Patrick Palace, the new president of the National Conference of Bar Presidents, aims to support Washington lawyers and share the state’s successes nationally. He emphasizes leadership amid challenges like technology and public trust, advocating for justice and inclusion. Palace pledges to uphold core values and defend the rule of law in uncertain times.
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Francis Adewale, the new WSBA president, acknowledges the profession’s challenges and emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, promising to listen to all members. He encourages active participation in pursuing justice and equity. The latest issue of Bar News includes discussions on his background, pro bono efforts, and recent legal updates.
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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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The federal district court in Seattle recently highlighted a key procedural requirement for most disqualification motions based on asserted former client conflicts: The party bringing the motion must show that they were, in fact, a former client of the lawyer or law firm targeted. Thompson v. Seattle Public Schools, 2025 WL 2654650 (W.D. Wash. Aug. […]
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Cynicism is prevalent in today’s world, but the latest issue of Washington State Bar News counters this with inspiring stories from the WSBA’s APEX Awards, showcasing kindness and dedication in the legal profession. Highlights include legacies of perseverance, pro bono impacts, and the ongoing efforts of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project.
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The Committee on Professional Ethics released Advisory Opinion 202501, addressing confidentiality and conflicts of interest for lawyers representing certified professional guardians. Key issues include lawyers’ obligations to maintain resident confidentiality while advising care facilities and the complexities of simultaneous representation. The opinion emphasizes the challenge of balancing interests in protecting resident rights.
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In 2024, a group of students at the University of Washington saw an opportunity to fill a need by creating a moot court program for undergraduate students. The Husky Moot Court (HMC) today has about a dozen members and two coaches from the UW School of Law. They are a member of the American Moot […]
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The WSBA Board of Governors is reviewing the Washington state Oath of Attorney, finding it outdated and convoluted. Following Law Day, a Task Force is being formed to propose updates, aiming to present a revised oath by Law Day 2026. The Task Force will gather input from various legal stakeholders and analyze current practices.
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Over the past generation, law firms have developed internal ethics and risk management structures. Courts recognize attorney-client privilege for internal communications but allow exceptions, like the fiduciary exception, when client interests conflict. A recent Spokane decision clarified that this exception does not apply to post-representation fee disputes, distinguishing it from prior rulings.
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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 Washington Court of Appeals recently upheld the litigation privilege in Valve Corporation v. Bucher Law, allowing law firms to dismiss claims of tortious interference and abuse of process after representing clients against Valve. The court found the firms’ communications were related to judicial proceedings and addressed matters of public concern under UPEPA.
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The 105-day 2025 legislative session began on Jan. 13 and adjourned sine die (last day of session) on April 27. Lawmakers’ primary focus was passing a biennial state budget while contending with a budget deficit of up to $15 billion over the next four years. The fiscal situation loomed large over discussions on taxes, spending […]
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Public trust in the legal system is declining, prompting 1,600 legal professionals in Washington to reaffirm their commitment to uphold the law on Law Day. In the latest edition of Washington State Bar News we examine what it might take to restore faith in the law. You’ll also find a Q&A with two past presidents of the Vietnamese American Bar Association, a breakdown of the patenting process for artificial proteins, the ethics of telling clients hard truths, and much more.
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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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