Rule 1.3 Definitions

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms used in these rules have the following meanings:

(a) “Association” means the Washington State Bar Association;

(b) “Public file” means the pleadings, motions, rulings, decisions, and other formal papers filed in a proceeding;

(c) “Board” when used alone means the Limited License Legal Technician Board;

(d) “Board of Governors” means the Board of Governors of the Washington State Bar Association;

(e) “Chair” when used alone means the Chair of the Limited License Legal Technician Board;

(f) “Clerk” when used alone means the Association’s staff designated to work with the Limited License Legal Technician Board and includes the Director of Regulatory Services and other Association counsel where appropriate;

(g) “Firm” means any law firm or other business, whether public or private, that employs, or contracts for the services of, an LLLT;

(h) “Court” unless otherwise specified, means the Supreme Court of Washington;

(i) “Disciplinary action” means sanctions under rule 13.1 and admonitions under rule 13.5;

(j) “ELC” means the Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct;

(k) “Final” means no review has been sought in a timely fashion or all appeals have been concluded;

(l) “Grievant” means the person or entity who files a grievance (except for a confidential source under rule 5.2);

(m) “Hearing Officer” means the person assigned under rule 10.2(a)(1) or, when a hearing panel has been assigned, the hearing panel chair;

(n) “LLLT” means Limited License Legal Technician;

(o) “Mental or physical incapacity” includes, but is not limited to, insanity, mental illness, senility, or debilitating use of alcohol or drugs;

(p) "Panel" means a hearing panel under rule 10.2(a)(2);

(q) “Party” means disciplinary counsel or respondent, except in rule 2.3(c) “party” also includes a grievant;

(r) “Respondent” means an LLLT against whom a grievance is filed or an LLLT investigated by the Clerk or disciplinary counsel;

(s) “APR” means the Admission and Practice Rules;

(t) “CR” means the Superior Court Civil Rules;

(u) “RAP” means the Rules of Appellate Procedure;

(v) “LLLT RPC” means the Limited License Legal Technician Rules of Professional Conduct adopted by the Washington Supreme Court.

(w) Words of authority.

(1) “May” means “has discretion to,” “has a right to,” or “is permitted to.”

(2) “Must” means “is required to.”

(3) “Should” means recommended but not required.

[Adopted effective January 7, 2016 as an interim rule; Adopted effective October 28, 2025 as a permanent rule.]