Justice G. Helen Whitener Sworn in to the Washington State Supreme Court

The Washington State Supreme Court gained a new member today when Justice G. Helen Whitener was sworn into office by Chief Justice Debra L. Stephens, keeping safe social distance. Friends and family of Justice Whitener were able to watch the historic occasion through Zoom, and after the swearing in, Justice Whitener was able to speak to them briefly. “I spoke with my mother last night and I just got off the phone with her,” Justice Whitener said to the faces on the monitor. “Yes, I see you mommy,” she smiled.

The inauguration had to be a mostly private event in the closed Temple of Justice, in Olympia, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A very small number of critical staff members speckled the courtroom where the justices typically hold oral arguments, while more than 90 family members, friends and colleagues from near and far — some outside of the U.S. — watched through monitors as the brief ceremony was live-streamed. When Justice Whitener entered the courtroom, she smiled and waved at the monitor.

Justice Stephens spoke briefly before administering the oath of office. “This is a private swearing in of our new justice, and we are thrilled to have you join us,” she said. “We of course wish this could be the full ceremony with your family and friends and colleagues.”

“I am at a loss for words. This is a huge accomplishment for me and my family and I am humbled by it.”

Justice Whitener was appointed to the Supreme Court by Governor Jay Inslee to fill the position left vacant by the retirement of Justice Charles Wiggins at the end of March. She had been a Pierce County Superior Court judge since 2015 and had served as a pro-tem judge for Pierce County District Court and Tacoma Municipal Court. She has also served as an administrative law judge for the state Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. Prior to that, she had spent 14 years as a defense attorney and a prosecutor. For the past 18 months she has served as co-chair of the Supreme Court Minority and Justice Commission.

“Judge Whitener inspires lawyers and non-lawyers alike with her relentless work to raise awareness for matters of race, justice and equity,” Inslee said upon her appointment. “She is tireless in her commitment to building a justice system that works for all, and as a Supreme Court justice, she will have an even greater platform to promote justice for everyone in Washington state. I am very pleased to appoint her to this bench and I look forward to her many contributions to our state for years to come.”

Justice Whitener was born in the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, moving to the U.S. at the age of 16 to attend college in New York. She later attended the Seattle University School of Law.

“I am at a loss for words,” she said after her swearing in. “This is a huge accomplishment for me and my family and I am humbled by it.” She talked about her worries for the people of Washington and everything they are experiencing right now, and her concerns that the state courts have enough resources to respond to the unprecedented situation.

As a judge who was very involved with youth programs, Whitener also talked to students of hers who were on the Zoom event. “For my mentees, yes, it is possible,” she said, choking up a bit. “I miss seeing you. I am going to be the same Helen, accessible to all of you.”

Justice Stephens thanked her new colleague, saying, “You are bringing your true self, and we are so blessed.” A full inauguration ceremony will be held for Justice Whitener when the public health situation allows.

For more photos, visit our Flickr album: https://www.flickr.com/gp/wacourts/46h17y