Washington Supreme Court administers oath to 13 new attorneys, highlights public-service backgrounds
October 30, 2024 | Supreme Court, Judicial , Washington
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The Washington Supreme Court on Oct. 30 administered the oath to 13 law clerks and former externs, formally admitting them to the Washington State Bar.
Chief Justice Gonzales opened the ceremony at the Temple of Justice, saying the court was "pleased" to welcome the new lawyers and recognizing the sacrifices of their families. "Welcome to the Washington State Bar. You are each now officers of the Court," the chief said, urging the admits to bring leadership and innovation to the practice of law.
Justices introduced each candidate in turn. The chief introduced Manuel Salvador Andrade Cornelio, noting his externship in chambers during the COVID period and his Seattle University School of Law degree. "He was my extern during COVID ... hardworking, always optimistic," the chief said.
Other justices highlighted the candidates' academic honors, public-interest work and clinic experience. Justice Johnson introduced multiple clerks and externs, praising their clinic work and internships; Justice Stevens presented two law clerks with records of pro bono and public-defense experience; Justice Gordon McLeod, Justice Yu and Justice Helen Whitener each introduced additional admits, describing leadership roles, moot-court honors and commitments to underserved communities.
Dan Jensen, division chief in the Washington State Attorney General's Office, introduced Wei He, an assistant attorney general hire who previously worked as a civil engineer and lawyer in China and recently earned her J.D. from the University of Washington. "Wei brings a wealth of diverse experiences to our office and to our community," Jensen told the court.
The court recorded that it had heard 13 motions for admission; the chief granted the motions and administered the oath, which includes commitments to uphold the constitutions of the state of Washington and the United States and to follow the Supreme Court's rules of professional conduct.
The ceremony closed with the chief reminding new attorneys of the profession's responsibilities to clients and to the justice system. The court then adjourned.
What happened next: the admits leave as newly licensed members of the bar and the court concluded its ceremonial session.
Chief Justice Gonzales opened the ceremony at the Temple of Justice, saying the court was "pleased" to welcome the new lawyers and recognizing the sacrifices of their families. "Welcome to the Washington State Bar. You are each now officers of the Court," the chief said, urging the admits to bring leadership and innovation to the practice of law.
Justices introduced each candidate in turn. The chief introduced Manuel Salvador Andrade Cornelio, noting his externship in chambers during the COVID period and his Seattle University School of Law degree. "He was my extern during COVID ... hardworking, always optimistic," the chief said.
Other justices highlighted the candidates' academic honors, public-interest work and clinic experience. Justice Johnson introduced multiple clerks and externs, praising their clinic work and internships; Justice Stevens presented two law clerks with records of pro bono and public-defense experience; Justice Gordon McLeod, Justice Yu and Justice Helen Whitener each introduced additional admits, describing leadership roles, moot-court honors and commitments to underserved communities.
Dan Jensen, division chief in the Washington State Attorney General's Office, introduced Wei He, an assistant attorney general hire who previously worked as a civil engineer and lawyer in China and recently earned her J.D. from the University of Washington. "Wei brings a wealth of diverse experiences to our office and to our community," Jensen told the court.
The court recorded that it had heard 13 motions for admission; the chief granted the motions and administered the oath, which includes commitments to uphold the constitutions of the state of Washington and the United States and to follow the Supreme Court's rules of professional conduct.
The ceremony closed with the chief reminding new attorneys of the profession's responsibilities to clients and to the justice system. The court then adjourned.
What happened next: the admits leave as newly licensed members of the bar and the court concluded its ceremonial session.
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