The Washington Court of Appeals ruled that a law firm acting as a debt collection agency is not protected by the litigation privilege. In Tavaglione v. Dehkhoda & Qadri, the court found the firm could be sued for violations of the Washington Collection Agency Act, as its primary function was debt collection rather than legal representation.
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The Alaska Bar Association’s Ethics Opinion 2025-1 discusses the use of AI in law practice, emphasizing competence, confidentiality, and billing. It highlights risks associated with AI prompts that may reveal client information, urging lawyers to use closed systems or anonymize prompts when employing AI. Confidentiality remains a critical concern.
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For decades, Delaware was the default state for incorporation, but companies are now reconsidering their legal domicile, seeking stability, clarity, and cost-effectiveness. Washington, with its strong governance framework and financial advantages, emerges as a compelling choice among MBCA states, especially for firms re-evaluating their corporate home.
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AEON Law abandoned the traditional billable hour model in 2009, opting for fixed pricing in intellectual property work. This strategy promotes efficiency, client satisfaction, and rewards legal expertise over time spent. By focusing on outcomes and leveraging technology, the firm fosters collaboration and ensures predictable pricing for clients, enhancing overall service quality.
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The Washington Court of Appeals ruled in Snyder v. Virginia Mason Medical Center on the limits of doctor-patient and attorney-client privileges in medical malpractice cases. The court determined that former employee-doctors cannot be contacted ex parte by defense counsel, requiring that interviews involve the plaintiff’s lawyer or be conducted as depositions.
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Americans are increasingly polarized with concerns about the future of the country deepening. The WSBA’s Rule of Law Ambassador Program seeks to unite legal professionals across political divides. The latest Washington State Bar News also features an interview with Washington Supreme Court Justice Salvador Mungia and acknowledges nearly 1,000 volunteers’ contributions.
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The Alaska Supreme Court has established the “continuous representation” rule, which tolls the statute of limitations for legal malpractice claims while a lawyer continues to represent the client. This decision, stemming from Sheldon-Lee v. Birch Horton Bittner, Inc., allows clients to address concerns without risking future claims and encourages lawyers to rectify issues.
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Lawyers are largely reluctant to adopt generative AI due to concerns about accuracy, ethics, and reliability. A survey revealed only 25 percent of legal professionals in Washington use AI, with adoption higher in large firms. The Task Force aims to enhance technology use through education and rule evolution, addressing significant cybersecurity gaps.
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In 2024, the WSBA’s STAR Council introduced grants for law students interning in rural Washington to address attorney shortages. Interviewed recipients Olivia Perez and Shaw Lowry highlighted how their experiences in public defense offices shaped their commitment to rural legal practice while acknowledging the challenges, such as transportation issues and maintaining professional relationships.
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The federal court in Tacoma recently surveyed the “actual innocence” requirement for legal malpractice claims arising from criminal cases and a related exception to that rule. Neaman v. Washington State Department of Corrections, 2025 WL 672642 (W.D. Wash. Mar. 3, 2025) (unpublished), involved, in relevant part, a malpractice claim against a criminal defendant’s former attorneys […]
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The Oregon State Bar’s ethics opinion, OSB Formal Opinion 2005-205, aligns with ABA Formal Opinion 512 on artificial intelligence in law. It emphasizes competence and confidentiality, advising lawyers to understand AI tools and their contractual confidentiality assurances. Both opinions provide timely guidance amid evolving technology in legal practice.
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In May 2020, the WSBA identified needs for rural legal practitioners, leading to the 2024 STAR Council pilot program offering grants to law students for internships in rural areas. It aims to address the legal services gap. The latest Bar News features insights from interns in rural law, legislative updates, and ethical analyses.
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Under ABA Model Rule 1.16(d), lawyers must surrender client papers upon withdrawal, but the definition of “papers and property” is unclear. Following this ambiguity, states have generally adopted two approaches: the “entire file” approach, which requires lawyers to provide all materials, and the “end product” approach, limiting it to final products. Effective March 3, 2025, Idaho implemented the “entire file” approach with RPC 1.16A, detailing materials to be provided and allowing lawyers to charge for copying and delivery.
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The 2025 legislative session began Jan. 13 and will focus on addressing a $15 billion budget deficit. Key bills being monitored include those related to loan repayment for public defenders, reinstating the Limited License Legal Technician program, and improving public defense funding and efficiency within the court system.
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This post discusses the process and benefits of seller financing when purchasing land, particularly for buyers unable to secure traditional financing. It explores the structure of land contracts, the importance of trust between parties, and potential risks involved, such as seller foreclosure. Due diligence in land use and legal considerations is also emphasized.
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The crisis in public defense is exacerbated by a shortage of applicants for both public defenders and prosecutors, leading to court backlogs and unrepresented citizens. The latest Washington State Bar News addresses these hiring challenges, highlighting perceptions of prosecutorial roles, as well as experiences of Asian American female litigators facing biases in the courtroom.
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