May 2006

The WSBA Mourns the Loss of Two Dedicated Employees

The WSBA mourns the loss of colleagues and friends Joy McLean and Katherine Johnson, who were killed in a traffic accident on Highway 12 near Missoula, Montana, on March 4. A spring snowstorm had swept into the area, and the icy conditions caused Katherine to lose control of the car and swerve into the oncoming lane of traffic, where the vehicle was broadsided.

Joy, 48, served as director of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC), and Katherine, 54, was an investigator with the ODC and the Practice of Law Board.

Joy and Katherine were highly respected attorneys who worked diligently to uphold the highest standards of the legal profession by investigating complaints of unethical behavior or misconduct filed against lawyers. Their work with the ODC helped strengthen the public's trust in the legal profession and, by extension, the justice system itself.

"It's important that the public has confidence that lawyers who don't practice responsibly will be dealt with," said Chief Justice Gerry Alexander of the state Supreme Court, which oversees lawyer discipline. "We thought Joy was terrific and did a great job." A graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law and a former prosecutor in Idaho, Joy had been at the WSBA since 1995.

Katherine, a Seattle native and graduate of the University of Puget Sound School of Law, was an investigator in a Grant County case that led to the disbarment of two attorneys for soliciting money from clients who were supposed to be represented for free. Her work ultimately helped change the way the county runs its public defender program.

"The combined loss is an incredible intellectual loss, as well as a personal loss for us," noted WSBA Executive Director Jan Michels. "Both Joy and Katherine epitomized the work the Bar is doing to elevate the practice of law. Both were individuals of great integrity, dedicated to the legal profession, and firmly committed to protecting the public and serving the citizens of Washington. They will be greatly missed."

Joy and Katherine, who were longtime domestic partners, enjoyed traveling, hiking, and home-improvement projects at their Seattle home and at their Idaho ranch. Joy is survived by three brothers, Douglas McLean, Mel McLean, and Cliff McLean. Katherine is survived by her mother, Kay Hayashi, and her daughter, Lauren Johnson.

The WSBA will remember Joy and Katherine for their dedication to the legal profession, keen intellect, integrity, hard work, wit, and good humor. They will be greatly missed by the WSBA staff, the Board of Governors, and the many volunteer bar leaders who worked with them.

Donations in Joy McLean's name may be made to the Crisis Clinic, where she volunteered. Send donations to 1515 Dexter Ave. N, Ste. 300, Seattle, WA, 98109; 206-461-3210; or visit the website donation page. Donations in Katherine Johnson's name may be made to Chicken Soup Brigade, where she had been a volunteer, by calling Mark Hand at 206-957-1642, or sending donations payable to Lifelong AIDS Alliance to 1002 E. Seneca St., Seattle, WA, 98122. Indicate that the donation should go to Chicken Soup Brigade.