Tom Ahearne, who serves on the Washington State Bar Association's Board of Governors, moderated “Speak Up for Justice, Washington!” on March 11, 2026. Hosted by the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, the event featured a panel of federal, state and local judges underscoring the critical importance of upholding the rule of law to prevent the increasing threats of violence against the judiciary across Washington and our nation.
The program included U.S. District Court Judge John C. Coughenour (Western District of Washington), Judge Sabrina M. Ahrens (Pierce County Superior Court) and Judge Steven J. Krupa (Tacoma Municipal Court), who spoke before a full audience on the UW Tacoma campus.
“Speak Up for Justice, Washington!” is a touring CLE in partnership with county bars throughout the state, during which judicial panelists share their personal experiences with receiving threats and equip legal professionals with practical guidance and resources to effectively speak up for the rule of law and protect constitutional democracy.
Learn more about this event and find a tour stop in your area on the WSBA website.
