e g o o d n e w s - - T h e m o r e y o u e n c o u n t e r p r e - t r i a l y e l l o w g r e m l i n s ,

t h e e a s i e r t h e y b e c o m e t o i g n o r e

S o m e a d v i c e t o n e w e r a t t o r n e y s ? S i m p l e , g o t o t r i a l m o r e a n d h o n e y o u r s k i l l

s e t . A s I l o o k b a c k o v e r m y c a r e e r o f 3 3 y e a r s , I h a v e c o m p l e t e d a b o u t 6 0

t r i a l s t o c o n c l u s i o n – s t i l l n o t e n o u g h . I f I c o u l d g o b a c k a n d t e l l t h e y o u n g e r

m e s o m e a d v i c e i t w o u l d b e t h i s – I g n o r e t h e y e l l o w g r e m l i n s , s t a r t t h e

l a w n m o w e r , l e a r n t o l o v e t r i a l b r a i n , a n d k e e p t a k i n g t h a t w a l k t o t h e

c o u r t h o u s e t o f a c e t h e j u r y - - a n d b e y o u r c l i e n t ’ s c h a m p i o n .

Clark County Bar Association

June 2, 2026

Minutes for the CCBA Board of Trustees Meeting June 2nd, 2026

1. Called to order 12:13 pm Petersen, Rapp, Melnick, Larson, Mendoza, Sherman, Wechselblatt, and Executive Director Darco in attendance.

2. Approval of April 14, 2026 Board Meeting minutes: (Mendoza/Petersen) Approved

3. Approval of May 5, 2026 Board Meeting minutes: (Sherman/Rapp) Approved (those not in attendance abstained)

4. Treasurer’s Report (Melnick)

A. Motion: With regard to the Clark County Bar Association accounts at KeyBank. The current duly elected Board of Directors hereby revokes all prior account signatory authority and authorizes the following individuals to act on behalf of the organization with respect to all deposit and banking relationships: Nathan Petersen, Marla Rapp, and Benjamin Melnick. Any prior resolutions or signer authorizations inconsistent with this resolution are rescinded effective immediately. Additionally, former authorized signers are no longer affiliated with the organization and are unavailable to participate in banking updates. (Melnick/ Wechselblatt) Approved

B. CCBA finances have taken a quick downturn in the last three months. The situation is urgent to address. Melnick indicates July and August will be deficit months. Revenue is down from projections and expenses up, causing us to use reserve funds. At the rate we are going, Melnick predicts as much as $25k in losses. Trends causing this are 1) revenue down this fiscal year 2) unexpected federal taxes due to legislation change 3) Family Law Section funds were recently separated from CCBA reserve funds (an old accounting issue straightened out) resulting in a significant reduction in CCBA reserves and 4) Advertising revenue is in the low part of the annual cycle.

4. To Discuss

A. Dues Increase: Lengthy discussion. Motion to propose an increase in CCBA member dues to $295 a year. (Melnick/Petersen) Approved. The dues increase must be voted on by the membership. A Special Meeting will be held 6/18/26 at noon via Zoom. Notice to CCBA members of the meeting and vote will be emailed 6/3/26.

B. Executive Director Compensation Review: Last increase to ED hourly rate was July 2017. It has not been adjusted for nine years. Discussion. Motion to raise Executive Director hourly rate to $37 an hour effective 8/1/26. (Melnick/Mendoza) Approved. When this raise is effective, Lisa Darco will have served as our ED for 15 YEARS.

C. Member versus Non-Member prices at events: will discuss at July meeting

5. Upcoming Events

a. Bowling with the Judges: 6/11/26 at Big Al’s

b. Jim Mayhew Memorial Golf Tournament “The Mayhew” 7/17/26

c. Summer Soiree 8/29/26 at Hidden House

d. Annual Meeting: 9/14/26 at Artillery Barracks at Fort Vancouver

e. Membership Kickoff Coffee event will be in early September

Adjourned 1:10