Remembering Norm

The legendary King County prosecutor died unexpectedly of a heart attack on May 24 at age 68. During 29 years at his post, which included handling the Green River serial-killer case, he gained widespread admiration for his principles and compassion. Below, a few friends and colleagues share their favorite memories.

ULTIMATE PUBLIC SERVANT

Norm Maleng was a friend, a trusted adviser and, above all, a gentleman. News stories have already recounted his legal successes over his 29 years as King County prosecutor, so I’ll not reiterate them except to say that every major legal issue in recent history was touched by Norm in some way. The news coverage across Washington described him as a revered icon: calm and deliberate, a brilliant intellect, fair-minded and low-key, the heart and soul of justice and, my personal favorite, the ultimate public servant. I often sought his counsel on legal issues as attorney general and on policy questions as governor. Norm never let me down. We might not always have agreed, but I always learned something and knew that I was getting advice based on his best judgment and not on politics. I learned a lot from Norm and I know I was a better lawyer and am a better public servant thanks to him. Knowing Norm and being able to count on that counsel was truly a blessing. Our state, our people and our times are better because of his service.

Gov. Christine Gregoire

LEGACY OF LOVE

King County was so lucky to have Norm Maleng for so many years. He was a remarkable man of integrity, wisdom, intelligence and love. His honesty as a public servant was never questioned during his nearly four decades in the King County Prosecutor’s Office. He touched so many lives and careers. All the political candidates he helped in their campaigns; the thousands of attorneys he hired, mentored and advanced through the office; all the federal and state judges who hold those very important positions of trust because of Norm; U.S. attorneys. So many of us would not be where we are today were it not for Norm. We are only now beginning to hear about Norm’s practice of appearing at the front door of homes where families had just lost someone to a violent crime. Norm understood that loss. He would sit in their living rooms comforting them, shedding tears with them. Norm’s memory will manifest itself every time we do something to serve the community or perform an act of love for someone in need. His memory will live on for decades as we try to live our lives the way he lived his.

Mike McKay, McKay Chadwell, PLLC (former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, 1989-1993)

NORM-ISMS

Those of us fortunate enough to work with Norm often heard him repeat some common phrases. We’ve shared some of our favorites:

We only have one rule in this office: We go by our first names. I’m Norm.
I like to be around people with an optimistic spirit, a smile on their face, and a passion for life. Hope springs eternal (especially on the first day of baseball season).
Good, good, good!
Tell it like it is!
I’ve come to realize that all of us are ministers, and that we all have a ministry in life.
We’re hittin’ tates.
We need balance in our lives.
It’s time to head for the barn.
It’s not a problem; it’s an opportunity.
You don’t need to worry about the game;
I’m putting down the guarantee.
Do good; make a difference.
You’re a blessing in my life.

Norm was a blessing to all of us who had the privilege of working with him.
Dan Satterberg, Acting King County prosecutor

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Norm Maleng was a steady hand in the world of criminal justice. As a forward thinker and advocate, he was also a true leader in the administration of justice. He went beyond the strict role of the prosecutor, and made his mark among us all in public safety for the value of investing in crime prevention and intervention. Norm was dedicated to reducing youth crime and violence, believing, as we all do, that it is better for society if kids never come in contact with the criminal justice system. Norm worked tirelessly in support of domestic-violence prevention. Any organization providing services in that field knows of Norm’s complete and selfless dedication to protecting women and children in abusive situations. He stood up for the poor and the homeless, understanding that their situations often times put them in harm’s way and, potentially, in mortal danger. He made the most difficult life-and-death decisions when the community and the system needed him to. Norm Maleng believed we could solve problems together. He did not hesitate to go to Olympia and lobby the Legislature for stronger laws and resources to keep the community safe. He took on the perplexing crime issues such as auto theft and made them a public-awareness priority. His efforts oftentimes led to new laws or important changes that made a difference. And more than anything, Norm Maleng was a mentor, an adviser, and a friend to so many of us in the criminal justice community. He gave us all a sense of decency, integrity and professionalism that is reflected in the quality of life that we all share in King County: certainly, a lasting tribute to the peace, safety and justice that he so actively pursued for us all.

King County Sheriff Sue Rahr

SHOCK AND AWE

In 1983, the Seattle community was shocked by the largest robbery-related mass murder in American history. Thirteen people were robbed and shot in the Wah Mee, a gambling club in the International District. This was obviously the most important criminal case for the Seattle Police Department and for the newly re-elected, second-term King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng. When it was time for Norm to decide who would handle this capital prosecution, he had many experienced veteran prosecutors to turn to. But Norm selected two young prosecutors who were just four years out of law school. I remember the day Chief Pat Fitzsimons and the SPD [Seattle Police Department] brass and homicide detectives trooped over to Norm’s office to see who would be handling this career case. I will never forget the look on the chief’s face when Norm introduced [now King County Superior Court Judge] Bill Downing and [now federal Judge Bob Lasnik] as his prosecutors. It wasn’t quite shock and awe. It was more like “You’ve got to be kidding!” But I also will never forget the respect Chief Fitzsimons and the homicide detectives showed Norm after those cases were presented by the young deputies Norm chose. Norm took tremendous pride in giving young lawyers the opportunity to excel and he delighted in watching them exceed expectations.

Chief Judge Robert S. Lasnik, Western District of Washington