Seasoned trial lawyer Geana M. Van Dessel has been chosen as the 2025 Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst Passing the Torch Award recipient. The award is given each year by the Washington Women Lawyers (WWL) to a person who has gone above and beyond in mentoring women lawyers, making a difference, and “passing the torch” to others in a way that supports the full integration of women in the legal profession, promotes equal rights and opportunities for women, and prevents discrimination against them. Geana received her award at the WWL 2025 Annual Event “Leading With Change and Integrity: Women Lawyers as Change Agents” in Everett, Washington on October 18. She was chosen due to the “profound impact Geana has had on the legal community, and especially on the lives and careers of women in the profession,” said Annual Event Co-Chairs Kathryn Joy and Angela Little.

In addition to her thriving complex commercial and employment litigation practice, Geana serves as an American Arbitration Association panel member and devotes significant time to pro bono, leadership and community service. “She is an extraordinary mentor to those who know her, a brilliant strategist, and a selfless advocate,” said Sarah E. Elsden, WWL Spokane chapter president and Kutak Rock partner. “Geana received this award in part because of her positive impact on women in the community who may one day–through the ripple effect–become another Geana.”

The award is named after Chief Justice Fairhurst, a former WWL president whose career is marked by service to the furtherment of women and minorities through mentorship and advocacy.