News, Information, and Resources of Interest to WSBA Members
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Seeking Volunteers for Immigration Clinics > In the aftermath of an unprecedented lawyer discipline case, there are many, many former clients who need legal help with immigration issues. The WSBA is working closely with Washington’s chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), legal aid organizations, and the access-to-justice community to support clinics and provide other resources. Would you be willing to help? If you are interested, please visit https://bit.ly/4wQ3FUl to fill out a brief Immigration Clinic Volunteer Interest Form and we will connect you with opportunities throughout the state. Immigration law experience and Spanish-language proficiency are great, but all levels of legal experience are more than welcome; training will be offered for discrete tasks.
WSBA NEWS
Volunteer With the Washington State Bar Foundation
The Washington State Bar Foundation (WSBF) has openings for its Board of Trustees for terms starting Oct. 1. Positions are open for attorneys and non-attorney community members. The WSBF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as the fundraising arm of the Washington State Bar Association and advocates and fundraises for its public service, pro bono, and equity and justice programs. Visit www.wsba.org/about-wsba/washington-state-bar-foundation for more details, or contact Laura Sanford (lauras@wsba.org).
Proposed Rules of Court Published for Comment
The WSBA encourages members to actively monitor and provide feedback when the Washington Supreme Court is considering any amendments to its rules. View all opportunities to comment at www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/?fa=court_rules.proposed.
Portfolio Evaluation: A New Pathway for Admission
The Licensure Pathways Implementation Steering Committee recently filed suggested amendments to the Admission and Practice Rules with the Washington Supreme Court, paving the way for a new admission pathway called “Admission by Portfolio Evaluation.” If the court accepts the recommendations, it will cap a more-than-six-year process that began with a rigorous study of the efficacy of the traditional bar exam and resulted in the court’s order to adopt the NextGen Bar Exam and to create new admissions pathways to demonstrate competency, other than the bar exam. Learn more at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/join-the-legal-profession-in-wa/lawyers/pathways.
Save the Date for Bench-Bar-Press Committee Luncheon
Save the date for this annual event: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, from 12-2 p.m. at the Washington Athletic Club at 1325 Sixth Avenue in Seattle. More details about the event will be posted soon. Email BenchBarPress@courts.wa.gov with questions.
Work at the WSBA
The WSBA has new job openings for those interested. We review candidates on a daily basis. If your skills and experience appear to be a good match for a position, and you meet the minimum requirements of the position you are applying for, our HR representative may be in touch with you to discuss next steps. Visit www.wsba.org/career-center/work-at-the-wsba to apply.
Notice of LSC Grant Funds Available
The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) recently announced the availability of Basic Field Grants for 2027. Through a competitive bidding process, the grants are awarded to qualified attorneys, legal aid organizations, and entities as a means of improving access to justice for low-income people throughout the U.S. and U.S. territories. For application instructions, deadlines, eligibility, and submission requirements, visit www.lsc.gov/grants-grantee-resources/our-grant-programs/basic-field-grant.
CLJ Data and Document Portal
Re:SearchWA is the new public case records portal for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Case Management System (CLJ-CMS) courts. If you already have an eFileWA account, you can use those same credentials when using re:SearchWA. If not, new users will need to click “Register” on the top toolbar on re:SearchWA to create a new free account. Once logged in, you can begin searching for cases right away. Visit https://researchwa.tylerhost.net/CourtRecordsSearch/ui/Home for more information including user guides and a list of participating courts.
Entity Regulation Pilot Project Accepting Applications
The application portal for the Entity Regulation Pilot Project is open. This is a time-bound, data-driven, carefully supervised process authorized by the Washington Supreme Court to determine whether changes to certain regulatory rules can meaningfully expand access to legal services for Washingtonians. The pilot project allows businesses and nonprofits (not just individually licensed lawyers/LLLTs/LPOs) to seek authorization to offer legal services for the first time in state history. Learn more at www.wsba.org/about-wsba/entity-regulation-pilot.
Explore the WSBA Lending Library
Looking for your next great read? The WSBA Lending Library is a free service to WSBA members offering the short-term loan of books. Visit www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/lending-library to explore the catalog.
Please Complete Your Confidential Demographics Form
Did you know that the WSBA regularly publishes a variety of demographic information about the WSBA membership? This information is essential to understanding the makeup of the profession, assessing the services the WSBA provides, and informing policymakers as they contemplate changes related to regulation of the practice of law. Please answer the short survey of demographic questions at www.wsba.org/licensing. Individual gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability information is kept strictly confidential, and is used only in the aggregate for demographic analysis. Thank you for your participation.
VOLUNTEER
New! Nominate a Volunteer to Spotlight
Shine a light on a WSBA volunteer who inspires you—submit your nomination today. Visit www.wsba.org/connect-serve/volunteer-with-wsba/volunteer-recognition.
RESOURCES
Trust Accounting & Billing Software
The WSBA has an exclusive benefit for members: FREE access to Smokeball Bill, the premier trust accounting and billing software for law firms. Visit https://bit.ly/wabarbill-launch-enews-0226 and sign up for your free subscription today!
All the Ways to Access Deskbooks
WSBA Deskbooks are trusted, practice-ready legal guides written by Washington lawyers for Washington lawyers. Members can purchase or subscribe to Deskbooks—and now they can also explore the entire catalogue online for free through Washington’s law libraries, making it easier than ever to put authoritative Washington law at your fingertips! Visit www.wsba.org/deskbooks to learn more.
Have You Reviewed Your Group Health Options?
The group health insurance landscape is evolving. If you haven’t assessed your plan in a while, you might not know what you’re missing out on. WSBA members have access to licensed benefits experts who can help you find out—at no cost. It’s a courtesy consultation, and it’s included with your membership. Make sure your company isn’t overlooking or overpaying. Visit https://wsba.memberbenefits.com/employer-group-solutions/ to start your no-obligation market analysis and group health quote today on the WSBA Insurance Marketplace.
Virtual Career Guidance Group
This free group meets on the first Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. This is a chance to receive guidance on your résumé, informational interviewing, applying for positions, and where you see yourself in your legal career. This group is led by Dan Crystal, Psy.D. Sign up at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/wellness/group-sessions.
IOLTA FAQs
Have questions about trust accounts? Check out the new IOLTA FAQs to learn important information about such topics as unidentified owners and unclaimed property, recordkeeping, disbursements, general banking, reconciliation, and more. Find the FAQs at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/practice-management-assistance/iolta-faqs.
WSBA MEMBER WELLNESS
Washington Lawyers Assisting Lawyers
Washington Lawyers Assisting Lawyers is a nonprofit that offers free and confidential services. WALAL is separate from the WSBA and is not affiliated with any 12-step organization. WALAL’s trained lawyer volunteers serve as peer counselors to lawyers, judges, and law students facing substance use and other mental health challenges. To learn more about WALAL, to seek assistance, or to volunteer as a peer counselor, see www.WALAL.org or email info@walal.org.
Free Confidential Clinical Consult With Licensed Provider
The Member Wellness Program offers free HIPAA-protected video consultations using the telehealth portal Doxy.me. Visit www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/wellness and click “Book Your Initial Consultation” to schedule time with our licensed providers.
Health Benefits
The WSBA Private Health Insurance Exchange offers members access to the most competitive group health insurance solutions on the market. Speak to a benefits counselor and request a free quote today at www.memberbenefits.com/wsba.
The ‘Unbar’ Alcoholics Anonymous Group
The Washington Unbar Alcoholics Anonymous group for legal professionals has been meeting regularly for almost 30 years. The group meets Wednesdays, 12:15-1:30 p.m. Currently, the group meets online via Zoom, and attorneys from all over Washington participate. For more information and Zoom credentials contact unbarwa@gmail.com.
ETHICS
Ethics Line
Members can talk with WSBA professional responsibility counsel for informal guidance. Learn more at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/ethics/ethics-line or call the Ethics Line at 206-727-8284.
WSBA Advisory Opinions
WSBA advisory opinions are available online at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/ethics/about-advisory-opinions. For assistance, call the Ethics Line at 206-727-8284.
WSBA COMMUNITY NETWORKING
New Members List Serve
This list serve is a discussion platform for new lawyers of the WSBA. To join, email newmembers@wsba.org.
ALPS Attorney Match
Attorney Match is a free online networking tool made available through the WSBA-endorsed professional liability partner, ALPS. Learn more at www.wsba.org/connect-serve/mentorship/find-your-mentor, or email mentorlink@wsba.org.
QUICK REFERENCE
Sept. 2026 Usury
The usury rate for September 2026 is 12.00%. The auction yield of the Aug. 3, 2026, auction of the six-month Treasury Bill was 3.986%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(a) and 4.56.115 for Sept. 2026 is 5.986%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(b) and 4.56.111 for Sept. 2026 is 8.75%.