Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Justice G. Helen Whitener Named Judge of the Year by National Black Law Student Association’s Western Region

Washington Supreme Court Justice G. Helen Whitener has been named Judge of the Year by the Western Region of the National Black Law Student Association (WRBLSA). She will be recognized for the honor and speak during Western Regional Convention’s 53rd Annual Awards Gala, being held virtually on Saturday, January 9, 2021.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award from an organization that has done such important work for decades in encouraging and supporting Black law students across the country and beyond,” Justice Whitener said about the recognition.

The National Black Law Student Association (NBLSA) represents over 6,000 minority law students from more than 200 chapters across the United States, and in six other countries. The Western Region is comprised of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, encompassing 40 law schools and more than 350 members.

 The NBLSA was founded in 1968 by Algernon Johnson (“AJ”) Cooper at the New York University Law School to fill a need for the educational encouragement, professional development and community enrichment of Black law students. The organization’s mission is to “increase the number of culturally responsible Black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.”

“Mentoring and supporting law students and young people is one of the most positive things we can do as legal professionals,” said Justice Whitener, who has been active and recognized for her work in other mentoring programs. “I encourage professionals of any field to support organizations and programs such as the NBLSA, and their important work with young people.”

To learn more about the WRBLSA, visit their website at https://www.wrblsa.org/.