July 2007

“Do good, and make a difference” — King County Prosecuting Attorney Norm Maleng

by WSBA President Ellen Conedera Dial

On Thursday, May 24, 2007, King County Prosecuting Attorney Norm Maleng died suddenly at the age of 68. Norm (as he insisted everyone call him) had been King County’s prosecutor for 28 years. An entire generation of people has known no one else as the County’s chief lawyer.

It is hard to imagine the Office of Prosecuting Attorney in King County without Norm Maleng. We have lost a giant in our justice system, a man whose life and career manifested grace, dignity, fairness, respect, and justice. I knew him, as countless others did, as a quiet but charismatic leader, an innovator who nonetheless touched everyone he met with his warmth and optimism. David Boerner, who started work at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on the same day that Norm Maleng did, told me that Norm showed what a lawyer is at her or his best, that Norm made lawyers proud to be lawyers. For Attorney General Rob McKenna, Norm set the gold standard for professionalism, civility, and courtesy.

Norm Maleng touched my life, as he touched many others, through his life and work. When I first began to practice law in Seattle, Norm Maleng’s office was nationally known for its sexual assault prosecution unit and victim assistance unit, models of how to prosecute sexual assault crimes while dealing with the trauma experienced by victims. Also, I remember clearly the tragedy that took the life of Norm’s daughter, Karen, and the personal support expressed by the citizens of King County to Norm and his family. More recently, I, like many others in King County and across the state, was relieved that the Green River Killer was brought to justice, and grateful that Norm Maleng’s decision not to seek the death penalty in exchange for information offered the possibility of healing to the dozens of victims’ family members. I have long admired his dedication to public service, and his open and forthright approach to the work of his office.

The first time I actually met Norm Maleng, though, was much more recently, and what struck me was his personal warmth and presence. He was attentive to every person to whom he spoke, and revealed through his words and actions a deeply sympathetic and caring soul. He was an enormously optimistic person, yet calm and thoughtful. He carried the responsibilities of his office with grace and dignity. In preparing this article, I wrote to or spoke with many of his friends, mentors, and colleagues. The words I heard over and over again were “dedication,” “thoughtfulness,” “dignity,” “civility,” and “grace.” Each time I have spoken or corresponded with someone about Norm, I have felt that person was extending to me again the warmth and personal presence of Norm. Acting Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg showed me Norm’s spacious but simple office, with its pictures of Norm at his family’s farm in Acme, Washington, where Norm grew up. Dan described to me how Norm emphasized the importance of doing justice, the personal concern he expressed for the victims of horrible crimes, and the legacy he left of prosecuting attorneys who are proud of their work and proud to be a part of the justice system. He spoke to me of the courtesy and kindness that Norm showed to those around him, and told me that Norm answered all of his e-mail before he left for home in the evening. It was evident that Norm profoundly touched many lives.

Here are some thoughts and words of people who knew Norm well. Whether or not you knew Norm Maleng personally, I believe that you will feel as though you knew him through their words. I want to thank everyone who took the time to meet or speak with me, and to send to me their tributes to Norm.

“One of Norm’s defining moments was his decision on the Ridgway case — declining to pursue the death penalty in order to bring closure to the victims’ families. That closure — identifying and locating the remains of Ridgway’s victims — was more important than the retribution possible through the death penalty. His lengthy press release and statement explaining his reasoning was beautifully written and compelling. Norm opened himself up to sharp criticism from those clamoring for the ultimate punishment and risked his political fortunes in doing so — but his compassion for victims and their families overrode any personal or political considerations.” — Steven M. Clem, Douglas County prosecuting attorney

“He was a friend and a man I will sorely miss. Norm’s legacy as the King County Prosecutor will be one filled with praise for his integrity, compassion, dedication, and commitment to justice. We must also not forget how hard he worked to stay deeply connected to the community. Norm took the time to attend and be an active participant in the events and activities of diverse organizations both legal and civic. He served as a role model for all elected officials of what ‘being involved and committed’ really meant.” — Judge Richard Jones, King County Superior Court

“Norm had a profound effect on every level of our system of justice. It is impossible to separate Norm and his unflagging commitment to justice from the laws, the judges, and the practitioners that he influenced. And the beauty of it is, he made it look effortless. He was the architect of laws that shaped public policy on every aspect of criminal law. He built an office that led the nation in protecting victims — particularly those who were victims of domestic violence. Yet, he was humane and compassionate, and was a true believer in redemption. He also was a man who acted and expected others to do so, as well . . . . It never ceases to amaze me how many of [the federal judicial candidates] not only came from his office — but how many were deeply influenced by him personally. I came to joke with him about ‘Norm’s Army.’ The army has legions and we are all grieving.” — Jenny Durkan, Seattle attorney

“Aside from so many of the professional accomplishments in the criminal justice arena, I believe the unique characteristic of Norm was his respect for the dignity of the human person and his absolute commitment to treat each person as an individual. He deeply believed that each person working in the office had something unique to contribute to the larger enterprise, and this included nonlawyers.” — Judge Mary Yu, King County Superior Court

“During the bleakest of times, when federal funding for civil equal justice for the poorest and most vulnerable people in our state was on the chopping block, Norm never wavered in his promise to do all he could to preserve equal justice for all. He served as a role model to other elected officials, encouraging widespread support for the idea and the ideal of equal justice for all in our state. Norm transcended partisan political considerations, and he transcended geography. That transcendence is the mark of a true statesman. That he never sought acclaim or accolades for what he did made him a true servant leader. It was an honor to know him, and a privilege to be blessed with his support and encouragement.” — Ada Shen-Jaffe, Seattle University School of Law, former director of Columbia Legal Services

“He was a special and rare politician who not only instituted important systemic changes (e.g., the victim assistance and sexual assault units, major juvenile law reforms), he touched individuals by his accessibility . . . . [He was] a prosecutor who repeatedly demonstrated that he understood the significance of the blindfold worn by lady justice and the scales she holds.” — Marc Boman, Seattle attorney and former King County deputy prosecuting attorney

“He was an outstanding example of law’s most noble aspirations: a kind, ethical, fair, and honest man who was a devoted public servant . . . . He was a leader for justice and inspired so many lawyers to be their very best selves. He has had a profound and lasting influence on so many lawyers that he will live on in and through the law for decades to come.” — Dean Kellye Testy, Seattle University School of Law

“Norm has left us an incredible legacy of integrity and honor in the pursuit of justice. His optimistic spirit, passion for work and life, and legacy will remain with us all for years to come.  He touched many people in his life with his ability to see the best in people and his commitment to support and elevate others. He touched the careers and lives of so many.  His ability to connect and touch others was so special. It was a privilege to have known and served under his leadership.  He will be truly missed.” — Bonnie Glenn, deputy chief of staff, King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office 

Ellen Conedera Dial can be reached at 206-359-8438 or ecdial@gmail.com.