Cases Mount Against Washington State Bar Association Board

SEATTLE (AP) – Allegations of mismanagement against the governing board of the Washington State Bar Association have led to lawsuits, workplace investigations and the resignation of the bar’s executive director.

The Seattle Times reports one governing board member of the bar is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit, while claims of a hostile work environment created by the controlling board majority has spurred the chief justice of Washington’s Supreme Court to call for a workplace investigation.

Another lawsuit claims the board’s dismissal of Paula Littlewood amounts to a retaliatory act that was carried out illegally in secret.

The attorney for the bar’s board, Shannon Wodnik, did not respond to messages from The Seattle Times seeking comment.

Bar spokeswoman Sara Niegowski confirms there are several ongoing legal issues concerning the bar association, and says they will be decided in court.
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Information from: The Seattle Times, http://www.seattletimes.com