Earlier this year, the Washington Legislature adopted, and Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law, an all-new Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act (the “New Act”). The New Act, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2022, is a total replacement for the current Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act, Chapter 24.03 RCW. Washington lawyers who represent nonprofits will likely want […]
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What is needed for police reform? Last summer, in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, tens of thousands of protesters rallied in cities throughout America to highlight the urgent need to address that question. Here in Washington, officers kill more 35 people each year on average, although this is a low estimate as it only tracks shootings and not other modes of police killing. Two years ago, voters passed Initiative 940, which set new standards for use of deadly force and established requirements for law enforcement to receive de-escalation, mental health, and first-aid training. Yet, officers have killed more than 100 people in Washington since the initiative went into effect.
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Washington is the first state in the nation to create a trust to fund long-term care costs for its residents, which will be funded through a mandatory payroll tax of .0058 percent. Effective Jan. 1, 2022, all W2 employees will be taxed $0.58 per $100 of income, with no cap on wages. Self-employed earners can opt-in to the program when the state makes applications available in January 2022.
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Unlike last summer, this year you can do actual things. If you want, you can even go to a beach. While you’re there, building up stockpiles of Vitamin D to get you through the coming winter, there are few ways better to laze away a few warm, sunny hours than sticking your nose in a good book. Although this summer is very (fortunately) different from last year, at least one thing remains (also fortunately) consistent: the Washington State Bar News annual summer reading list. In the latest issue, check out the top picks for books as recommended by members, and even a few titles written by members.
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The federal district court in Seattle recently discussed the prospective client rule—RPC 1.18—in denying a motion to disqualify a law firm. Collins v. Nova Association Management Partners LLC, No. C20-1206-JCC, 2021 WL 2184879 (W.D. Wash. May 28, 2021) (unpublished), involved Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and related claims by a condominium unit owner against his owners association and its management company.
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Judiciaries in Washington and other states are wrangling over how the practice of law can catch up with rapidly evolving demand and new technology. The answer might come in a Legal Regulatory Sandbox proposed by the Washington Supreme Court’s Practice of Law Board. Imagine a website that could guide people through contesting traffic infractions. More […]
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From advice backed by research to engaging storytelling to, perhaps, a little humor here and there, legal podcasts run the gamut regarding style and content. From learning the basics to polishing your skills in the legal field, listeners will get a good dose of legal wisdom from experts in the profession and related industries. Here are 10 popular legal podcasts you can, and should, listen to right now:
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Like most workplaces, law firms faced an unprecedented situation in 2020 that has continued into 2021. First, they had to implement a system for lawyers to work remotely. Now, they have to make plans for post-COVID office life. What measures are they taking to reopen their offices? There is no doubt that work-life after COVID-19 will change.
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