media releases

WENATCHEE, WA (May 1, 2026) — The Washington State Bar Association today presented David J. Bentsen with the Local Hero award in recognition of his consistent public service both as a lawyer and a member of the community. 

“When we think of lawyers who make their communities and the world a better place, we imagine people like David Bentsen,” said WSBA President Francis Adewale. 

The Local Hero award is presented to those who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities. Adewale presented the award at the May 1 meeting of WSBA’s Board of Governors in Wenatchee, WA. Michelle Hesse, associate attorney with Speidel Bentsen LLP, nominated Bentsen for the award. 

“David has played a vital leadership role within the legal community, serving as past president of both the Chelan-Douglas County Bar Association and the Estate Planning Council of North Central Washington,” Hesse said. “Through his leadership, volunteer work, and commitment to serving others, David Bentsen exemplifies the spirit of the Local Hero Award.” 

In 2016, Bentsen received the Chelan-Douglas County Bar Association Attorney Award for his “outstanding and unselfish contributions to providing legal services to those less fortunate.” His colleagues describe him as having an excellent legal mind for research, writing, and legal argument. In 2011, his brief on a case before the Washington Supreme Court resulted in an order supporting his position without requiring oral argument, as is customary. Indeed, one of his clients once said about Bentsen, “You were a pleasure to work with and very professional. I will recommend your services to anyone needing an attorney’s assistance.”  

In addition to his leadership roles, Bentsen is also a prolific volunteer. With Chelan-Douglas Volunteer Attorney Services, which provides free legal services to low-income people in Chelan and Douglas counties, he regularly assists low-income seniors at the Wenatchee Valley Senior Center with free legal advice and helps them prepare essential estate planning documents. Bentsen was a founding director who helped form the Wenatchee Confluence Rotary Foundation. In his role as secretary of the Wenatchee Confluence Rotary Club, he has helped fundraise for organizations such as the YMCA, Sage Advocacy Center, and Alatheia Therapeutic Riding Center. Additionally, Bentsen helps students earn Rotary Scholarships. 

David J. Bentsen pictured with WSBA Immediate Past President Sunitha Anjilvel.

Outside of his legal work and community engagement, Bentsen is an avid rower, rowing as an undergraduate at Pacific Lutheran University, then serving as an assistant coach of the Women’s crew team at Willamette University as they made their first NCAA Division III National Championships appearance. Bentsen serves on the Board of the Wenatchee Row and Paddle Club, where he has coordinated the Wenatchee Row and Paddle Club’s Spring Learn-To-Row event, and helped organize a welcoming celebration for the David Thompson Columbia Brigade. 

Bentsen was raised in Eastern Washington, and Columbus, Georgia. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from Pacific Lutheran University, and his law degree from Willamette University, where he was a member of the Law Review and executive editor of the Journal of International Law and Dispute Resolution.