Washington State Launches Pilot Program for Nonprofits and Businesses to Provide Legal Services Without Licensed Lawyers

Washington State Launches Historic Pilot Program to Expand Legal Services Access

October 21, 2023 – Olympia, WA

In a groundbreaking move to enhance access to legal services, Washington State has officially opened the application portal for its Entity Regulation Pilot Project, allowing businesses and nonprofits to provide legal services without the need for licensed attorneys. This initiative, approved by the Washington Supreme Court late last year, is seen as a pivotal step in addressing the ongoing legal service gap in the state.

“This is an opportunity for anyone with an innovative business idea to do good by doing well,” said Terra Nevitt, executive director of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA). “Despite decades of efforts, we have not made a meaningful dent in the access-to-justice gap. The Entity Regulation Pilot Project allows us to explore legal service models never before possible that could amplify legal access and reach.”

The pilot program comes in response to a chronic shortage of lawyers in Washington, particularly evident in criminal courts where public defense offices struggle to manage overwhelming caseloads. County governments are increasingly burdened with rising costs to ensure that the indigent population receives adequate representation.

Managed by the WSBA and the state’s Practice of Law Board, the pilot is authorized for a decade, during which the court will assess the data collected to determine if permanent regulatory changes are warranted. Advocates believe this innovative approach could revolutionize legal services, incorporating technology such as AI applications to assist individuals in navigating issues like medical debt reduction and housing disputes.

However, reactions from legal professionals have been mixed. Some Tri-City-based attorneys express concerns about the implications of unlicensed legal services. While technology can empower individuals to better understand their rights, the absence of oversight from trained attorneys raises alarms about accountability and the potential for consumer exploitation.

Matthew Purcell, a family law attorney in Kennewick, voiced his apprehensions, stating, “To me, this has an appearance that it’s about money, about creating a new industry for a corporate entity to make money. It feels like we are replacing people with technology, which should always be approached with caution.”

As the pilot program unfolds, it remains to be seen how this initiative will reshape the landscape of legal services in Washington and whether it will effectively bridge the access-to-justice gap that has persisted for years. Advocates and critics alike will be watching closely as the state embarks on this unprecedented journey into the future of legal service delivery.