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THE LEGAL BRIEF
VOLUME 42, ISSUE 3
A View From The Bench
By Judge Christine Schaller Thurston County Superior Court
It is May – May 10 th to be exact. Spring is in the air and summer seems close. I am getting ready to go to the TCBA Annual Dinner, where Skip Houser is
receiving the Bigelow Award. My daughter, who finished her first year of college and is returning home tonight, thinks it is base treachery that I am attending the Annual Dinner, instead of picking her up at the airport. My attempts to explain to her that the Annual Dinner is one of the few times each year where lawyers and judges come together, socialize, and realize we are all just normal people, fell on deaf ears. This conversation with my daughter, however, reminded me of a few important things … We all know that we are fortunate to be part of the Thurston County legal community. I know I am biased (my conscious bias), but I cannot imagine there is a better place to practice. I loved my 8+ years of private practice here, duking it out in court on behalf of my client, while maintaining a good, cordial, and respectful relationship with opposing counsel. I have also enjoyed my 19+ years as a judicial officer in Thurston County, hearing arguments of counsel, deciding cases and working with fellow lawyers within our legal community to improve our system and access to justice. Lawyers in Thurston County have always been and continue to be innovative and collaborative. This past summer, I had the privilege of attending the Washington State Bar Association ’ s celebration of lawyers who have been in practice for 50 years. It was very cool to be in a room with people who had combined, thousands of years of legal experience. Some of our very own local lawyers were honored, including Steve Foster, Bill Pope and Tom Westbrook. In speaking with each of them, they highlighted that the best part of being a lawyer during the last 50 years has been making a meaningful, positive impact in people ’ s lives and in our community. They each also stressed the importance of respect and professionalism in everyday practice. That resonated with me. I hope their 150 years of experience resonates with you as well. Finally, I am adding this last paragraph after attending the Annual Dinner. It was a huge success and a great turnout. If you were unable to attend this year, please get it on your calendar for next year! Skip Houser ’ s statements when he received the Bigelow Award centered around his work in the profession and in the community. Skip ’ s love for the law and legal profession was tangible. He spoke of how thankful he was to practice in Thurston County and the importance of integrity of lawyers. One thing he stated was a quote he attributed to attorney Brent Dille “ Attitudes are contagious – what are you spreading. ” Wow – brilliance in such a short, succinct statement. I think that applies to all of us and I will be keeping that in my mind now and in the future.
Enjoy your summer!
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