Purpose of the Division

The Washington Young Lawyers Division is the vehicle for new attorneys and law students to get involved with the Washington State Bar Association. By attending WYLD events, or assisting to develop programs, participants build the skills and networks to transition into the practice of law, serve the public, and enhance leadership skills.

Membership Criteria

Active members of the Washington State Bar Association are automatically members of the WYLD if they meet at least one of two criteria:

1. The member has been admitted to practice for less than five years (in any state), or
2. The member is under 36 years of age

There are no fees for membership to the WYLD.
Current law students are welcome to participate in division activities.

WYLD Initiatives

• New Lawyer Education Focus Group
• Editorial Advisory Committee and De Novo
• Liaison Program with WSBA Sections
• Member Outreach Committee
• Public Service/Pro Bono Committee
• Trial Advocacy Program
• Washington First Responder Will Clinic
• Yakima Pre-law Student Leadership Conference
• YMCA Mock Trial Program Partnership

For more information on any WYLD Initiative, visit the program description page.

Structure and Support

The WYLD is a component of the WSBA Outreach and Education Department. A twenty-person WYLD Board of Trustees, elected by their peers, partners with WSBA staff and the Board of Governors to develop the vision and programs for the division. Dozens of new attorney volunteers lead the committees which implement WYLD programs.

For more information about the Division, contact the WYLD Liaison, Brian Halcomb, at 206-727-8205 or brianh@wsba.org, or get to know the trustee from your district.