In the heart of Spokane, Washington, a heartbreaking drama is unfolding in the hallowed chambers of Spokane County Superior Court. I write today not as a law professor but as a witness to an ongoing tragedy, as an advocate for justice, and as a voice for those silenced by court staff bias and apathy. Aaron Surina, a loving father, is fighting an uphill battle against the unethical conduct of Mr. Kempner and an entrenched system that seems more interested in profit than the welfare of children.
Case after case, Mr. Kempner has boldly lied to the court, manipulating matters in a fashion that reeks of DARVO (Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender). He has knowingly and willfully placed children in harm’s way, a clear violation of professional conduct under RPC 3.3(a)(1), which states that a “lawyer shall not knowingly make a false statement of fact or law to a tribunal.” In a similar vein, RCW 9A.76.175 warns against false reporting, yet, all these seem to be brushed under the rug in the name of profit.
Aaron Surina misses his children. Each day that passes is another day he fears for their safety. He is one of many fathers in Spokane who are victims of a system that turns a blind eye to unethical conduct, a system that seemingly allows for the manipulation of a case history until it reeks of corruption.
This is not an isolated incident. It is a pattern we can trace in the actions of the opposing party Sirinya Surina, Eric Brubaker, and Mr. Kempner. It is a pattern that resonates with the case history of “In re the Marriage of Rideout,” where the court was found to be clearly abusing its discretion in favor of one party.
The harm is not just emotional. It is costly and inexcusable. Civil rights are being trampled on, and families are suffering under the weight of mounting legal fees. The court’s duty, as outlined in Civil Rule 1, is to “secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action.” However, what we see happening in the Spokane County Superior Court is far from just, speedy, or inexpensive.
But we must not lose hope. This blog post is a call to action. We must stand against injustice, challenge unethical conduct, and demand that our courts uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and justice. We must continue to shed light on these issues and work towards a solution.
As an expert in lawyer disciplinary reviews, I can firmly say that we need a system that holds its lawyers accountable and protects the rights of all parties involved. We need a system that puts the welfare of children above all else.
In the end, we must remember that each case represents real people, real families, and real lives. Aaron Surina is not just a case number. He is a father who loves and misses his children deeply. And if we truly care about justice, we must ensure that his voice, and the voices of others like him, are heard.
Let us remember that hope is not lost. Change is possible, and it starts with each of us. This is our call to action. Let’s stand together for justice, for Aaron, and for all those who are suffering in silence.
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