YWCA Spokane Attorney Named Spokane County Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year

Many congratulations to YWCA Spokane Civil Legal Attorney, Kelsey Kittleson, for being named the Young Lawyer of the Year by the Spokane County Bar Association.

Kelsey was awarded this prestigious designation for her “substantial contributions to the legal profession of a legal or non-legal nature, substantial contributions to the Spokane County Bar Association, substantial contributions to the community, or demonstrated excellence in the practice of law.”

Kelsey won this award specifically for her tremendous work in serving survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence, as well as her longtime work volunteering for the Volunteer Lawyers Program helping individuals who could not afford counsel in family law matter. Kelsey says she volunteers because of her “belief that a lack of knowledge about the law/legal process should not prevent someone from participating in their legal matter.”

For lawyers working in public service, their efforts are often met with hostility, as they often face individuals during the most difficult points of their lives. This exceptional award recognizes the meaningful work of public servants and offers an opportunity to educate the public about the contributions of attorneys working in public service.

In addition to being honored by the Spokane County Bar Association, Kelsey was also honored by Commissioner Rugel for her incredible work. Commissioner Rugel took a few moments out from his speech during the event to compliment Kelsey’s consistent work in serving survivors. This award is deeply deserved, as Kelsey is a model leader and lawyer for our agency and community.

Thank you for all you do, Kelsey!

About YWCA Spokane’s Legal Team

YWCA Spokane’s Legal Team is comprised of Civil Legal Attorneys and Legal Advocates to assist victims and survivors of domestic violence with protection orders and legal support and advocacy. Our attorneys and advocates are available by appointment, or during walk-in hours on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.

The Facts

• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime.
• 30-50% of transgender people will experience domestic violence in their lifetime
• Females ages 16-24 are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence than any other age group at the rate almost triple the national average
• Domestic violence happens with about the same frequency in gay and lesbian relationships (National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs: 2013 Report On Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, & HIV-Affected Intimate Partner Violence
• In 2015, 54 people died in Washington State as a result of domestic violence (Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
• Washington State has had 1052 domestic violence related fatalities between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2015 (Washington StateCoalition Against Domestic Violence)
• Our crisis line is answered over 3,800 times per year, and in that year we help over 13,000 survivors and their kids in our Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program.

Call 509-477-3656 to reach a YWCA Spokane Legal Advocate. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call our 24/7 helpline at 509-789-CALL (2255).

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