Wash. R. ELC. ELC 4.7

As amended throough October 10, 2024
Rule ELC 4.7 - Enforcement of Subpoenas
(a) Authority. To enforce subpoenas issued under these rules, the Supreme Court delegates contempt authority to the Superior Courts as necessary for the Superior Courts to act under this rule.
(b) Procedure.
(1) If a person fails to obey a subpoena, or obeys the subpoena but refuses to testify or produce documents when requested, disciplinary counsel, the respondent lawyer or the person issuing the subpoena may petition the Superior Court of the county where the hearing is being conducted, where the subpoenaed person resides or is found, or where the subpoenaed documents are located, for enforcement of the subpoena. The petition must:
(A) be accompanied by a copy of the subpoena and proof of service;
(B) state the specific manner of the lack of compliance; and
(C) request an order compelling compliance.
(2) Upon the filing of the petition, the Superior Court enters an order directing the person to appear before it at a specified time and place to show cause why the person has not obeyed the subpoena or has refused to testify or produce documents. A copy of the Superior Court's show cause order must be served on the person.
(3) At the show cause hearing, if it appears to the Superior Court that the subpoena was properly issued, and that the particular questions the person refused to answer or the requests for production of documents were reasonable and relevant, the Superior Court enters an order requiring the person to appear at a specified time and place and testify or produce the required documents. On failing to obey this order, the person is dealt with as for contempt of court.

Wash. R. ELC. ELC 4.7

Adopted effective 10/1/2002.