Bar leaders propose formal license‑fee philosophy, plan member outreach ahead of 2027 rates

Washington State Bar Association leaders on Wednesday presented a draft “license‑fee philosophy” to guide annual license‑fee recommendations and a communications plan intended to prepare members for modest, predictable increases.

The presentation, led by Treasurer Kari Petrasic, Finance Director Tiffany Lynch and Chief Communications Officer Sarah Nagowsky, described a proposed approach that starts fee calculations with a cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) benchmark, then adjusts the figure up or down using membership trends, program needs and available reserves. The board’s Budget Audit Committee drafted the proposal and will seek member feedback this spring before the board considers final action in September.

Why it matters: license fees supply three‑quarters of the association’s general‑fund revenue and directly fund regulatory work, member services and programs the association says are required or expected by the Washington Supreme Court. Leaders said a transparent philosophy would let governors, staff and members understand why modest, periodic increases may be necessary rather than allowing a long period of flat fees followed by a large single‑year jump.

Lynch told governors the association “practices fund accounting. The general fund is our largest with the majority of our staff. Our budget is a total of a hundred and 47.5 FTEs,” and that about 36.5 of those FTEs are funded from the general fund. Lynch said the association…