About
Subject-specific books written by local experts are great sources for those practicing in the state. They cover diverse subjects such as environmental law, family law, criminal law, etc. Some of these treatises are called "deskbooks."
Washington State Bar Association Deskbooks
The Washington State Bar Association has published deskbooks on a wide variety of subjects. A list on WSBA's website includes tables of contents for each. WSBA Deskbooks are available through Fastcase (UW users and law library visitors), Casemaker Libra (UW users and law library visitors), and Lexis (UW Law only).
The following list highlights some frequently used volumes.
If you are using one of the online services, you can search across all the deskbooks at once.
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Washington Appellate Practice Deskbook, 4th ed.
Call Number: Reference Area (KFW584 .W38 2016)Publication Date: 2016 to present -
Washington Civil Procedure Deskbook, 3d ed.
Call Number: Reference Area (KFW538.A6 W37 2014)Publication Date: 2014 to present3 volumes; not updated yet.
Arranged by the Rules of Civil Procedure. Includes sample forms, checklists, and pleadings.
Table of contents and index to forms and checklists.
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Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Administration in Washington
Publication Date: 2020- -
Washington Family Law Deskbook, 2d ed.
Call Number: Reference Area (KFW94 .W37 2000)Publication Date: 2000- (latest supp: 2012)3 volumes.
Covers children, marital and nonmarital relationships, property, support, and related issues.
Table of contents and index to forms.
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Washington Legal Ethics Deskbook, 2d ed.
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Publication Date: 2020- -
Washington Motor Vehicle Accident Deskbook, 2d ed.
Call Number: Reference Area (KFW196.3.A8 W37 2001)Publication Date: 2001 to present -
Washington Real Property Deskbook Series, 4th ed.
Call Number: Reference Area (KFW112 .W372 2009)Publication Date: 2009 to present7 volumes, updated irregularly.
Real Estate Essentials (Vol. 1 and 2)Real Property Interests and Duties of Third Parties (Vol. 3)Causes of Action, Taxation, Regulation (Vol. 4)Land Use Planning (Vol. 5)Land Use Development (Vol. 6) Environmental Regulation (Vol. 7)
To identify other WSBA deskbooks in the Gallagher Law Library, search the Library's catalog with the phrase "washington state" and deskbook.
Practice Materials from Other Publishers
Although the Bar Association is the most prolific publisher of deskbooks, several other publishers have also produced books for the Washington lawyer. Sample titles from other publishers:
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Washington Employment Law Deskbook, 2d ed. byCall Number: Reference Area (KFW331 .W372 2010)Publication Date: 20101 volume. The 3d ed. (2013) is available only to members of the Association.
Covers a wide range of labor and employment issues -
Washington Employment Law, 20th ed.
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Call Number: Reference Area (KFW331 .W37)Publication Date: 2015 -
The Law of Evidence in Washington, 5th ed.
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Call Number: Reference Area (KFW580 .A97)Publication Date: 2013 to presentLexis (UW Law) -
Washington Business Entities: Law and Forms, 2d ed.
Call Number: Reference Area (KFW213 .L36 2005)Publication Date: 2005 to present3 volumes; updated annually.
Covers domestic and foreign corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and social purpose corporations.
Lexis (UW Law). -
Washington Torts and Personal Injury (LexisNexis Practice Guide)
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Call Number: Reference Area (KFW195.A15 L49)Publication Date: 2014 to presentCovers intentional torts, medical malpractice, negligence, products liability, toxic torts, wrongful death, and other torts.
Table of contents. Published annually.
Lexis (UW Law).