Whatcom-area lawyers reaffirm oath, urge public engagement as concerns about rule of law grow

At a public gathering in Whatcom County, dozens of attorneys reaffirmed their professional oath and heard local judges and organizers urge collective action to bolster public confidence in the rule of law.

Event organizers said the gathering was arranged with support from the Washington State Bar Association and coordinated locally by attending lawyers and judges. Attendees recited an oath that included promises to "support the constitution of the state of Washington" and "abide by the rules of professional conduct approved by the supreme court of the state of Washington." Whatcom County Superior Court Presiding Judge (Judge) Freeman administered the oath.

Organizer Rajeev, who helped coordinate the event, framed the meeting as a public recommitment and said the legal community must respond to declining trust. "The public's confidence in the rule of law and the legal system is eroding. All the studies show that," Rajeev said, urging lawyers to emphasize the rules of professional conduct and the profession's duty to increase public understanding and confidence.

Superior Court Judge Jennifer Slattery told attendees that the rules of professional conduct and the lawyers’ oath position attorneys as "guardians of the law." "Lawyers, as guardians of the law, play a vital role in the preservation of society," Slattery said as she encouraged lawyers to dedicate themselves again to the oath.

Judge Freeman said he witnesses attorneys' daily work in Whatcom County courts and praised the local bar's advocacy and collegiality. "I have the privilege of witnessing your dedication on a daily basis in Whatcom County Superior Court, and I cannot say how proud I am of our local bar, the advocacy that you provide, and the collegiality," Freeman said, adding that the profession faces shortages and that many lawyers have stepped up to represent underserved and vulnerable clients.

Speakers promoted three concrete steps for lawyers: join local bar associations to broaden professional ties across practice areas; sign up for the Washington State Bar (WSB) ambassador program to engage volunteers in legal education and community outreach; and register for a continuing legal education session on the rule of law and constitutional issues scheduled for May 6. The event noted that Katie Mulligan, a staffer sent by the state bar, was available to collect contact information for attendees who prefer not to use QR codes.

Attendees recited the oath together; one participant identified by name during the oath was Katrina Elsa Tabari. The oath included pledges to support both the Washington and U.S. constitutions, to "abide by the rules of professional conduct approved by the supreme court of the state of Washington," to preserve client confidences, and to avoid misleading judges or juries.

Organizers and judges emphasized that reaffirming the oath was intended as both a symbolic and practical step, with calls for more attorneys to take cases for underrepresented people and to participate in community-facing bar efforts. No legislative actions or formal votes were taken at the event.

The Washington State Bar Association ambassador program and the May 6 CLE were presented as opportunities for lawyers to take part in community education and to help shore up public trust in legal institutions.