Services To Lawyers
WSBA implements the rules for admitting persons to the practice of law by means of biannual Bar Exams and annual relicensing. Its Office of Disciplinary Counsel investigates and prosecutes claims of lawyer misconduct, as specified in the Washington State Court Rules of Professional Conduct.
WSBA's Lawyer Services Department provides a variety of services:
- The Alternative Dispute Resolution Program helps lawyers and clients resolve fee disputes
- The Ethics/Professional Responsibility Program provides education on ethical matters. A telephone Ethics Line allows anonymous inquires by lawyers needing advice. WSBA Ethics Opinions are maintained online.
- The Law Office Management Assistance Program provides education and advice on running a law office, including a lending library and on-site education.
- The Lawyer-to-Lawyer program facilitates mentoring.
- The Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP) offers confidential mental health and chemical dependency counseling services for Washington state judges, lawyers, and third-year law students. The LAP was established to prevent or alleviate problems before they jeopardize an individual's ability to practice law. Services are confidential, as provided under Washington State Rules APR 19(b)
WSBA's Continuing Legal Education Department provides a broad array of educational opportunities for lawyers. It is entirely self-funded, and does not use members dues, to provide fair competition with other CLE providers.
Read more about this topic: Washington State Bar Association
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