FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2008
Contact: Stephanie Perry
Communications Specialist/Website Editor
206-733-5932; stephaniep@wsba.org
Thomas B. Vertetis Receives Washington State Bar Association Local Hero Award
(SEATTLE) — The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) announces that it has presented Thomas B. Vertetis with the Local Hero Award in recognition of his efforts in supporting pro bono programs in his community. The Local Hero Award is presented to lawyers who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities. The award was presented at the Tacoma Marriott on March 7 by WSBA President Stanley Bastian at a reception with WSBA Tacoma-Pierce County members and officers of the Kitsap County Bar Association.
Vertetis received an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of San Diego, and his law degree from the Villanova University School of Law. He is currently a partner and a member of the board of directors for Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Malanca, Peterson & Daheim LLP. He is also a board member of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Foundation; chairman of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Volunteer Legal Services Committee; and an advisory and fundraising board member with the University of Washington Autism Center and Experimental Education Unit.
In addition, Vertetis volunteers his time regularly to his community. He is a weekly tutor for the McCarver Elementary School Werlin Reading Program. Vertetis was instrumental in creating the concept and finding the initial sponsorship and committee support for last year’s first annual “Art for Equal Justice” fundraiser, held at the Tacoma Art Museum. As a pro bono attorney, Vertetis encouraged his firm to commit to sponsorship and staffing of one evening per month at the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Foundation Neighborhood Legal Clinic, and continues to volunteer to help low-income clients.
“[Vertetis’s] personal commitment to fundraising for equal justice in our community and statewide has been powerful, and he continues to be inspirational to other members of the board and the community at large, creating enthusiasm and support for our pro bono programs,” said Laurie Davenport, program director of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association.
Previously, Vertetis has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by Washington Law & Politics magazine (2001-08), and was a co-recipient of the 2002 Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Foundation Pro Bono Award.
“Tom’s positive energy, enthusiasm, and commitment as an individual are a substantial force in our community,” said Davenport. “This is what makes Tom unique — his ability to transfer his enthusiasm to others and bring them in to important community work, showing that same positive attitude. Tom’s energy is infectious and inspirational on its own, but underneath is a deep, persistent understanding that we need everyone’s participation. He actively works to educate people, get them involved, and bring them together for a common cause.”
About the Washington State Bar Association
The WSBA is part of the judicial branch, exercising a governmental function authorized by the Washington State Supreme Court to license the state’s 32,600 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, the WSBA administers the bar admission process, including the bar exam; provides record-keeping and licensing functions; and administers the lawyer-discipline system. 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 2007-2008 president is Stanley A. Bastian, of Wenatchee. The 2007-2008 president-elect is Mark A. Johnson, of Seattle, and the immediate past-president is Ellen Conedera Dial, of Seattle. The Board meets regularly (every six weeks) at various locations around the state, and its meetings are open to the public. Much of the work of the Bar is carried out through 23 standing committees; 26 sections; and a Young Lawyers Division, with its many committees.
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