How to Check a Lawyer's License in Washington

Before you hire a lawyer, it is reasonable to confirm that the person is licensed to practice law in Washington. A license check takes a few minutes and can save time and confusion later. This guide explains where to look, what to check, and what the results may not tell you.

This page is general information. It does not say whether any particular lawyer is a good fit for your matter.

Who licenses lawyers in Washington

In Washington, the Washington State Bar Association is responsible for lawyer licensing and professional discipline. Its website includes a Legal Directory and information about discipline. Those pages are the official starting point for a license check.

Be careful with lookalike websites, directories, or ads that do not link to an official bar page. A name on a third-party directory is not the same as a license record.

Step one: search the official directory

Start with the bar's Legal Directory and search by the lawyer's name. Compare the name, office location, and other listed details with what the lawyer told you. If the lawyer uses a different firm name or a nickname, try a search with their full legal name.

If you cannot find a record, do not assume the person is unlicensed. Ask the lawyer for their bar number, then check it on the official site. A licensed lawyer should be able to give you this information without difficulty.

Step two: read the status

A license can be active, inactive, suspended, or otherwise restricted. Read the status carefully. An inactive license may mean the lawyer is not currently allowed to practice, and a suspended license means the lawyer cannot practice during the suspension. Ask about any restriction before you go further.

Also check that the lawyer is licensed in Washington for the kind of work you need. Some lawyers are licensed in more than one state, and some are admitted only for limited purposes.

Step three: review discipline records

The bar's site publishes information about professional discipline. Look for public discipline or suspension notices that relate to the lawyer. Discipline does not always mean a lawyer is unfit for every matter, but it is important information. Read the summary, and ask the lawyer about it if it relates to your concern.

A clean record does not show how good a lawyer's work is, and a disciplinary history does not describe every case a lawyer handles. The record is one piece of information among several.

Step four: check experience in the right area

A valid license shows that a person is authorized to practice law. It does not show how much experience they have in your type of case. Ask how often they handle matters like yours, whether they have handled cases in the local courts where your matter would be filed, and who would work on your file.

Public directories may list practice areas, but those listings are often self-reported. Confirm the details during a conversation.

Step five: ask about fees and the agreement

Ask how the lawyer charges. Some lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they are paid a share of any recovery. Others charge by the hour or a flat fee. Ask what costs you may owe, whether you pay costs if you lose, and how billing works. Get the fee agreement in writing before the work starts.

Read the agreement before you sign it. Look for the scope of the work, how communication will happen, and how either side can end the relationship.

Questions to bring to the check

• Is your Washington license active right now?
• Has any discipline been imposed on your license, and is any of it public?
• Have you handled cases like mine in Washington courts?
• Who will do the work day to day?
• How do you charge, and what costs could I owe?
• Can you put the fee agreement in writing?

When a license check raises concerns

If the directory shows a status you do not understand, or if the lawyer cannot confirm their license, pause before you pay any money. Ask the bar or a legal aid office how to read the record. You can also choose a different lawyer.

Free and low-cost help

The Legal Services Corporation funds civil legal aid organizations and lets you search for programs by location. These programs can explain the basics of finding a lawyer and may refer you to services that fit your situation. Eligibility depends on the program and your income.

Frequently asked questions

Can I check a lawyer's license for free?

Yes. The Washington State Bar Association's public directory is available to anyone.

Does a license mean the lawyer will handle my case well?

No. A license confirms authorization to practice. It does not measure skill or outcome, so ask about experience and fees as well.

What if the lawyer is from another state?

Confirm their Washington license status first. If they are not licensed in Washington, ask how they plan to handle Washington matters.

Should I check the license again later?

It can help, especially if time passes between your first contact and the start of the work. Status can change.

Related: Lawyers in Washington and lawyers in Seattle.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed Washington attorney about your situation.