March 1, 2025
King County Superior Court Local Rules - Proposed Changes
Comment Period open March 1 to April 30, 2025
A marked-up copy of the proposed amendments is available HERE
and at the Clerk’s Office copy center in the King County Courthouse (Seattle) and the Maleng Regional Justice Center (Kent).
The proposed new and amended rules which include substantive changes include:
LGR 15; LCR 4; LCR 7; LCR 12; LCR 37; LCR 40; LCR 40.1; LCR 53.2; LCR 56; LCR 98.22; LJuCR 2.5; LFLR 5; LFLR 14; LFLR 24.
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February 24, 2025
The Washington State Supreme Court Disability Justice Task Force is conducting a survey to better understand how courts serve people with disabilities and address systemic barriers in the legal system. This first phase of the survey is for judges, attorneys, court staff, and legal professionals to share insights on court policies, procedures, and challenges in serving people with disabilities. Your feedback will help shape recommendations for a more inclusive and effective court system. A second survey will be released later for people with disabilities to share their experiences directly.
The survey takes just 15-20 minutes to complete. It closes on February 21, 2025 do not miss your chance to contribute!
· Take the survey now: DJTF Survey Link
· Learn more and Access the survey on our website: Disability Justice Task Force Website
If you have any technical difficulties with the survey contact DJTFSurvey@kmgconsultingfirm.com
Thank you for helping improve the court system for all.
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February 14, 2025
2025 Charles A. Goldmark
Distinguished Service Award Recipient
Nancy Dykes Isserlis
“Everybody can find something that interests them, and they can help out by taking a case,
serving on a board or donating money, or all three.”
Goldmark Award Luncheon
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February 5, 2025
Save the Date: Rural Hiring Event
On April 4, 2025, attorneys and law students can connect with Washington state legal employers in rural and small-town areas at the 3rd Annual Virtual Hiring Event, hosted by the WSBA Small Town and Rural (STAR) Council. This free event will be hosted by Gonzaga University School of Law, in partnership with Seattle University School of Law and University of Washington School of Law. Click here to register today!
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January 23, 2025
The Washington State Self-Support Reserve webpage has been updated for 2025.
The self-support reserve increased by $61.00 to $1569.00 effective January 15, 2025.
Washington State Courts use the self-support reserve to calculate low-income limitations when setting child support. The self-support reserve is 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for a one-person family. RCW 26.19.065(2). Washington State uses the poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 9902(2). The poverty guidelines were updated in the Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines, 90 FR 5917, 5917-5918 (January 17, 2025).
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December 31, 2024
Updated Pattern Forms Announcement
The Administrative Office of the Courts has updated pattern forms on the Washington Court Forms homepage (https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.home&dis=y). You may not be able to locate all the updated forms at the link provided above. However, the AOC is working to improve those options over time. You may access a list of all forms at: https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.static&staticID=14.
The following form sets were updated for January 1, 2025, and the quick links to them are provided below:
· Felony Judgment and Sentence
· Misdemeanor Judgment and Sentencing
The Summary of Changes, when posted, can be located here.
The AOC thanks the Washington Pattern Forms Committee and all the subcommittees for creating the new forms and updating the existing forms for statewide use.
The AOC appreciates the feedback received from court form users. Any feedback or questions about the court forms can be provided to the Washington Pattern Forms Committee at this link: https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.formsComments
Washington’s collection of translated court forms is growing. Links to translated pattern forms are on the forms homepage.
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December 5, 2024
Washington State Supreme Court
Entity Regulation Order
On Dec. 5, 2024, the Washington Supreme Court entered an order authorizing a timebound, data-driven test of entity regulation. The pilot will allow successful applicants to practice law under timebound, limited exemptions from otherwise applicable Court rules and statutes governing the practice of law in Washington. Under Order 25700-B-721, the Washington State Bar Association and the Practice of Law Board will collaborate to implement and run the pilot under the supervision of the Court. [Source: WSBA POLB]
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December 2, 2024
King County Superior Court Employment Opportunity
Job Posting Excerpts
King County Superior Court is seeking qualified applicants for two Court Commissioner positions in Family Law Court with a focus on Civil Protection Order calendars. … This position is at-will and serves at the pleasure of the court. … This position is open to attorneys licensed to practice in Washington State. Candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for future recruitments. … he hours of work may vary but are typically between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at one of the King County Superior Court facilities, with additional reading required outside of regular court hours. … This position may serve in any of the King County Superior Court facilities: King County Courthouse - 516 3rd Ave, Seattle WA 98104; Patricia Clark Children and Family Justice Center - 1211 E. Alder, Seattle, WA 98122; Maleng Regional Justice Center, 401 4th Ave. N., Kent, WA 98032.
Family Law Commissioners hear family law matters, including but not limited to the following issues: • Temporary orders, including parenting plans, support, property distribution, and additional issues. • Adequate cause for modification of parenting plans • Determination of parentage • Child custody • Restraining orders • Civil Protection Orders • Contempt and enforcement • Dissolutions of marriage • Legal separations • Other matters as assigned by the Presiding Judge
At least 50% of the applicant's current practice and a minimum of five years of recent experience must be in the area of family law under RCW Title 26; one year or more of experience in the area of Civil Protection Orders under RCW 7.105 (26.50); or experience deemed as equivalent. Familiarity with King County Family Law rules and practice is required.
Applicants must meet the requirements of RCW 2.24.010. Membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association, with no history of discipline by the Washington State Bar Association, is required. Must be able to use a personal computer, Microsoft Office programs, and the Zoom videoconferencing application.
Knowledge of the judicial system, including applicable law and King County local rules, statutes, legal principles and case precedents, court procedures, King County Superior Court protocols, and King County Superior Court calendaring practices is required.
The ability to objectively identify, analyze and interpret legal issues, principles and arguments; direct and control courtroom proceedings in a decisive, orderly, equitable and trauma-informed manner is required. A successful candidate will be able to communicate orally and in writing in a concise, professional, and effective manner, exercise appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor, and effectively handle pressure in difficult and unexpected situations by responding in a calm, trauma informed and rational manner.
The ability to effectively manage a high-volume court calendar within appropriate time frames, including the requisite reading and preparation, is required.
The ability to proficiently use court-based technology programs, including KC Script, KCMS, ShareFile, and E-Filing is required.
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November 18, 2024
Washington Courts Network Status Update
“The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is in the process of bringing up systems on the Washington Courts network, following successful work and testing throughout the weekend. While forensic analysis is ongoing, according to security experts, AOC has taken all steps necessary at this time to secure systems and the unauthorized activity that was detected has been eliminated. We can confirm that there was no detected breach of data and the event did not result in ransomware, due to quick action taken to isolate and secure the network. A post-event release will follow the next meeting of the state's Judicial Information System Committee in December as we learn more. As we continue to bring up the system, it is anticipated that there will be intermittent disruptions as the network and its applications are highly interconnected and operating in a new technical environment. To help minimize disruptions, the Blake Refund Bureau, the Appellate Court Document Portal and e-filing for appellate courts will continue to be offline until the network is stable. We appreciate the public's continued patience as we work towards providing full restoration and functionality.”
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November 14, 2024
CLERK’S ALERT
King County Superior Court Clerk’s Office E-Filing Systems Replacement Project
The King County Clerk’s Office/Department of Judicial Administration replaced its E-Filing application on November 12, 2024. Instead of filing documents through a separate application, electronic filing are now integrated into the Clerk’s Office case management system (also known as the KC Script Portal).
Previously, the E-Filing application allowed customers to electronically file a new case, file documents into an existing case, and register for e-service; as well as submit Orders for Review, Ex Parte via the Clerk submissions, and electronic working copies. The new system allows customers to access all E-Filing services through the KC Script Portal.
WEBINAR
The Clerk’s Office provides instructions and a webinar about the new system. These resources guide customers on how to use the new E-Filing features. If you are not able to attend this session, it will be recorded and available for viewing on the Clerk’s Office website. Also, attorneys can obtain CLE credit for attending this public webinar.
E-Filing Public Webinar: November 14, 2024—12:15-1:45
Registration Link
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October 4, 2024
On July 17, 2024, the Washington State Bar Association’s Practice of Law Board approved an initial draft order for implementing a pilot test of entity regulation. Following a comment period, on September 18, 2024, the Practice of Law Board approved a revised draft order to implement a pilot test for submission to the Washington Supreme Court. A clean version of the revised order was submitted to the Court as a Proposed Order for Pilot Project to Test Entity Regulation on September 27, 2024. Review the feedback received on the Entity Regulation Pilot Project here. For more information, please visit the Pilot Test of Entity Regulation page.
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September 28, 2024
‘‘Security And Financial Empowerment for Survivors Act of 2024’’ or the ‘‘SAFE for Survivors Act of 2024’’. S.5132 - A bill to promote the economic security and safety of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and for other purposes.
Highlights of the 2024 SAFE Act include:
Increased Access to Leave; The SAFE for Survivors Act allows victims to take time off from work—40 days of leave, ten of which must be paid—without penalty in order to contend with the consequences of gender-based violence, including attending court appearances, seeking legal assistance, and getting help with safety planning. For too many victims, access to these essential services can mean the difference between life and death.
Enhanced Workplace Protections; The SAFE for Survivors Act prohibits discriminatory employment practices in connection with survivors of domestic or sexual violence and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to assist survivor dealing with the aftermath of violence.
Access to Unemployment Benefits; The SAFE for Survivors Act allows victims in every state access to unemployment benefits if they are fired or forced to leave their job because of abuse.
Insurance Protections for Survivors; The SAFE for Survivors Act prohibits denial or restriction of insurance coverage based on the status of the applicant or insured regarding abuse or abuse related claims, ensuring that victims are not punished for their abusers’ crimes.
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September 21, 2024
Third-Party Visitation
Possible Washington State Legislative Proposal?
The Washington State Bar Association’s Family Law Executive Committee (FLEC) has been advised of the potential submission of new, uniform legislation that would significantly re-write Washington’s current third-party visitation statute, enacted in 2018, currently codified under chapter 26.11 RCW.
This potential uniform legislation, based upon a 2018 template that has in the past six years been adopted by only Kansas and North Dakota, would significantly expand the scope of standing for a petitioning party to bring an action for third-party visitation. Moreover, this potential uniform legislation would expand the remedies available to a court such that ex parte relief, temporary relief, ordering the appointment of guardian ad litem, appointment of counsel for the subject child[ren] and the ordering of services for parties would become available, all of which are currently unavailable under the current law.
FLEC has had an opportunity to review this potential uniform legislation and has taken the position to oppose such a bill if it were to be dropped. It is FLEC’s position, inter alia, that the potential uniform legislation would be found to be unconstitutional along the same lines as has occurred in Washington’s (and the US Sup. Ct.) robust appellate history by way of Troxel, Smith, and C.A.M.A.
Updated information on this topic will be included on this Breaking News page and on the Legislative Activity page.
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September 6, 2024
WSBA Board of Governors Meeting
Presentation by Practice of Law Board member Craig Shank on POLB’s
Proposed Pilot Project for Entity Regulation.
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Date: August 31, 2024
Re: WSBA Practice of Law Board (POLB) Proposed Beta Test of Entity Regulation
The WSBA Board of Governors will meet Friday and Saturday, September 6-7, 2024. Here are links to the Saturday, Sept. 7 Agenda* and Materials. An agenda item will be the Practice of Law Board (POLB) Proposed Beta Test of Entity Regulation.
The following is the relevant excerpt in the Materials:
One of WSBA’s current strategic priorities is to assess technology-related opportunities and threats and to determine its role with respect to regulation, consumer protection, and support for legal professionals. In furtherance of that priority, in November 2023, the Board voted to support conducting a beta test (now referred to as a pilot project) of entity regulation using the Framework for Data-Driven Legal Regulatory Reform created by the Practice of Law Board (POLB).1 On July 17, the POLB approved a draft order that, if approved by the Court, would provide the authority and establish the roles and responsibilities for executing the pilot project. In July, we also began to develop a communications and outreach plan to ensure that there is an opportunity for review of and feedback about the draft plan before it is submitted to the Court. This plan includes providing an opportunity for member and public comment during the September Board of Governors meeting. Feedback can also be submitted to entityregulationpilot@wsba.org
More information, including the draft order and a frequently asked questions document, is available here. The goal is to send the proposed order and feedback to the Court at the end of September as a joint recommendation of the POLB and WSBA.
The WSBA Family Law Executive Committee (FLEC) has expressed concerns and questions about POLB’s proposal in this Letter addressed to the Board of Governors and the Superior Court Judges Association.
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Related:
Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, Denver University
Regulatory Models
Domestic
Implemented Programs:
Utah
The Latest in Utah
The Utah Supreme Court Office of Legal Services Innovation (Includes authorized entities and activity reports)
Background Resources
Data & Evaluation
Programs Under Consideration:
Illinois
The Latest in Illinois
Background Resources
Minnesota
The Latest in Minnesota
Minnesota State Bar Takes Big Step Toward Launching Gen AI Regulatory Sandbox (August 2024) — [See following note]
Implications of Large Language Models (LLMs) on the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) and Access to Justice, MSBA Working Group on AI (June 2024)
Washington
The Latest in Washington
Background Resources
Programs Not Moving Forward:
California
The Latest in California
Background Resources
Florida
The Latest in Florida
Background Resources
Virginia
The Latest in Virginia
Background Resources
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The Minnesota State Bar Association is currently seeking members interested in serving on a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee. The Committee will further explore recommendations from the AI Working Group in addition to monitoring developments in AI as they impact the legal profession, with a goal of providing guidance and best practices to attorneys in ethics and other areas. The Committee will meet monthly via zoom beginning in the fall of 2024.