CHICAGO, April 25, 2019 — The American Bar Association Section of Litigation will honor U.S. District Court Judge Richard A. Jones of Seattle with its Diversity Leadership Award, which recognizes dedication to inclusion and diversity in the profession.
The award will be presented to Jones at the Diversity Leadership Award Luncheon at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at the New York Marriott Marquis during the 2019 Section of Litigation & Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division CLE Conference. Rea Carey, executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, will be the keynote speaker.
This award recognizes individuals or entities who have demonstrated commitment to full and equal participation in the legal community for women, people of color, persons with disabilities and persons of differing sexual orientations and gender identities.
Throughout his legal and judicial career, Jones has distinguished himself with exceptional leadership in his community. More than 20 years ago, he co-founded and still participates in two Seattle-area programs that focus on law students of color: Northwest Minority Job Fair and First Year Minority Clerkship Program, also know as the Legal Employers Advance Diversity in Washington. Through these and other educational enhancement programs, Jones has been a mentor to more than 100 students.
Palmer Gene Vance II, section chair commented, “The Section of Litigation is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Recognition of Judge Jones’ groundbreaking work underscores this commitment by increasing awareness of the importance of mentoring programs in advancing diverse lawyers.”
Jones was appointed to the federal bench in 2007. Previously, he spent more than 13 years as a King County Superior Court Judge and 17 years as a practicing attorney at the King County Prosecutor’s Office, Port of Seattle, the law firm of Bogle & Gates in Seattle and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Jones received a Bachelor of Public Affairs from Seattle University in 1972 and his J.D. from the University of Washington Law School in 1975.
Editor’s note: Photo available here.
The ABA Section of Litigation is the premier association for lawyers and judges involved in litigation and trial practice. Legal professionals from all areas of practice turn to the Section for member-only access to the latest news, information, and thinking on legal strategy, bringing all sides of a trial to one place to form a comprehensive view of the profession.
With more than 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is one of the largest voluntary professional membership organizations in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law. View our privacy statement online. Follow the latest ABA news at www.americanbar.org/news and on Twitter @ABANews.