IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

SANDERS, J. (dissenting)—Attorney Karen Koehmstedt was properly appointed to render professional legal services at public expense on behalf of an indigent mother resisting termination of parental rights. She has invoiced the Court seeking payment for 95.35 hours of services at her normal hourly rate of $110 per hour. Without dispute these services were rendered in a highly competent fashion. The time invested was reasonable and necessary and the hourly rate is at or below that which is prevailing in the marketplace. She is entitled to reasonable compensation, and her request is eminently reasonable. Her government adversaries were no doubt paid in full with public funds. To deny her full compensation as well is unfair and discriminatory not only against her but ultimately to the disadvantage of all private persons who are entitled to legal representation at public expense. This Court cannot control legislative appropriations but must assume full responsibility for its judicial acts. If sacrifice of the legal rights of individuals is the price we must pay to make the system work, that price is too high. I dissent.