Practice of Law Board

Updated: Dec. 19, 2024

Practice of Law Board

Board Responsibilities

The Practice of Law Board is a Washington Supreme Court-created board governed by General Rule 25. The Board's responsibilities include:

EDUCATE. Educate the public about how to receive competent legal assistance. See Education page for more information.
INNOVATE. Consider and recommend to the Supreme Court new avenues for persons not currently authorized to practice law to provide legal and law-related services that might otherwise constitute the practice of law as defined in GR 24. See Innovation page for more information.
COORDINATE. Receive complaints alleging the unauthorized practice of law in Washington by any person or entity. The Board will review and may refer complaints that allege harm to the public interest to appropriate enforcement agencies. More information on how to report UPL below.

Announcements

On Dec. 5, 2024, the Washington Supreme Court entered an order authorizing a timebound, data-driven test of entity regulation. The pilot will allow successful applicants to practice law under timebound, limited exemptions from otherwise applicable Court rules and statutes governing the practice of law in Washington. Under Order 25700-B-721, the Practice of Law Board and the Washington State Bar Association will collaborate to implement and run the pilot under the supervision of the Court. For more information, please visit the Pilot Test of Entity Regulation page.

The Practice of Law Board recently published an article on data-driven legal regulatory reform. The article can be accessed here.

Current Plans

The Board is working to address diversity and inclusion as outlined in this letter to the Washington Supreme Court.

Meetings

The Board meets monthly via video conference 1–3 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Meetings are open to the public. Agendas and meeting materials will be posted on this page. Zoom call-in information is listed on each meeting's agenda.

FY 2024 Meeting Schedule

Next meeting: Dec. 18, 2024.

Agenda

Meeting Minutes

FY 2021 Annual Report | FY 2022 Annual Report

Unauthorized Practice of Law Complaints

The Practice of Law Board is authorized by the Washington Supreme Court to receive and review complaints that allege the unauthorized practice of law in Washington. The Board may refer complaints that allege harm to the public to appropriate enforcement agencies. The practice of law is defined in GR 24. RCW 2.48.180 makes the unlawful practice of law a crime in Washington.

Please note: The Board does not have the authority to investigate complaints or determine whether a particular action is the authorized practice of law, and does not offer any enforcement or protective services. If you are concerned with threatening behavior or are in immediate danger, please contact your local police department. Most information submitted to WSBA or the Board is subject to WSBA's public records policy and subject to disclosure. Please redact sensitive information prior to submission.