The area of Bar admissions is constantly developing and changing. Because of this, Washington’s Admission to Practice Rules (APRs) need periodic reviews to determine whether they accurately reflect Washington’s current situation and approach to admission to the practice of law and to the issuance of limited licenses to practice law in Washington.
The APR Review Task Force shall:
- review the existing Admission to Practice Rules (APRs) to determine whether changes to those rules are needed;
- suggest revisions to the APRs that seem appropriate in light of changes occurring in the areas of admissions, limited or special licensing and other topics addressed in the APRs; and
- ensure consistency between the WSBA Bylaws and the APRs.
The Task Force shall seek input from affected persons, Boards, and other entities while developing any suggestions for revisions. The Task Force shall report back to the Board of Governors every six months regarding its progress and any suggestions for revisions to the rules, and shall attempt to complete its charter within 12-18 months of formation of the Committee.
Report and Recommendations of the APR Task Force - September 2012
The APR Task Force completed its work in July 2012. The APR Task Force reviewed and considered all member comments and reported back to the Board of Governors in September 2012. The Board of Governors unanimously approved the recommendations of the APR Task Force at its September 20, 2012 meeting. The WSBA forwarded the recommendations to the Washington Supreme Court for consideration. Among the amendments are:
- changes in admission requirements for foreign law school or foreign lawyer applicants;
- changes in admission requirements for U.S. lawyers;
- a new requirement to license in-house counsel;
- requirement that lawyers admitted pro hac vice pay the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection assessment;
- a better written and organized rule 9 for legal interns;
- a new Oath of Attorney; and
- a requirement that all lawyers have email addresses.
It submits the following report and recommended amendments to the Admission to Practice Rules:
APR Task Force Report to the Board of Governors, September 2012
Recommended Amendments to the Admission to Practice Rules, September 2012
Recommended Amendments to RPC 5.5 re House Counsel, July 2012 (no changes in September)
Recommended Amendments to LPORPC 1.12A, July 2012 (no changes in September)
Proposed Admissions Flow Chart, July 2012; illustrates various paths to admission in Washington under the proposed amendments. No changes in September.
Supreme Court Action on Suggested Amendments
The Washington Supreme Court has published for comment the above suggested amendments with the exception of the suggested amendments to APR 5(e) Contents of Oath [of Attorney]. The Court will not be amending the oath of attorney. Comments to the Court will be accepted through April 30, 2013. Suggested amendments and information about submitting comments may be accessed on the Court's website.
WSBA Contact for Questions
Please direct questions to Robert Henry, Associate Director for Regulatory Services, by email to roberth@wsba.org or in writing to:
Robert Henry
Washington State Bar Association
1325 4th Ave., Ste. 600
Seattle, WA 98101