Review possible discrimination; offer advice, including how plaintiffs can file a comlaint or lawsuit or how defendants can defend; explanation on how to find, vet, consult with, and possibly hire the right attorney.
60 minutes of reviewing matter and answering questions/providing guidance by email or phone; answering reasonably related questions
More of my time is available at $250/hour and I charge for actual minutes, not increments such as 1/10 hour; no extra charge for emails
I worked for the WA State Human Rights Commission three times; I was a Tacoma Human Rights Commissoner for 3 years; I've worked in this field for around 45 years, before and after law school
A: If the contract did not specify any notice period for termination, either party can terminate without advance notice. And, yes, there is a way to receive compensation for the work you have already completed - I hope that you kept track of your hours or at least have a way to put a value on the work completed to date. You may want to start with your own letter to the other party (sent in a way that you will get a signed receipt), and, if that doesn't succeed, you can consider Small Claims Court if the value is under $10,000, or Superior Court if the value is over $10,000. Sometimes it's possible to resolve matters through mediation - you may want to propose that to the other party.
A: I am very sorry to hear about your injuries, and wish you a speedy and quick recovery. Many attorneys who practice full-time in personal injury law (I'm not one of them) can overcome a release and waiver. Moreover, it's often possible to go after more than just the company in this type of circumstance - there's the company, but there's also the Board, there are individual employees, and there is the manufacturer of any equipment uses (this would be a products liability matter). In Washington, you have at least a year to sue for personal injury. I recommend that you talk with at least three personal injury attorneys. They will want you to have a time line of the event and all the medical treatment you received, and will want to see all your medical records. You don't need someone in your county - it can be anyone licensed in WA State.
A: First, if a participant is under 18, their parent or legal guardian must sign for them. Second, all these types of releases/waivers do is slow people down or discourage them from suing, but a good attorney can get around most of these (especially ones you buy off the internet). You should, at a minimum, make a good effort to ensure that all activities are as safe as possible, and also make sure you, your Board members, staff, and the organization are covered by solid insurance. I'm not trying to discourage you - I just want you to be very careful.
A: Like any other contract, if one party is not doing what they promised, that can be a valid reason for terminating a contract. I suggest that you first send a certified, return receipt letter and express your concerns. Use a polite, collaborative approach - don't make any threats.
