January 2008

Around the State

If you would like to contribute to Around the State on behalf of your county, minority, or specialty bar organization, or if you have a law-related item of interest, send your submissions to aroundthestate@wsba.org.

Northwest Justice Project Opens Legal Aid Offices in Longview and Aberdeen

The Northwest Justice Project (NJP), Washington's statewide legal aid program, has opened two new offices, in Longview and Aberdeen, to provide free legal assistance in civil matters to low-income families, individuals, and senior citizens serving Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties and Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.

"I am especially gratified that this year's increased funding for civil legal aid has made it possible for the Northwest Justice Project to open a staffed legal aid office in Aberdeen," said Aberdeen native Chief Justice Gerry Alexander. "We can all be proud of our steady progress toward meeting the huge, unmet civil legal needs of Washington's poor, especially in distressed rural communities."

"I am extremely proud of our Legislature's commitment to address the unmet civil legal needs of low-income Washingtonians by increasing the civil legal aid presence in rural and semi-rural communities such as Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties," said Seattle University School of Law Professor John McKay. "The opening of a legal aid office in Longview underscores our state's commitment to the cherished principle of equal justice for all."

In addition to providing direct representation to eligible clients, NJP's Longview and Aberdeen offices will engage in ongoing community education, and will work to identify the most pressing civil legal needs of the communities so that residents can better utilize NJP's services and the court system.

Christine Gregoire Named One of Governing Magazine's Public Officials of the Year

Governor Christine Gregoire was named one of 2007's Public Officials of the Year by Governing magazine. When she became governor of Washington in 2005, Gregoire had previously served as both state attorney general and environmental protection chief. Since 1994, Governing magazine has honored individual state and local government officials for outstanding accomplishment by naming them Public Officials of the Year. Elected, appointed, and career officials from any branch of state or local government are eligible. The Public Officials of the Year are honored at an awards banquet, and their profiles appear in the November issue of Governing. Read more about 2007's Public Officials of the Year at www.governing.com/poy/2007/index.htm.

WSBA President Stanley A. Bastian Admitted to American College of Trial Lawyers

Congratulations to WSBA President Stanley A. Bastian, who was recently inducted as a fellow to the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) at their 2007 annual meeting in Denver, Colorado. The College extends fellowships only to trial lawyers whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards for ethical conduct, professionalism, civility, and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of 15 years' trial experience before they are eligible for fellowship. Membership in the College cannot exceed one percent of the total number of lawyers in a state or province. There are approximately 5,660 members in the United States and Canada, including active, judicial, honorary, and emeritus fellows. According to the ACTL, there are currently 143 members in Washington state.

Founded in 1950, the College is dedicated to maintaining and improving the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice, and the ethics of the profession. Qualified lawyers are selected from among advocates who represent plaintiffs or defendants in civil proceedings of all types, as well as prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers.

Judge Debra Stephens Appointed to Supreme Court

On December 4, Governor Christine Gregoire appointed Court of Appeals Judge Debra Stephens to the Washington State Supreme Court, to fill the position vacated by retiring Justice Bobbe Bridge. Judge Stephens, who received both her B.A. and J.D. from Gonzaga University, is the first woman who was raised and practiced law in Eastern Washington to serve on the State Supreme Court. Gregoire said that Stephens has appeared before the State Supreme Court more than 100 times in her career as an attorney. "It's essential for that bench to have somebody who has been here arguing before them," the governor said. Judge Stephens has taught constitutional law at Gonzaga and has extensive private-practice experience focusing on appellate law. Congratulations to Judge Stephens!

Northwest Indian Bar Association Elects New Leadership

The national award-winning Northwest Indian Bar Association (NIBA) announced the results of its annual Governing Council election. NIBA's 2007-2008 Governing Council is composed of the following members: Naomi Stacy (Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation), president; Lael Echo-Hawk (Pawnee), president-elect; Brooke Pinkham (Nez Perce), treasurer; Michael Douglas (Haida), secretary; Juliana Repp (Nez Perce), at-large member; Lee Shannon (Cowichan), at-large member; and Diana Bob (Lummi), at-large member. Founded in 1991, NIBA is a nonprofit organization of Native and Indian law attorneys, judges, spokespersons, and students in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. Over the past few years, NIBA has worked to increase the number of Native attorneys in the Pacific Northwest through legal education and advocacy. For more information, visit www.nwiba.org.

Legal Foundation of Washington News

The Legal Foundation of Washington will present the 2008 Charles A. Goldmark Distinguished Service Award to brothers John McKay and Mike McKay at the 22nd Annual Goldmark Award Luncheon, to be held February 29, at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel from noon to 1:30 p.m.

The McKays are receiving this award in recognition of years of volunteer work with the Equal Justice Coalition to increase funding for civil legal aid to the poor, and for the leadership each has brought to the local and national scene in the effort to provide a justice system whose doors are open and welcoming to all citizens.

The Goldmark Award honors the memory of Charles A. Goldmark, a Seattle attorney, community leader, and ardent supporter of access to justice. Mr. Goldmark served as the Legal Foundation's president at the time of the tragic assault that led to his death in 1986.

At the November 20 meeting, the Legal Foundation of Washington Board of unanimously elected Nancy L. Isserlis, principal, Winston and Cashatt Lawyers, as the Foundation's president for 2008. Nicholas P. Gellert, of counsel, Perkins Coie, was elected vice president; Michele G. Radosevich, partner, Davis Wright Tremaine, was elected secretary; and Rima J. Alaily, partner, Heller Ehrman, was elected treasurer.

Appointed by the Washington State Supreme Court to his second two-year term as a trustee is William Hyslop, of Lukins & Annis. Beginning their first two-year terms in January are WSBA appointee Judge Theodore Spearman, Kitsap County Superior Court, and gubernatorial appointees Art Wang, Washington Employment Security Department, and Barbara Fox, limited practice/escrow officer. Wallace Webster II, Bank of America, will return as trustee.

MAMAS Celebrates First Anniversary

On October 29, the Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association of Seattle (MAMAS) celebrated its first anniversary by hosting a reception and a panel presentation of state and federal judges who addressed the role of diversity in the Bar. The panelists included Judge Mary Kay -Becker, Washington Court of Appeals, Division I; Magistrate Judge James P. Donohue, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington; Justice Mary E. Fairhurst, Washington State Supreme Court; Sr. Circuit Judge Betty B. Fletcher, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit; Judge Ricardo S. Martinez, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington; Judge Marsha J. Pechman, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington; and Acting Chief Judge Ann Schindler, Washington Court of Appeals, Division I. The panel shared their views on diversity, gave advice on how to juggle family demands and a legal career and how law firms can better accommodate lawyers who have significant family obligations, and shared their personal stories of how they have found balance in their lives.

In opening remarks, President Rachel Black, of Susman Godfrey L.L.P., told how MAMAS has become a source of inspiration and support for women who are struggling to find balance between a successful professional career and a fulfilling family life, and a foothold for those women who are seeking to re-enter the profession after taking time away for family reasons or who are doing everything they can to remain in the profession despite sometimes overwhelming family demands. MAMAS has also become a voice to support the promotion of mother attorneys within the profession so more women become law firm partners, general counsel, judges, or advance to other positions of stature.

Washington Judges Foundation Presents Judge William Nevins Award

Kitsap County Superior Court Judge Leila Mills was presented with the 2007 Judge William Nevins Award. Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander presented the award to Judge Mills at the Fall Judicial Conference held in Vancouver, Washington.

Judge Mills was selected from judges statewide for her outstanding contribution to youth education and to public understanding of the law. In 2001, Judge Mills was instrumental in creating the Kitsap County Youth Court. Since that time, she has coached students at Central Kitsap High School for the annual YMCA Mock Trial Competition. For the past three years, Judge Mills has team-taught the Street Law Program at Central Kitsap High School.

The Nevins Award was created by the Washington Judges Foundation to honor those members of the judiciary who display extraordinary dedication to the judicial branch of government. The Washington Judges Foundation determined that Judge Mills exemplifies the meaning of the Nevins Award through her consistent, long-term commitment to youth education and public understanding of the law and the role of the judiciary in American society.

Superior Court Judges, Court Commissioners, and Staff Brighten Tacoma

Nothing brightens a home like a new coat of paint, and nothing brings a smile to a homeowner like having others do the painting. Homeowner Valerie Troger is smiling a lot these days, as the Pierce County Superior Court judges, commissioners, and staff spent four Mondays last summer pressure-washing, scraping, priming, and painting her house. Headed by Judge Stephanie Arend and Judge Vicki Hogan, most of the 22 judges and seven commissioners, as well as several court staff and family members, participated in the project. "We had nearly 100 percent participation from the judges and commissioners. We were also joined by employees of Gray Lumber and Sandy's Concrete," Arend said. Those who couldn't help paint contributed by bringing food and beverages for the workers or providing funds to acquire a few extra touches to further brighten up Troger's home. For example, many years ago a portion of the concrete pad on the front porch was cut away for a planter. The hole in the porch was filled and the porch graced with two beautiful cushioned chairs, a small table, an exquisite pot of plants, new house numbers, a hanging basket of flowers, and a whimsical frog. The flower beds got a boost of mulch. The missing sections of fence were replaced.

"They have transformed my house — it looks beautiful," 71-year-old Troger said. "They are a wonderful group of people. My goodness, I enjoy having them here." Divorced and the mother of two adult sons, Troger qualified for the program as a low-income senior citizen. She has resided in her home for more than 30 years.

This is the fourth year that Superior Court has participated in the Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful project, which is sponsored by Associated Ministries of Pierce County. "As public servants, we understand the importance of contributing to our community. The Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful project provides the members of the judiciary with a unique and tangible way to make a difference," Arend said. The judges were assigned the Troger home by Sallie Shawl of Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful. Since 1985, when the program began, 1,654 homes have been painted by crews from churches, service clubs, unions, businesses, schools, local government and military employee groups, and individuals.

Seattle Attorney Athlete Honored

Seattle attorney Theresa Goetz was recently honored by Washington State University, along with many other women athletes, as part of WSU's "Honoring the Legacy in Women's Athletics" celebration on September 29, 2007. Goetz, a partner at Schiffrin, Olson, Schlemlein and Hopkins, P.L.L.C. in Seattle, was part of history for women's athletics. Some of the women honored played sports in the 1940s and are now in their 80s. Goetz attended WSU from 1980 to 1984, which was a pivotal time for women's athletics — the case Blair v. WSU was initially decided in 1982, while she was a student. That decision brought more funding for women's sports and provided women with a greater variety of sports in which to compete.

Goetz put herself through school at WSU. In her freshman year, she made the swim team and received a varsity letter each year at college. WSU awarded her an athletic scholarship for her final two years, after Blair v. WSU. Goetz was WSU Female Athlete of the Year in 1983–1984. She also won the S. Town Stephenson (STS) Award (WSU honors program) as well as the WSU Journalism Achievement Award her senior year. In 1984, she was elected as an Academic/Athletic All American by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America). Goetz attended the University of Washington School of Law, where she graduated in 1987. Goetz has practiced real estate and employment law in Seattle for 20 years. She also enjoys swimming, cooking, and raising her two children with her husband, Steve.

WSTLA News

In July 2007, Seattle attorney Karen Koehler, of Stritmatter Kessler Whelan Coluccio, became the 54th president of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association (WSTLA). Koehler is a Seattle civil justice attorney and first woman of color to lead the organization since its inception in 1953. Koehler has practiced law for more than 20 years, spending the majority of her career securing justice for families who have experienced serious injuries or the deaths of loved ones because of negligence. She also has extensive experience helping clients recover damages from insurance companies for bad-faith practices.

"WSTLA is in great hands with Karen in this leadership role," said outgoing WSTLA president Deborah Nelson. "She is tireless, tenacious, smart, and totally committed to fighting for justice."

WSTLA honored attorneys for their efforts to preserve the civil justice system and protect the public at an awards ceremony that took place during the WSTLA Annual Meeting on July 27 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Brad Fulton, of Carter & Fulton PS, Everett, was selected for the President's Award to honor his dedication to protecting the civil justice system, in representing WSTLA and the people of the state of Washington at the negotiating table, and in championing the cause of those who deserve redress for injury to person, property, and civil rights.

Victoria Vreeland, of Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Malanca, Peterson & Daheim, Seattle, was honored as Trial Lawyer of the Year. Vreeland is a civil justice attorney with 31 years of experience helping people who have been wronged by those in a position of power. Vreeland's distinguished career in public service and private practice has blazed trails for women lawyers. Vreeland was the first Washington State Honors Intern in the United States Department of Justice and the first female clerk for the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division III.

Bill McGonagle, of Sherrard -McGonagle Bohannon & Miller, P.S., Bainbridge Island, received the Professionalism Award. McGonagle is noted for being an honorable, dedicated trial lawyer who faithfully represents all his clients, no matter the size or type of case. He is a dedicated volunteer in his community and is widely respected by his peers, who say he is fair and always plays by the rules.

The Carl Maxey Award was presented to Lori Haskell, of the Law Offices of Lori S. Haskell, Seattle. It is presented to a WSTLA member who has demonstrated sustained commitment to diversity in the legal profession, and represents those who challenge discrimination and make extraordinary efforts to promote diversity. Haskell was honored for her years of work to increase diversity within WSTLA.

The Pillar of Justice Award went to Bryan Harnetiaux, of Spokane. Harnetiaux was honored with the Pillar of Justice Award for his 25 years of service as coordinator of the WSTLA Amicus Program. Harnetiaux was nominated for the award because of his focus on the long-range progress of the law and vigilant protection of the right to trial by jury and the civil justice system.

American Jewish Committee Honors Seattle Attorney

The Seattle chapter of the American Jewish Committee announced that Seattle businessman and attorney Stan Barer has been selected as the 2007 recipient of its prestigious Human Relations Award. Chapter President Moshe Dunie said Barer is deeply committed to human rights and mutual understanding around the world: "Stan has done so much for our community and our nation. It is hard to know where to begin. But considering it all, it is clear that in Stan Barer we have a man who exemplifies so many of the values that the American Jewish Committee cherishes and seeks to promote."

Justice Center Gets Maleng's Name

The late Norm Maleng was honored  in a ceremony bestowing his name on the regional justice center in Kent. King County officials and others from the criminal-justice and law-enforcement community turned out for the ceremony. County Executive Ron Sims presented a memorial plaque to Maleng's family that will be posted in the building. Built in 1997, the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center houses superior and district courts and a 1,457-bed jail. Maleng was widely respected for his service as King County prosecutor, serving eight terms and often winning re-election in a landslide. He held the prosecutor's post for nearly 30 years until his unexpected death from cardiac arrest in May 2007.