Legal Innovation or Ethical Risk? Washington Leads the Way

Legal Innovation or Ethical Risk? Washington Leads the Way

One state is spearheading an innovative, yet controversial idea in the legal world: Washington. 

In its pilot program, the state of Washington plans to “relax restrictions” regarding the “who” for the practice of law. This project enables organizations and businesses other than law firms, “to practice law” utilizing nontraditional business models and technology (with court approval). Much of the focus is on using these models and technology to modernize legal delivery as well as increasing the “affordability and access to legal services.”

Though approved by the Washington Supreme Court last December, such an initiative raises serious questions about ethics, oversight, and ultimately, the changing nature of legal services.