Washington State Bar Association

The ‘Hot Potato’ Rule: The Coolest Name in Legal Ethics https://zurl.co/PWoLp

The 'Hot Potato' Rule: The Coolest Name in Legal Ethics - Washington State Bar News Under the judicially created "hot potato" rule, a law firm cannot drop a client “like a hot potato” to avoid a conflict.

It was a packed house at the most recent APEX in the Community event, where we gathered to recognize the important and innovative work by the Blake Refund Bureau, the 2025 APEX Award recipient for the Legal Innovation Award!

The Blake Refund Bureau has effectively streamlined the refund process for legal financial obligations (LFO) resulting from unconstitutional convictions under the landmark State v. Blake, 197 Wn.2d 170, 481 P.3d 521 (2021) decision. Launched in July 2023, the Administrative Office of the Courts’ Refund Bureau stands as the primary legal entity in Washington state responsible for reimbursing individuals who paid LFOs on convictions now deemed unconstitutional.

The Legal Innovation Award recognizes legal professionals, law firms, courts, law schools, individuals, or organizations who demonstrate leadership in promoting innovation in the practice of law.

The Alaska Bar in Ethics Opinion 2026-01 recently took up the always-difficult issue of what can be disclosed in public court filings and related public proceedings on withdrawal. The new opinion offers a clear roadmap for a situation that most lawyers don’t encounter every day. The opinion is available on the Alaska Bar website.

Read more about the new Opinion on NWSidebar: https://zurl.co/KdpRR

New Alaska Bar Opinion on Handling Confidential Information When Withdrawing The Alaska Bar’s Ethics Opinion 2026-01 addresses the complexities of attorney withdrawal, emphasizing the ongoing duty of confidentiality. It outlines procedures for disclosing information t…

Idaho Supreme Court Reaffirms Breach of Fiduciary Duty and Consumer Protection Act Claims Against Lawyers https://zurl.co/IpGrd

Idaho Supreme Court Reaffirms Breach of Fiduciary Duty and Consumer Protection Act Claims Against Lawyers When we hear the phrase “claim against a lawyer,” most of us, understandably, think of negligence-based legal malpractice claims. The Idaho Supreme Court recently provided a rem…

Classroom ambassadors are partnering with teachers at Sheridan Elementary in Tacoma to deliver civic education lessons, mentor students, and open doors to the legal profession—giving a glimpse of what's possible when the legal community invests in the next generation.

Legal professionals across Washington are invited to connect with and visit a classroom near them—no teaching experience required. The Lawyers in the Classroom Program is a joint effort of the Washington Courts and the WSBA. Learn how you can get involved by partnering with a school in Washington this coming Constitution Day, Sept. 17 to teach a civics lesson! https://zurl.co/E1w2r

Classroom Ambassadors visit Sheridan Elementary in Tacoma. What does it look like when legal professionals bring their values into the classroom? Features the Lawyers in the Classroom program in action. Classroom amb...

Volunteer with the WSBA! Share your time, skills, and knowledge by volunteering with the WSBA to enrich the legal profession across Washington and beyond!

The application deadline is May 31. Applications received by the deadline will receive priority consideration and be entered into a drawing to win a WSBA swag bag prize. Apply today! https://zurl.co/DaEki

Unsure which opportunity is the best fit for your skill set? Fill out the WSBA Volunteer Interest Form (not an application) and we'll reach out directly to you with an opportunity that best matches your interests: https://zurl.co/9nau2

Picture it, a little over a year ago, Law Day 2025, nearly 2,000 legal professionals came together at 16 locations across Washington to recommit upholding the rule of law. That happened because of you, our members, taking the rule of law to the next level.

Law Day has come and gone, but the pledge is still open. We’re asking every legal professional in Washington to be in a classroom this Constitution Day on Sept.17. Our goal is ambitious, but one we know you can help make possible—one legal professional for every public, private, and tribal K–12 school in the state.

After taking the pledge, identify a school to connect with and reach out directly. The WSBA and Washington Courts will equip you with quick tips and a ready-made outreach template to make that first contact easy. Age-appropriate, interactive civics lesson plans are available to download at no cost, and the Lawyers in the Classroom program staff are available to help once you've made a connection.

When you step into a classroom, you're doing more than teaching a lesson — you're helping shape the next generation of leaders and democracy builders. Join us by taking the pledge: https://zurl.co/Oohwv

Join us today for the next FREE Legal Lunchbox: Subtle Acts of Exclusion at 11:55 a.m.! This program is for 1.50 Ethics (Equity) CLE credits. Visit the WSBA CLE Store to register: https://zurl.co/p7eOR

The WSBA Offices are closed today, Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 26.

Did you know as a WSBA member, you have access to the Practice Management Discount Network? A collection of discounts on products and services to help you improve your law practice. Access these discounts today via your myWSBA account! https://zurl.co/qT7oN

Practice Management Discount Network Discounts on technology and services to help you improve your practice.