Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

JUSTICE CHARLES W. JOHNSON HONORED FOR AID TO MILITARY JUSTICE

Olympia, October 8.  Supreme Court Justice Charles W. Johnson today received a special commendation for his “outstanding service and contribution to the Armed Forces stationed in Washington State by originating and promoting [a new court rule] allowing military lawyers not licensed in the State of Washington to provide in-court representation to eligible service members. . . expanding legal assistance services and providing access to justice benefiting the military’s most junior enlisted personnel.”

This award was presented by Kenyon E. Luce, chair of the Washington State Bar Association Committee on Legal Services to the Armed Forces, in a special ceremony in the Temple of Justice when ten active duty officers in the Judge Advocate General’s divisions of the Army, Navy and Air Force were administered the oath of attorney by Chief Justice Gerry L. Alexander before the entire court in session.

Under the new limited practice rule unanimously approved by the Washington State Supreme Court, military officers stationed in Washington but only admitted to practice in other states may be authorized to represent clients eligible for aid under military legal assistance programs after completing continuing legal education courses in the State of Washington under the supervision of the Washington State Bar Association.

CONTACT:  Justice Charles W. Johnson, Washington Supreme Court.  

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