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WA · rules

Wash. Gen. R. 24

Definition of the Practice of Law

activein force · 2025-09-01 – presentact-effective-date

(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 and

Practice Rules 3(g) (pro bono admission), 8 (limited admissions for: a particular action or

proceeding; indigent representation; house counsel), 9 (licensed legal interns), 12 (limited

practice officers), 14 (foreign law consultants), or 28 (limited license legal technicians).

(2) Serving as a courthouse 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 in civil protection orders matters as permitted by chapter 7.105

RCW by any person authorized to do so under chapter 7.105 RCW.

(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.

(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.

History

[Adopted effective September 1, 2001; Amended effective April 30, 2002; October 7, 2020; June 27, 2023; September 1, 2025.]

Provenance

Source
www.courts.wa.gov
Retrieved
2026-09-16
Edition
2026-09-16
Content hash
1b71de5083875513db1915c5af8a74645d5b25c0861f88e70f7970039f81d5ff
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