Tacoma attorney outlines monthly name-change clinic serving transgender youth and others

John Cummings, a civil litigator at Eisenhower Carlson in Tacoma and a pro tem judge in Pierce County, described a pro bono name-change clinic that he said now operates monthly and serves transgender youth, victims of trafficking and others.

"Pro bono service is essential to the law. We as attorneys have a unique opportunity to expand access to justice," Cummings said, describing work he said began three to four years ago as part of the "Robert J. Bridal Inn of Court" in Pierce County and expanded in partnership with Oasis Youth Center, the Rainbow Center and Tacoma Pro Bono.

Cummings told the meeting the clinic helps clients align identity documents, such as birth certificates and passports, and described name changes as "life saving and life changing." He said the work frequently assists lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and "a lot of trans kids," and that affirming a person's identity reduces suicide risk. "What we know about the statistics of trans kids and gender non conforming kids is that when somebody is affirmed, given dignity, taken care of, they are less likely to die by suicide," he said.

A public commenter who spoke in support said the clinic grew from volunteer activity and partnerships and now holds monthly sessions staffed by attorneys. The commenter said the clinic also helps resolve document mismatches that can affect voting eligibility, noting, "For example, a birth certificate does not match a passport, and our clinic is helping battle that by tying up those paper trails and ensuring that women continue to have the right to vote." Another public commenter praised Cummings's approach and community-building work, saying, "People use words like charisma. If you looked it up in the dictionary, you'd see John Cummings."

Speakers emphasized partnerships in the effort: the clinic is presented as working with Oasis Youth Center, the Rainbow Center, Tacoma Pro Bono and local Inns of Court, and the presenters credited volunteers and other clinics for referrals and staffing support. A speaker also thanked community partners and a spouse, saying, "A very, very special thank you to Oasis Youth Center and Tacoma Pro Bono, to everyone who's ever participated in the clinic, and of course, my husband, Ross."

The remarks at the meeting were testimonial and descriptive; no motions or formal actions were recorded in the transcript excerpt.