Limited License Legal Technicians

Admission to Practice Rule 28

The Washington Supreme Court adopted the Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) Rule, effective September 1, 2012. This rule authorizes non-attorneys who meet certain educational requirements to advise clients on specific areas of law, which have yet to be determined.

WSBA’s role is to maintain the high standards set for the legal profession while serving as the regulators of this new rule. The goal is to ensure quality implementation aimed at supporting WSBA members and upholding protection of the public. There is no other state with a similar LLLT rule. This rule provides Washington the opportunity to lead the nation in expanding legal services for the people of our state.

Current Status

With the rule, the Supreme Court established the LLLT Board to administer the program.  In late December 2012, the Supreme Court appointed the first LLLT Board, which includes several non-attorneys and a legal educator. The Board's charter for the first year is to begin creating and drafting the operational details for the LLLT program. This includes regulations for professional conduct, exam procedures, continuing education requirements, and disciplinary procedures.

The LLLT Board began its work in January 2013.  As one of its first actions, the Board recommended family law as the first practice area in which to license LLLTs, which the Supreme Court unanimously approved in March 2013.

The work of the LLLT Board is expected to take at least one year before it will be able to accept applications and begin licensing of LLLTs. 

Questions about the LLLT program should be directed to Thea Jennings, LLLT Program Lead, at theaj@wsba.org.

Please refer to this page for updates on the status of the LLLT program.