Illustration of a stress lawyer at his desk with files piling up.

Remembering the Need for Self-Care 

Law was literally killing me. A heart monitor I wore in May showed my heart was running at beats up to 231 beats per minute. I was in atrial fibrillation, my heart beating out of rhythm, 56 percent of the time. I didn’t notice. I’d had recent procedures for hernia and ulcer, and had gotten my first ever bone fracture, and through it pushed on. 
Many of us are drawn to the legal profession by a drive to help people. It’s what drew me in.  
Law has given me the opportunity to change many people’s lives for the better. On a few lucky occasions I’ve actually been able to change policy, once or twice, on a national level. Law is also an incredibly toxic profession.

Read More…
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.

Read More…
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.

Read More…
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.

Read More…
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.

Read More…
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), […]

Read More…
A doctor shaking hands with a male patient on crutches before an attorney.

How Inadequate Grievance Documentation Alters the Legal Landscape

In healthcare litigation, patient grievance logs are vital evidence, revealing organizational awareness of safety concerns. Federal regulations mandate hospitals to track and address grievances, influencing liability and institutional negligence claims. Properly managed grievance processes and multidisciplinary reviews are crucial for regulatory compliance and effective risk management in hospitals.

Read More…
Books on shelves

Five Must-Read Books for Well-Being Week in Law 

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.

Read More…