Until recently, WSBA Deskbooks were available for purchase only—either as hard copies or e-books through LexisNexis or through an online digital subscription via vLex Fastcase. Now, thanks to a new partnership with the Washington State Law Libraries, many WSBA Deskbook titles can also be accessed for free.
WSBA Deskbooks are comprehensive legal practice guides written by Washington practitioners for Washington practitioners. For nearly 50 years, these publications have served as indispensable resources across a wide range of practice areas, offering clear analysis, real-world insights, practice tips, forms, and checklists. Cited in more than 250 appellate decisions and developed by leading attorneys, judges, and scholars, Deskbooks are more than just references—they are a foundation for competent, confident legal practice in Washington state.
With three different ways to access WSBA Deskbooks—free library access, print purchase, or digital subscription—how do you decide which option is right for you? Here’s a simple guide to navigating the available options.
1. Explore for Free (Library Access)
Through the WSBA’s partnership with the Washington State Law Libraries, members can now access WSBA Deskbooks at no cost. After creating a law library account, you can browse and borrow Deskbooks from the library’s digital collection through the LexisNexis eBook platform. Titles can typically be borrowed for up to three weeks, and if a book is currently checked out, you can place a hold and be notified when it becomes available.
Prefer a physical copy? WSBA Deskbooks are also available through the law library’s catalog. Members can reserve print copies for checkout at the Temple of Justice in Olympia or request that books be mailed to them. The library can also scan and email limited sections or chapters when needed.
Keep in mind that access works like a traditional library checkout system. If a title is already in use, it may be temporarily unavailable, and you won’t have guaranteed or continuous access.
2. Purchase Print or Digital Editions (Permanent Ownership)
Prefer a copy you can keep? WSBA Deskbooks are available for purchase through LexisNexis in print or digital format for use in your own office library. Print editions provide a lasting reference you can annotate, tab, and keep on your shelf, while digital editions allow you to search and carry the content wherever you go.
Purchased editions are yours to keep permanently, giving you reliable access without checkout limits. However, this option does not include future updates or new editions unless they are purchased separately.
3. Purchase an Online Subscription (Continuous, Updated Access)
For uninterrupted, 24/7 access, WSBA members can purchase subscriptions to WSBA Deskbooks through vLex Fastcase. Subscriptions provide powerful search functionality, continuous availability with no checkout limits, and seamless updates when new editions or supplements are released.
Members can subscribe to individual Deskbooks, practice-area libraries, curated bundles, or the comprehensive All-Publications Library. Subscriptions also spread costs over time, offering a predictable pay-as-you-go model instead of requiring a larger upfront purchase.
Visit the Subscribe to Deskbooks page for step-by-step instructions, pricing information, and subscription options. For questions about subscriptions or enterprise pricing, contact vLex Fastcase toll-free at 1-866-773-2782 (8 a.m.–9 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday, excluding holidays) or email helpdesk-us@vlex.com. https://vlex.com/solutions/fastcase-library
Get Involved with WSBA Deskbooks!
WSBA Deskbooks are written and updated by Washington practitioners who want to share their experience and help strengthen the profession. Contributing to a Deskbook is a great way to build your professional reputation, earn CLE credits, deepen your expertise in a practice area, and provide a valuable resource to colleagues across the state. Opportunities range from authoring new chapters to assisting with updates and new editions as the law evolves.
To learn more about current opportunities and how you can get involved, contact WSBA Deskbooks Coordinator Adam Ray, adamr@wsba.org.
Until recently, WSBA Deskbooks were available for purchase only—either as hard copies or e-books through LexisNexis or through an online digital subscription via vLex Fastcase. Now, thanks to a new partnership with the Washington State Law Libraries, many WSBA Deskbook titles can also be accessed for free.
WSBA Deskbooks are comprehensive legal practice guides written by Washington practitioners for Washington practitioners. For nearly 50 years, these publications have served as indispensable resources across a wide range of practice areas, offering clear analysis, real-world insights, practice tips, forms, and checklists. Cited in more than 250 appellate decisions and developed by leading attorneys, judges, and scholars, Deskbooks are more than just references—they are a foundation for competent, confident legal practice in Washington state.
With three different ways to access WSBA Deskbooks—free library access, print purchase, or digital subscription—how do you decide which option is right for you? Here’s a simple guide to navigating the available options.
1. Explore for Free (Library Access)
Through the WSBA’s partnership with the Washington State Law Libraries, members can now access WSBA Deskbooks at no cost. After creating a law library account, you can browse and borrow Deskbooks from the library’s digital collection through the LexisNexis eBook platform. Titles can typically be borrowed for up to three weeks, and if a book is currently checked out, you can place a hold and be notified when it becomes available.
Prefer a physical copy? WSBA Deskbooks are also available through the law library’s catalog. Members can reserve print copies for checkout at the Temple of Justice in Olympia or request that books be mailed to them. The library can also scan and email limited sections or chapters when needed.
Keep in mind that access works like a traditional library checkout system. If a title is already in use, it may be temporarily unavailable, and you won’t have guaranteed or continuous access.
2. Purchase Print or Digital Editions (Permanent Ownership)
Prefer a copy you can keep? WSBA Deskbooks are available for purchase through LexisNexis in print or digital format for use in your own office library. Print editions provide a lasting reference you can annotate, tab, and keep on your shelf, while digital editions allow you to search and carry the content wherever you go.
Purchased editions are yours to keep permanently, giving you reliable access without checkout limits. However, this option does not include future updates or new editions unless they are purchased separately.
3. Purchase an Online Subscription (Continuous, Updated Access)
This year, the WSBA is once again accepting applications for the Powerful Community Project. MBAs, QLSPs, and nonprofit organizations partnering with nonprofit legal organizations are encouraged to apply for up to $3,000 toward their projects. Visit the Powerful Communities Project page to learn more, review the project grading criteria, and apply online.
This year, the WSBA is once again accepting applications for the Powerful Community Project. MBAs, QLSPs, and nonprofit organizations partnering with nonprofit legal organizations are encouraged to apply for up to $3,000 toward their projects. Visit the Powerful Communities Project page to learn more, review the project grading criteria, and apply online.
For uninterrupted, 24/7 access, WSBA members can purchase subscriptions to WSBA Deskbooks through vLex Fastcase. Subscriptions provide powerful search functionality, continuous availability with no checkout limits, and seamless updates when new editions or supplements are released.
Members can subscribe to individual Deskbooks, practice-area libraries, curated bundles, or the comprehensive All-Publications Library. Subscriptions also spread costs over time, offering a predictable pay-as-you-go model instead of requiring a larger upfront purchase.
Visit the Subscribe to Deskbooks page for step-by-step instructions, pricing information, and subscription options. For questions about subscriptions or enterprise pricing, contact vLex Fastcase toll-free at 1-866-773-2782 (8 a.m.–9 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday, excluding holidays) or email helpdesk-us@vlex.com. https://vlex.com/solutions/fastcase-library
Get Involved with WSBA Deskbooks!
WSBA Deskbooks are written and updated by Washington practitioners who want to share their experience and help strengthen the profession. Contributing to a Deskbook is a great way to build your professional reputation, earn CLE credits, deepen your expertise in a practice area, and provide a valuable resource to colleagues across the state. Opportunities range from authoring new chapters to assisting with updates and new editions as the law evolves.
To learn more about current opportunities and how you can get involved, contact WSBA Deskbooks Coordinator Adam Ray, adamr@wsba.org.
Katrina Mulligan. Katrina is the senior legal editor at the Washington State Bar Association. She can be reached at katrinam@wsba.org.
