Justice in rural and small-town communities depends not only on access to legal services, but on the ability of attorneys and advocates to build sustainable, connected, and supported practices over time. This year’s STAR Summit centers the people who make justice possible and explores what it takes...
Justice in rural and small-town communities depends not only on access to legal services, but on the ability of attorneys and advocates to build sustainable, connected, and supported practices over time. This year’s STAR Summit centers the people who make justice possible and explores what it takes to sustain rural lawyering in the face of workforce shortages, professional isolation, economic pressures, and evolving community needs. Sessions will highlight practical strategies for strengthening rural practice, sharing resources, and building professional and community networks. The Summit will also create intentional space for connection, peer learning, and collaboration, fostering relationships that support attorneys and communities long after the event ends.
This year the STAR Council is partnering with the Access to Justice Board! The Summit will be held at Central Washington University and opens with a hosted reception on the evening of Thursday, June 26 at Gallery One Visual Arts Center in Ellensburg. Lunch will be provided on Friday June 27, and a final hosted reception will close out the event on Friday afternoon.
Space is limited. $30 registration fee includes two receptions, continental breakfast, and lunch.
This program is pending approval of 5.25 CLE credits.
LODGING INFORMATION
There are several hotels located in close proximity to Gallery One Visual Arts Center and Central Washington University. Follow the links below to be taken to the information for each hotel.
CO-CHAIRS
Ashley Cummins - Seattle University School of Law, Seattle, WA
Michele Moore - Guardian Community Law, Ellensburg, WA
Gloria Guizar - Seattle University School of Law, Seattle, WA
Kevin Plachy - Washington State Bar Association, Seattle, WA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Justice Helen G. Whitener - Washington Supreme Court, Olympia, WA
SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 25, 2026
6:30-8:00 p.m. Opening Reception at Gallery One Visual Arts Center 408 N Pearl Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Friday, June 26, 2026*
8:00 a.m. Registration Opens with Coffee and Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Opening Remarks
8:40 a.m. Opening Plenary – Justice Helen G. Whitener
9:30 a.m. Plenary Presentation
10:45 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Plenary Presentation
11:45 a.m. Hosted Lunch
1:00 p.m. Program Resumes with Plenary Session
2:15 p.m. Break
2:30 p.m. Program Resumes with Plenary Session
3:45 p.m. Closing Remarks by Kari Petrasek, Chair of WSBA STAR Council
4:00 p.m. Reception immediately following the program.
5:00 p.m. Adjourn
*Schedule is subject to slight modifications as sessions are confirmed.
WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS OF THE CONFERENCE:
SILVER SPONSORS
Fette Trust
Seminar Registration Transfers, Refunds and Cancellations: In most circumstances, if you cannot attend the live event, we can
transfer your registration to the on-demand product, once available (8-10 weeks from the program delivery date). Generally, for
webcast/webinar registrations, tuition fees may be refunded, less $25 for processing, for written cancellations postmarked, emailed, or faxed up
to the start of the event. For in-person registrations, tuition fees may be refunded, less $25 for processing, for written cancellations
postmarked, emailed, or faxed by 5 p.m. up to three business days before the event. No refunds will be provided after the dates specified. You
may also send a substitute in lieu of canceling.
When applicable, specific exceptions to these policies will be noted on individual event
registration pages. Please email
cle@wsba.org with any requests or questions.