Updated: Oct. 9, 2025

Rule of Law Ambassador Program



Video introduction with Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Stephens and WSBA Executive Director Terra Nevitt.


Unifying Around the Rule of Law 

Education. Civic Engagement. Trust. Confidence. These public-service concepts are woven into the foundational rules that define core responsibilities and roles for both individual lawyers and the Washington State Bar Association.

“[A] lawyer should further the public’s understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and the justice system because legal institutions in a constitutional democracy depend on popular participation and support to maintain their authority.”
—RPC Preamble: A Lawyer’s Responsibilities

“In general, the Washington State Bar Association strives to … administer programs of legal education … and promote understanding of and respect for our legal system and the law.”
—General Rule 12.2

The WSBA’s Rule of Law Ambassador Program is designed to help legal professionals carry out these duties—to educate and inform their communities about the rule of law in a way that builds connections and, ultimately, trust. Our constitutional democracy needs this type of local support for its legal system, especially during a time of deep and growing divisions. Our goal is to show Washingtonians that their legal community stands united around the rule of law, and this is what we aspire to: The same laws apply to everyone, and everyone is treated equally under the law; government power is bound by law; and human rights are guaranteed to all.

How can you be a Rule of Law Ambassador? Simply by bringing outspoken trust in our legal institutions to the forefront of your professional practice. The ambassador program is available to all, in the form of an evolving toolkit with resources, trainings, tips, and programs to help you do this work. We invite you to engage in ways accessible to you. Below is a menu of options for action big and small you can take to deepen trust and understanding of our constitutional democracy in your community.


Get Started Serving as a Rule of Law Ambassador

  1. We’re compiling resources in our growing Rule of Law Ambassador Tool Kit to help you connect with and educate members of your community. The Tool Kit leads you through three basic steps: refresh your understanding of the Rule of Law, spread accurate and digestible information about the legal system, and demonstrate a nonpartisan commitment to civic discourse.
  2. As part of our Tool Kit, we published a free CLE: "Rule of Law and Constitutional Crises for Lawyer Ambassadors." It’s available on demand and just as relevant as ever. Watch (or rewatch) for a constitutional law refresher and discussion about what is meant by “rule of law” and “constitutional crisis” (and how to know when we are in one or not).
  3. There is no better way to champion democracy than to educate and inspire a new generation of leaders and community members! Lawyers in the Classroom is a new statewide collaboration, based on the successful Judges in the Classroom program, to equip legal professionals with predesigned, experiential civics lessons and connect them with local classroom teachers. The cherry on top? Your volunteer time can be logged as pro bono service hours.
  4. Join the Rule of Law Ambassador mailing list. Send an email to ambassadors@wsba.org to be the first to receive updates on new tools and opportunities to connect with legal professionals passionate about democracy.

 

Law Day Launch

Legal professionals retaking the Oath of Attorney at Seattle University School of Law on Law Day, May 1, 2025.

The Rule of Law Ambassador Program launched on Law Day, May 1, 2025, when more than 1,600 legal professionals around the state stood together to retake their professional oath, signaling their commitment to uphold the Rule of Law. We continue to build on the theme of this monumental day — “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One.” Learn more and see pictures from around the state. Above, King County Superior Court Judge Patrick Oishi hosts the ceremony at Seattle University School of Law on Law Day, May 1, 2025