National Law Day of Action: KCBA joins a nationwide stand for the rule of law.

Thank you to everyone who joined KCBA at the Superior Court on Law Day, May 1, for the retaking of Washington’s Oath of Attorney. The turnout was spectacular, with standing room only in the courthouse’s largest courtroom!

375 local lawyers and judges retook their oaths, including First Assistant Attorney General Maureen Johnston and other attorneys from the Washington Attorney General’s Office, former state Senator and current Washington Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, King County Councilmember Jorge Barón, Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison, and attorneys from a broad range of legal environments. We have huge appreciation to Judge Ketu Shah, who led the retaking of the oath.

All U.S. lawyers take an oath upon admission to their state’s bar. The oath represents a promise to support the constitutions of the United States and Washington. It encompasses a duty to defend the federal and state constitutions, protect constitutional rights, ensure due process, and oppose laws or actions that undermine the constitutions. By retaking the oath, attending lawyers reiterated their role as guardians of the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.

The National Law Day of Action was organized by the Action Network, which is an organization that “empowers individuals and groups to organize for progressive causes” and announced this occasion by saying, “The principles of judicial independence and the independence of the legal profession — cornerstones of American democracy — are facing unprecedented challenges across the country.”

The Washington State Bar Association led the related statewide events. Thank you to WSBA for these statistics about turnout.

1,623 attorneys reaffirmed their vows in Washington at noon on May 1. There were over 50 similar events nationwide. The King County Bar Association is proud to have co-hosted this very successful and meaningful event with the Superior Court. 

Sophie Petersen, Marketing & Communications. She can be reached by email at sophiep@kcba.org.

 

 

 

 

 

KCBA President Erin Overbey retakes her oath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retaking the oath.