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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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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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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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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