President Neil started the meeting at 12:02 pm with members attending in-person and online for today’s meeting. Today’s meeting was #5,534of the club and #32 of President Neil’s year.

 

President Neil offered the Thought of the Day.

 

Krissy Davis introduced her guest, Cory Armstrong-Hoss, from VOA and director of Carl Gibson Center.

 

Neil Angst VOA Food Bank Sorting, Thursday, March 21st 2-4.

 

Brian Hollingshead Rotary after hours @ Courtyard by Mariott Everett, Mar 21^st 5 pm – 6 pm.

 

President Neil Rotary Learning Institute is back. The class is on Saturday March 9^th in Mt Vernon. The District 5050 conference is May 3-5 in Mt Vernon $45 per person.

 

Alli Sharp talked about the KIVA loan opportunities.

 

Kelli Thode stated that the next Rotary blood drive is March 30^th.

 

Tammy Dunn, PP, announced the 2024-2025 Board of Directors and Officers slate.

 

President-Elect Michael Kvistad and John Olson, PP, mentioned the March Fundraiser opportunities as March is the Annual Fundraiser month.

 

Larry O’Donnell was excited about the recent article in the Rotary Magazine regarding artists for hunger.

 

 

 

This week’s raffle.   Larry O’Donnell (Rose Wine), Mark Valentine (Red Wine), and 

Andy Hall (Lunch) were the winners this week. 

 

Today’s Program – Kari Petrasek introduces Hunter Abell who gave a talk on the work on from the Washington State Bar Association.

Hunter Abell is a native of Ferry County, Washington, and lives on a third-generation ranch. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, Gonzaga University School of Law, and Georgetown University Law Center. He is a partner at the Spokane office of Williams Castle and Gibbs, a commander in the US Navy Reserve, and a proud father of two young daughters.

 

Hunter started their legal career in the navy in Bremerton. They then served as a Judge Advocate for the Naval Station in Everett. Hunter still does some navy reserve service in Everett and enjoys visiting the sailor's choice.

 

Hunter is not a member of Rotary but shares their values and enjoys speaking to Rotary clubs.

 

Hunter discusses the challenges faced by the legal profession and society at large in an age of doubt. Hunter believes that lawyers have a vital role to play in helping to address these challenges. Hunter draws parallels between the role of lawyers and the role of Rotarians in an age of doubt.

 

Public trust in various institutions, including the legal profession, has declined since 1973. The annual confidence in institutions survey conducted by the Gallup organization shows a significant drop in confidence levels. The presidency and the United States Supreme Court have experienced a notable decline in public trust.

 

Public confidence in various institutions has declined over the years. In 1973, Americans had higher confidence in banks, public schools, organized religion, and newspapers. By 2023, confidence levels in these institutions have significantly decreased.

 

Public confidence in American institutions has declined, with only 43% of Americans expressing a great deal of confidence in the police. This is the third time since 1973 that public confidence has fallen below the majority approval. Pharmacists are the only major American institution to see an increase in public confidence, from 32% in 1993 to 58% today.

 

Public trust in dermatologists has declined in the US, while the military's trust rating has increased slightly. Small businesses continue to enjoy high levels of trust compared to larger businesses. Only 18% of Americans believe lawyers contribute a lot to society, according to a recent Pew Research Center poll.

 

Public trust in institutions has declined over the years. Events such as Watergate, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis have impacted public trust. Institutions can respond to events in ways that either increase or decrease public trust.

 

Lawyers play a crucial role in preserving constitutional structure and serving as officers of the court. They uphold essential documents and take an oath to support the state and federal constitutions. Lawyers' responsibilities include ensuring justice, protecting rights, and maintaining the rule of law.

 

Lawyers should focus on advocating for the constitutional structure and institutions. Powerful voices are calling for significant constitutional changes, such as expanding the Supreme Court and eliminating the filibuster. Lawyers should defend the constitutional structure against these proposed changes.

 

Lawyers can play a vital role in educating citizens about their rights and the legal system. Unfortunately, civics education is often lacking in schools. In times of crisis, it is crucial for citizens to have a clear understanding of their country's successes and failures in order to chart a path forward.

 

Young Americans are not prepared for self-government, leaving the oldest constitutional democracy in grave danger. The rule of law is particularly misunderstood, but it is preferred by both domestic and foreign capital. A strong system of law is a tremendous vehicle for generating wealth, which is key to development.

 

Courts should serve as classrooms for citizens and antidotes to polarization. Lawyers must ensure the court system operates fairly and impartially, protecting individual rights in a polarized society. Americans need a legal system that safeguards them in a divided society.

 

The rule of law is essential for fostering civic bonds and countering polarization. The legal profession plays a crucial role in providing accessible and effective legal advice to navigate complex legal systems. Simple but not necessarily easy solutions are required to uphold the rule of law and strengthen civic bonds.

 

Attorneys must address the gaps in access to justice and engage with the public. Lack of public trust in institutions is real, immediate, and affects everyone. The issue directly impacts the first analysis of the Rotary 4-Way Test.

 

Institutions require attention and hard work to improve and maintain public trust. Confidence in institutions can be rebuilt by delivering on core functions and engaging with the community. Attendees are challenged to think critically about how they can rebuild trust in their respective institutions.

 

Legal profession has a unique role in revitalizing America's institutions. Rotary could be a key partner in this effort. Increased public confidence in public institutions will lead to a more free and prosperous country.

 

Hunter then answered a few questions.

 

The cost of repatriation is a major concern in the current economic climate. Hollywood and other accommodations are also affected by the cost of repatriation.

 

Media and Hollywood influence the public's perception of the legal profession. Clients may have unrealistic expectations based on TV portrayals. Lawyers need to educate clients about the realities of the legal system.

 

Providing low-cost and accurate legal advice builds trust with clients. Judges and juries strive to apply the law correctly based on the facts presented. Lawyers should help clients set aside preconceived notions and focus on resolving cases professionally.

 

Lawyers face challenges when clients have strong cases but lack financial resources to pursue litigation. Pro bono services help address this issue, but the mismatch of resources persists and can lead to unfair outcomes. Hunter expresses concern about the impact of limited resources on justice.

 

Sydney Powell's activities have affected the legal profession and public perception of courts. Long-term impact is yet to be determined, but current trends are concerning. Public perception of courts is influenced by political opinions.

 

The legal system faces challenges in ensuring public perception aligns with its efforts. Lawyers and judges work diligently to uphold the law, but external factors may influence public perception. Publicizing information from legal proceedings can impact public perception.

 

Chief Justice Roberts emphasized the impartiality of judges, stating there are only judges in the federal Judiciary. Justice Amy Coney Barrett's recent opinion highlights the need to reduce national tensions on legal issues. The Supreme Court takes these matters seriously and is actively addressing them.

 

Mandatory integrated bar from Washington state. Cannot weigh in on political issues not related to law practice. Court opinions speak for themselves.

 

Judges strive to provide clear explanations for their decisions. Concerns about polarization and the younger generation's perspective on legal systems. Media's portrayal of the legal system as a revenue generator rather than a means of justice.

 

Discussion on how the organization handles misbehavior among its members. Disciplinary actions taken against lawyers are made publicly accessible. Aiming to improve public perception through transparency and accountability.

 

Research on lawyers' disciplinary history can build confidence. WSBA mandates continuing legal education for lawyers. This ensures lawyers stay updated in their practice areas.

 

The legal profession lacks diversity and does not reflect the public it serves. A diversity council is working to address this issue and promote greater inclusion. Efforts are being made to ensure that the legal profession is more representative of the public.

 

Discussion on whether attorneys should be required to perform pro bono service. The debate has occurred multiple times within the legal profession. The most recent outcome was a decision against making pro bono service mandatory.

 

Encouraging legal professionals to dedicate time for pro bono service. Addressing the access to justice gap for individuals who cannot afford legal representation. Exploring various approaches to bridge the gap and provide legal assistance to those in need.

 

President Neil adjourned the meeting at 1 pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Photography Submitted by.