The Latina/o Bar Association of Washington held their 19th annual gala at the Marriot Waterfront hotel in downtown Seattle. It was a sparkling event with the who’s who of the Washington legal community in attendance. Guests included Chief Justice Barbara Madsen, Honorable Judge Jones from the Western District of Washington (Federal) court, and many more such guests. Some 500 people attended the impressive evening. The torch was passed on from Ms. Patricia Lally to Ms. Fe Lopez. Ms. Lopez discussed some of the goals for 2011. Watson Immigration Law wishes her and her new board much luck in accomplishing all their goals while helping the broader Latina/o community.
At this event, The American Immigration Lawyers Assocation (AILA) Washington chapter was honored with the Community Service Award. AILA WA has partnered with LBAW on a number of matters. In particular, LBAW operates the Casa Latina community Center Pro Bono Legal Clinic. One of the subjects covered is Immigration Law. AILA WA members regularly devote numerous hours at this clinic, where I myself have volunteered too.
AILA WA Chapter Chair, Ms. Bonnie Wasser accepted the award on behalf of AILA. In her speech, she highlighted all the invaluable work that AILA WA does for the community, including Citizenship Day, advising on and fighting for legislative and policy issues, pro bono clinics and much much more.
Watson Immigration Law was proud to participate in the evening’s festivities and is proud of being a member of AILA.
(From bottom left: Ms. Bonnie Wasser, Chapter Chair, AILA WA; Ms. Jessica Skelton, President, WWL; Ms. Fe Lopz, President, LBAW and Tahmina Watson, Immediate Past President, KCWWL).