The Class of ’73

The WSBA celebrates members with 50 years of dedicated service at the Museum of Flight

BY WSBA STAFF

Standing before an assemblage of prop planes and fighter jets representing the history of flight,  preparing to address a packed house of folks representing the history of Washington’s legal profession, Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven C. González  told a few dad jokes.

“Sitting at my table is Oliver, who’s 11 years old, and I was testing out a few of what we call dad jokes on him,” González said. “They weren’t going over that well, but I want to see if any of you appreciate them before I start my formal remarks. So, recently, Superman was arrested, and he didn’t get bail because they determined that he was a flight risk. The Batman had the same problem … but the Penguin got out right away.”

The audience responded in equal parts chuckles and polite groans.

“Alright not going so well so far,” González continued. “Let me keep going at risk of it going even worse. Do you know what the triangle said to the circle? ‘Man, you’re pointless.’ Our older son told us he’s going to major in history and I told him there’s no future in it.”

Aside from polishing his open mic night tight five, what González most wanted to express was gratitude for the service collectively given by the members in the audience: legal professionals who had each been members of the WSBA for 50 years. “You know that practice of law is more than the technical aspects; it includes being a counselor, giving sound advice to clients,” González said. “And you’ve developed wisdom through your practice that you’ve shared with clients. And you’ve helped us build community, not just a community of lawyers but a broader community that supports our democracy—that is, I believe, the role of lawyers and judges in our society.” 

The 2023 WSBA 50-Year Member Tribute Lunch took place on July 24 at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. Joined by family and friends, approximately 80 WSBA members were in attendance and, collectively, they represented 3,960 years of service to the public and Washington’s legal profession. WSBA President-elect Hunter M. Abell hosted the event. Also in attendance were WSBA Governors Kevin Fay and Jordan Couch, as well as members of the WSBA Executive Leadership Team and WSBA staff. (WSBA President Daniel D. Clark through President-Elect Abell offered his sincere congratulations to the 50-year members and his regret and disappointment that he was unable to attend this important event due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict as part of his employment with Yakima County.)

“On behalf of the Washington State Bar Association, thank you for your service to the profession and commitment and dedication over the years,” Abell said.

The occasion, Abell remarked, made him recall a scene from the 1989 movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade in which Indy and his father are about to escape a Nazi blimp by attempting to steal and fly a plane.

“In getting ready to take off, Sean Connery says to Dr. Jones, ‘I didn’t know you could fly,’ and Indiana Jones responds saying, ‘Fly, yes; land, no,’” Abell said. “Well, 50 years ago today you had your law degree and you had your bar card. You may very well have thought you were able to fly and you may very well have been concerned about your ability to land. Today you can fly, land, and do everything in between. That’s part of the reason why we are here today to celebrate you and your accomplishments.”

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What Happened in 1973?

In the News

• The Vietnam War ends with the signing of the Paris Peace Accords.
• The U.S. Supreme
• Court issues its decision in Roe v. Wade.
• Construction of the Sears Tower in Chicago is completed.

Science & Technology

• The first U.S. space station, called Skylab, is launched.
• The Endangered Species Act is passed.
• NASA launches the Mariner 10 spacecraft, the first probe to reach the planet Mercury.

Arts & Culture

• The Miami Dolphins win the Super Bowl and become the first (and only) team with a perfect season.
• The band Kiss performs its first concert, in Queens.
• Pablo Picasso dies.

State HISTORY

• Washington ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment, with a 29-19 vote.
• The state Legislature passes the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 1973.

At the WSBA

• Dolores Sibonga becomes the first Filipina American admitted to the WSBA. She later served on the Seattle City Council.
• The multistate bar exam is given for the first time in Washington.

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50-Year Members Not Pictured Above

Some honorees could not attend this year’s celebration and are therefore not pictured above. Those 50-year members are listed below.

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