Washington Limited License Legal Technician Rules of Professional Conduct – 2026

The ethics rules for Washington's limited license legal technicians, 65 rules in the same structure as the lawyers' RPC. It opens with the Fundamental Principles of Professional Conduct for an LLLT, which ground the rules in the concept that justice is based upon the rule of law and respect for the dignity of the individual, and then the Preamble on an LLLT's responsibilities. Rule 1.1 requires competent representation — the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary. The titles follow the lawyers' code: the client-LLLT relationship, counselor, advocate, transactions with persons other than clients, law firms and associations, public service, information about legal services, and maintaining the integrity of the profession. Rule 5.9 is the one with no lawyer counterpart, permitting business structures in which an LLLT and a lawyer share fees or form a partnership on the terms it sets. Washington no longer admits new LLLTs, but these rules govern those already licensed and are not repealed.

Last updated September 10, 2026

Browse all 65 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 Fundamental Principles Fundamental Principles of Professional Conduct Rule Preamble and Scope Preamble: An LLLT's Responsibilities Rule 1.0A Terminology Rule 1.0B Additional Terminology

Title 1 Client-LLLT Relationship

Rule 1.1 Competence Rule 1.2 Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between Client and LLLT Rule 1.3 Diligence Rule 1.4 Communication Rule 1.5 Fees Rule 1.6 Confidentiality of Information Rule 1.7 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients Rule 1.8 Conflict of Interest: Current Clients: Specific Rules Rule 1.9 Duties to Former Clients Rule 1.10 Imputation of Conflicts of Interest: General Rule Rule 1.11 Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees Rule 1.12 Former Judge, Arbitrator, Mediator or Other Third-party Neutral Rule 1.13 [Reserved.] Rule 1.14 Client with Diminished Capacity Rule 1.15A Safeguarding Property Rule 1.15B Required Trust Account Records Rule 1.16 Declining or Terminating Representation Rule 1.17 Sale of Law Practice Rule 1.18 Duties to Prospective Client

Title 2 Counselor

Rule 2.1 Advisor Rule 2.2 [Reserved.] Rule 2.3 [Reserved.] Rule 2.4 LLLT Serving as Third-party Neutral

Title 3 Advocate

Rule 3.1 Advising and Assisting Clients in Proceedings Before a Tribunal Rule 3.2 [Reserved.] Rule 3.3 [Reserved.] Rule 3.4 [Reserved.] Rule 3.5 [Reserved.] Rule 3.6 [Reserved.] Rule 3.7 [Reserved.] Rule 3.8 [Reserved.] Rule 3.9 [Reserved.]

Title 4 Transactions with Persons Other Than Clients

Rule 4.1 Truthfulness in Statements to Others Rule 4.2 Communication with Person Represented by Lawyer Rule 4.3 Dealing with Person Not Represented by Lawyer Rule 4.4 Respect for Rights of Third Persons

Title 5 Law Firms and Associations

Rule 5.1 Responsibilities of Partners, Managers, and Supervisory Lllts Rule 5.2 Responsibilities of a Subordinate LLLT Rule 5.3 Responsibilities Regarding Non-LLLT Assistants Rule 5.4 Professional Independence of an LLLT Rule 5.5 Unauthorized Practice of Law Rule 5.6 Restrictions on Right to Practice Rule 5.7 Responsibilities Regarding Law-related Services Rule 5.8 Misconduct Involving Lllts and Lawyers Not Actively Licensed to Practice Law Rule 5.9 Business Structures Involving LLLT and Lawyer Ownership

Title 6 Public Service

Rule 6.1 Pro Bono Publico Service Rule 6.2 [Reserved.] Rule 6.3 Membership in Legal Services Organization Rule 6.4 Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests Rule 6.5 Nonprofit and Court-annexed Limited Legal Service Programs

Title 7 Information About Legal Services

Rule 7.1 Communications Concerning an Lllt’s Services Rule 7.2 [Reserved.] Rule 7.3 Solicitation of Clients Rule 7.4 Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization Rule 7.5 Firm Names and Letterheads Rule 7.6 Political Contributions to Obtain Government Legal Engagements or Appointments by Judges

Title 8 Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession

Rule 8.1 Licensing, Admission, and Disciplinary Matters Rule 8.2 Judicial and Legal Officials Rule 8.3 Reporting Professional Misconduct Rule 8.4 Misconduct Rule 8.5 Disciplinary Authority