Washington Legal Recruiters

The Legal Industry in Washington 

Washington state’s legal industry is currently experiencing a period of growth and adaptation. The state has a diverse legal market, with a mix of large law firms, small practices, and alternative legal service providers. The legal industry in Washington state is also adapting to changing client demands and advancements in technology, with a focus on alternative legal service providers such as virtual law firms and contract attorneys. There is also growth in niche areas of law, such as environmental law and medical malpractice, in response to increased demand. 

The state’s economy has been growing steadily, creating increased business activity and a demand for legal services. Washington state has a high concentration of lawyers, with an estimated 40,000 licensed attorneys practicing in the state, and is an also attractive location for law students, with several top-ranked law schools located there.  

Is it Difficult to Practice Law in Washington? 

There are multiple ways in which you can become licensed to practice law in Washington. The typical route involves sitting for the bar exam. In order to do so, you must complete the following steps: 

• Receive a J.D. degree from an accredited law school. 
• Pass the Washington State Bar Examination, which is administered by the Washington State Bar Association. 
• Complete a character and fitness review by the Washington State Bar Association to ensure that you have the necessary ethical and moral qualifications to practice law. 
• Be admitted to the Washington State Bar Association by the Washington Supreme Court. 
• Complete continuing legal education requirements to maintain the license to practice law in Washington state. 

The Washington State Bar Association allows attorneys from other states to practice law in Washington state under the following conditions: 

• The attorney must be an active member in good standing of the bar of another state. 
• Washington state has reciprocity agreements with some other states, which allow licensed attorneys from those states to practice law in Washington without taking the bar examination. 
• Attorneys from other states may also be admitted to practice law in Washington on a temporary basis for a specific case, known as “Pro Hac Vice” admission. This requires the attorney to meet with a Washington state licensed attorney and be approved by the court. 
• Attorneys from other states may also be eligible for Multijurisdictional Practice (MJP) certification, which allows them to practice law in Washington and other states where they are licensed. MJP certification requires the attorney to meet certain qualifications and pass a competency examination. 

You can read more at the Washington State Bar Association website. 

Becoming a licensed attorney in Washington state offers many opportunities for building professional connections in a thriving and growing legal market. Additionally, we have a vast network of legal recruitment firms available to assist both new and experienced lawyers in finding suitable job prospects.