Robert Lewis Receives Washington State Bar Association Local Hero Award │ July 16, 2021
STEVENSON, WA, July 16, 2021 — The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) named Judge Robert Lewis as the winner of the Local Hero Award for his professionalism and demeanor on and off the bench.
The Local Hero Award is given to those who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities. WSBA President Kyle Sciuchetti will present the award during the mixed in-person/virtual Board of Governors meeting in Stevenson on July 16.
Having served in Clark County Superior Court since 2004, Judge Lewis has earned the admiration and respect of his colleagues for his unbiased and fair conduct, deep knowledge of the law, preparedness, and intelligence behind the bench. He is further acknowledged for giving generously of his time and expertise to help mentor other legal professionals and volunteer in a variety capacities for his community.
As the program chair for the Washington YMCA Youth & Government Mock Trial program since 2005, Judge Lewis has been instrumental in helping young lawyers.
“Judge Lewis is an asset to our program and his community,” said Amber Wetzel, executive director of Washington YMCA Youth & Government. “He is always available to answer questions about mock trial, putting the kids first. He puts in countless hours to serve teens from across the state."
Leading up to the mock trial, he spends countless hours writing the annual case, according to Wetzel, which includes the mock trial’s evidence, exhibits, and witness affidavits. “Judge Lewis is involved in so many activities that serve our community. He also recruits and encourages others to volunteer and serve our community, as well.”
Judge Lewis also serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCA Youth and Government Board. His contributions have helped grow the state and Clark County programs and start a middle school program.
Judge Lewis served as president of the Fort Vancouver Kiwanis, and helped as a Walk and Knock captain for annual food drives. He is an active member of his local Clark County Bar Association and often presents Continued Legal Education courses, while also participating in bar events like Bowling with the Judges. In 2014, Judge Lewis won the Ken Weber Community Service Award for outstanding community service by a member of the Clark County Bar Association. He is an active member of the Simpson Inns of Court and previously served on the Clark County Bench/Bar Committee.
Judge Lewis graduated Western Washington State College and the University of Washington Law School. As a law student, worked as a Rule-9 Licensed Legal Intern with Eastside Defender Association, later becoming a trial attorney for the association. Judge Lewis previously practiced law with Knapp, O’Dell, Lewis and MacPherson where he focused on criminal defense and family law.
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.
