Restoring Faith in the Law - Washington State Bar News

Attorneys take public oath on Law Day 2025 amid rising distrust

*Photo © Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review*

By Katrina Mulligan

On May 1, in honor of Law Day, over 1,600 legal professionals across the state—from rural courthouse steps to urban courtrooms and law schools—publicly retook their oaths to uphold the rule of law, reaffirming their commitment to the Constitution and equal justice for all.¹

The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) coordinated this year’s events, joining a more than 70-year tradition of honoring the nation’s dedication to the rule of law every May 1.²

This year, however, the events took on renewed urgency in the face of a sharp decline in public trust and confidence in the legal system. Recent studies reveal an increasingly polarized nation—where perhaps the only point of consensus is a deep and growing distrust of government institutions.³

This trend strikes at the core of our democracy: When we lose faith in our system of government, built upon the constitutional principle of a free and independent judiciary, we risk its erosion. In such times, the question—as recently posited by the WSBA Board of Governors—becomes: “If lawyers and judges are not willing or able to defend liberty and freedom for all people under the law and Constitution, who will?”⁴

This growing distrust underscores Law Day’s purpose—not just as a ceremony, but as a call to reaffirm the legal profession’s role in safeguarding democracy.

As stated in the preamble to the Rules of Professional Conduct, lawyers have a unique and solemn obligation to: “further the public’s understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and the justice system because legal institutions in a constitutional democracy depend on popular participation and support to maintain their authority.”⁵Echoing this duty, the Washington Supreme Court charges the WSBA with the responsibility to “maintain and foster programs of public information and education about the law and the legal system,” in keeping with the foundational principles upon which it was established.⁶

This Year’s Events

Guided by the theme “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One,”⁷ the WSBA hosted statewide events where lawyers renewed their oaths and launched the Rule of Law Ambassador Program, led by 12 inaugural Law Day Ambassadors.

Each event featured local judges readministering the oath to attorneys, in person and online, honoring their shared commitment to justice and public service.

Below are highlights from the events.

Chief Justice Debra Stephens administers the oath at the Temple of Justice in Olympia. *Courtesy of the Administrative Office of the Courts*; *Office of Communications and Public Outreach.*

Olympia > Temple of Justice

Central Ceremony (and Streaming Live Statewide)

HOSTS: Chief Justice Debra Stephens, the Washington Supreme Court justices, and WSBA President Sunitha Anjilvel

The central ceremony was held at the Temple of Justice in Olympia and featured remarks from WSBA President Sunitha Anjilvel, Chief Justice Debra Stephens, and Gov. Bob Ferguson . The event was livestreamed statewide via Zoom and a recording is now available on TVW.

The Chief Justice led more than 300 practitioners in retaking the oath of attorney. President Anjilvel emphasized the importance of unity under the Constitution, stating, “The same laws apply to everyone, and everyone is treated equally under the law; government power is bound by law; and human rights are guaranteed to all.”

Mark Kamitomo speaks outside the Spokane County Courthouse. *Courtesy of WSBA staff.*

Spokane > Spokane County Courthouse

A Personal Reflection

HOSTS: Judge Breean Beggs and additional Spokane County judges and Mark Kamitomo

Spokane County Superior Court Judge Breean Beggs led the ceremony, joined by fellow judges and attorney Mark Kamitomo. More than 180 individuals participated.

Kamitomo shared a poignant reflection on his father’s experience as a Japanese Canadian internment camp survivor, emphasizing the importance of protecting civil liberties.

About 375 people attended the Law Day event at the King County Courthouse in Seattle. *Courtesy of WSBA staff.*

Seattle > King County Courthouse

Crowded House

HOSTS: Judge Ketu Shah, King County Bar Association Executive Director Kathleen Jensen, and King County Bar Association President Erin Overbey

The King County Bar Association organized this widely attended event, led by President Erin Overbey and Executive Director Kathleen Jensen. King County Superior Court Presiding Judge Ketu Shah led the oath ceremony, with about 375 attorneys participating. Judge Shah noted, “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.”

U.S. District Court Judge Richard A. Jones leads participants in the oath of attorney at the University of Washington. *Greg Olsen, University of Washington School of Law*

Seattle > University of Washington School of Law

Now is the Time

HOSTS: Dean Tamara F. Lawson, U.S. District Court Judge Richard A. Jones, and Professor Hugh Spitzer

UW School of Law Dean Tamara F. Lawson co-hosted the event with the Honorable Richard A. Jones, U.S. District Court Judge for the Western District of Washington, who administered the professional oath to about 150 attorneys. “Now is the time,” Judge Jones said. “As a lawyer, you were gifted with the opportunity to practice law … your taking of the oath today is far more meaningful; you had the choice today.” Professor Hugh Spitzer was also instrumental in organizing this event, as well as contributing to the foundation of the WSBA’s Law Day ceremonies and Rule of Law Ambassador program (including the follow-up free CLE “The Rule of Law and Constitutional Crisis for Lawyer Ambassadors.”)

King County Superior Court Judge Patrick Oishi leads lawyers at Seattle University in reaffirming their oath to the profession. *Courtesy of WSBA staff.*

Seattle > Seattle University School of Law

Baby’s First Law Day!

HOSTS: Dean Anthony E. Varona, King County Superior Court Judge Patrick Oishi, Dean Paul Holland, and Director Lily Su

Associate Dean Paul Holland and Director Lily Su organized this event. The ceremony, led by Dean Anthony E. Varona and King County Superior Court Judge Patrick Oishi, brought together about 75 students, alumni, and members of the legal community (and a newborn baby!) to reaffirm their commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law.

Attorneys recite the oath to the profession in Yakima. *Courtesy of WSBA staff.*

Yakima > Yakima County Superior Court

A Message of Unity

HOSTS: Judge Elisabeth Tutsch and WSBA Past President William D. Pickett

In Yakima, Judge Elisabeth Tutsch led more than 75 attorneys in retaking their oath. Former WSBA President William D. Pickett co-hosted the event and said that the ceremony was a show of unity, emphasizing that it is not about political views but a shared commitment to protecting the foundations of democracy. The crowd reflected both seasoned and aspiring legal professionals, including a group of newly graduated law-school students who are proudly carrying the duty of Constitutional advocacy into the future.

**From left:** Whatcom County Superior Court Judge Lee Grochmal, Bellingham Municipal Court Commissioner Nicholas Henery, and former Whatcom County Superior Court Commissioner Leon Henley outside the Whatcom County Courthouse on May 1. *Courtesy of WSBA staff.*

Bellingham > Whatcom County Courthouse

A Call to Action

HOSTS: Judge Jennifer Slattery, WSBA Past President Rajeev Majumdar, and Kirsten Barron

In Bellingham, attorneys gathered in the sunshine outside the Whatcom County Courthouse. The event was hosted by Judge Jennifer Slattery, former WSBA President Rajeev D. Majumdar, and attorney Kirsten Barron. Presiding Judge David E. Freeman administered the oath to about 85 participants.

Majumdar closed the ceremony by asking, “Now, what do we do?” He encouraged attorneys to take three concrete steps: 1) connect across practice areas by getting to know lawyers in their broader legal community; 2) sign up for the WSBA’s Rule of Law Ambassador Program; and 3) attend the WSBA’s CLE, “Rule of Law and Constitutional Crises for Lawyer Ambassadors.”

Judge Derek J. Vanderwood leads attorneys in reciting their oath in Vancouver. *Courtesy of WSBA staff.*

Vancouver > Clark County Superior Court

A Shared Civic Purpose

HOSTS: Judge Derek J. Vanderwood, Judge Camara Banfield, and additional judges, Clark County Bar Association President Deb Wechselblatt, and Clark County Bar Executive Director Lisa Darco

In Vancouver, local attorneys and legal professionals gathered at the Clark County Courthouse in a ceremony presided over by Judge Derek J. Vanderwood, Judge Camara Banfield, and additional judges. The Clark County Bar Association organized the event, spearheaded by President Deb Wechselblatt and Executive Director Lisa Darco. A representative from the League of Women Voters noted with enthusiasm that they are working with many of the same ideas and materials as those in the Rule of Law Tool Kit. Her interest underscored how deeply these principles resonate beyond the profession and how this work is being echoed in civic spaces across the state.

A group of attorneys and judges gathered at the Cowlitz County Superior Courthouse in Kelso. WSBA Executive Director Terra Nevitt (top right) also attended. *Courtesy WSBA staff.*

Kelso > Cowlitz County Superior Court

Returning to the Constitution

HOSTS: Presiding Judge Marilyn K. Haan, former U.S. Attorney John McKay, and local bar association leaders for Cowlitz-Wahkiakum, Lewis, and Pacific counties

Former U.S. Attorney John McKay organized this event. Presiding Judge Marilyn K. Haan led the ceremony, which brought together approximately 25 legal professionals from the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum, Lewis, and Pacific County bar associations. WSBA Executive Director Terra Nevitt was also in attendance and noted, “It was moving and educational to listen to Judge Haan walk through the Constitution—imploring us to take time every now and again to read the document we are sworn to uphold.”

A group of attorneys gathered outside the Stevens County Courthouse in Colville. *Courtesy of WSBA staff.*

Colville > Stevens County Courthouse

Driven by Duty

HOSTS: Judge Lisa Malpass, Judge Lech Radzimski, and Alison K. McGrane and others at McGrane Schuerman Tate Waters & Worley, PLLC

Organized by Alison K. McGrane and others from the firm McGrane Schuerman Tate Waters & Worley, PLLC, this event featured more than a dozen attorneys standing in a circle on the courthouse lawn. Judges Lisa Malpass and Lech Radzimski led the ceremony, with Judge Radzimski administering the Oath of Attorney. Among the participants was health care attorney Sandra Johnson, who traveled two hours from Tonasket to attend. She emphasized the nonpartisan nature of the event, stating, “It’s not about being a Republican or a Democrat or an independent, it’s about being [an American] standing on American soil. Due process is not controversial. It’s what makes us safe.” Also present was State Representative Hunter Abell of Inchelium, a former Ferry County District Court judge and past president of the Washington State Bar Association, who highlighted the importance of such gatherings in restoring public trust in legal institutions.

Legal professionals recite the oath at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. *Courtesy Tahmina Watson.*

Kent > Maleng Regional Justice Center

United in the Law

HOSTS: Judge Jaime Hawk and other King County Superior Court judges with former King County Bar Association President Tahmina Watson

Former King County Bar Association President Tahmina Watson organized this event, which brought together approximately 40 legal professionals. King County Superior Court Judge Jaime Hawk—joined by fellow judges on the bench—administered the professional oath. Tahmina emphasized the legal community’s dedication to upholding the rule of law. An attendee noted: “It feels like the entire legal profession is working together toward the same goal.”

Lawyers gathered at the King County Children & Family Justice Center in Seattle. *Courtesy WSBA staff.*

Seattle > Children & Family Justice Center

Remembering the Oath

HOSTS: King County Superior Court Judge Veronica Galván and Andre Dayani

Attorney Andre Dayani, Past President of the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington, organized this event, with Superior Court Judge Veronica Galván administering the oath to the more than 20 attending legal professionals. An attendee noted, “It is powerful to be reminded of the oath we took when we chose this profession.”

Judge David L. Petersen leads a group of attorneys in the oath to the profession in Kennewick. *Courtesy of WSBA staff.*

Kennewick > Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court

Knowledge as Our Safeguard

HOSTS: Judge David L. Petersen and Benton Franklin Counties Bar Association President Asa LaMusga

This event was organized by Asa LaMusga, President of the Benton Franklin Counties Bar Association, with Benton County Superior Court Judge David Petersen presiding over the ceremony. Almost 40 legal professionals attended. “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.

The Rule of Law Ambassador Program

The Rule of Law Ambassador Program, launched by the WSBA, is a statewide initiative designed to restore public trust in the legal system and reinforce the legal profession’s commitment to constitutional democracy. It empowers legal professionals to serve as community ambassadors, educating the public on the rule of law, the judiciary’s role, and the importance of equal justice—fulfilling their ethical duty under the Rules of Professional Conduct to enhance public understanding and confidence in the legal system.⁸

Ambassadors receive the WSBA’s Rule of Law Tool Kit, which outlines three action steps for lawyers and provides supporting resources. The steps include:

Step One: Make sure you are versed in the U.S. Constitution, the rule of law, and the functions of democracy.
Step Two: Prepare to connect rather than correct when addressing misinformation about the legal system.
Step Three: Demonstrate a nonpartisan commitment to civil discourse about democracy in your community.

The long-standing tradition of Law Day underscores that the rule of law is not a passive inheritance but an ongoing commitment. This year’s WSBA-sponsored events and the launch of the WSBA’s Rule of Law Ambassador Program serve as a reminder that the vitality of our democracy depends not only on the laws we enact but also on the dedication of those who uphold them.

SIDEBAR

HISTORY OF LAW DAY

The observance began in 1958, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1 as Law Day—a day set aside to reflect on and reaffirm our national commitment to the rule of law.

Over the decades, Law Day has featured annual themes and public observances reflecting the evolving legal and cultural landscape of the nation. The tradition of assigning an annual theme to each Law Day began in 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson designated that year’s theme as “Uphold the Law—A Citizen’s First Duty.”⁹

Since then, themes have highlighted timely legal and civic issues, encouraging public reflection, engagement, and education. Notable examples include: “Young America, Lead the Way” (1975), “Foundations of Freedom” (1986), “Celebrate Your Freedom: First Amendment Freedoms” (1997), and “Liberty Under Law: Separate Branches, Balanced Powers” (2006).¹⁰

In 1968, the nation celebrated Law Day’s 10th anniversary.¹¹ To mark the occasion, national leaders and cultural icons recorded a series of public service messages to be broadcast on radio stations across the country.¹²

Voices such as President Lyndon B. Johnson, baseball legend Mickey Mantle, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, actress Rosalind Russell, and astronaut David Scott came together to deliver a unified message: “We each have a duty to our country and a responsibility to our fellow man to uphold and obey the law.”¹³

About the author

Katrina Mulligan is the senior legal editor at the Washington State Bar Association. She can be reached at:

katrinam@wsba.org

NOTES

1. www.wsba.org/news-events/latest-news/news-detail/2025/05/27/rule-of-law-affirmed.

2. For more information about the history of Law Day see the sidebar at the end of this article.

3. www.norc.org/research/projects/civic-cynicism-united-states.html.

4. www.wsba.org/docs/default-source/about-wsba/governance/statement-in-support-of-an-independent-legal-profession-approved-march-12-2025-1.pdf?sfvrsn=faa618f1_6.

5. Wash. R. Pro. Conduct Preamble & Scope [6].

6. Wash. Sup. Ct. Gen. Rule 12.2.

7. www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/law-day/.

8. Wash. R. Pro. Conduct Preamble & Scope [6].

9. Lyndon B. Johnson, Proclamation 3633—Law Day, U.S.A., 1965 Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project, www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/275772.

10. www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/law-day/past-themes/list-of-themes/.

11. https://abateacherportal.org/law-day/1968-psa/.

12. Id.

13. Id.