The Small Town and Rural Council of the Washington State Bar Association presents the 2nd Annual Washington State Small Town and Rural Practice Summit. Building on the momentum of last year’s inaugural gathering, this year’s summit will continue to shine a spotlight on advancing justice in every...
The Small Town and Rural Council of the Washington State Bar Association presents the 2nd Annual Washington State Small Town and Rural Practice Summit. Building on the momentum of last year’s inaugural gathering, this year’s summit will continue to shine a spotlight on advancing justice in every ZIP code across Washington. Bringing together judges, legal professionals, law students, and community leaders from across the state, the summit will explore the unique challenges and promising opportunities in rural and small-town practice. Through keynote presentations and panel discussion, attendees will explore a range of timely issues impacting rural legal communities and consider actionable strategies to strengthen rural legal services and expand access to justice. Topics will include pathways to the profession, immigration, AI and technology in small town practice, and ethical considerations for general practitioners. The Summit will feature Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Stephens, Yakima County Superior Court Judge Sonia Rodriguez True as keynote speakers. We will also hear from U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Pennell along with, prosecutors, public defenders, public interest attorneys, private practitioners, and law school leaders.
The Summit will be held at Heritage University and opens with a hosted reception on the evening of Thursday, June 26 at Cowiche Canyon Kitchen and Icehouse. Lunch is included during the Friday, June 27 keynote address and a final hosted reception will close out the event on Friday afternoon.
Join us for this essential gathering of the rural justice community as we work together to build solutions and expand justice in every zip code!
Space is limited. $30 registration fee includes two receptions, continental breakfast, and lunch.
Program is Pending Approval of 5.25 hours of CLE credit.
LODGING INFORMATION
There are several hotels located in close proximity to Cowiche Canyon Kitchen and Icehouse and within a short drive to Heritage University. Follow the links below to be taken to the information for each hotel.
CO-CHAIRS
Ashley Cummins - Seattle University School of Law, Spokane, WA
Merf Ehman - Columbia Legal Services, Seattle, WA
Kevin Plachy - Washington State Bar Association, Seattle, WA
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Chief Justice Debra Stephens - Washington State Supreme Court, Olympia, WA
Judge Sonia Rodriguez True - Yakima County Superior Court, Yakima, WA
SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 26, 2025
6:30-8:00 p.m. Opening Reception at Cowiche Canyon Kitchen and Icehouse 202 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901
Friday, June 27, 2025*
8:00 a.m. Registration Opens with Coffee and Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Opening Remarks
8:40 a.m. Opening Plenary – WA State Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Stephens
9:30 a.m. Plenary Presentation
10:45 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Plenary Presentation
11:45 a.m. Lunch with Presentation by Keynote Speaker Judge Sonia Rodriguez True
12:50 p.m. Break
1:00 p.m. Program Resumes with Concurrent Sessions
2:15 p.m. Break
2:30 p.m. Program Resumes with Concurrent Sessions
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
WSBA Solo and Small Practice Section
Umpqua Bank
Larson Griffee and Pickett PLLC
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.