Washington Paralegal of the Year
In 2004, WSPA launched a new program to recognize outstanding paralegals in Washington. If you know someone who goes the extra mile, works to help their community to expand access to legal services, contributes hours of pro bono time, or who is just an outstanding paralegal making a difference, then please tell us about that person.
If you are an attorney, this is a great way to recognize your paralegal for the outstanding contribution they make to the legal team. Nominations are generally accepted until mid-March each year, and the winner is announced and presented with an award at the Annual Meeting of the Members.Past Winners are listed below. WSPA seeks nominations for the Washington Paralegal of the Year Award in the Winter/Spring period of each year. To make a nomination, complete and submit an Award Nomination Form.
2007 Paralegal of the Year
2006 Paralegal of the Year
Betsy Johnson (pdf)
2005 Paralegal of the Year
WSPA is proud to announce the winner of the 2005 Paralegal of the Year:
Cynthia Alavarez-Engel (Lynnwood, WA).Cynthia received many nominations for this award. The nominations clearly demonstrated that Cynthia is a role-model of the paralegal profession. She not only displays the skills of a competent paralegal, but the compassion and dedication to her profession that makes her a superior professional. One heartfelt and moving nomination was received directly from a client and is excerpted below:
'...When I meet Cynthia, it was to get what should have been a routine divorce finally resolved. For a variety of reasons, this woman literally threw me lifeline after lifeline. The process had become very confusing for me, my children were not receiving any support, and I was worn out. Cynthia explained the process to me. She took the time and energy to really listen and to have my paperwork reflect my family's needs. She was supportive, clear in her explanations and helpful in defining and following-up with scheduling and forms. She made a large block of time available to walk my through every phase of the parenting plan and was so responsive to the changes that grew out of these conversations. On my court day when I was a puddle of nerves, she took time out again to reassure me, make sure I understood what was going to happen and answer any concerns I may have had.
She has been truthful, up front and extremely courteous and caring. I view her professionalism as a huge credit to Joe Wilson, Attorney at law, and respect and appreciate her greatly.'
Cynthia received a special plaque, a leather briefcase with an engraved inscription of her award, a free one-year membership to WSPA, and a $250 cash award.
2004 Paralegal of the Year
At the WSPA 2004 Annual Meeting and Spring Conference in Ocean Shores, Susan Mazzone Castelazo of Osborne and Machler was announced as WSPA’s first Paralegal of the Year. You can read the glowing letters describing her work here.
In addition to receiving free attendance to the Spring Conference seminars and the Friday night dinner, Susan received a plaque to commemorate her achievement, a one-year membership to WSPA, and a $250 cash gift. To share her joy in being selected, Susan provided every table with bottles of wine at the Friday night dinner.
© 2003-2005 Washington State Paralegal Association