Business Law Section
The Business Law Section is committed to providing services that its members value, operating in a fiscally responsible manner, and enhancing the professional collegiality among all Washington business lawyers. Section members have access to certain restricted portions of this website, such as the Current Developments and Legislation pages. Members are also entitled to attend section events, participate on the Business Law Section list serve, and receive a semiannual newsletter and other publications prepared from time to time, including a sourcebook containing in-depth comments and legislative history on the Business Corporation Act (RCW 23B) and a report on opinion letter practice in Washington.
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The Business Law Section offers many resources and benefits for members. On this page you will find information about the section, their upcoming events and offerings, as well as information about the section's executive committee.
Upcoming ProgramsMembers-Only ResourcesAnnouncements | Executive CommitteeCommittee ChairsJoin Our List Serve |
Upcoming Programs
NEW Webinar! Corporate Transparency Act in Flux: What to Do and What Comes Next?
Developed in partnership with the WSBA Business Law Section
On Dec. 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against enforcement of the beneficial ownership information reporting requirements of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). On Jan. 23, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the nationwide injunction, but the requirements of the CTA remain blocked due to the nationwide injunction issued in a second case challenging the CTA in the E.D. Texas. This program will discuss the injunctions and current status of the appeals. The presenters will also provide guidance for companies navigating this new and uncertain terrain going forward.
Please not that this presentation was originally given on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Perkins Coie. Per APR 11(c)(2), WSBA members cannot receive credit more than once for an identical activity within the same reporting period.
When: Feb. 28, 2025
Time: Noon–1 p.m. PT
Credits: 1.00 Law & Legal Procedure
NEW Webinar! Overcoming the Privacy Hurdles for AI Model Training
Developed in partnership with the WSBA Business Law Section
This seminar will unpack the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) decision on the legality of AI models developed with scraped data and its importance for AI development and consumer protection. After reviewing the key points of this decision and its practical impact, we'll review some best practices for AI governance. We'll also recommend action you can take within your organization to implement them.
When: March 5, 2025
Time: Noon–1:30 p.m. PT
Credits: 1.50 Law & Legal Procedure
NEW Webinar! Untangling the Web - Your Roadmap to Navigating State Privacy and Data Security Laws
Developed in partnership with the WSBA Business Law Section
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing maze of privacy and security laws and regulations? You're not alone. As new laws and regulations roll out across the United States each year, staying compliant is more challenging—and critical—than ever.
Join Perkins Coie Privacy & Security lawyers Miriam Farhi and Amelia Gerlicher as they cut through the noise. Discover how to build a multijurisdictional compliance program and master the nuances of state-specific privacy and data security requirements.
What you'll take away:
- Proven strategies to streamline your compliance efforts across multiple states.
- Insider tips on anticipating and adapting to new regulations before they take effect.
- Practical approaches to fortifying your data security and reducing cyber legal risk.
When: March 20, 2025
Time: Noon–1 p.m. PT
Credits: 1.00 Law & Legal Procedure
Members-only Resources
Announcements
Executive Committee
Chair: Barbara J. Prowant (2024-2025) Chair-Elect: Melissa Jaffe (2024-2025) Immediate Past Chair: Kelly Anne Lawton-Abbott (2024-2025) Secretary: Ruthanna Walker (2024-2025) Treasurer: Ruthanna Walker (2024-2025) | At-Large Members: Gina Topp (2024-2025) Young Lawyer Liaison: Vacant (2023-2025) Board of Governors Liaison*: Kevin Fay (2024-2025) |
Program Committees
Communications Committee Chairs: Corporate Act Revision Committee Chairs: Financial Institutions Committee Chair: Legal Opinions Committee Chair: Nonprofit Corporations Committee Chair: Partnerships & LLC Law Committee Co-Chairs: | Privacy & Data Protection Security Law Securities Law Committee Chair: Uniform Commercial Code Committee Chairs: Young Business Lawyers Committee** Chair: |
* Nonvoting members
** Ad hoc committee
All positions are for Fiscal Year 2025, except as otherwise indicated. Please contact subcommittee members for details on their upcoming meeting dates and locations.
Join Our List Serve
To join the section list serve and for general section questions, please send your email address and Bar number to sections@wsba.org. For more information and to get involved with the section, please contact Section Chair.
