Kutak Rock partner Sarah E. Elsden was honored with the 2026 Washington Women Lawyers (WWL) President’s Award at the organization’s annual event, held October 3 at The Point at Pier 70 in Seattle.

The award recognized Sarah’s extraordinary leadership and service as president of WWL’s Spokane Chapter, where she played a significant role in revitalizing the Chapter and expanding its presence within the local legal community.

During Sarah’s nearly two-year tenure as president, the Spokane Chapter grew from approximately 20 members to more than 130. Her leadership included coordinating continuing legal education programs, networking events and donation drives benefiting local nonprofit organizations serving women and children; increasing communication about local and statewide WWL opportunities; strengthening the Chapter’s financial position; organizing the Chapter’s participation in the Spokane Pride Parade; and strengthening relationships with law firms and members of the broader Spokane legal community.

Sarah also made mentorship a priority, coordinating with the Women’s Law Caucus at Gonzaga University School of Law to create and implement a permanent one-on-one mentorship program for future women lawyers.

Washington Women Lawyers is a statewide organization dedicated to advancing the full integration of women in the legal profession and promoting equal rights and opportunities for women. Through its statewide organization and local chapters, WWL provides professional development, networking, mentorship and community engagement opportunities for women lawyers throughout Washington.

Sarah is a partner in Kutak Rock’s Spokane office and focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation and intellectual property litigation and counseling. She represents clients in a variety of commercial and employment disputes and advises businesses on matters involving contracts, consumer protection, trade secrets, unfair competition, noncompete covenants, and copyright and trademark issues.

Kutak Rock congratulates Sarah on this well-deserved recognition and her continued contributions to Washington’s legal community.