2009 WSBA Annual Awards Recipients to Be Honored

The Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors takes great pleasure in announcing the recipients of the 2009 WSBA Annual Awards. The awards will be presented at the WSBA Annual Awards Dinner in Seattle on September 24, 2009, with the following exceptions:

  • The Pro Bono Award was presented to Jonathan Yeh and Dan Young at the Access to Justice Conference in Yakima in May. 
  • The Norm Maleng Leadership Award was presented to Judge Mary Yu at the Access to Justice Conference in Yakima in May. 

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Award of Merit

First given in 1957, this is the WSBA's highest honor. The Award of Merit is most often given for long-term service to the Bar or the public, although it has also been presented in recognition of a single, extraordinary contribution or project. It is awarded to individuals only — both lawyers and nonlawyers.

2009 Award of Merit Recipient

The Honorable Deborah Fleck, Seattle


Professionalism Award

This honor is awarded to a member of the WSBA who exemplifies the spirit of professionalism in the practice of law. "Professionalism" is defined as the pursuit of a learned profession in the spirit of service to the public and in the sharing of values with other members of the profession.

2009 Professionalism Award Recipient

Richard E. Mitchell, Seattle


Angelo Petruss Award for Lawyers in Public Service

Named in honor of the late Angelo R. Petruss, a senior assistant attorney general who passed away during his term of service on the WSBA Board of Governors, this award is given to a lawyer in government service who has made a significant contribution to the legal profession, the justice system, and the public.

2009 Angelo Petruss Award for Lawyers in Public Service Recipient

Roger Wynne, Seattle


Outstanding Judge Award

This award is presented for outstanding service to the bench and for special contribution to the legal profession at any level of the court.

2009 Outstanding Judge Award Recipient

The Honorable Lesley Allan, Wenatchee


Pro Bono Award

This award is presented to a lawyer, nonlawyer, law firm, or local bar association for outstanding efforts in providing pro bono services. This award is based on cumulative efforts, as opposed to a lawyer's or group's pro bono hours or financial contribution.

2009 Pro Bono Award Recipient

Jonathan Yeh, Seattle

2009 Pro Bono Award Recipient

Dan R. Young, Seattle


Courageous Award

This award is presented to a lawyer who has displayed exceptional courage in the face of adversity, thus bringing credit to the legal profession.

2009 Courageous Award Recipient

Ernest Radillo, Wenatchee


Excellence in Diversity Award

This award is made to a lawyer, law firm, or law-related group that has made a significant contribution to diversity in the legal profession's employment of ethnic minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.

2009 Excellence in Diversity Award Recipient

Washington Minority Bar Associations (MBAs) for two projects — the MBA Joint Committee on Law Firm Diversity, led by co-chairs Thuy Nguyen-Leeper and Kenneth Payson, and the MBA Collaboration Project, led by its founders Kim Tran and Michael Heath


Lifetime Service Award

This is a special award given for a lifetime of service to the WSBA and the public. It is given only when there is someone especially deserving of this recognition.

2009 Lifetime Service Award Recipient

The Honorable Robert L. Harris, Vancouver


Community Service Award

Lawyers are known for giving generously of their time and talents in service to their communities. This award recognizes exceptional non-law-related volunteer work and community service.

2009 Community Service Award Recipient

Captain Alexander Straub, Tacoma


Norm Maleng Leadership Award

This award is given jointly by the WSBA and the Access to Justice Board in honor of Norm Maleng's legacy as a leader. He was an innovative and optimistic leader committed to justice and access to justice in both civil and criminal settings. Within the profession, his leadership was characterized by his love of the law and commitment to diversity and mentorship.  This award will recognize those who embody these qualities.

2009 Norm Maleng Leadership Award

The Honorable Mary I. Yu, Seattle


President's Award

The President's Award is given annually in recognition of special accomplishment or service to the WSBA during the term of the current president.

2009 President's Award Recipients

J. Donald Curran, Spokane

Lembhard G. Howell, Seattle

 





Last Modified: Wednesday, August 19, 2009

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