Referendum Rebuttal Statement submitted by the Opponents

The referendum outcome will affect every lawyer in Washington. Please understand
the facts before you vote.

Our License Fees Are Reasonable

License fees for Washington attorneys are in the middle of the pack of similarly-
situated state bar associations. WSBA has kept license fees flat for four years.

The Roll-Back Would Dismantle WSBA - Harming Lawyers And The Profession

Slashing WSBAs budget by 26% will have immediate and adverse consequences.
Mandatory functions, including lawyer discipline, will be compromised. The stakes are
high because the privilege of self-regulating our profession is at risk.

WSBA provides a high level of service to lawyers across the state and in all kinds of
practices. We need these programs now more than ever given the tough economy. If the
referendum passes, expect to lose assistance to solo and young lawyers, sections, committees,
the Law Office Management Program (LOMAP), the Ethics Hotline, the Young Lawyers
Division, and our voice in Olympia.

WSBAs Finances Are Transparent

Every WSBA member can attend any meeting where the budget is discussed or put up
for vote. The budget is published in the Bar News. WSBA is independently audited every
year.

WSBAs Reserves Are Appropriate And Fiscally Sound

The gradual accumulation of reserve funds has been prudent and will prevent
expensive future assessments.

The Roll-Back Would Harm The Public Good

As colleagues in our shared profession, we owe responsibilities to each other and to

the public. Gutting the diversity and access to justice programs will leave us all diminished.

PLEASE VOTE NO.