Rule of Law Reaffirmed
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.
Legal professionals retake the Oath of Attorney at the King County Family Justice Center on Law Day.
The Breakdown: Those Who Are Willing to Stand for the Rule of Law
Location | Attendance | Snapshot |
| King County Courthouse, Seattle | 375 | King County Superior Court Presiding Judge Ketu Shah: “It is sometimes stated that no one is above the law or that all are equal before the law. 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.”
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| University of Washington School of Law, Seattle | 150 | Hon. Richard Jones: "Now is the time." |
| Seattle University School of Law, Seattle | 75+ | One lawyer came with her newborn baby in a stroller! |
| Temple of Justice, Olympia | 100+ | Spokane County Superior Court Judge Breean Beggs speaking to The Olympian: "The power of our country is our rule of law, and the lawyers and the judges that make it so. There's ups and downs, but this country is fabulous, and it's the rule of law that makes it fabulous." |
| Whatcom County Courthouse, Bellingham | 85 | Hosted by former WSBA President Rajeev Majumdar with a speech given by Whatcom Superior Court Judge Jennifer Slattery. |
| Yakima County Superior Court, Yakima | 75 | Former WSBA President Bill Pickett: “It makes us stronger and more unified than we are now. We’re not talking political perspectives.” Many young law graduates attended. |
| Stevens County Courthouse, Colville | 18 | 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 |
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| King County Children and Family Justice Center, Seattle | 21 |
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| Maleng Regional Justice Center, Kent | 40 |
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| Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court, Kennewick | 34 | "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 | Rep. Hunter Abell, a former WSBA president: “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 | Dozens of attorneys who have been practicing anywhere from few years to a few decades filled the Clark County Superior Court courtroom to participate. |
