Justice Robin Hudson Receives the Appellate Judge of the Year Award and Justice Debra Stephens Recognized as “Judge of the Year” in Washington State
Congratulations to our two Co-Chairs of the Judicial Independence Committee! Justice Robin Hudson of the Supreme Court of North Carolina and Justice Debra Stephens of the Washington State Supreme Court both received recognition recently for their outstanding judicial service. Justice Robin Hudson of the Supreme Court of North Carolina was recently awarded the Appellate Judge of the Year Award from the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, the largest trial lawyers association in the country. Justice Hudson will be retiring from the Supreme Court at the end of the year after serving in the North Carolina appellate courts for 22 years! The photograph includes Justice Hudson with attorney Mark Sumwalt and incoming NCAJ president Valerie Johnson. Justice Hudson’s commitment to judicial independence and public education has benefitted the public and NAWJ membership for many years. Congratulations to Justice Hudson and thank you for your longstanding service.
Congratulations also to our other Co-Chair of the Judicial Independence Committee, Justice Debra Stephens of the Washington State Supreme Court! Justice Stephens was recently recognized as “Judge of the Year” by the Washington State Association for Justice. Pictured at the award ceremony is Justice Stephens with her Supreme Court colleagues Justice Susan Owens, Justice Helen Whitener, and Justice Chuck Johnson. Justice Stephens was appointed to the Washington State Supreme Court in January 2008 and served as its 57th Chief Justice. She is deeply involved with public education and teaching about the judicial branch. Justice Stephens is a valued leader in judicial independence nationally. Congratulations on your recent honor and thank you for your service.
Thank you to both Justice Hudson and Justice Stephens for your leadership in judicial independence and your commitment to educating the public about the judicial branch.