Legal Trust Fund

Judge James A. Doerty claimed that NWU member (Paul Trummel) does not qualify as a bona fide journalist because he does not work full-time for a recognized publisher. He also ruled that freelance status provides him no protection under the First Amendment. That ruling could affect all freelance journalists that do not hold regular employment with established publications.

Doerty effectively locked Trummel out of his apartment and office instantly and permanently. This denied him access to his sources as an investigative reporter. He has held a union card for fifty-three years yet the judge refused to reconsider his decision. Attorneys, Merkle Siegel and Friedrichsen (MSF), Seattle, have now filed an appeal.

In the same way that writers expect to receive proper payment for their work so should the lawyers now receive their due. MSF has, so far, worked pro bono. Trummel needs to raise $20,000 to fund the appeal. He has already received several donations from NWU members and has applied for help from the four unions and professional associations to which he belongs.

By helping Trummel you will probably help yourself. Send a donation now to:

Paul Trummel Legal Trust Fund
Bank of America
Metropolitan Branch
1309 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

Trust fund receipts will go toward attorney fees and trust fund accounts will remain open for an independent audit. Trummel relies upon other journalists and friends for motel lodging and subsistence pending the appeal.