Washington Courts: News and Information

Justice Debra Stephens Named Judge of the Year by Washington State Association for Justice

June 03, 2022

Washington Supreme Court Justice Debra L. Stephens has been named Judge of the Year by the Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) for “the central role she has played in the two single biggest drivers of change in recent history: the Covid-19 epidemic and the social movement for racial justice,” according to the association. 

Justice Stephens was sworn in as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in January, 2020. “She led the judicial branch through its fastest innovations probably ever, converting to largely remote hearings, to ensure the courts remained open during the Covid-19 crisis,” wrote the WSAJ in its award announcement. “Also under her leadership the Washington Supreme Court published a remarkable letter — signed by all 9 justices — in the wake of the George Floyd killing and subsequent protests. The letter was an unflinching look at the role the judicial system has played in the ‘devaluation and degradation of black lives,’ calling on judges and lawyers alike to improve the system.”

The WSAJ is a voluntary statewide trial lawyer bar association founded in 1953 with almost 2,500 members. Each year the association names a judge of the year who exercises outstanding judicial leadership and advocates for a civil justice system that serves the people. 

“Justice Stephens is known for her ability to unravel the issues before the Court with crystal clarity and impeccable integrity,” wrote the WSAJ in its award announcement. “She continues to work to fight the impacts of inequity and racism, exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis.”

Justice Stephens said she is grateful for the WSAJ recognition. “It is humbling to receive this award when I think that my name will be alongside so many of my heroes who have been recognized in years past,” she said. “I also want to acknowledge that it was a team effort leading the courts’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I dedicate this award to all those who were — and continue to be — part of that work.”

Learn more about the work of the Washington State Association for Justice on their web site at www.washingtonjustice.org.

 

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