Bob Ferguson, Attorney General; Mount Baker Room Wednesday, September 18, 1:45 pm (see also CEG Calendar)

Robert Ferguson is Washington State’s 18th Attorney General. Education: Graduated from St. Joseph Highschool on Capitol Hill BA, Political Science, University of Washington Juris Doctor from the New York School of Law. Legal Career: Began his legal career in Spokane; Clerked for two federal judges Returning to Seattle to join Preston, Gates, and Ellis
Politics: 2003, Bob was elected to the King County Council Reelected to a new seat after his district was eliminated He was unopposed for his council seat in 2009. In 2012 Bob was elected Attorney general for the State of Washington. He was reelected in 2016 (only opponent was Joshua Turnbull, Libertarian)
As Attorney General, Bob Ferguson has a long list of accomplishments, including :  Successfully blocking President Trump’s first executive order barring travel from seven Muslim-majority nations. Won an important case for the rights of same-sex couples in Washington when he filed a consumer protection lawsuit against a Richland florist for refusing to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding. Bob personally argued this case in front of the Washington State Supreme Court, which ruled unanimously in favor of the state.  Formed the Wing Luke Civil Rights Division, the first office within the AttorneyGeneral’s Office dedicated to protecting the civil rights of everyone in Washington.  Successfully sued the U.S. Department of Energy regarding the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, for delaying cleanup of nuclear waste at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, and then for putting hundreds of workers Hanford workers at risk of exposure to harmful toxic waste. Created the Counsel for Environmental Protection within the Attorney General’s Office to protect our environment and the safety and health of all Washingtonians.  Created the Office of Military and Veteran Legal Assistance within the Attorney General’s Office to help current and former service members find pro bono legal assistance.
He has received a long list of awards recognizing his leadership in various areas. A few of theseinclude: Time 100 Most Influential People of 2017; Crosscut Courage in Elected Office Award; Loren Miller Bar Association 2017 Excellence in the Law Award; the Ceasefire 2017 Ancil Payne Civic Leader of the Year award, and the AARP 2016 Fraud Fighter of the Year. He is a fourth-generation Washingtonian, an avid hiker and climber, and internationally rated chess master. Bob and his wife, Colleen, are the proud parents of 11-year-old twins, Jack and Katie.
Office of the Attorney General Thumbnail: Largest law firm in the State of Washington; 27 divisions in 12 Cities; 1,100 employees including 500 attorneys providing legal services to more than 230 state agencies, boards and commissions. Responsibilities  Representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and trial courts in all cases that involve the state’s interest. Advising the Governor, members of the Legislature and other state officers on legal issues, and, when requested, giving written opinions on constitutional or legal questions.  Protecting the public by upholding the Consumer Protection Act, enforcing laws against anti-competitive business practices, representing the public interest in utility matters, and protecting the environment as Counsel for the Environment in the siting of energy facilities.  Investigating and prosecuting persons accused of crimes if requested to do so by the Governor or a county prosecutor.