Each year the Washington State Bar Association recognizes outstanding attorneys for their professionalism, community service efforts, and impact upon the legal community. These select lawyers are celebrated at the WSBA Annual Awards Dinner. This year the WSBA created a new honor memorializing the late King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng. Norm passed away in May of 2007, but his legacy continues to inspire lawyers throughout Washington State.

MPBA is humbled that the WSBA selected Wayne Blair as the first recipient of the Norm Maleng Leadership Award. This was a special occasion for Wayne as he was a good friend of Norm.

Wayne commented: “Norm Maleng was a special person in my life. We served together as advisers in the residence halls at the University of Washington in 1965. He was my boss and we became good friends. Whether he intended to or not, Norm influenced me in leaving the electrical engineering profession and deciding to attend law school. I am truly honored and touched to be named the first recipient of an award in his name.”

Wayne adds this prestigious honor to his President’s Award and Lifetime Service Award earned in previous years. Congratulations, Wayne.