More regression

[cilla4progress]

I have a special license to practice law as a nonattorney in Washington state. Washington was the first state to issue these licenses, and now other states are following. I am proud to have been the 2nd person to earn the license, in 2015. There is a rigorous education, training, and exam program, but far less expensive than law school, and far more practical. We are able to pass along the savings to clients, charging about 1/3 of what attorneys bill.

Since about 2016, the makeup of our Court and the Board of Governors of the State Bar association has turned over, and now they are sunsetting our license - no more Legal Technicians will be licensed. Because we have proven to be incompetent? No. Allegedly, because it's costing the Bar too much of its budget - 1% per year! The Justices on the court who support the license, I'm told, are struggling to go to work every day! And so much hypocrisy, as our Court issued some pablum about racial / equal justice after George Floyd's murder last summer.

I see now that what I thought was stability and evolution, progress and raised consciousness in my 20s, in the 1970s, was but an illusion.

Grieving today.

[secondwind]

1. That's a bummer... you would think with all that is going on in this country, that

"the more the merrier" would be the way to go. Am very sorry this has happened to you.

[cilla4progress]

2. You would think...

I will not lose my license, just, no more new licenses will be issued.

[rsdsharp]

9. That was my question --whether they were revoking existing licenses.

I’m glad to hear that they aren’t; I think that would be a deprivation of a property right without due process.

Still, it’s sad, if predictable, that the program is being discontinued.

[Evolve Dammit]

3. I too grieve for what could have been. I am sorry to hear of another backward move from a sound idea

The 70's held much promise. Seems like the dark forces just never stop. Neither can we of course, but I'm not 20 anymore.

[cilla4progress]

4. Your DU name

is perfect for these times. Thank you!

[Evolve Dammit]

8. I had so much hope then. Evolution toward a better society and world is so slow, but thanks.

[bucolic_frolic]

5. Yeah, that must have ruffled some feathers

[cilla4progress]

6. Yeah, not the least of which

Is new Chief on the Court.

[dlk]

7. Professional groups are very protective of their special status

Lawyers, doctors; for example, there’s a reason there are a limited number of medical schools in the US. It’s not surprising to see these changes to WA legal licensing. Especially now, monopolies are only increasing.