Inactive Membership
Inactive members shall not practice law in Washington, nor engage in employment or duties in the State of Washington that constitute the practice of law. Inactive members are not eligible to vote in Bar matters or hold office therein, or serve on any committee, board, or panel.
Inactive members may:
- Join WSBA Sections as non-voting members, if allowed under the Section's bylaws. This does not include eligibility to join as voting members;
- Continue their affiliation with the WSBA;
- Change their membership to Active pursuant to the WSBA Bylaws; and
- Request a free Bar News subscription.
The WSBA bylaws provide for three different types of Inactive Membership. The two most common types are Inactive-Lawyer and Inactive-Honorary.
Inactive-Lawyer
Inactive-Lawyer members must pay an annual license fee. The Inactive license fee is $200.
Inactive-Lawyer members are not required to earn or report MCLE credits while Inactive, but may choose to do so, and will be required to do so to return to Active membership.
Before applying for Inactive-Lawyer membership, members should read and be familiar with WSBA Bylaws Art. III. The To Active from Inactive Info page summarizes important information about returning to Active membership from Inactive.
Active, Judicial, or Emeritus/Pro Bono members, who are not Suspended or Disbarred, may apply for Inactive-Lawyer membership by completing and filing the Application for Change of Membership to Inactive-Lawyer. Applications for Inactive membership are generally confirmed within one week of receipt of the application, provided the member is eligible and everything is in order.
During annual licensing renewal, as part of the licensing process, members may request a change of membership to inactive online by visiting www.myWSBA.org. Online changes to Inactive will be effective immediately upon payment.