“There are other times in world history where we look back and people of goodwill can say where were the judges, where were the lawyers?”

Judge John Coughenour

Cover of July-August 2026 Bar New with new Justice Theo Angelis

Being Intelligent with AI in the New Issue of Bar News 

AI’s integration into the legal profession presents both opportunities and challenges, as emphasized in the latest issue of the Washington state Bar News. It offers practical insights on adapting to AI’s role, including an editorial on human perspectives in law, guidance for AI usage in legal practice, and a profile of new Washington Supreme Court Justice Theo Angelis.

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Summer Sale banner with soccer ball

Save and Bundle During the WSBA CLE Summer Sale 

The WSBA CLE Summer Sale offers a 50% discount on hundreds of on-demand legal seminars until July 30. Key bundles include Creditor Debtor Rights, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment Law, Legal Technology, Litigation, Marketing Law, and a Washington Law Refresher, covering essential updates and practical advice for legal professionals.

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A stress couple sitting at home and looking away from each other.

Is Your Marriage Helping or Impeding the Stress of Lawyering? 

In May, the WSBA Well-Being Task Force reported high levels of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse among attorneys, exacerbated by stressors like work pressures and relationship conflicts. The report highlights how secure intimate partnerships can provide support, while unresolved conflicts can worsen distress, ultimately affecting lawyers’ professional and personal satisfaction.

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Cover up June 2026 Bar News with orange file folders and checkmark

New Pathways in the New Bar News

Bayley Rea, after facing personal challenges, pursued a non-traditional path to law licensure instead of retaking the bar exam following her father’s death and the birth of her child. Oregon’s new portfolio evaluation program offers aspiring lawyers a practical alternative, fostering inclusivity for those with family or life disruptions.

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Downtown Anchorage, Alaska

New Alaska Bar Opinion on Handling Confidential Information When Withdrawing 

The Alaska Bar’s Ethics Opinion 2026-01 addresses the complexities of attorney withdrawal, emphasizing the ongoing duty of confidentiality. It outlines procedures for disclosing information to the court and advises using mechanisms like sealed filings to protect client privacy. The opinion resembles Washington’s guidelines, providing clarity for lawyers navigating withdrawal disclosures.

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A sculpture and columns in front of US Supreme Court building

Idaho Supreme Court Reaffirms Breach of Fiduciary Duty and Consumer Protection Act Claims Against Lawyers

When we hear the phrase “claim against a lawyer,” most of us, understandably, think of negligence-based legal malpractice claims. The Idaho Supreme Court recently provided a reminder that lawyers there are also subject to breach of fiduciary duty and Consumer Protection Act claims.  Estate of Kalinski v. Murphy Law Office, PLLC, __ Idaho __, 2026 WL 1216976 (Idaho 2026), […]

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