Voter Guide

Even though the election is months away, the very organized folks at the Secretary of State's office require all candidates to submit their strictly-regulated information for the online and printed voter pamphlets very early. Like today. So here's mine:

Roger Leishman for Court of Appeals 

Legal/Judicial Experience

Washington Office of Attorney General (chief legal advisor to Western Washington University); Davis Wright Tremaine LLP (partner in appellate practice group); also worked in other small and large law firms and for nonprofit advocacy organization

Other Professional Experience

Washington State Bar Association (Board of Governors); Washington Supreme Court Discipline Advisory Round Table; WSBA Court Rules Committee; Q-Law

Education

Yale Law School (Juris Doctor, 1990); Brigham Young University (B.A. in English summa cum laude,1986)

Community Service

Washington Initiative for Diversity (chair); Seattle Men’s Chorus; Vancouver Men’s Chorus; Equality Federation (chair); Leadership Tomorrow

Statement

Ever since I went to law school thirty years ago, I’ve appreciated the vital role of the rule of law. Judges must ensure that every party has a full and fair opportunity to be heard.

My varied legal career has prepared me for service on the Court of Appeals. I have successfully argued appeals in the Washington Court of Appeals, the Washington Supreme Court, the Alaska Supreme Court, and the federal Court of Appeals. I’ve written hundreds of briefs in a wide variety of cases, including family law, contracts, criminal, employment, intellectual property, and civil rights. 

As a leader in the Washington legal community, I’ve worked closely with judges and lawyers to promote the rule of law. Throughout my career, I have been committed to public service and ensuring access to justice for all. I promise to maintain the integrity of the judiciary, uphold fairness and common sense, and treat everyone with respect.

On a personal note, my family has lived in the area for almost forty years. My three children began school on Whidbey Island, and now attend Bellingham public schools. I would be honored to serve the people of Northwest Washington on the Court of Appeals. 

Contact

(360) 325-1242; leishmanforjudge@reachfar.net

www.leishmanforjudge.com

I also received an email from the good people at the Elections Division informing me "Your name will be on an audio recording for assisted voting and for the audio Voters’ Pamphlet. In order to correctly record, please help us learn how to pronounce your name."

As I previously wrote in "The Great Vowel Shift," members of Clan Leishman have historically disputed the proper pronunciation of our surname. 

I have until next Wednesday to submit my pronunciation guide. Should I go with "Leashman," "Lishman," or "Leischman"?