Rule 8(e) Special Admissions
Exception for Emeritus Membership
Frequently Asked Questions
Text of Rule 8
What is Emeritus membership?
Emeritus membership provides a limited license for lawyers otherwise retired from the practice of law to practice on a volunteer basis for a qualified legal services provider. A list of qualified legal services providers is included in the application packet.
Is there an application fee?
The application fee for lawyers not admitted in Washington is $235. The payment is to be submitted with the completed application. There is no application fee for Washington lawyers. Regardless of whether an application fee is required, all Emeritus attorneys must pay the annual inactive membership fee, currently $120.
Will I be required to comply with CLE requirements?
No. Emeritus members are not required to obtain CLE credits for years on Emeritus status. To return to Active status you may need to report CLE credits for years you were Active or Inactive prior to changing to Emeritus.
Is there any type of training required?
Yes, as stated in APR8(e)(vi) and 8(e)(5), lawyers must complete a training course before engaging in practice as an Emeritus member. An anuall training is sponsored by the WSBA in January. A videotaped seminar is available for lawyers who change to Emeritus status later in the year. Please contact Sharlene Steele at (206) 727-8262 or sharlene@wsba.org for information regarding this training.
Can I obtain Emeritus status before I find a legal services provider?
No. The application must contain a completed certification by a qualified legal services provider certifying that you will provide legal services for no fee through that provider.
What if I stop volunteering for the qualified legal services provider?
You must notify the WSBA if you are no longer going to provide volunteer services to the qualified legal service provider with which you applied. Contact Sharlene Steele sharlene@wsba.org to coordinate a change to a different qualified legal service provider. If you are no longer going to volunteer for any qualified legal services provider your Emeritus status must be terminated as per APR 8(e)(7).
WSBA members who do not apply for a different status will automatically be transferred to Inactive status.
Emeritus members licensed in another jurisdiction and admitted only as Emeritus in Washington may not transfer to any other status if their Emeritus status is terminated.
As a WSBA member, can I transfer from Emeritus to Active status?
Yes. You must be current on MCLE requirements, annual licensing fees, and all conditions set forth in the WSBA Bylaws and the Admission to Practice Rules (APR). In order to determine your eligibility and requirements to return to Active status, you must submit a Request for Application to Active Status form with the required, non-refundable $100 status change investigation fee. Following receipt and processing of the required fee and request form, a status change application packet will be sent to you. This packet will contain your specific and individual requirements to be met to change your status to Active, including all necessary forms. Because the requirements for each particular status change are based on the facts of the individual member's situation and requires investigation of that member's records, the WSBA cannot assess or discuss your specific requirements prior to receiving the Status Change to Active Request Form and the investigation fee. Under most circumstances, Emeritus attorneys can remain in Emeritus status indefinitely without having to re-take the bar exam if/when returning to active status.
