Public Service and Leadership Award
Public Service and Leadership Award
Sponsored by the Washington New Members Committee
The Washington New Members Committee (WNMC) created the Public Service and Leadership Award (PSLA) to highlight the work of new member community leaders who also make a difference through public service. Attorneys are nominated by WSBA members and the WNMC reviews applicants and selects awardees.
Spotlight on Service: Honoring Legal Changemakers
Congratulations to the 2025 Public Service and Leadership Award Winners!
Chelsey Butchard, Chelsey, a Vancouver-based family law attorney and sole practitioner at Butchard Law, is known for her commitment to public service - volunteering with pro se litigants, supporting domestic violence victims, and leading the Clark County Bar's Family Law Section.
Alejandra Cabrales, Alejandra, an immigration attorney with Whatcom Law Group and chair of Law Advocates of Whatcom County, is a passionate advocate for underserved communities - volunteering at legal clinics, supporting non-English speakers, and serving on the Latina/o Bar Association's Judicial Evaluations Committee.
Austin Hellman, Austin is president of the Skagit County Bar Association and reentry/pro bono attorney at Skagit Legal Aid. Austin is a driving force behind local justice efforts - leading reentry clinics, reforming fine structures, and building partnerships to expand access to legal support in Skagit County.
Eilish Villa Malone, Eilish, the Director of Immigration Legal Services at Central Washington Legal Aid, is a standout advocate and mentor in the Yakima Valley - organizing regional legal clinics, championing systemic equity, and serving as VP of Development of the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington, all while running her own solo practice.
Lauren Romero. Lauren is a staff attorney with Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers and recipient of the 2025 Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Community Service Award. Lauren brings compassion and grit to eviction defense, family law, and veterans' advocacy - while also empowering youth through her volunteer work with Skate Like a Girl.
Read More in Washington State Bar News
The November 2025 issue of the Washington State Bar News will feature a full article showcasing the 2025 PSLA winners.
Eligibility
The PSLA is awarded to licensed attorneys who are admitted and in good standing to practice in Washington and qualify as a "new member." The Washington State Bar Association considers an active member a new member until the last day of December of the tenth year in which such member was first admitted to practice in the State of Washington.
Nominations
Please check back in Spring of 2026 for information on 2026 nominations.
If you have questions, please contact newmembers@wsba.org.
