Port Orchard Attorney Jeffrey J. Jahns Receives Washington State Bar Association’s Professionalism Award

Seattle Washington, September 22 2004 — The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) announces that Port Orchard attorney Jeffrey J. Jahns received the 2004 Professionalism Award, which is given to a WSBA member 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.” The award was presented to Mr. Jahns by Stephen Henderson, former WSBA Board of Governors liaison to the Association’s Professionalism Committee, at the WSBA Annual Awards Dinner September 16 at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront Hotel.

Mr. Jahns received his undergraduate degree from the University of Puget Sound in 1978 and his J.D. from the University of Puget Sound School of Law in 1981. From 1982 to 1986, he was a partner in the law firm of Kindig & Jahns in Tacoma, and from 1987 to 1994 an associate in the Port Orchard law firm of Ronald D. Ness & Associates.

In 1995 he left private practice to join the Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, where he is the supervising attorney of the District and Municipal Court Division. In the nearly 10 years since then, Mr. Jahns has earned a reputation as an excellent prosecutor and a leading voice in prosecutorial ethics. He wrote the ethics manual for the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and is a frequent speaker and seminar presenter on the subject of prosecutorial ethics. “Jeff’s accomplishments go far beyond simply providing excellent prosecution services,” wrote Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney Russell D. Hauge, who nominated Mr. Jahns for the award. “He has given of himself far beyond his obligations as a public lawyer. He has provided service to all the citizens of this state, and has set the ethical standards for public prosecutors everywhere.”

In 1995, Mr. Jahns received the Kitsap County Bar Association Professionalism Award “in recognition of sustained excellence in the practice of law.” In 2002 he was named a “Super Lawyer” by Washington Law & Politics, one of only eight prosecutors out of 934 lawyers to be so honored that year.

“Jeff stands out as an example to all attorneys of how we should treat our opponents, our peers, our clients, witnesses, court staff, and the Bench: with respect, with courtesy, and with honesty,” wrote Silverdale attorney Steven E. Bennett, who also nominated Mr. Jahns, in a letter signed by 13 attorneys.

About the WSBA
The Washington State Bar Association is a private, nonprofit organization authorized by the Washington State Supreme Court to license the state’s 28,400 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.

The governance of the WSBA is vested in its 14-person Board of Governors. There are three governors from the seventh congressional district; one from each of the other eight districts; and three at-large members, one of whom represents the Young Lawyers Division. The president is David W. Savage of Pullman. The board meets every six weeks at various locations around the state, and its meetings are open to the public. Much of the work of the WSBA is carried out through its 23 standing committees, 23 sections, and a Young Lawyers Division.

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