Other LanguagesAward recognizes extraordinary contributions to furthering justice in Washington
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson recently honored Senior Assistant Attorney General Dave Stolier and Senior Counsel Fronda Woods with the Attorney General’s 2015 Steward of Justice Award. The award recognizes assistant attorneys general who further the cause of justice through exceptional legal work and extraordinary contributions to the people of Washington.
The Steward of Justice Award was created in 1998 by then-Attorney General Christine Gregoire to recognize employees who make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others, both personally and professionally. The awards were announced at the Attorney General’s Office Conference in October.
“Dave Stolier and Fronda Woods have led the Attorney General’s Office through some of our state’s most uncharted legal territory,” said Ferguson. “And both have made the office better for working here.”
About Dave Stolier
Dave Stolier started with the Attorney General’s Office in 1992, and is currently the Education Division Chief.
Stolier has spent a good part of his career mentoring, coaching and training new attorneys and frequently serves as a resource for experienced attorneys as well.
He often serves as the face of the AGO on education issues, and the legal work of his division is critical to the people of Washington.
His work has placed him at the helm — and in the headlines — of some of the most high profile issues the AGO has been involved in.
He has served as one of the lead counsel on McCleary, et al. v. State of Washington, the state Supreme Court case addressing the legislature’s efforts and constitutional duty to make ample provisions for the education of Washington children.
In addition to his legal work, Dave works so closely with members of the state Legislature that after a recent court ruling, they called him at his desk on a Saturday to consult with him — and, unsurprisingly, he was there to answer their calls.
He is also knee deep in the defense — and again the headlines — of I-1240, the voter approved initiative to allow the creation of charter schools in Washington.
“Dave is an inspiration to his colleagues, highly regarded for his professionalism and the quality of his work,” said Ferguson. “He is an extraordinary attorney and valued leader.”
About Fronda Woods
Fronda Woods has been with the Attorney General’s Office since 1989 and is currently Senior Counsel in the Licensing and Administrative Law Division.
Serving for many years as an Assistant Attorney General for both the Fish & Wildlife and Natural Resources Divisions, much of Woods’s career has been focused on Indian law, and natural resource and environmental issues.
Her exemplary work in representing the state’s interests in the landmark cases of United States v. Washington and United States v. Oregon mark important chapters in the history of our state.
Decades of litigation have followed the 1974 “Boldt Decision” that affirmed Indian fishing rights and established treaty tribes as co-managers of the salmon fishery.
During that period of her career, Fronda helped negotiate several important long-term fisheries management agreements with Indian tribes in our state.
In her quiet and efficient manner Fronda has taught, mentored and assisted countless AAGs and clients as they have tried to navigate the complex area of Indian Law.
“Fronda Woods is a valued mentor and leader,” said Ferguson. “This outstanding attorney’s extraordinary contributions to the office and the people of Washington have been courageously and masterfully accomplished over decades of public service.”
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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
Contact: Alison Dempsey-Hall, Deputy Communications Director, (206) 641-1335