In each issue of Bar News, WSBA President Adewale will ask one Washington legal professional, one “Hero of Justice,” to share how they came to practice law.
Albert Lin
Okanogan County prosecuting attorney
I am Albert Lin, the elected Okanogan County prosecuting attorney since 2022. My office consists of eight attorneys who represent the State of Washington in criminal matters and represent the county in civil and appellate matters.
Okanogan County is the largest geographic county in the state, with an area of about 5,200 square miles and a population of about 47,000. Okanogan life is centered around agriculture and tourism. The people are open and kind, with a deep commitment to common sense values of family and community.
I wanted to become a lawyer ever since I was in grade school. My parents taught me the importance of being a good citizen and to contribute to civic society. The path to becoming a lawyer and career prosecutor was simple. I was fortunate to have friends and mentors who believed in learning from hard work, practice, team play, doing the right thing, and professionalism. Mentorship by seasoned professionals provided the foundation of knowledge needed to go to court, represent clients, and ultimately, help the people in the communities in which I have lived. I was fortunate to have mentors with the passion and time to lead and teach by example. These are values I share with my deputies.
Having practiced law for 28 years, I have spent most of my professional career in Eastern Washington trying cases involving crimes such as murder and child abuse. The legal profession in rural areas has changed so much. Young lawyers just starting out used to seek practical experience in smaller towns, which is not the case today.
Rural communities face a shortage of lawyers. This must change in order for rural communities to survive and prosper. I want to help promote culture, develop lawyers seeking justice, protect victims, and promote safe communities where families can thrive.