One of the best ways to bring a little joy and a new perspective is through reading. What better place to find your next favorite book than the Lending Library, a free service to WSBA members that offers short-term loans of books on topics such as wellness, as well as practice management, career development, and more. With that spirit in mind, here are five book recommendations on wellness and lawyer well-being.
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On March 23, 2023, Washington State enacted ESHB 1155, banning virtually all noncompetition covenants effective June 30, 2027. This law eliminates previous regulations, affecting all workers, including physicians, while allowing certain exceptions for educational expenses and business sales. Employers must notify affected individuals by October 2027.
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In 2025, Washington’s legal community emphasized unity around the rule of law, calling for action. The Rule of Law Ambassador Program is engaging future leaders by urging legal professionals to volunteer in schools on Constitution Day 2026, aiming to instill a passion for the law and inspire future democratic leadership.
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Many lawyers find managing Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) stressful due to the risk of overdrafts, which accounted for 4% of grievances according to the 2024 Washington Discipline System Annual Report. The latest edition of Washington State Bar News discusses compliance challenges, legislative updates, and initiatives by retired judges for justice.
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Disputes over trust account funds present challenges for lawyers, especially when representing children whose parents paid for their services. Advisory Opinion 202503 provides guidance on managing these funds, emphasizing adherence to Washington State Rules of Professional Conduct. Key duties include maintaining disputed funds in trust and resolving conflicts through communication and legal action when necessary.
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In February, the Oregon State Bar issued Formal Opinion 2026-208, allowing law firms to use autonomous AI for client intake with qualifications. Lawyers must understand and oversee AI interactions to avoid misrepresentation or unintended attorney-client relationships. The opinion stresses lawyer responsibility for accuracy in AI-generated work product.
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The author, Fabiola Jimenez, shares her journey from burnout in her legal career to founding LawMera, a law firm aimed at empowering her community in Washington’s legal desert. Through the WSBA Trial Advocacy Program, she gained practical litigation skills, built a supportive network, and learned the importance of authenticity, proactive action, and thorough preparation.
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The latest issue of Washington State Bar News highlights the Courthouse Dogs Foundation, showcasing how service dogs like Jeeter help alleviate stress for vulnerable witnesses in the legal system. It also examines Whole Genome Sequencing in a current murder case, discusses personal injury cases, and covers ethics regarding client confidentiality.
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The U.S. District Court for Oregon imposed severe sanctions on attorneys and their client in a case involving the use of AI-generated fake citations and quotes in court briefs. The court dismissed the plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice, fined the lead attorney $15,500, and emphasized the importance of verifying citations to avoid misconduct.
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Employers face ongoing challenges in handling discrimination and harassment investigations. Key issues include managing retaliation concerns from witnesses, addressing the presence of represented parties, and ensuring effective communication with impacted employees. Properly conducted investigations are essential to sustain a compliant workplace and prevent costly claims and lawsuits.
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WSBA President Francis Adewale and Executive Director Terra Nevitt issue a call for reunification around what binds legal professionals and our communities. In the brief interview that follows Adewale and Nevitt explain why they wrote their statement on immigration enforcement, what they hope to accomplish alongside other Washington legal professionals, and what all legal professionals can do.
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The “actual innocence” requirement in legal malpractice claims against criminal defense attorneys necessitates plaintiffs to prove they did not commit the crime linked to alleged negligence. Jurisdictions like Washington, Alaska, and Oregon have their variations, complicating malpractice lawsuits. Recent cases reveal nuances that could shape future interpretations and applications of this requirement.
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A recent Advisory Opinion clarifies that a purchasing lawyer cannot use the selling lawyer’s name in their firm name after buying a law practice. This prohibition, rooted in professional conduct rules, aims to prevent misleading communications about lawyers’ affiliations, ensuring transparency and protecting clients’ understanding. Ethical compliance is emphasized.
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Artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal field, prompting the need for lawyers to address ethical considerations outlined in Advisory Opinion 202505. Key duties include competence, diligence, confidentiality, communication, candor, supervision, and reasonable billing. As AI evolves, lawyers must remain informed and prioritize client interests while ensuring ethical responsibility.
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Lawyers are creatively utilizing TikTok, specifically through the #LawTok hashtag, to share legal insights and connect with audiences, transforming legal education by providing accessible information. Additionally, the Washington State Bar News features Law Rocks Seattle, a musical event for legal professionals, showcasing their talents while supporting charitable causes.
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The Washington Court of Appeals recently ruled on attorney-client privilege in receivership cases, affirming that a receiver can control a corporation’s privilege. In the Matter of Elcon Corporation, the court held the receiver can compel the production of privileged emails from Elcon, consistent with RCW 7.60.060(1)(c) and bankruptcy precedent.
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