News, Information, and Resources of Interest to WSBA Members
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Fresh Off the Press: New WSBA Deskbooks!
Stay current and find answers faster with newly updated editions of three WSBA Deskbooks:
- Washington Real Property Deskbook Series, Volume 3: Real Property Interests & Duties of Third Parties
- Washington Real Property Deskbook Series, Volume 4: Causes of Action, Taxation, Regulation
- Washington Construction Law Deskbook
Written by Washington practitioners for Washington practitioners, these Deskbooks put practical guidance and up-to-date analysis at your fingertips. Learn more at www.wsba.org/deskbooks.
WSBA NEWS
2027 License Renewal And Sections Information
License Renewal is Paperless (online only). Licensing opened in November. Notifications and reminders have been sent by email. Please ensure that your email address is current and that emails from the wsba.org domain are not marked as spam. License renewal must be completed online at www.licensing.wsba.org, where you can complete required certifications and securely pay your license fee or print an invoice for payment by 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.
Could Your Innovative Legal Business Model Be Next?
Two entities have now been authorized under the Washington Supreme Court’s Entity Regulation Pilot Project. The 10-year pilot tests whether new models, including technology-driven delivery
and ownership by people who aren’t lawyers, can expand access to legal services while protecting consumers. Have an idea for a new way to deliver legal services? Visit www.wsba.org/about-wsba/entity-regulation-pilot to learn more.
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.
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 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.” The proposed pathway is the result of a more-than-six-year process that began with a rigorous study of the efficacy of the traditional bar exam. The Supreme Court recently decided to post the suggested amendments for comment in January 2027. All opportunities to comment can be found at www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/?fa=court_rules.proposed. Learn more about the pathway 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
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.
Free Trust Accounting & Billing Software by Smokeball
Smokeball Bill, a trust & billing software, helps law firms manage trust accounting, bill easily, and get paid faster. All WSBA members have access to free Smokeball Bill subscriptions (a $588 per user per year value). Visit www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/member-support/smokeball to learn more.
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.
Review Your Group Health Insurance 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. 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 in your membership. Make sure your company isn’t overlooking or overpaying. Start your no-obligation market analysis and group health quote today on the WSBA Insurance Marketplace, www.wsba.memberbenefits.com/employer-group-solutions/.
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
Nov. 2026 Usury
The usury rate for November 2026 is 12.00%. The auction yield of the Oct. 5, 2026, auction of the six-month Treasury Bill was 4.314%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(a) and 4.56.115 for November 2026 is 6.314%. The interest rate required by RCW 4.56.110(3)(b) and 4.56.111 for the November 2026 is 9.00%.