On March 7, 2008, the Washington State Bar Association presented Tom Vertetis with the Local Hero Award in recognition of Tom's extensive community and Bar activities. The local hero award is awarded by the WSBA Board of Governors to a recipient chosen by the local bar association board of trustees for a member who donates time and resources not only to the legal profession but to the community at large. Among other things, Tom is the current chair of the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association's Volunteer Legal Services Committee, a board member of Law Fund, a tutor with the Merlin Reading Program, and a board member of the University of Washington autism Center and Experimental Education Unit. Congratulations, Tom, on this well-deserved award!