The 2026 APEX Awards
The APEX — Acknowledging Professional Excellence — Awards honor exemplary members of the legal community, including legal professionals, judges, and members of the public.
And the 2026 APEX Award recipients are...
Chief Justice Mary E. Fairhurst Award of Merit
Theo Lesczynski
Seattle
As this year’s recipient of the WSBA’s highest honor, the Award of Merit, Theo Lesczynski, exemplifies exceptional courage and legal excellence.
Lesczynski led a team of attorneys in a groundbreaking appellate case that strengthened protections for survivors of sexual violence—a decision that will shape Washington law for years to come. Lesczynski's advocacy not only secured justice in a deeply sensitive matter involving allegations against a prominent pastor, but also expanded the legal framework that empowers survivors to speak out and safeguard others.
In demonstrating clarity, compassion, and tenacity in the face of adversity, Lesczynski embodies the very purpose of the Award of Merit.
The Chief Justice Mary E. Fairhurst Award of Merit is the Bar's highest honor and is given to an individual for a recent, singular achievement. The singular achievement may involve an individual who has displayed exceptional courage in the face of adversity, thus bringing credit to the legal profession. It is awarded to individuals only — both legal professionals and members of the public.
Angelo Petruss Award for Lawyers in Government Service
Kelly E. Warner-King
Olympia
Kelly Warner-King’s career is a model of public service grounded in dignity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to families and youth across Washington. Known for thoughtfulness, humility, and a collaborative spirit, Warner-King consistently lifts up the many communities and professionals they work alongside.
Her leadership is marked by an ability to navigate emotionally complex issues with optimism and grace—always ensuring individuals feel seen, heard, and respected. Warner-King’s contributions embody the spirit and legacy of Angelo R. Petruss, whose integrity and dedication continue to inspire government lawyers statewide.
The Angelo Petruss Award for Lawyers in Government Service is named in honor of Angelo R. Petruss, a senior assistant attorney general who passed away during his term of service on the WSBA Board of Governors. It is given to a lawyer in government service who has made a significant contribution to the legal profession, the justice system, and the public.
Justice C.Z. Smith Excellence in Diversity Award
Hon. Andrea Jarmon
Seattle
Judge Andrea Jarmon represents the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. Guided by lived experience, principled leadership, and a deep commitment to fairness, Jarmon demonstrates how judicial excellence and community-centered service can meaningfully expand access to justice. She is recognized for her compassion, integrity, and unwavering dedication to creating systems where all voices are valued. Judge Jarmon embodies the legacy of Justice Charles Z. Smith and serves as a powerful model of inclusive leadership on and off the bench.
The Justice Charles Z. Smith Excellence in Diversity Award is named in honor of Justice C. Z. Smith, the first African-American to serve on the Washington Supreme Court. This award goes to a lawyer, law firm, or law-related group that has made a significant contribution to diversity in the legal profession.
Legal Innovation Award
Scam Justice Legal Clinic
created by Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Amazon, the Pro Bono Institute, and the Better Business Bureau Institute for Marketplace Trust
The Scam Justice Legal Clinic is honored for pioneering a first-of-its-kind, trauma‑informed pro bono model designed to support victims of online scams and fraud. In a landscape where many victims feel isolated or powerless, the Clinic offers a compassionate and secure space for legal guidance, empowerment, and recovery.
Through a unique partnership between law firms, corporate partners, and nonprofits, the Clinic reimagines how legal services can respond to emerging digital harms. Its volunteers apply expertise in cybercrime, consumer protection, and fraud enforcement to ensure survivors not only understand their rights but also regain confidence in navigating the aftermath of harm.
This initiative represents the future of innovative, community-driven legal service delivery.
The Legal Innovation Award recognizes legal professionals, law firms, courts, law schools, individuals, or organizations who demonstrate leadership in promoting innovation in the practice of law. Innovation may be defined as programs, processes, or technology that advance or streamline the future of the profession and accessibility/delivery of legal services.
Lifetime Service Award
Robert Cumbow
Seattle
For decades, Robert Cumbow has been a pillar of mentorship, education, and professional excellence within Washington’s legal community. Known for his humility, generosity, and unmatched willingness to teach, Cumbow has shaped generations of attorneys through thoughtful guidance and practical wisdom.
His clarity as an educator and his ability to make complex legal concepts accessible have set him apart as both an exceptional teacher and a trusted colleague. Cumbow’s enduring service reflects a lifetime of dedication to strengthening the profession and supporting those who work within it.
The Lifetime Service Award is a special award given for a lifetime of service to the legal community and the public.
Norm Maleng Leadership Award
Justice Racquel Montoya-Lewis
Olympia
Justice Racquel Montoya-Lewis is celebrated for redefining leadership through mentorship, curiosity, and a steadfast commitment to justice. Drawing on vast experience across tribal and state courts, she models a growth mindset that empowers others to develop, reflect, and thrive.
Her leadership is rooted in compassion and inclusivity—creating environments where ideas flourish, challenges are met collectively, and successes are shared. Justice Montoya-Lewis carries forward the spirit of Norm Maleng through her dedication to justice, mentorship, and the wellbeing of the legal community.
The Norm Maleng Leadership Award is given jointly by the WSBA and the Access to Justice Board, in honor of the late King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng's legacy as a leader. He was an innovative and optimistic leader committed to justice and access to justice in both civil and criminal settings. Within the profession, his leadership was characterized by his love of the law and commitment to diversity and mentorship. This award recognizes those who embody these qualities.
Outstanding Judge Award
Justice Barbara Madsen
Olympia
Justice Barbara Madsen is recognized for a distinguished career marked by intellectual rigor, clarity in the law, and unwavering dedication to meaningful access to justice. Her judicial opinions provide foundational guidance across Washington jurisprudence, reflecting deep respect for precedent and the rule of law. Beyond the written word, Justice Madsen has consistently championed initiatives that strengthen courts, improve public confidence, and promote fairness across Washington’s legal system. Her service reflects the highest standards of judicial leadership.
The Outstanding Judge Award is presented for outstanding service to the bench and for special contribution to the legal profession at any level of the court.
Outstanding New Member Award
Mason Ji
Seattle
Mason Ji has rapidly distinguished themself as a leader among Washington’s newest attorneys. From securing significant litigation outcomes—including leading a successful multi-day arbitration—to becoming a global resource on sanctions and export controls, Ji demonstrates remarkable depth and versatility early in their career.
Ji also contributes to the profession through teaching at the University of Washington and publishing widely on international trade and national security. National recognition from the American Bar Association and Best Lawyers Magazine speaks to the impact Ji is already making within the legal community.
The Outstanding New Member Award (formerly the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award) recognizes one WSBA member who has made significant contributions to the professional community, especially the community of new members, within their initial years of practice. Recipients must be active WSBA members within their first 10 years of admittance to practice in Washington.
Pro Bono and Public Service Award
Hari Kumar
Seattle
Hari Kumar is honored for extraordinary dedication to pro bono service, marked by perseverance through complex litigation and an unwavering commitment to client-centered advocacy. Even while balancing the demands of a busy litigation practice, Kumar consistently prioritized the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable clients navigating uphill legal battles.
Known for diligence, mentorship, and tenacity, Kumar demonstrates what it means to uphold the profession’s highest values through service to the community and devotion to meaningful justice.
The Pro Bono and Public Service Award for Individual is presented to a lawyer or other legal professional for outstanding cumulative efforts in providing pro bono services or who gives back in meaningful ways to the public, the community, or the legal profession.
Professionalism Award
Michele Carney
Seattle
Michele Carney exemplifies the WSBA Creed of Professionalism through integrity, generosity, and steadfast service. While maintaining a demanding immigration practice, Carney devotes countless volunteer hours to WSBA committees, nonprofit organizations, and community efforts—always responding with an enthusiastic “yes” when called to serve.
Colleagues describe Carney as a motivating force who elevates everyone around them, demonstrating civility, poise, and thoughtful leadership. Their work reflects a deep commitment to the profession and to the people it serves.
The Professionalism Award is awarded to a WSBA member who exemplifies the spirit of professionalism in the practice of law, as defined in the WSBA's Creed of Professionalism.
Sally P. Savage Leadership in Philanthropy Award
Jack Connelly
Seattle
Jack Connelly is recognized for a legacy of extraordinary generosity and a lifelong commitment to improving communities across Washington and beyond. His leadership in philanthropy is reflected not only in significant personal giving, but also in cultivating a culture of service throughout Connelly Law Offices—which donated more than $238,000 to charitable causes in 2023 alone.
Connelly’s steadfast support for organizations such as Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Lawyers Helping Hungry Children, Communities in Schools, and many others demonstrates his deep belief in the transformative power of giving. He exemplifies the spirit of Sally P. Savage and the enduring value of philanthropy in advancing justice.
The Sally P. Savage Leadership in Philanthropy Award. Sally Savage led the Bar Foundation’s renaissance and was a catalyst for its refocused mission to sustain the WSBA’s effort to advance justice and diversity. Her clarity, expertise and vision helped establish a path for enduring support of a strong bar association that provides statewide leadership on matters of profound importance to the profession and the citizenry. Sally’s spirit of generosity and leadership continue to inspire all who recognize the transformative potential of philanthropy. Philanthropy means “love of humanity” and focuses on private initiatives for the public good, focusing on quality of life. Sally Savage emulated this spirit of philanthropy in her life, and it is in her memory that we continue to honor donors, volunteers and friends of the Washington State Bar Foundation who embody Sally’s spirit.
