WSR 02-09-015

RULES OF COURT

STATE SUPREME COURT


[ April 3, 2002 ]

IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT TO GR 24 (b)(10) )

))

 ORDER

NO. 25700-A-734

     The Court Management Council having recommended the adoption of the proposed amendment to GR 24 (b)(10), and the Court having determined that the proposed amendment will aid in the prompt and orderly administration of justice and further determined that an emergency exists which necessitates an early adoption;

     Now, therefore, it is hereby

     ORDERED:

     (a) That the amendment as attached hereto is adopted.

     (b) That pursuant to the emergency provisions of GR 9(i), the amendment will be published expeditiously and become effective upon publication.

     DATED at Olympia, Washington this 3rd day of April 2002.
Gerry L. Alexander, C.J.
     Smith, J.

      Ireland, J.
     Johnson, J.

      Bridge, J.
     Madsen, J.

      Chambers, J.
    

     Owens, J.


PROPOSED AMENDMENT

GENERAL RULES (GR)

GR 24 DEFINITION OF THE PRACTICE OF LAW

Submitted by the Court Management Council



     (a) General Definition: The practice of law is the application of legal principles and judgment with regard to the circumstances or objectives of another entity or person(s) which require the knowledge and skill of a person trained in the law. This includes but is not limited to:

     (1) Giving advice or counsel to others as to their legal rights or the legal rights or responsibilities of others for fees or other consideration.

     (2) Selection, drafting, or completion of legal documents or agreements which affect the legal rights of an entity or person(s).

     (3) Representation of another entity or person(s) in a court, or in a formal administrative adjudicative proceeding or other formal dispute resolution process or in an administrative adjudicative proceeding in which legal pleadings are filed or a record is established as the basis for judicial review.

     (4) Negotiation of legal rights or responsibilities on behalf of another entity or person(s).

     (b) Exceptions and Exclusions: Whether or not they constitute the practice of law, the following are permitted:

     (1) Practicing law authorized by a limited license to practice pursuant to Admission to Practice Rules 8 (special admission for: a particular purpose or action; indigent representation; educational purposes; emeritus membership; house counsel), 9 (legal interns), 12 (limited practice for closing officers), or 14 (limited practice for foreign law consultants).

     (2) Serving as a court house facilitator pursuant to court rule.

     (3) Acting as a lay representative authorized by administrative agencies or tribunals.

     (4) Serving in a neutral capacity as a mediator, arbitrator, conciliator, or facilitator.

     (5) Participation in labor negotiations, arbitrations or conciliations arising under collective bargaining rights or agreements.

     (6) Providing assistance to another to complete a form provided by a court for protection under RCW chapters 10.14 (harassment) or 26.50 (domestic violence prevention) when no fee is charged to do so.

     (7) Acting as a legislative lobbyist.

     (8) Sale of legal forms in any format.

     (9) Activities which are preempted by Federal law.

     (10) Serving in a neutral capacity as a clerk or court employee providing information to the public pursuant to Supreme Court Order.

     (10) (11) Such other activities that the Supreme Court has determined by published opinion do not constitute the unlicensed or unauthorized practice of law or that have been permitted under a regulatory system established by the Supreme Court.

     (c) Nonlawyer Assistants: Nothing in this rule shall affect the ability of nonlawyer assistants to act under the supervision of a lawyer in compliance with Rule 5.3 of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

     (d) General Information: Nothing in this rule shall affect the ability of a person or entity to provide information of a general nature about the law and legal procedures to members of the public.

     (e) Governmental agencies: Nothing in this rule shall affect the ability of a governmental agency to carry out responsibilities provided by law.

     (f) Professional Standards: Nothing in this rule shall be taken to define or affect standards for civil liability or professional responsibility.

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the State Supreme Court and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

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