Spokane Chapter

Washington Women Lawyers — Spokane Chapter

Chapter Newsletter

Empowering Women in Law

Good morning, WWL Members,

We hope you are enjoying the last bit of summer. Why does summer fly by so quickly, but winter feels like an eternity?!

We also hope those affected by the devastating fires receive the help you deserve. We continue to stand by you ready to assist with anything you may need to rebuild. Our hearts are with you.

Upcoming Dates to Calendar

Sep 2

5:00 – 6:00 pm — Zoom-only Board Meeting
Email for link if you'd like to participate

Sep 10

5:30 – 7:30 pm — Annual Summer Party at Judge Candie Dibble's Home
See details below

Sep 11

Noon – 1:30 pm — Judicial Panel at Superior Court (CLE pending)
See details below

Oct 3

5:45 – 8:45 pm — WWL Annual Event in Seattle
See details below

Oct 7

5:00 – 6:00 pm — Board Meeting (location TBD)

Nov 11

5:00 – 6:00 pm — Board Meeting & Board Elections (location TBD)

December

No board meeting

Dec 2

5:30 – 8:00 pm — Winter Gala at Spokane Club

Our September board meeting will take place via Zoom on Sept. 2 due to the back-to-back events in September; no social to follow. If you are interested in attending, please reply to this email for the Zoom link.

Annual Summer Party — September 10

Annual Summer Party at Judge Dibble's Home

Judge Candie M. Dibble's Home | Thursday, September 10 | 5:30 – 7:30 pm

If you have not RSVP'd yet, please do so! A casual get-together to let loose, relax, chat, and enjoy time with each other. We encourage law students, attorneys, judges, professors, legal professionals, and any member or prospective member to attend!

Please bring any of the following items to be delivered to the Wildfire Relief Fund for Partners INW:

Nonperishable food items

Diapers & baby essentials

Pet food & supplies

Personal hygiene products

Household necessities

RSVP Now →

⚖️ View from the Bench — September 11

View from the Bench: Women in Law & Best Practices

Jury Services Room, Spokane Superior Court | Friday, September 11 | Noon – 1:30 pm | CLE Pending

We are BEYOND EXCITED to share details about this upcoming event you will not want to miss! Esteemed panelists will share their experiences and engage in a round-robin session. Come ready with your questions!

Featured Panelists:

Senior Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson — USDC EDWA

Chief Justice Debra Stephens — WA Supreme Court

Justice Theo Angelis — WA Supreme Court

Chief Judge Tracy A. Staab — WA Court of Appeals

Judge Kathleen O'Connor (Ret.) — WA Superior Court

Judge Shelley Szambelan — WA Superior Court

Members: Free entry. Non-members: Become a member for $45, or pay $45 to attend.

RSVP by replying to this email.

WWL Annual Event — October 3 in Seattle

WWL Annual Event

Seattle, WA | Saturday, October 3 | 5:45 – 8:45 pm

Please join us in Seattle for the Annual Event! Our own Spokane Chapter President Sarah Elsden will be honored with the 2026 Washington Women Lawyers Outstanding Leadership Award. Congratulations, Sarah!

Learn More & Register →

Chapter Spotlight

Congratulations to Sarah Elsden!

Our own Spokane Chapter President Sarah Elsden has been awarded the 2026 Washington Women Lawyers Outstanding Leadership Award! Sarah will be honored at the Annual Event on October 3 in Seattle. Please join us in celebrating this incredible achievement!

️ Join the WWL Board — Elections in November

Please consider joining our WWL board! Our Chapter will continue to thrive, but only if we have members willing to dedicate time to plan events, push communications, provide networking and educational opportunities, and support charity work. We need YOU! Voting will occur in November; new positions start January 1, 2027.

Position	Responsibilities
President	Overall direction of Spokane Chapter; communicates with members, board, and presenters; coordinates initiatives and events; leads board meetings.
Vice President	Assists President; steps in when President unavailable; develops scholarship opportunities; initiates CLE credits.
Treasurer	Procures annual stipend from State WWL; maintains bank account; assists with reimbursements; provides accounting updates at each meeting.
Secretary	Meeting minutes; maintaining records; communications with board members; assists Events Chair.
Communications Chair	Coordinates email blasts; manages social media; creates event flyers and invitations.
Judicial Evaluations Chair	Coordinates screening and interviewing of judicial candidates; facilitates judicial evaluations.
Membership Chair	Works with Communications Chair; garners new membership; works with WSBA and SCBA to increase outreach.
Events Chair	Coordinates initiatives and events focused on educational, social, and philanthropic outreach. Assisted by Secretary.
State WWL Board Liaison	Works with State WWL Board to share information between chapters; reports on State-level activities.