QLaw, the GLBT Bar Association of Washington, enjoyed what by all accounts was a successful kick-off celebration September 29 at the W Hotel in downtown Seattle.

Attending the inaugural event were close to 300 guests, including members of the bar, the judiciary, the WSBA Board of Governors and leaders from several minority, specialty and local bar associations. King County Superior Court Judge Mary Yu delivered the keynote welcoming address.

QLaw is an association of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender legal professionals and their friends. It serves as a voice for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender lawyers in the state of Washington on issues relating to diversity and equality in the legal profession, in the courts and in the legal system.

The association’s members, volunteers and sponsors work to provide opportunities for the GLBT legal community of Washington, to build professional alliances, to educate the public and the courts about the legal issues facing the GLBT community and to promote and encourage the GLBT community to advance to positions of responsibility and merit.

QLaw’s officers are: Michael Heath, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, President; Beth Barrett Bloom, Frank Freed Subit & Thomas LLP, President Elect; Lisa Gilmore, Helsell Fetterman LLP, Vice President; Holly Benton, Summit Law Group, Secretary; and Matt Carvalho, Heller Ehrman LLP, Treasurer. Members of the Board of Directors are Cynthia Buhr, Laura Herman, Akili Estrella, Anthony Gipe, Andrew Kamins, James McGuire and Dainen Penta. The association’s founding sponsors are: Davis Wright Tremaine LLP; Dorsey & Whitney LLP; Frank Freed Subit & Thomas LLP; Heller Ehrman LLP; Helsell Fetterman LLP; The Olympic Law Group; Perkins Coie LLP; Preston Gates & Ellis LLP; Stafford Frey Cooper; Stoel Rives LLP; Thompson Gipe P.C.; the Washington State Bar Association Committee for Diversity; and Starbucks Coffee Co.