From my perspective the LLLT Board is a dynamic, diverse and a very talented group of people. It is an honor to be associated with this group. They were vetted by a nominating committee of the Board of Governors and ultimately appointed by the Supreme Court from a pool of nearly 70 very qualified applicants.
One of the first orders of business for the LLLT Board was to pick a practice area that it would recommend to the Court. The Board made that decision at its first meeting on Jan. 30, selecting family law as the recommended first area to which to apply the rule. That recommendation will be forwarded to the Supreme Court for approval.
The LLLT Board decided to create an aspirational timeline and have the first practice area ready for testing within a year. To help accomplish this goal the LLLT Board has divided the work into several subcommittees. Those subcommittees are: Admission and Licensing, Scope and Forms, Examination, RPC and Discipline, and Education and Outreach.
The LLLT Board and its subcommittees will meet at least monthly for a full day each time and perhaps more frequently as needed.
At this point it is not known what additional rules will need to be considered by or adopted by the Supreme Court to implement the work of the LLLT Board. The LLLT Board has and will continue to make periodic reports to the WSBA Board of Governors and the Supreme Court.
I have every confidence in the LLLT Board to develop a quality program within a reasonable timeline. If there are groups that would like a board representative to attend your meeting, please contact me and we can arrange something so you’re kept informed on the progress of the LLLT Board.
It is growingly evident that lawyers, bar associations and others around the country and around the world are watching the development of this program.
We will keep you, the WSBA and the Supreme Court advised as we work our way through this process. You can also find updated information and documents regarding LLLT on the WSBA website.
