Other LanguagesAward recognizes attorneys with exceptional achievements early in their careers
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson has selected eight Assistant Attorneys General to receive the 2015 William V. Tanner Award for outstanding achievements early in their careers. Ferguson established the award in 2013 in honor of the youngest Attorney General in state history.
In 1911, William V. Tanner became Washington’s sixth Attorney General at age 29 after working his way up the ladder from law clerk, to stenographer to assistant attorney general. He was initially appointed to succeed Attorney General Walter Bell, who stepped down to accept an appointment to Snohomish County Superior Court. He was re-elected twice, serving from 1911–19.
“This award not only honors the recipients, it also celebrates the rich history of the Attorney General’s Office,” said Ferguson. “I’m proud to recognize these attorneys who, like Tanner, have exhibited excellence early in their careers and are already making extraordinary contributions to the people of Washington.”
Award Recipients
AAG Colleen Melody — In her brief time with the Attorney General’s Office, Colleen has already led the launch of the Wing Luke Civil Rights Unit in Seattle, hired an excellent team including an attorney and professional staff, and played a significant role in the creation of the new Civil Rights Resource Guide.
First in her class at University of Washington Law, Melody came to the AGO from the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., where she was twice honored for her work, including a Civil Rights Special Commendation for Outstanding Service.
“Colleen exemplifies the Attorney General’s Office core values and everything the Tanner Award stands for,” said Ferguson. “Her energy and passion make the AGO a better place.”
AAG Sarah Kortokrax — Sarah is an Attorney Team Leader in the Labor & Industries Division in Tumwater. She is recognized by colleagues as a skilled and creative mentor and inspiring leader.
Kortokrax’s clients are consistently impressed with her great attitude and professionalism, especially her willingness to take “good risks,” which has paid off in big ways for our client and the division.
In Sarah’s recent handling of sensitive appeals by other state agencies, her creativity in collaboration with AAGs representing those clients helped set the stage for more effective worker safety practices across state agencies.
“Sarah is a strategic, respectful and thoughtful attorney, always committed to ensuring the client and the public are well served,” said Ferguson. “I value her integrity and leadership.”
AAG Nick Williamson — Nick works for the Olympia Social and Health Services division.
In 2014, Williamson was assigned to the team representing the Department of Social and Health Services in the Trueblood class action in federal court. The case was placed on a fast track by the court, and Nick worked with the team extensively through the trial and beyond.
His legal work on the case was outstanding in every dimension — research, analysis, writing, trial preparation and examination of witnesses in court.
“Nick’s accomplishments at the Attorney General’s Office and exemplary work on behalf of his clients make it hard to believe he has only been practicing law for three years,” Ferguson said. “He is an all-around outstanding attorney, role model and ambassador for the AGO.”
AAG Chalia Stallings-Ala’ilima — Chalia works in the Social and Health Services Division in Seattle.
In addition to carrying a heavy caseload, Stallings-Ala’ilima makes many other important contributions to the child welfare system and the families it serves.
Chalia also immerses herself in an array of extra-curricular activities, including co-chairing the AGO Diversity Committee and supporting several diversity bar groups.
“Chalia’s enthusiasm is contagious,” said Ferguson. “Her positive example of respect and inclusiveness greatly enhances the culture of the Attorney General’s Office.”
AAG Leah Harris — Leah quickly established herself as an outstanding attorney after joining the Licensing and Administrative Law Division in Seattle.
Recognized early on for her excellent written and oral advocacy, sound judgment and strong teamwork, Harris became the division’s appellate advisor in 2012.
During Leah’s tenure, the LAL division has prevailed on the merits in approximately 90 percent of its appellate cases.
She already has a unanimous Washington State Supreme Court victory under her belt with the Association of Washington Spirits and Wine Distributors v. Washington State Liquor Control Board.
“Leah deals with challenges with professionalism and poise,” said Ferguson. “She’s an all-around great person, and a caring and collegial colleague and attorney.”
AAG Amber Leaders — Amber works for the Social and Health Services Division in Olympia.
Leaders served as a social worker attending law school, and her prior experience has been of tremendous value to her division.
In her first year, Amber skillfully handled a large number of felony cases, including a murder.
Amber’s common-sense approach to problems and her considerable interpersonal skills have earned the trust of her clients and colleagues.
“Amber’s compassion and in-depth knowledge of mental health issues is apparent to her colleagues and clients,” said Ferguson. “We are very fortunate to have her as part of our team.”
AAG Tsering Cornell — Through her work in the Government Operations Division in Olympia, Tsering has provided exemplary service to important state agencies, including the Secretary of State and the Department of Retirement Systems in challenging advisory matters and litigation.
Tsering has distinguished herself as an outstanding attorney and an AGO leader on diversity. Tsering is an active member of the Washington State Bar Association Committee for Diversity and has been published in NWLawyer. She is also an active member of the Asian Bar Association of Washington.
“Tsering is a gifted and courageous attorney and dedicated public servant,” said Ferguson. “She is the epitome of the type of attorney the Tanner Award is designed to recognize.”
AAG Carissa Greenberg — Carissa works for the Regional Services Division in Yakima.
Primarily assigned to juvenile court matters in Yakima County, Greenberg has demonstrated impressive commitment to public service and dedication to the highest standards of professionalism under demanding conditions.
In one recent case, Carissa recently spent long hours over several days to prepare a social worker for testifying in court when the social worker was struggling with the task.
In another, she volunteered to take on an appeal involving an incarcerated parent, an area of juvenile law that is currently in a state of flux and thus present challenging issues.
“Carissa exemplifies integrity and is a diligent and committed public servant,” said Ferguson. “She represents the core values of the Attorney General’s Office.”
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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