This year the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) of Pierce County presented two 2017 awards to the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office. The first was the award for Outstanding Community Service. The second award for Boss of The Year was presented to Prosecutor Mark Lindquist.
“Community service and community safety are what we are about,” said Prosecutor Lindquist. “We appreciate the acknowledgement.”
The Outstanding Community Service award is presented to the Pierce County law firm which has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to community service. The nomination letter specifically cited one of the office’s most successful programs, the Family Law Clinic for Veterans.
Due to the trauma of war, veterans often face a higher rate of divorce, domestic violence, substance abuse, and homelessness. Some veterans, struggling with mental illness, disabilities, and addiction have difficulty completing the necessary steps to address legal issues. Even for those who are able to overcome these barriers, the expense of hiring an attorney places a legal resolution out of reach for many veterans. The Family Law Clinic for Veterans aims to lessen these burdens by providing assistance with legal issues affecting common and basic human needs.
Volunteer attorneys and support staff from the office, with the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association’s Volunteer Legal Services, staff the free monthly clinic.
“The need for legal assistance will continue to increase as more service members return to civilian life,” said Prosecutor Lindquist. “Those who have given so much to our country deserve our support.”
“Community service is not a 9 to 5 job, and it’s not about money,” said award presenter Sylvia Eichman reading from the nomination letter. “Many in our office generously donate their time and volunteer in the community to help those who need help. It’s more than just a way of doing business, it’s an office-wide culture that is widely embraced.”
Boss of the Year was then presented to Prosecutor Lindquist. The award is presented to one outstanding “Boss” who exemplifies professionalism and leadership at its finest.
“It seems easy for Mark to make people believe. His attitude, dedication, drive, and initiative are infectious, but he does so almost effortlessly,” said award presenter Tiffany Johnston reading from the nomination letter. “He simply goes about his day, shoulders the weight and responsibility of the office, and simply invites others to look on and see the way a real public servant conducts himself.”
“Our office is blessed with many servant leaders,” said Lindquist. “We are committed to being life-long learners who will leave this community stronger and safer than we found it.”