Authorized Practice of Law.

General Rule 24, adopted by the Washington State Supreme Court (Court), defines the practice of law as the application of legal principles and judgment to circumstances which require the knowledge and skill of a person trained in law.  It is illegal for a person who is not licensed as a lawyer in Washington to practice law within Washington outside of federal court unless they qualify through a number of exceptions, which include practicing as a courthouse facilitator, lay representative, mediator, arbitrator, conciliator, or practicing through a limited license.  Limited license opportunities in Washington include those for pro bono admission, limited admissions, licensed legal interns, limited practice officers, foreign law consultants, and limited license legal technicians (LLLTs).

Limited License Legal Technicians.

The LLLT program, established in Admissions and Practice Rule 28, allows nonlawyers licensed as LLLTs to render limited legal assistance as specified by court rule.  The scope of the LLLT includes:

• obtaining relevant facts, and explaining their relevancy;
• informing clients of applicable procedures, documents, and the anticipated course of the legal proceeding;
• assisting with services of process and filing of legal documents;
• providing the client with self-help materials that contain information about relevant legal requirements;
• reviewing documents and exhibits received by the client and explaining them;
• effecting service of certain state forms or those prepared by a Washington lawyer;
• performing legal research and assisting a client with obtaining necessary records;
• drafting letters or certain legal documents if they are subsequently reviewed by a Washington lawyer;
• advising the client as to other documents that may be necessary to the client's case;
• communicating and negotiating with the opposing party regarding procedural matters; and
• accompanying and assisting the client in dispute resolution proceedings. 

The rule provides the conditions under which an LLLT may provide services, prohibited acts for an LLLT, continuing license requirements, and the applicability of professional responsibility requirements. 

On June 4, 2020, the Court decided to sunset the LLLT program.  The Court extended the deadline for LLLT applicants to complete the preadmission requirements to July 31, 2023, after which no new LLLT licenses may be issued. 

The Chief Justice and members of the Court are requested to:

• reverse the sunset of the LLLT program and reinstate the issuance of new licenses;
• expand the LLLT program within one year to include authorization to provide assistance to clients at administrative hearings and to provide eviction and debt assistance; and
• form a work group to consider how LLLTs can be used to help meet the needs of individuals charged with offenses in courts of limited jurisdiction and within two years deliver recommendations for expansion of the LLLT program into this area.