Hon. Michael S. Hurtado Receives WSBA Outstanding Judge Award

Seattle, Washington, September 12, 2001 — Seattle Municipal Court Judge Michael S. Hurtado will be recognized as a recipient of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Outstanding Judge Award today in Seattle. The award is presented annually for outstanding service to the bench and for special contribution to the legal profession.

Judge Hurtado has created an innovative, systematic approach to teaching students about the court system. Developed in partnership with Seattle Public Schools, “Bringing the Courts to Kids” emphasizes the importance of education and encourages youth to avoid the criminal justice system except as a career choice. Judge Hurtado has served on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Washington, Concilio for the Spanish Speaking, Goodwill Industries, and University Preparatory School . He has received numerous awards for his community service, including the University of Washington Alumni Association Community Service Award , Hispanic Bar Association Community Service Award, and the YWCA Isabel Coleman Pierre Community Service Award. In her nomination letter, WSBA Governor Zulema Hinojos-Fall wrote: “Judge Michael Hurtado…has worked tirelessly and for many years in the community.…He is an outstanding role model.”

The Washington State Bar Association is a private, nonprofit organization authorized by the Washington State Supreme Court to license the state’s 26,600 lawyers. The WSBA both regulates lawyers under the authority of the Court and serves its members as a professional association — all without public funding. As a regulatory agency, it administers the bar exam, provides record-keeping and licensing functions, and administers the lawyer discipline program. As a professional association, the WSBA provides continuing legal education for attorneys, in addition to numerous other educational and member service activities.