What sparked the creation of a resource that would become indispensable to generations of lawyers? How did a snowy day in the early 1970s lead to the birth of the Washington Lawyer’s Practice Manual? And how has a project that began as three volumes for young lawyers grown into a cornerstone of professional development and a vital source of support for all attorneys?
After attending a Young Lawyers Section “Bridging the Gap” seminar, Lowell Halverson was struck by both the quality of the program and the realization of the amount of practical training law school had left out. Believing he could simply visit the King County Bar’s offices to review past seminar materials and fill in those gaps, he quickly discovered that no such resource existed. Rather than accept the gap, he and Joseph Murphy set out to build the very guide they wished they’d had. By 1976, their vision had become a three-volume, 1,500-page manual. The development of the manual was so groundbreaking that it won the ABA’s Award of Achievement as the nation’s most outstanding project.
Today, the Washington Lawyer’s Practice Manual is one of the most comprehensive legal reference sets available, spanning eight volumes and more than 5,000 pages across 26 practice areas. Updated annually and authored by over 100 volunteer attorneys and judges, the manual provides practitioners with current information, tips, and practical guidance. Its continued success depends on the dedication of volunteer authors and content editors who share their expertise and ensure the Manual remains accurate, current, and practical.
Are you interested in joining this group of dedicated volunteer authors and content editors who ensure the manual is up to date every year? If so, this is your opportunity to join the team. Volunteers may serve as content editors, authors, or both (as some do).
Curious about what each position entails? Content editors serve as the vital link between authors and editorial staff and ensure chapters are updated, deadlines are met, and revisions reflect the highest standards. This role is ideal for newer lawyers looking to expand their legal knowledge, build professional connections, and work directly with recognized experts.
Our authors are leading practitioners in Washington law who share their expertise to strengthen the profession and support the next generation of lawyers. Authors contribute to chapters by drafting and updating content in their field, ensuring the Washington Lawyer’s Practice Manual remains an essential statewide resource.
Although we need help throughout the manual, we are especially seeking new authors for chapters in:
- Collecting Claims and Enforcing Judgments,
- Criminal Trial Practice and Techniques,
- Damages: Measure and Proof,
- Internet and Technology,
- Personal Injury (Plaintiff and Defense),
- Real Property Practice,
- Tax Practice.
If being a content editor is a better match for you, we are recruiting in the following areas:
- Bankruptcy Practice,
- Business Law Practice,
- Criminal Trial Practice,
- Real Property Practice.
If you are seeking an opportunity to expand your professional knowledge, connect with colleagues, and make a lasting contribution to the legal community, we encourage you to join the team of volunteer authors and content editors who bring the Washington Lawyer’s Practice Manual to life each year. To learn more or express your interest, please contact KCBA Publications at publications@kcba.org.
Kathleen Jensen is KCBA’s executive director, and she can be reached by email at kathleenj@kcba.org or phone at 206-267-7053.
WLPM Committee Feedback:
- “It is a great way to get yourself up to speed with legal developments in your area of practice.”
- “It is a lot of fun to collaborate and connect with other
authors/subject-matter editors.”
- “It feels good to produce a quality final product that will be helpful to other attorneys (and which will ultimately, hopefully, help clients).”
- “It’s great for people who enjoy writing and editing.”
- “It’s a wonderful way to help support KCBA’s pro bono programs.”
This feedback was compiled by Kate Laner, attorney with the Medical-Legal Partnership of the Northwest Justice Project, who has served as a WLPM subject-
area editor since 2014 and content editor since the 2020-2021 update.
