Garth Dano

Moses Lake lawyer Garth Dano was presented with the WSBA Courageous Award last month at Celebration 2000. The Courageous Award is given annually to a lawyer who has displayed exceptional courage in the face of adversity, thus bringing credit to the legal profession.

Mr. Dano displayed courage in the face of public condemnation for his representation of a juvenile in a triple murder case. As a result of his representation, Mr. Dano was the target of death threats and insults. He was regularly vilified in the press and in public while he battled to protect due process for his client. The effort to secure his client’s basic rights took months and cost Mr. Dano and his firm over $140,000 in time and costs, with minimal compensation. Throughout the process, he displayed courage, professionalism and integrity. His conduct reflects the highest ideals of the legal profession.

In his nomination letter, Seattle lawyer Stephen W. Hayne wrote, "I often spoke with Garth during his ordeal and saw first hand the professional and personal price he paid.…Garth refused to quit, fighting for his client to the bitter end."