WASHINGTON — Leaders and practitioners who spoke at a Washington State Bar Association event emphasized pro bono legal services, a statewide refunds program created after the State v. Blake ruling and efforts to improve law-student employment opportunities.

"I have been a superior court judge since 1989 and have enjoyed it immensely," said Superior Court Judge Leroy McCullough, reflecting on public-service motivations that, speakers said, drive pro bono and access-to-justice work.

Speakers described three programmatic efforts in detail. An established name-change clinic — "about 3 or 4 years" old — was cited as an example of pro bono work that helps LGBT and transgender people, including youth, with legal name changes that speakers called "life saving and life changing." "Pro bono service is essential to the law," one speaker said, adding that attorneys can expand access to justice through clinics and partnerships.

Panelists also described a statewide refund effort created after the Washington Supreme Court decision in State v. Blake. One presenter summarized the court ruling and its consequences: "The Washington State Supreme Court in February 2021 found that the original law from 1971 until 2021 was unconstitutional." Another speaker said that the Lake Refund Bureau has refunded "over $5,200,000 to almost 5,000 cases." A separate speaker called the refund program "a first in the nation program," saying it was designed to be "transparent with taxpayer dollars" and "easy for folks that are entitled to it to access."

Speakers credited cross-sector partnerships for program development. A Microsoft-affiliated speaker described helping launch the Washington Law Student Employment Retreat "in partnership with all the minority bars in Washington, as well as the Washington State Bar Association," offering panels, mock interviews and career support for diverse law students.

Speakers tied these programs to broader goals. Commentators said pro bono clinics affirm dignity for clients, reduce suicide risk among transgender youth where legal affirmation is part of care, and build community trust in licensed professions. Several speakers also noted the importance of mentorship and leadership diversity; one noted that a past leader was "the first female person of color to serve as president of the King County Bar Association," and praised efforts to recruit diverse board members.

No formal actions or votes were recorded in the provided transcript excerpt. The remarks were presented as statements about programs, impacts and professional service rather than motions or policy changes.

Speakers urged continued collaboration among courts, bar associations, employers and nonprofit partners to expand access to justice and ensure refunds and other remedies are administered transparently. Several speakers closed by stressing persistence in reform work: "When someone says no, ask them why, and then start getting to work on whatever that objection is and overcoming that challenge," one speaker said.