November 2005
Exceeding Excellence — Congratulations to WSBA’s 2005 Annual Awards Recipients
Congratulations to this year’s Annual Awards recipients! The awards, with the exception of the Pro Bono Award and the President’s Award, were presented at the Annual Awards Dinner held September 15 at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle. For more information about each recipient, see the news releases on the WSBA website at www.wsba.org/media/releases/pr2005.htm.
Award of Merit: Barbara C. Clark
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 and/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.
Professionalism Award: Robert H. Lamp
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.
Angelo Petruss Award for Lawyers in Public Service: Rafael A. Gonzales
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.
Outstanding Judge Award: The Honorable Deborah D. Fleck
This award is presented for outstanding service to the bench and for special contribution to the legal profession at any level of the court.
Pro Bono Award: Paula T. Crane*
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.
Courageous Award: James A. Bamberger and Marcia Newlands
This award is presented to a lawyer who has displayed exceptional courage in the face of adversity, thus bringing credit to the legal profession.
Excellence in Diversity Award: Paula E. Boggs and Starbucks Coffee Company
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 disabled persons.
Outstanding Elected Official Award: Senator Stephen L. Johnson and Representative Patricia T. Lantz
This award is presented to an elected official for outstanding service, with special contributions to the legal profession. It is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to justice beyond the usual call of duty.
Lifetime Service Award: Julian C. “Pete” Dewell
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.
President’s Award: James Williams**
The President’s Award is given annually in recognition of special accomplishment or service to the WSBA during the term of the current president.
* The Pro Bono Award was presented at the Access to Justice Conference in Bellevue on June 4, 2005.
** The President’s Award was presented at the President’s Dinner on September 14, 2005.
