News, Information, and Resources of Interest to WSBA Members
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WSBA NEWS
2027 License Renewal And Sections Information
License Renewal is Paperless (online only). Licensing will open in November. Notifications and reminders will be sent by email. Please be sure your email address is current, and emails from the wsba.org domain will not be marked as spam. License renewal must be completed online at www.licensing.wsba.org, where you will be able to complete required certifications and securely pay your license fee or print an invoice to mail with a check.
Deadlines:
Dec. 31, 2026
- Complete MCLE credits.
Feb. 1, 2027
- Pay license fee.
- Certify trust account information and liability insurance disclosure or financial responsibility.
- Certify MCLE credits.
- Optional: Request license fee exemptions and reductions.
Certify MCLE Compliance. If you are in the 2024-2026 reporting period, then you are due to report CLE credits and certify MCLE compliance. The deadline for completing credits is Dec. 31, 2026. Please note you cannot earn more than 8 credits in a calendar day. The certification must be completed online by Feb. 1, 2027. Visit www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/mcle to learn more.
License Fee Payment Plan, Exemptions, and Reductions. If you are experiencing financial challenges, a payment plan option is available. Payments may be made in up to five installments with the balance required to be paid in full by Feb. 1, 2027. License fee exemptions and reductions are available for licensed legal professionals who qualify. Visit www.wsba.org/licensing to learn more.
Member Pronouns. You may include pronouns on your profile in the WSBA Legal Directory. Please go to www.mywsba.org to include yours! Pronouns are words used to refer to someone in the third person in place of their name. The purpose of including them is to indicate how others can respectfully refer to you.
Voluntary Demographic Information. Please update your information at licensing.wsba.org when online licensing opens in November. This information is essential to understanding the demographic makeup of licensed legal professionals in the state and can help inform better policymaking by decisionmakers, including the Washington Supreme Court.
Join or Renew your Section Membership. The Section Membership Year is Jan. 1–Dec. 31. Visit www.wsba.org/sections to learn more.
Pro Bono Status. If you are considering going inactive, pro bono status is a great alternative that lets you provide pro bono services through a qualified legal services provider (QLSP). The license fee will be waived for pro bono status members who completed at least 30 hours of pro bono service with a QLSP in the prior year. Learn more at www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/license-renewal/status-changes.
Judicial Status. Please note you are required to inform the Bar within 10 days of your retirement or your ineligibility for judicial status (and you must apply to change to another status or to resign). Visit www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/license-renewal/status-changes to learn more.
First Entity Authorized in Innovative Pilot Project
The Washington Supreme Court has authorized the first participant in its Entity Regulation Pilot Project, which is a time-bound, data-driven study to determine if new service models—that are not allowed under current regulations—can meaningfully expand access to legal services while protecting consumers. Do you have an idea for an innovative legal business model? You might be a good candidate to apply to the pilot project. Learn more at www.wsba.org/about-wsba/entity-regulation-pilot.
New Member Lunch & Learn Virtual Event Series
The Washington New Members Committee is excited to launch upcoming events this fall. The next sessions are scheduled on Oct. 14 and Nov. 18. All new members and future legal professionals are welcome. Find out more at www.wsba.org/connect-serve/committees-boards-other-groups/WNMC.
Bench-Bar-Press Luncheon: Protecting the Vote
The Bench-Bar-Press Committee of Washington, chaired by Chief Justice Debra Stephens, is once again hosting its annual luncheon to bring together representatives from these three hallowed institutions to discuss topics that are critical to our democracy. This year’s luncheon is 12-2 p.m., Nov. 6, at the Washington Athletic Club. Panelists will explore the courts’ role as neutral arbiters, the media’s role in explaining complex processes, and how both institutions help the public understand the integrity of election administration. Visit https://bit.ly/4hcM6Hz to reserve your seat by Oct 30.
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.
Work at the WSBA
The WSBA has new job openings for those interested. We review candidates on a daily basis. Visit www.wsba.org/career-center/work-at-the-wsba to apply.
VOLUNTEER
Consider Service as a WSBA Representative
The WSBA is seeking applications for members to serve as WSBA representatives for the following groups: Bench-Bar-Press Committee, BJA Public Engagement and Education Committee, and the Certified Professional Guardianship and Conservatorship Board. Browse open committee seats at www.wsba.org/connect-serve/volunteer-with-wsba/volunteer-as-a-wsba-representative.
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.
Get Involved with WSBA Deskbooks!
WSBA Deskbooks are written and updated by Washington practitioners who want to share their experience and help strengthen the profession. Contributing to a Deskbook is a great way to build your professional reputation, earn CLE credits, deepen your expertise in a practice area, and provide a valuable resource to colleagues across the state. Opportunities range from authoring new chapters to assisting with updates and new editions as the law evolves. To learn more about current opportunities or how to participate, email WSBA Deskbooks Coordinator Adam Ray at adamr@wsba.org. Learn more about WSBA Deskbooks at www.wsba.org/deskbooks.
RESOURCES
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
WA 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
Oct. 2026 Usury
The usury rate for October 2026 is 12.00%. The auction yield of the Sept. 8, 2026, auction of the six-month Treasury Bill was 4.023%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(a) and 4.56.115 for October 2026 is 6.023%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(b) and 4.56.111 for October 2026 is 8.75%.