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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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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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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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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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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My decision to quit drinking came after a definitive, marked turning point—but it wasn’t the type of turning point you’re probably thinking. I had tried several “practice attempts,” which I now realize served to give me the resolve and motivation to make this change in a more sustainable way—but the ultimate shift came through a […]
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Luigi Mangione. Sean “Diddy” Combs. Mike Lindell. Some names are so notorious that media attention is a given. But what about those cases you didn’t expect to go viral and then turn into an all-out media circus by surprise? Many a lawyer has had a case dropped in their lap that blows up in the […]
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The legal profession requires strong leadership to navigate hybrid work, employee burnout, and evolving expectations. Effective leadership fosters trust, connection, and growth among teams, enhancing overall well-being and productivity. By prioritizing mentorship and support, leaders can transform workplace culture and achieve better outcomes for both individuals and firms.
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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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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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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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Communication skills, especially active listening, are crucial for lawyers to build trust with clients. Effective communication requires pausing before responding and using nonverbal feedback to confirm understanding. Good listeners foster deeper exchanges, ensuring clarity and empathy. Mastering these skills enhances lawyers’ professional effectiveness and strengthens client relationships.
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