President's Column
by: Peter Ritchie, WDTL President

Section: Fall 2018


Author Bio

Peter M. Ritchie is currently President of the WDTL. A partner at Meyer, Fluegge & Tenney, P.S., in Yakima, his practice is focused on insurance defense, appellate work, and health care professional liability, including representing hospitals and physicians. He obtained his law degree from Regent University in Virginia. He is admitted to practice in Washington and Virginia.
Dear Fellow Members, Friends, and Colleagues,
 
The Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association had another year of strong achievement and success this past year under the leadership of past-President Lori O’Tool and thanks to the dedication of our very capable Executive Director, Maggie Sweeney. As incoming President, my goal is to maintain our success, continue the good work of our Association, and grow our membership.
 
It is an honor to serve as President of our respected Association, with its demonstrated commitment to excellence, professionalism, and service to its members, and to lead its more than 700 civil defense trial lawyer members. The Association creates opportunities for substantive growth through the numerous CLE programs offered and unquantifiable benefits gained from working and collaborating with other practitioners. 
 
I am pleased to have participated in this Association for the past seven years as a Board member. I have been an officer under four Presidents, each of whom has contributed to the increased excellence of the Association. Four years ago I was asked by former President Erin Hammond to serve on the Executive Committee. Little did I know what a fun and rewarding experience that would be.
The WDTL is truly an exceptional Association, that provides comradery, excellent programming, and activities, and seeks to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards.
 

This past year was a rewarding experience because I had the opportunity as the President-Elect to work alongside my predecessor Lori O’Tool, and with our Executive Director to organize our Annual Convention in Winthrop. Lori led the Association well, and she achieved much success, including the well-received roll-out of our new website. I am grateful to have worked with her and excited to have the opportunity as President to build on her and her predecessors’ hard work.

I thank you for the honor of serving as your President and for your continued support and participation in WDTL. I invite all of you to our upcoming Annual Convention in July 2019 at the beautiful Suncadia resort near Cle Elum. In the meantime, enjoy the final days of summer.