GTH attorneys were recognized for their community service and pro bono work at the 2018 Lincoln Day Banquet, the annual event of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association (TPCBA). Joe Gordon, Jr. was awarded the Individual Pro Bono Award for his advice given on prototype Washington Web Lawyer a website where low-income individuals who have a civil legal problem in Washington State can get free legal advice from volunteer attorneys. Presenter Mark Brady said Joe was responsible for nearly a third of the advice given on the website during its 18-month run. Joe also was recognized for volunteering regularly at the Housing Justice Project (HJP), and “bringing his years of experience and professionalism to help HJP with dignity, respect and impeccable preparation,” according to Laurie Davenport, director of Pierce County’s Volunteer Legal Services. HJP serves low-income clients with housing issues, including landlord-tenant disputes. Janelle Chase-Fazio was recognized for exceptional service provided to underserved populations of Pierce County, earning the Service to Diversity Award. Janelle has used her exceptional legal skills to litigate two pro bono cases with the ACLU protecting the civil rights of inmates and detainees. She also has organized a CLE to help other attorneys assist detainees, written a pamphlet assisting transgender people in advocating for their own health care, co-authored a deskbook chapter on disability discrimination, and volunteered for an immigration raid hotline. Janelle also frequently volunteers for TPCBA’s pro bono clinics, where her Spanish language skills help expand the reach of the program.
In an emotional tribute, outgoing TPCBA president, Diane Clarkson-concluded the evening festivities with a personal acknowledgment of Mark Honeywell’s parents, Valen and Sheila, for their incredible support and mentorship when she was a brand-new attorney. Val Honeywell was a longtime partner and leader of GTH, and his name graces our firm.