Nominations for Perez, a partner at Perkins Coie LLP with a focus on intellectual property, centered on his pro bono work with the ACLU and Seattle University’s Korematsu Center to protect protestors during the 2020 racial justice movement. Their work resulted in a temporary restraining order against the use of chemical irritants and projectiles. Perez continued working on behalf of protestors after police violated the order, resulting in a stipulated injunction and finding of civil contempt against the city of Seattle. Perez said, “After witnessing repeated and blatant violations of protestors’ constitutional rights, we had to act.” A nominator wrote, “David has raised the stature of lawyers in and amongst the Bar and the entire community of Washington state. We all benefit from David’s pro bono work.

Bray spent the majority of his career representing the Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families through the Washington Attorney General’s Office. He helped found the Pierce County chapter of Lawyers Helping Hungry Children and volunteered on the city of Tacoma’s Human Services Commission, as well as the WSBA’s Client Protection Board, Character and Fitness Board, and Disciplinary Board. Supporters noted he was a significant factor in the success of the Family Recovery Court in Pierce County and led the development of the first Baby Court in Washington. A supporter emphasized that he was “one of the most astute, erudite, influential, and congenial lawyers to have ever served in the Washington State Office of the Attorney General and as a member of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association.”

Williams is a managing partner at Perkins Coie LLP where he litigates complex business cases. His extensive pro bono work includes Wilbur v. City of Mt. Vernon, 989 F. Supp. 2d 1122 (W.D. Wash. 2013), which led to substantial reforms protecting the right to counsel in Washington. His leadership roles in community service organizations such as the Washington Leadership Institute, Treehouse, and the Metropolitan Seattle Urban League, as well as his everyday dedication and integrity, inspired the outpouring of nominations from his colleagues and friends.

Schafer’s nominations centered around her groundbreaking work developing Clearbrief, a program that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to review citations in legal writing. Having served as an Assistant Attorney General in Washington and Alaska and as in-house counsel for the national child welfare nonprofit Casey Family Programs, she applies AI tools to improve the practice of law, particularly child welfare and foster care systems.

Gates was an unforgettable role model, mentor, and friend whose work touched countless lives. He left an indelible impression through his practice, his advocacy for tax fairness and diversity in the legal profession, and his service to many nonprofit, philanthropic, and civic entities, including terms as president of the Seattle-King County Bar Association (now the King County Bar Association) and the WSBA.

Witter serves the Housing Justice Project as the senior managing attorney. His nominators emphasized his commitment to racial justice and equity and his advocacy for improved housing legislation, and stressed that he “embodies commitment to access to civil legal aid, advocacy for marginalized communities, and a willingness to change the material conditions preventing tenants from fully exercising their rights.

Chief Justice Alexander’s nomination described how he personifies what the chief should be: smart, hardworking, humble, having a keen understanding of the law and stare decisis while also adapting to changing times, maintaining the peace among his fellow justices, and a dedication to public outreach.

Heer is an associate in Foster Garvey PC’s investment management group who distinguished himself in only a few years of practice. His dedication to pro bono service goes far beyond the norm and includes a successful clemency petition unanimously supported by the state board. Many advocacy groups take advantage of Heer’s advice and mentorship and use his pro bono work as a template in civil rights litigation and training the next generation of advocates.

Virtual Help responded to domestic abuse survivors’ urgent need for access to courts following the early coronavirus restrictions. The groups collaborated to create an innovative program facilitating remote access to courts and pro bono counsel.

Master Chief Petty Officer Webster took the unusual step of volunteering for the Navy Reserve five years after starting with Microsoft's legal department, where she is now a Senior Attorney. She went on to serve tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thanks to her dedication and acumen, she achieved the most senior enlisted position of Command Master Chief of the Navy Reserve Law Program and the senior enlisted advisor to the Deputy Judge Advocate General for Navy JAG Corps, Reserve Affairs and Operations. She also has volunteered with organizations helping unaccompanied immigrant children and Microsoft's military veteran's employee network. Her service, integrity, and mentorship left a mark on colleagues and friends in and outside the service.

Lt. Col. Mann served as a Marine Corps Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer in prosecution and defense roles for many years before assuming the role of military judge in 2020. She maintained momentum on her docket and was instrumental in keeping recruits’ basic training on schedule despite coronavirus restrictions. Her work also opened the door for the first transgender Marine recruits and the integration of women into combat roles. Prosecution and defense groups across the Marine Corps employ training and certification programs she developed.

Murray’s supporters highlighted this distinguished social justice advocate’s years of service as a public defender and mentor. Supporters particularly emphasized her enthusiasm for the King County Bar Association’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon Committee.