Illustration of male and female attorneys shaking hands from computer monitors

Top 10 NWSidebar Blog Posts of 2022

Roe v. Wade is out. Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta is in. The challenges of attracting new lawyers to Washington’s rural communities. Court decisions that clarify the Rules of Professional Conduct. A lot has happened in the past year. Surprisingly and thankfully, much of the news had nothing to do with the COVID pandemic. As has become tradition at NWSidebar, we looked back at the blogs of 2022 to see which stories resonated most with our readers. Read on to see the most-read articles of 2022.

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A summer day in front of the US Supreme Court Building in Washington, DC.

Important Supreme Court Cases That Could Be Impacted by Overturning Roe v. Wade

As the end of the Supreme Court’s 2021-2022 term is fast approaching, possibly one of the most anticipated decisions of the term will be the ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. In this case, Jackson Women’s Health Organization sued the state of Mississippi to stop the implementation of a 2018 law that prohibits abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The justices heard arguments over the state’s law last year and the Court is expected to issue its ruling by June or early July. A leaked draft opinion suggests that the court is likely to rule in favor of Mississippi and overturn years of precedent established in Roe v. Wade, which would give lawmakers the ability to ban or restrict abortions. The draft is not final; however, questions remain as to what a reversal of the Court’s abortion rights precedents would mean and how it may affect other critical rulings.

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US Supreme Court

8 Supreme Court Cases to Watch in the 2021-2022 Term

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021-2022 term is in session and, as usual, there will be some closely watched cases. The Court now sits at a 6-3 conservative supermajority after the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett in October 2020. The justices will hear a number of notable cases this term, including ones that could have significant outcomes for abortion access and gun rights. Here are eight of the most noteworthy cases the Court will hear during its 2021-2022 term.

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US Supreme Court building

8 Cases to Watch at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2020-2021

The U.S. Supreme Court began its 2020-2021 term in October. There are a number of high-profile cases on the docket, including disputes over voting rights, LGBTQ rights, and the Affordable Care Act. The Court hears oral arguments from October through April. The justices continue to add new cases to the docket, so it’s highly probable more hot-topic cases will be granted as the term goes on. Opinions are usually handed down by the last day of the Court’s term. With the exception of this deadline, there are no rules concerning when decisions must be released. With all that in mind, here are eight cases to watch at the Supreme Court:

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US Supreme Court

After Justice Ginsburg’s Death, How Will a New Justice Be Appointed? How Long Will It Take?

he death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has left the U.S. Supreme Court short-handed as it began its new term on Oct. 5 with only eight justices on the bench. The 87-yea-old was an icon for women’s rights and spent nearly three decades on the bench. But with less than 30 days until the next presidential election, the question remains whether a new Supreme Court nominee will receive a vote before November.

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An affectionate couple sitting on the beach alongside copyspace during a pretty sunset

5 Reasons Why Vacations are a Must for Lawyers

How many times have you caught yourself staring at your computer screen thinking “I need a break”? Have you just realized that it’s already October and you haven’t taken any time off yet this year? As lawyers, we are constantly hustling to make court deadlines, or trying to fulfill our billable hours requirements, or agonizing […]

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Nerd girl at desk with books and laptop.

7 Tips for Studying for the Bar Exam

It’s June, which means that bar exam prep time has officially begun for tens of thousands of law school graduates. This year, the Washington State Bar Exam will be held on July 24–25. Examinees will cram into the Tacoma Convention Center for six hours each day while they summarize all the law and facts they’ve […]

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Book on Beach

Friday 5: Legal (and Non-Legal) Beach Reads

Essential summer reading for lawyers and non-lawyers. It’s getting hot outside and the summer season is upon us. Time to grab the beach towels from the cupboard, brush off that lounge chair, and fill your tote bags with the essentials — books! Here are 5 legal (and non-legal) beach reads to keep you occupied while […]

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Victoria Woodhull, Belva Ann Lockwood, Shirley Chisholm, Lenora Fulani, and Jill Stein

Friday 5: Women Who Ran for President

Hillary Clinton made history this election season, but she is far from the first female candidate. Hillary Clinton made history this election season by being the first woman nominated for president by a major political party. But she is far from the first female candidate — women have been running for president since the late […]

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SCOTUS

Friday 5: Facts You May Not Know About the Supreme Court

From the most common first name of Supreme Court Justices, to relatives serving on the court, learn some SCOTUS trivia. The Supreme Court of the United States first convened on Feb. 2, 1790, in New York City. Over the past 220 years, the composition of the Court has undergone many changes. Prior to the Supreme […]

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beach reads

12 Legal (and Non-Legal) Beach Reads

Summer has arrived! The sun is shining, the days are long, and Pike Place Market is flooded with tourists. It’s time to put down those case books and briefs and pick up those ice-cold drinks and suntan lotion. As you relax and make your way to the poolside or beach, don’t forget your most important […]

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