GR 24

Definition of the Practice of Law

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GR 24
DEFINITION OF THE PRACTICE OF LAW
(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.
[Adopted effective September 1, 2001; Amended effective April 30, 2002; October 7, 2020; June
27, 2023; September 1, 2025.]

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