Pioneering woman still blazing legal trails

THE Pacific Northwest has long benefited from strong women leaders, among them the founding Denny sisters, Princess Angeline, Seattle Mayor Bertha Landis and the Bullitt sisters. Now is the time to recognize another in the pantheon of women who have helped to build our community: Judge Betty Binns Fletcher.

In 1941, Betty Fletcher was part of the first all-women group to hike the 100-mile Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier. She's never stopped trailblazing. With strength, vision, courage and leadership, Judge Fletcher has made a strong imprint on our community.

When she graduated first in her class from the University of Washington law school in 1956, the city's prestigious law firms would not hire women. Preston Thorgrimson Horowitz Starin & Ellis, a predecessor of K&L Gates, "took a risk." Betty Fletcher became the firm's first female partner, and later, one of the first women in a major law-firm name. In her practice she embraced every challenge, demonstrating through brilliance and hard work there was no limit to what a female lawyer can do.

At the same time, Betty and her husband Bob, a law-school professor, raised four remarkable children. Today, despite a full caseload, she finds time to nurture grandchildren and stay in touch with more than 100 former law clerks and their families.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of her appointment by President Jimmy Carter to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. He recently described that appointment as a lasting legacy, reflecting her "profound and abiding commitment to human rights and to environmental quality."

Whether advising clients, judging cases or volunteering in the community over the past half century, Betty Fletcher has distinguished herself as a citizen concerned not only with the rule of law but also with the rights of individuals and the well-being of the planet. As a federal judge, she has authored pivotal opinions on issues of discrimination, immigration, capital punishment and the rights of Native Americans. She has spoken out to uphold the abiding values of our region: tolerance, respect for human and natural diversity, equal rights, openness and civil discourse.

She has distinguished herself as one of our nation's leading jurists on conservation issues, writing decisions that protect the mountains, forests, whales, wildlife and waters of the Pacific Northwest. She continues to be a pioneer in addressing emerging environmental challenges such as climate change. She recently authored an opinion striking down inadequate fuel-efficiency rules. Congress responded by increasing efficiency standards.

Fletcher has devoted much of her time to professional and community service. This, too, is marked by many "firsts." For example, she was the first woman in the country to serve as president of a major bar association when, in 1972, the overwhelmingly male King County Bar Association elected her as their leader. She was also the first woman governor of the state bar association. But Judge Fletcher's contributions go well beyond the law.

Often glass ceilings fail to shatter. Instead, a crack may form that allows entrance to one remarkable individual. The glass truly shatters only when others progress as well. Judge Fletcher has always made sure that this would be the case. Not only did she reach behind herself to pull up future generations, but she has continued to serve as an active mentor and role model for both men and women who aspire to excellence in their professions.

President Obama recently wrote her a letter of appreciation, observing: "As a judge, you have displayed an unwavering commitment to justice under law. You have blended mastery of legal doctrine with empathy for the individuals subject to the law, especially the most vulnerable in our society."

Our colleague Betty Fletcher has always displayed the pioneering spirit to speak up for what is right, to challenge perceptions about what can be achieved, and to break new ground for the sake of building a more humane community. The Pacific Northwest is much better for it.

Jim Ellis and Bill Gates Sr., were name partners in the Seattle-based law firm of Preston Gates & Ellis, now K&L Gates. Kari Glover was managing partner of Preston Gates & Ellis and then served as global integration partner at K&L Gates.