Chalia Stallings-Ala’ilima

Chalia Stallings-Ala’ilima served as President of LMBA in 2016-2017. Chalia is LMBA’s liaison from the WA Attorney General’s Office (AGO). Chalia is an Assistant Attorney General in the Wing Luke Civil Rights Unit, enforcing state and federal anti-discrimination laws through investigation and affirmative civil litigation. Some of Chalia’s work has included serving as lead counsel for the Washington state Human Rights Commission in an enforcement action involving employment discrimination based on use of a service animal (WSHRC v. Haney Truck Line, LLC); co-counsel on an AG initiated lawsuit involving sexual harassment and discrimination in employment (State v. Masingale); contributing to the AGO’s Guidance Concerning Immigration Enforcement publication; enforcing fair housing laws for veterans with disabilities; working on the litigation team challenging discriminatory and unconstitutional travel bans (Washington v. Trump); and writing amicus briefs supporting equal access and opportunity for transgender students and employees (G.G. v. Gloucester Cty. School Board (4th Cir. and U.S. Supreme Court); Texas v. United States (N.D. Tex.)).

Previously, Chalia represented DSHS in child welfare cases for the AGO, with particular emphasis in Indian child welfare, treatment court for parents with substance abuse disorders, and addressing bias and racial disproportionality in the child welfare system. Chalia received the AGO’s William V. Tanner Award for outstanding achievements early in her career in 2015 and the AGO’s Excellence Award in 2014. Chalia was the 2016 recipient of the WSBA’s Excellence in Diversity APEX award.

 

On behalf of LMBA, Chalia joined an amicus brief filed with the Washington state Supreme Court in City of Seattle v. Erickson, No. 93408-8, supporting jury diversity and stronger protection against race-based exclusion from jury service. Chalia has also served on the selection committee of the Judicial Institute, the Mayor’s judicial selection committee for Seattle Municipal Court and is currently the Alternate Citizen Observer for the Seattle Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting Force Review Board. 

Chalia earned her BA degree in Philosophy from the University of Washington in 2005 and her JD from the University of Washington School of Law in 2008.