Purpose
Bar News welcomes letters to the editor that engage thoughtfully with content published in the magazine. Letters provide a platform for respectful discussion and a diversity of viewpoints within the legal community. However, the decision to publish a letter rests solely with the Bar News editorial staff, and all letters are subject to editorial standards outlined below.
Submission Requirements
- Letters must respond directly to content previously published in Bar News.
- Letters must comply with Wash. Gen. R. 12.2 and Keller v. State Bar of Cal., 496 U.S. 1 (1990) and related case law.
- Letters must include the author’s name and city of residence. Anonymous letters will not be published.
- No more than one letter per contributor will be published per issue.
- Letters may be edited for length and grammar. The editorial team reserves the right to decline publication of letters that contain factual inaccuracies about WSBA activities. In cases where minor inaccuracies are present, the Bar News may instead publish the letter with an accompanying clarification in an endnote.
- We ask that submissions generally be limited to 300 words.
- All letters are published at the discretion of the Bar News editorial team. Publication—or the decision not to publish—does not imply endorsement or opposition by the WSBA.
Editorial Standards and Grounds for Non-Publication
Letters may be declined for publication for any of the following reasons:
- Violation of GR 12.2: Letters that take positions that do not relate to or affect the objectives of GR 12.1 or GR 12.2(a) or (b).
- Violation of Keller Principles: Content not reasonably related to the regulation of the legal profession or the improvement of legal services.
- Prohibited Content: Letters that contain obscenities, racial epithets, illegal content, or threatening or harassing language.
- Disclosure of Confidential or Privileged Information: Content that violates legal or ethical duties.
- Commercial Promotion: Advertising or promotional material for services, businesses, or commercial events.
Publication Decisions
Bar News may limit the number of letters published in any issue based on available space. When multiple letters are received on the same topic, editors may prioritize a range of perspectives to promote balanced dialogue. Editorial decisions are not made based on viewpoint; letters are selected to reflect diversity of expression.
When many letters are received on the same subject, the editorial team may choose to publish some letters in print and others online.
Review Process
Authors whose letters are not selected for publication may request a brief explanation of the decision. Final editorial authority rests with the Bar News editor or their designee, and those decisions are not subject to further appeal.
Submission Process
Click here to submit a letter for consideration in Bar News or email wabarnews@wsba.org.