Washington Chapter Newsletter
March 2026

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
 

For rule-of-law proponents, the last few weeks have been full of disorienting reversals and juxtapositions. 

I happened to be seated next to a Perkins Coie lawyer at an event when news broke that the Department of Justice had filed a motion to voluntarily dismiss its D.C. Circuit appeal of several 2025 executive orders retaliating against law firms with ties to the White House’s political adversaries. Among other measures, those EOs had threatened the firms' access to government contracts, barred the firms' entry into federal facilities—such as courthouses—and directed the EEOC to investigate the firms' hiring practices. At the time, Judge Beryl Howell described the EOs as "an unprecedented attack" on foundational constitutional principles. Nine firms quickly capitulated, admitting "wrongdoing," vowing political neutrality, and pledging millions in banal, White House-approved pro bono works. But four other firms, including Perkins Coie, challenged the executive orders in court, at considerable risk to themselves and their clients. District judges uniformly found the EOs unlawful, and DOJ appealed. Last Monday, with a briefing deadline looming, DOJ sought to abandon its consolidated appeals. But not 24 hours later, DOJ reversed course and moved to withdraw its motion.

Fast forward to March 5th, I was lucky to attend an excellent FWSC town hall event—which our chapter proudly co-sponsored—titled “Threats to the Judiciary.” Judges Robertson, Beggs and Lasnik all gave inspirational keynote addresses urging every lawyer to speak up for the rule of law and to protect judges against unfair attacks. Not 24 hours later, DOJ filed a disgraceful attack on judges in its appeal against the law firms. “Courts cannot tell the president what to say,” DOJ’s odious brief began. For 97 pages, this filing baselessly accused the district judges of “ben[ding] over backwards” to “encroach[ ] on the constitutional power of the president.”

Enough. The Washington chapter of ABOTA condemns DOJ’s intolerable attacks on judges and law firms. We applaud Perkins Coie’s adherence to principle. And we call upon DOJ to stop invoking rhetoric that undermines the rule of law.

CIVIL TRIAL TIP

Hon. Dean T. Chuang
Spokane County Superior Court

Judge Dean Chuang was appointed to the newly created 13th Department of the Spokane County Superior Court and took the bench on January 8, 2024. Previously, Judge Chuang was a partner of Crary, Chuang & Domanico, P.S., where he primarily represented clients in personal injury actions, general litigation and misdemeanor and felony crimes. While in private practice, Judge Chuang served on the WSBA Court Rules & Procedures Committee, Office of Public Defense Advisory Board, and as a Spokane County Bar Association Trustee.  He has presented on various CLE topics to the bar, ranging from Department of Licensing Issues to Federal and State firearm regulations to ethical issues. 

Judge Chuang was born in Walla Walla, Washington to immigrant parents. He is a graduate of Whitman College, the University of Washington, Tacoma and Gonzaga University School of Law.  He has litigated cases at all levels of the court system, from the District and Municipal Courts to the Washington State Supreme Court. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Chuang served on the Board of Governors and on the Diversity Committee of the various specialty bar associations.  He also participated on several judicial evaluation committees for Federal and State Courts.  Judge Chuang has volunteered as a housing justice attorney, mock trial instructor and as a youth softball coach.

Judge Chuang is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve where he serves as Observer Controller Trainer for the 91st Training Division. He is a graduate of the US Army Intelligence Center for Excellence, US Army Information Operations Qualification Course and Command and General Staff College. He deployed with the Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve to Syria and Iraq where he earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Joint Meritorious Unit Award.

Jury Instructions as the Rosetta Stone: The Rosetta Stone dates to 196 BC, which showcased the same royal decree in Ancient Greek, Demotic and Egyptian Hieroglyphs. The Stone allowed translation of indecipherable hieroglyphs into western language.  Jury instructions serve the same purpose, but not in such dramatic fashion. Jury instructions are supposed to translate complex legal concepts, nebulous definitions, and generations of case law into understandable language for laypersons. As such, jury instructions should be consulted early in the case.  As an intern, the late Mark E. Vovos and ABOTA member, required me to pull jury instructions prior to meeting with any clients. He would hammer away at the importance of the instructions to evaluate a case, to ask the right questions, and to assess the pitfalls of the fact pattern uttered by a potential client. Jury instructions should not be treated as a mere formality at the conclusion of a trial, but rather the bedrock of a prosecution or defense of any claim.

Trial Briefs as a Road Map: While jury instructions serve as a common language, the trial brief is the roadmap. Many trial judges do not have extensive civil backgrounds and appreciate background information and concise case law from the litigants. Trial briefs not only help judicial officers, but force parties to formulate a better discovery plan, sharpen investigations, and identify problematic issues with the case.  Trial briefs should be created at the beginning of the case rather than right before trial. Of course, this is a living document, as further investigation will undoubtably present new facts, introduce new theories and defenses.  Developing a trial brief early on prevents last minute discovery issues, prevents trial delays and aid in settlement.

Procrastination is the Thief of Time: Attorneys should file complex motions far in advance of trial to avoid delay and allow the judge to make a proper ruling without the pressure of a looming trial date. Even though court rules may allow for such motions close to trial, please refrain from doing so.  As mentioned before, early consultation with jury instructions and development of a trial brief should allow a party to anticipate a need for a motion well before trial.  Civil trial litigation by the seat of your pants does not create good results.

Simple and Plain Pleadings: Communication between the court and parties are primarily written. As such, pleadings should be brief, concise and accurate. Trial judges, at the state level, do not have law clerks.  We do our own research and read every pleading. Please make filings brief and concise. These pleadings should not only persuade but aid the judge in arriving at the right decision.

Communication between the Judicial Assistant: Communications between the Judicial Assistant and the litigants should not be a shadow docket, where lawyers can air their disputes in hopes the judge will get wind of the acrimonious behavior of their opponent. Judicial Assistants do not want to be dragged into the disputes of the parties. It really stresses them out. Please don’t do it.  Keep running email disputes between the attorneys and not the court. 

BEST IN THE WEST VOIR DIRE COMPETITION

Our 3rd annual Best In The West Voir Dire Competition took place on February 12-13 in Seattle. This year's program included Lewis & Clark Law School in Oregon as well as a Zoom voir dire round. Thank you to all the ABOTA members, judges, and teams who helped make this event a success.

First Place: University of Washington, Charles Buttler and William Kronblat 

Second Place: Gonzaga University, Joko Cailles, Lily Hollibaugh and Mikayla Yarwood (table counsel) 

ABOTA National President Bill Shapiro also attended the event and gave remarks at the Welcome Reception hosted by Seattle University School of Law.

Additional photos from the event are available to view and donwload here.


UPCOMING EVENTS

March 26
Everett Judicial Reception
Help us recognize the longest-serving judges in Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan counties. These events have been very successful in past years and we are excited to continue recognizing judges around the state. 

October 29th
Fireside Chat with Steve Vladeck
Save the date. More details available soon.

2026 SPONSORS

Please join us in thanking the following firms for their support of the Washington Chapter. Their contributions allow us to continue our high level programming and outreach throughout the state.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for 2026, please reach out to nicole@wa-abota.org for details.


NOMINATE A NEW MEMBER

Nominees must have a minimum of 7 civil jury trials to verdict or hung jury as lead counsel, and 100 trial points. 

If you know someone who has the required trial experience and has a strong reputation for professionalism and civility, please fill out the Nomination Form and the membership committee will begin the vetting process.

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