Speakers highlight name-change clinic, legal aid centers and bar-led civic actions at Washington State Bar event

Speakers at a Washington State Bar Association event described several access-to-justice efforts, including a pro bono name-change clinic serving LGBTQ people, the founding and work of local legal aid centers, and a May 1 bar-led oath-retaking to reaffirm lawyers’ commitment to the rule of law.

An unnamed speaker said pro bono service is essential to the law and described founding a name-change clinic “about 3 or 4 years ago.” The speaker said name changes can be “life saving and life changing,” particularly for transgender and gender nonconforming young people, and that clinics partner with LGBT and non-LGBT organizations to increase safety.

Speakers also praised individuals who led community legal work. One speaker described the Carl Massey Center, founded in 2018, and said the Sandy Williams Justice Center was established in 2023 “so that we are still able to serve and do the civil legal aid.” Another speaker recommended Dennis for a Lifetime Service Award, saying his work opened doors for people who “lacked voice and power in the community.”

Washington State Supreme Court justices and retired judges were discussed in remarks about public service and mentorship. One speaker identified himself as Leroy McCullough and introduced himself as a superior court judge since 1989; McCullough thanked organizers and attendees and cited the May 1 retaking of the oath as an example of the bar’s leadership in pursuing justice and equality.

The speakers emphasized collaboration among minority bar organizations, law schools, employers and pro bono programs; one speaker described a Washington Law Student Employment Retreat that included mock interviews and career panels organized with minority bars and the Washington State Bar Association.

Remarks mixed personal tributes and program descriptions. The transcript did not record formal votes, motions, or policy directives at the event.