Washington State Bar Association

In Conversation With The Way to Justice

Read a Q&A in Bar News from Camerina Zorrozua, the co-founder and legal director at The Way to Justice. The Way to Justice is a nonprofit legal aid organization offering post-conviction relief and driver’s relicensing across the state of Washington. https://zurl.co/mWi8P

In Conversation With The Way to Justice - Washington State Bar News A Q&A with The Way to Justice Co-Founder and Legal Director Camerina Zorrozua.

Every lawyer has one: the client who calls at 9 p.m., disputes every invoice, or ignores your advice. Learn practical strategies for handling difficult clients, and a chance to compare notes with peers, at the next Washington State Bar Association Washington New Members Committee Lunch & Learn.

This free interactive program is the second in their series and features guest speakers, live polls and breakout discussions on topics that matter most to you. They are open to all new members of the WSBA and to law students!

Session 2: Dealing with Difficult Clients 101, Oct. 14, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Register here: https://zurl.co/je9pc

The health insurance landscape is changing. Is your firm getting the most out of its group health plan? A team of benefits experts through the WSBA Insurance Marketplace can help you find out at no cost. No sales pitch, no pressure. It's a complimentary consultation included with your membership. Speak with an expert today: https://zurl.co/FJwP3

"If lawyers and judges are not willing or able to defend liberty and freedom for all people under the law and Constitution, who will?" — WSBA Board of Governors, March 2025

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP (DWT) answered that question.

Our President Francis Adewale has awarded the firm a special Presidential Commendation for representing the WSBA pro bono. Alongside the Oregon State Bar and the State Bar of California, WSBA filed an amicus brief challenging executive order that targeted lawyers and law firms for the clients they represent.

"Davis Wright Tremaine has proved it is willing," Adewale said, "and it's lawyers like Caesar Kalinowski IV and Ambika Kumar who are safeguarding their colleagues' ability to represent all Washingtonians, no matter their viewpoints, without fear of retaliation."

Thank you, DWT, for standing up for an independent legal profession.

Read the media release: https://zurl.co/iWNUF

DWT Awarded WSBA Presidential Commendation for Defending Legal Independence Media release from the Washington State Bar Association.

An appellate win that strengthens protections for survivors of sexual violence. A first-of-its-kind clinic helping scam victims find legal footing. A lifetime spent mentoring the next generation of lawyers.

Congratulations to all of our incredible 2026 award winners! The Acknowledging Professional Excellence (APEX) Awards, honors exemplary legal professionals, judges, and members of the public. Starting next week, we’ll highlight one honoree each week – follow along!

Chief Justice Mary E. Fairhurst Award of Merit - Theo Lesczynski

Angelo Petruss Award for Lawyers in Government Service – Kelly Warner-King

Pro Bono and Public Service Award - Hari Kumar

Sally P. Savage Leadership in Philanthropy Award - Jack Connelly

Professionalism Award - Michele Carney

Outstanding New Member Award - Mason Ji

Lifetime Service Award - Robert Cumbow

Norm Maleng Leadership Award (Presented jointly with the Access to Justice Board) - Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis

Legal Innovation Award - Scam Justice Legal Clinic created by Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Amazon, the Pro Bono Institute, and the Better Business Bureau Institute for Marketplace Trust.

Justice C.Z. Smith Excellence in Diversity Award - Hon. Andrea Jarmon

Outstanding Judge Award - Justice Barbara Madsen

Can’t wait? Watch all of their compelling stories now on the WSBA YouTube: https://zurl.co/YigC9

Read their full profiles in the latest issue of Bar News: https://zurl.co/ZqHb4

Congratulations to the newest Local Hero Award recipient C. Matthew “Matt” Andersen! 🏆 👏

For nearly 50 years, Matt has practiced commercial litigation in Spokane, mentored the next generation of attorneys, and led the Spokane County Bar Association (SCBA). WSBA President Francis Adewale presented the award on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2026.

"This is one of the last times I'll get to present this award as WSBA President, and I couldn't ask for a better one," said WSBA President Francis Adewale.

The Local Hero award is presented to those who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities. Thank you to the SCBA and President-Elect Lisa Dickinson, for the nomination.
Read the full announcement: https://zurl.co/wXdGA

First Photo (L to R): Local Hero Award Recipient C. Matt Andersen & WSBA President Francis Adewale

Second Photo (L to R): Rachelle Anderson, Nicole Swennumson, Charnelle Bjelkengren, Shelley Szambelan, Julie McKay, C. Matt Andersen, and Francis Adewale.

Did you visit a classroom for Constitution Day?

We'd love to hear how things went—it helps us track reach statewide and keep the program strong. Please fill out our quick form and we’ll send you a small token of appreciation. Click here: [https://zurl.co/dpss3]

Remember to share your photos, upload them here: [https://zurl.co/FbRu9] and name each file LastNameFirstInitial_SchoolName_ # # (example: PhamE_MullanRoadElementary_01).

Ready for your next classroom? Help Dimmitt Middle School sixth graders in Bryn Mawr-Skyway prepare for a mock trial at Renton Municipal Court. Give an hour or a full day on Friday, Oct. 23, or Friday, Oct. 30. Sign up here to volunteer → [https://zurl.co/WH9cH]

This mock trial is in partnership with Speak With Purpose- SWP, a local nonprofit that helps young people find their voice through public speaking.

Pictured here: Attorney Gary Haugen teaching on Constitution Day at the Washington Youth Academy - NGYCP in Bremerton.

The next Board of Governors meeting is September 24–25 in Spokane. https://zurl.co/NqB1S

Meeting topics include:
• Swearing in of FY27 Governors and Officers.
• Small Town and Rural (STAR) Council five-year assessment.
• Second read of the FY27 budget, proposed license fee policy revisions, and proposed admissions application fees.
• The annual meeting of the Washington State Bar Foundation.
• Member engagement council recommendations for sections viability reviews.

Agenda: https://zurl.co/TZJyJ

Materials: https://zurl.co/via0y

You are invited to join in-person or virtually. Visit the WSBA website for links to join each day via Zoom (https://zurl.co/NqB1S). To share feedback with the Board about agenda topics or anything else, email [email protected] (please note that all WSBA emails are subject to public records request). Public comment during the Board meeting is limited to 3 minutes.

Board of Governors Information about the Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors, including meeting schedule and meeting materials, and Board committees.

You’re invited! Join us on Oct. 22 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. for a networking night hosted by the Pro Bono Public Service Committee in partnership with the Lavender Rights Project and the King County Bar Association’s Records Project.

This event aims to connect legal professionals who are interested in volunteering their time with their local Qualified Legal Service Providers (QLSPs). The night will begin with our keynote speaker, Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans.

Register here by Oct. 12: https://zurl.co/5H4sX

All RSVPed participants will get access to one drink ticket, one raffle ticket, and heavy appetizers. Several local QLSPs will be tabling and available to interested volunteers for questions after the keynote speech.

‘Ending Probates for Profit’: A Cannon to Kill a Mosquito

Hear from attorney Brent Williams-Ruth on what Washington practitioners need to know about the significant new revisions to Title 11. Read his full article online and in print for Bar News: https://zurl.co/uln2A

‘Ending Probates for Profit’: A Cannon to Kill a Mosquito - Washington State Bar News What Washington estate planning and probate practitioners need to know about the significant new revisions to Title 11.