Rule 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 to another to complete a form provided by a court for protection under RCW chapters 10.14 (harassment) or 26.50 (domestic violence prevention) when no fee is charged to do so.(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 9/1/2001; Amended effective 4/30/2002; amended effective 10/7/2020; 6/27/2023.