Frequently asked questions
Attorney, LLLT & Lawyer
What is an attorney?
In the most general sense this term denotes an agent or substitute, or one who is appointed and authorized to act in the place or stead of another. Black's Law Dictionary
What is a LLLT (Limited License Legal Technician)?
A Legal Technician practices law under a limited license. Legal Technicians are licensed to counsel and assist clients, short of representing them in court, in limited legal matters approved by the Washington Supreme Court.
What is a lawyer?
A person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel, or solicitor. Any person who, for fee or reward, prosecutes or defends causes in courts of record or other judicial tribunals of the United States, or of any of the states, or whose business it is to give legal advice in relation to any cause or matter whatever. Act of July 13, 1800. Black's Law Dictionary
Is a Legal Technician the same as a paralegal?
No. Paralegals are not licensed to practice law, and must work under the direct supervision of an attorney.
Is a Legal Technician the same as a lawyer?
No.
Generally speaking, a fully-licensed lawyer does not have limits on practice areas or tasks which they may perform. A lawyer may appear on a client’s behalf (as an attorney) and make legal arguments to the court.
A legal technician has a limited license to practice law within specific practice areas, and particular tasks within those areas.
Costs
Why do attorneys charge so much?
How much do legal technicians charge?
Like attorneys, legal technicians set their own rates. Many charge significantly less than attorneys, which is partially due to the limited nature of the legal technician's scope of practice.
What is a flat fee?
Legal Technicians (and attorneys too) may enter into an agreement with a client to perform specific work for a set price - a flat fee. Legal technicians must sign a fee agreement with all clients for whom they perform services, and a flat fee agreement spells out the work to be done, and the price for that work.
Self Representation
What does self represented mean?
A self represented person, or "pro se" litigant, is someone who speaks from themselves. This may be in writing, or in person in the courtroom, or any other type legal proceding, such as mediation.
Will a legal technician talk to the judge for me?
Currently, legal technicians are not able to speak to the judge or commission for their clients in the courtroom.