The Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) define disqualification law, while procedural aspects are shaped by courts. In a Seattle case, the court denied a disqualification motion because the moving party lacked standing, as they were never a client of the opposing counsel. The ruling highlights the significance of procedural law in disqualification cases.
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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.
A federal court in Tacoma sanctioned a lawyer for submitting inaccurate filings generated using AI tools due to her lack of understanding of the technology. Despite her apology, the court emphasized that ignorance is not a valid excuse for errors in legal practice. The lawyer received a $3,000 fine and future certification requirements.
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In response to rising threats against judges, 17 federal judges from Washington expressed concerns in The Seattle Times about judicial safety and independence. The WSBA’s Rule of Law Ambassador Program and Lawyers in the Classroom initiative aim to foster public trust in the legal system by engaging youth in civics education and showcasing positive lawyer-student interactions.
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As a legal nurse, I help attorneys make sense of the medical data in their cases. Medical records often contain hundreds, or even thousands of pages, and pinpointing what truly matters requires both clinical expertise and context. Knowledge gaps can create barriers to justice. When attorneys review medical data alone, they risk overlooking or misinterpreting details that are essential for getting justice for their clients. Consider some common scenarios. In personal injury and medical malpractice cases, attorneys frequently rely on Department of Insurance reports to establish fault and standard-of-care failures. This approach doesn’t account for preexisting conditions, alternate causation, or future care needs that help protect against the defense and increase case value.
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A recent amendment to Washington law mandates community associations to provide written responses to unit owners’ inquiries within 30 days, effective June 11, 2026. Associations may adopt policies to limit inquiries and delegate initial reviews, mitigating potential workload and costs. The new requirements aim to enhance communication and compliance within communities.
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Advisory Opinion 202602 provides guidance for Washington lawyers on the complexities of the unauthorized practice of law (UPL). It clarifies that mere knowledge of an opposing party’s unlicensed representation does not constitute “assisting” in UPL. Lawyers must communicate with clients regarding UPL risks and remain vigilant in their ethical duties.
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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.
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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.
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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), […]
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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.
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On May 1, legal professionals gathered in Olympia to emphasize the rule of law to students from the YMCA Youth Legislature. WSBA President Frances Adewale urged youth to engage with civic responsibilities. The event launched a campaign for legal professionals to teach civics in classrooms by Constitution Day, Sept. 17.
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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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WSBA Deskbooks, comprehensive legal guides created by Washington practitioners, are now accessible for free through a partnership with Washington State Law Libraries. Users can also purchase print or digital editions for permanent access or subscribe for uninterrupted online access with up-to-date content. Contributions from legal professionals are encouraged.
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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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