The year 2025 has been marked by dramatic events and societal shifts, including environmental disasters and emerging technologies. NWSidebar highlighted key legal topics such as ethics in reporting client data, the implications of AI in law, and issues surrounding hiring in public defense. These discussions reflect the evolving landscape of legal practice amidst broader societal changes.
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A federal district court in Seattle examined malpractice claims against Limited Practice Officers (LPOs) under Washington law. In Sadr v. Oney, the court ruled that while the LPO used approved forms, it was not subject to attorney standards of care, differentiating it from past cases. This decision contributes to limited jurisprudence on LPO malpractice.
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Estate plans are often drafted years, or even decades, before they take effect. During that time, a beneficiary’s life and circumstances can change dramatically and so estate planning drafting must be flexible. Someone who was once fully capable of managing an inheritance may later face cognitive decline, disability, or another form of incapacity. Without built-in […]
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The traditional path to becoming a lawyer is costly and limited in rural areas, prompting the WSBA’s APR 6 Law Clerk Program as an alternative. Participants gain practical experience under experienced lawyers, allowing them to serve their communities. The latest WSBA issue also covers legal technology recommendations and various member news and awards.
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The Washington Court of Appeals upheld the disqualification of a law firm in Day v. Tacoma RV Center due to a conflict of interest arising from a lateral hire. The court found that the cases were nearly identical, emphasizing the necessity of proper screening to prevent such conflicts in legal practice.
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Washington state’s climate and construction practices pose risks for residential structures due to water intrusion, leading to damage and potential collapse. This article outlines defective practices, inspection methods, and insurance policies, emphasizing that property insurance can cover ongoing damage, urging homeowners’ associations to act accordingly when assessing and claiming repairs.
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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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