Limited License Legal Technicians
(LLLTs)

A Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) is a legal professional licensed by the Washington State Supreme Court to practice family law with a limited scope. LLLTs are not lawyers.

The LLLT program was created by the Washington State Supreme Court in 2012 to provide access to justice for those who know they can’t afford an attorney but don’t qualify for pro bono legal aid. A Limited License Legal Technician is the legal equivalent of a nurse practitioner.

I am licensed to advise and assist with basic family law matters. In order to be licensed, LLLTs are held to a very high legal standard, and in order to be licensed, they are required to have a combination of education and experience, and are required to pass several examinations, including the LLLT Bar Exam, conducted by the Washington State Bar Association.

As your LLLT, I help with your case from start to finish. I will work with you to draft, file and finalize the proper court documents.

I help save time. I know how to navigate the court system, so you don’t have to. I may negotiate for you with your written approval in advance. I can also help prepare you for mediation or a court hearing.

I help clients save money. In addition to a reduced cost for services, another important difference between an LLLT and an attorney is that you will remain a pro se (self-represented) litigant. As your LLLT, I cannot go to trial or speak directly to the court on your behalf, but I will help you prepare to self-advocate.

I help point you in the right direction. If your matter develops in a way that is out of the LLLT scope of practice, I must refer you to an attorney, much like a nurse practitioner would refer a patient to a surgeon, if needed.

LLLTs offer personal licensed legal services to the public at a lower cost than an attorney. I work with you one on one to save you both time and money. In my practice I typically request an advance fee deposit from clients.

Short answer: probably! A LLLT can assist with most family law matters, with several exceptions. LLLTs practice law following APR 28 (Admission to Practice Rule 28). I can assist with divorce, parenting plans, child support, modifications, dividing property and debts (up to specific limits), and finalizing your matter.

If your matter is more complicated and goes beyond the legal technician scope of practice, I must refer you to an attorney or work with an attorney who will provide me with written directions. If your case requires a referral, you will have a separate engagement agreement with that person.