Clark County Bar Executive Director Lisa Darco Receives Professionalism in Practice Award │ Jan. 6, 2021
Vancouver, WA [Jan. 6, 2021] — The WSBA was proud to shine a spotlight on someone who rarely vies for it yet is instrumental in nearly all aspects of the Clark County Bar Association (CCBA), by presenting Executive Director Lisa Darco with the Professionalism in Practice (PiP) award.
PiP awards are given to those whose behavior exemplifies professionalism, based on nominations from friends and colleagues who believe their actions significantly advance professionalism in the legal community. And, according to Darco’s enthusiastic nominator, former CCBA President Jill Sasser, “Lisa epitomizes the ideals of professionalism.”
Having worked at the CCBA for nearly a decade, Darco began in the role of office manager, but by a vote of the CCBA Board of Trustees was quickly reclassified as executive director in order to recognize the myriad contributions she makes. Working quietly behind the scenes, Darco has a hand in almost everything the CCBA does to support its members and carry out its mission, while displaying outstanding organizational skills, professionalism, and creativity in her work.
To name a few of Darco’s regular contributions: she coordinates CCBA continuing education programs, manages multiple social events for CCBA members, handles production of the monthly Hearsay magazine, identifies new benefits for CCBA members, answers member questions, organizes swearing-in ceremonies for new Clark County lawyers, handles finances, and even answers the phones when needed. As part of her role, Darco works closely with each new CCBA president and has been the consummate professional and problem-solver with each of them.
“She never says it’s not her problem,” Sasser said. “Lisa says ‘here’s the solution’ — every time.”
Darco also regularly identifies opportunities for the CCBA to give back to the local community. She spearheaded a project for the CCBA to support low-income housing for seniors, which has been ongoing for the past several years. And Darco has continued to provide top-notch support for CCBA members and coordinate bar programs despite the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
WSBA President (and Vancouver-based lawyer) Kyle Sciuchetti helped the CCBA surprise Darco with the PiP award at the CCBA Trustees virtual meeting on Jan. 6.
“Lisa Darco embodies the spirit behind the Professionalism in Practice Award. Every day, there are people who quietly provide exceptional professionalism, integrity and collegiality for Bar members and the public. Today was an opportunity to highlight the importance of Lisa’s contributions,” said Washington State Bar President Sciuchetti.
Visit WSBA’s Professionalism in Practice page to learn more about the award and fill out a nomination form.
About the Washington State Bar Association
The WSBA operates under the delegated authority of the Washington Supreme Court and exercises a governmental function authorized by the Court to license and regulate the state’s nearly 40,000 legal professionals, including lawyers, limited practice officers, and limited license legal technicians. The WSBA both regulates legal professionals under the authority of the Court and serves its members as a professional association — all without public funding. The WSBA administers the Bar admission process, including the bar exam; provides record-keeping and licensing functions; administers the lawyer discipline system; and provides continuing legal education for legal professionals, in addition to numerous other educational and member-service activities. The Bar’s mission is to serve the public and its members, to ensure the integrity of the legal profession, and to champion justice.
