Washington Admission and Practice Rules – 2026
The Admission and Practice Rules govern who may practice law in Washington: admission by examination and by reciprocity, the character and fitness process, pro hac vice appearances, and the state's limited licenses, including limited practice officers.
Browse all 54 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
Rule 1
In General; Supreme Court; Prerequisites to the Practice of Law; Communications to the Bar; Confidentiality; Definitions
Rule 2
Board of Governors
Rule 3
Applicants for Admission to Practice Law
Rule 4
Examinations for Admission; Notification of Results
Rule 5
Preadmission Requirements; Oath: Recommendation for Admission; Order Admitting to Practice Law
Rule 6
Law Clerk Program
Rule 7
Reserved
Rule 8
Nonmember Lawyer Licenses to Practice Law
Rule 9
Licensed Legal Interns
Rule 10
Reserved
Rule 11
Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE)
Regs
Regulations of the Washington State Continuing Legal Education Board - Deleted
Rule 12
Limited Practice Rule for Limited Practice Officers
LP_REGS
Regulations of the APR 12 Limited Practice Board (RESERVED)
LP_DIS_REGS
Disciplinary Regulations Applicable to ELPOC Title 15 (DELETED)
Rule 13
Signing of Pleadings and Other Papers; Address of Record; Electronic Mail Address; Notice of Change of Address, Telephone Number, or Name
Rule 14
Limited Practice Rule for Foreign Law Consultants
Rule 15
Client Protection Fund
Rule 15P
Client Protection Fund (APR 15) Procedural Regulations
Rule 16
Reserved
Rule 17
Administrative Suspension from Practice
Rule 18
Reserved
Rule 19
Lawyer, LLLT, and LPO Services
Rule 20
Definitions Relating to Character and Fitness Determinations Determinations
Rule 20.1
Application of Rules
Rule 20.2
Meetings (DELETED)
Rule 20.3
Bar Counsel (DELETED)
Rule 20.4
Clerk (DELETED)
Rule 20.5
Service (DELETED)
Rule 21
Factors Considered when Determining character and Fitness
Rule 22
Character and Fitness Review of Applications for Admission: Applicant Duties and Rights
Rule 22.1
Review of Applications
Rule 22.2
Applicant Duties and Rights
Rule 23
Character and Fitness Board
Rule 23.1
Authority of Character and Fitness Board
Rule 23.2
Meetings
Rule 23.3
Clerk
Rule 23.4
Service
Rule 24
Character and Fitness Board Hearings
Rule 24.1
Hearing Procedure
Rule 24.2
Decision and Recommendation
Rule 24.3
Action on Supreme Court's Determination
Rule 24.4
Decision and Recommendation (DELETED)
Rule 24.5
Action on Supreme Court's Determination (DELETED)
Rule 25
Petitions for Reinstatement after Disbarment
Rule 25.1
Restrictions on Reinstatement
Rule 25.2
Reversal of Conviction
Rule 25.3
Petitions and Investigations
Rule 25.4
Hearing Before Character and Fitness Board
Rule 25.5
Action by Character and Fitness Board
Rule 25.6
Action on Supreme Court's Determination
Rule 26
Insurance Disclosure
Rule 27
Provision of Legal Services Following Determination of Major Disaster
Rule 28
Limited Practice Rule for Limited License Legal Technicians