Lynn Whitener Judicial officers really need to be nonpartisan, not only in name but in reality, Serns said. Helen Whitener A New Supreme Court Justice Could Swing Criminal The Spokesman-Review has comprehensive coverage of the 2020 election, with in-depth reporting and analysis on local, state and national races. Her website looks like it could double as a ransom note. What do you see as working well in this regard and what in your opinion has room for improvement? In Washington state, there are many judges on the Nov. 8 ballot and the only choice voters can make in most of those races is whether to vote at all. With this mindset comes a responsibility, and that responsibility is to use my sense of worth to educate others and encourage their pursuit of their life interests and not be held back by societys labels. Support comes from creating that village of mentees and seeing it become a movement founded on the fundamentals of giving back. Justice G. Helen Whitener, Washington State Minority and Justice Commission: Pierce County Superior Court Judge Helen Whitener '98 said those are her life's three guiding principles, which she shared with friends and colleagues as Seattle University School of Law and the Women's Law Caucus honored her as Woman of the Year for 2019 this week. At the time of her appointment to the Supreme Court, she resided in Pierce County with her wife, Lynn Rainey, who is also an attorney. degree from Seattle University School of Law. endobj at Seattle University School of Law in 1998. Serns has said he will not accept campaign donations as part of a pledge to remain politically neutral. She filled the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. But her mother? That doesnt mean that you will always be liked or accepted, but you will be grounded in your true self. In recent years, the legal field and the judiciary have become more representative of the people we serve. That experiment failed. $ In 2015, at the request of the United States Embassy, Judge Whitener visited her home country to speak on human rights. My mindset is to overcome them. [9] [10] Whitener is co-chair of the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission. [4] Whitner is married to Lynn Rainey, a fellow graduate of the Seattle University School of Law and an LGBTQ activist. [11] ^ a b "Judge G. Helen Whitener appointed to state Supreme Court". This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Click or tap any link or green text to view the disclosure on the commissions website. In 2020, When I asked by phone yesterday if she'd been contacted about the nomination, Whitener dismissed the question softly, apolitecome onof sorts.