The Washington State Bar Association's Rule of Law Ambassador Program kicked off on Law Day, May 1, with an initial cohort of influential ambassadors who held events across the state. After retaking their Oath of Attorney, the volunteer ambassadors set off on a mission to inform the public about the judiciary and legal profession to restore trust and confidence in the legal system and the rule of law.
The Breakdown: Those Who Are Willing to Stand for the Rule of Law
Location | Attendance | Snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| King County Courthouse, Seattle | 375 | Hosted by King County Superior Court Judge Ketu Shah and the King County Bar Association. “It is sometimes stated that no one is above the law or that all are equal before the law," Judge Shah said. "It is a process, an institution, a practice that supports the equality of all citizens before the law and prevents the arbitrary use of power.” |
| University of Washington School of Law, Seattle | 150 | Hosted by UW School of Law Dean Tamara Lawson with Hon. Richard Jones leading the Oath of Attorney. "Now is the time," Jones said. “As a lawyer, you were gifted with the opportunity to practice law... Your taking of the Oath today is far more meaningful; you had the choice today. Seeing you here today is powerful and meaningful for me.” |
| University of Washington School of Law, Seattle | 150 | Hosted by UW School of Law Dean Tamara Lawson with Hon. Richard Jones leading the Oath of Attorney. "Now is the time," Jones said. “As a lawyer, you were gifted with the opportunity to practice law... Your taking of the Oath today is far more meaningful; you had the choice today. Seeing you here today is powerful and meaningful for me.” |
| Seattle University School of Law, Seattle | 75+ | Hosted by SU Law Dean Anthony E. Varona and King County Superior Court Judge Patrick Oishi. One lawyer came with her newborn baby in a stroller! |
| Temple of Justice, Olympia | 100+ | Hosted by Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Stephens and the justices with WSBA President Sunitha Anjilvel. |
| Whatcom County Courthouse, Bellingham | 85 | Hosted by former WSBA President Rajeev Majumdar with a speech by Whatcom Superior Court Judge Jennifer Slattery. |
| Yakima County Superior Court, Yakima | 75 | Hosted by Yakima County Superior Court Judge Elisabeth Tutsch and former WSBA President Bill Pickett. "It takes us stronger and more unified than we are now," Pickett said "We’re not talking political perspectives.” Many young law graduates attended. |
| Stevens County Courthouse, Colville | 18 | Hosted by Stevens County Superior Court Judge Lisa Malpass, Judge Lech Radzimski, and McGrane Schuerman Tate Waters & Worley, PLLC. Attorney Sandra Johnson: “It’s not about being a Republican or a Democrat or an independent, it’s about being a United States of America person standing on American soil. Due process is not controversial. It’s what makes us safe.” |
| Cowlitz County Superior Court, Kelso | 25 | Hosted by Cowlitz County Supreme Court Presiding Judge Marilyn K. Haan with leaders from the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum County, Lewis County, and Pacific County bar associations. |
| Clark Children and Family Justice Center, Seattle | 21 | Hosted by King County Superior Court Judge Veronica Galvan and Andre Dayani.
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| Maleng Regional Justice Center, Kent | 40 | Hosted by Judge Jaime Hawk and other King County Superior Court judges with Former King County Bar Association President Tahmina Watson. |
| Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court, Kennewick | 34 | Hosted by Asa LaMusga, President of the Benton Franklin Counties Bar Association. "I think statewide there's been an attack on traditional legal norms and I think that is because often times people don't necessarily [know] how our system works," said one participant in the program. |
| Spokane County Courthouse, Spokane | 182 | Host by Spokane County Superior Court Judge Breean Beggs other judges, and Mark Kamitomo. Former WSBA President Hunter Abell: “Today is a day where we can show the public that our lawyers are doing what they can to help build up our institutions. That includes the courts. That includes standing up for our foundational documents, like the U.S. Constitution and our Washington State Constitution,” |
| Clark County Superior Court, Vancouver | 68 | Hosted by Judge Vanderwood with Judge Camara Banfield and other judges and the Clark County Bar Association. Dozens of attorneys who have been practicing anywhere from few years to a few decades filled the Clark County Superior Court courtroom to participate. |
| Virtual Attendance via Zoom | 300 |
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| Total | 1,623 |
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