Rule 12.1. Regulatory Objectives

Legal services providers must be regulated in the public interest. In regulating the practice of law in Washington, the Washington Supreme Court’s objectives include:

(a) protection of the public;

(b) advancement of the administration of justice and the rule of law;

(c) meaningful access to justice and information about the law, legal issues, and the civil and criminal justice systems;

(d) transparency regarding the nature and scope of legal services to be provided, the credentials of those who provide them, and the availability of regulatory protections;

(e) delivery of affordable and accessible legal services;

(f) efficient, competent, and ethical delivery of legal services;

(g) protection of privileged and confidential information;

(h) independence of professional judgment;

(i) accessible civil remedies for negligence and breach of other duties owed, disciplinary sanctions for misconduct, and advancement of appropriate preventive or wellness programs;

(j) diversity and inclusion among legal services providers and freedom from discrimination for those receiving legal services and in the justice system.