March 7th 2026
LEOFF 1 Coalition and Retired Seattle Police Officers’ Association Retain Steve W. Berman to Protect LEOFF Plan 1 Pension Law
The LEOFF 1 Coalition and the Retired Seattle Police Officers’ Association (RSPOA) announced today that they have retained nationally recognized trial attorney Steve W. Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, to protect the legal and financial integrity of the LEOFF Plan 1 pension system.
LEOFF Plan 1 is a closed retirement system covering Washington law enforcement officers and firefighters hired prior to October 1, 1977. The system operates under Washington State law and provides vested pension and medical benefits to eligible retirees and their beneficiaries.
The Coalition’s action follows legislative proposals, including Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034 (E2SHB 2034), which would authorize the transfer of approximately $4 billion from the LEOFF Plan 1 retirement account for other state purposes, including climate-related programs and broader state budget obligations.
According to the Coalition and RSPOA, such transfers would constitute an unlawful diversion of dedicated pension trust assets.
“LEOFF 1 pension benefits are not discretionary budget items,” a Coalition representative stated. “They are vested contractual rights earned through decades of hazardous public service. A promise made must be a promise kept.”
The organizations maintain that:
• LEOFF 1 benefits are contractual obligations protected under Article I, Section 23 of the Washington State Constitution and Article I, Section 10 of the United States Constitution.
• Pension trust assets are subject to fiduciary duties requiring that funds be used exclusively for the benefit of members and beneficiaries.
• Redirecting assets for unrelated governmental expenditures would violate longstanding constitutional and statutory protections.
Mr. Berman and his firm bring extensive experience in complex litigation, constitutional claims, and actions seeking declaratory and injunctive relief. The Coalition and RSPOA have indicated they are prepared to pursue litigation, if necessary, to prevent any unlawful diversion of LEOFF 1 pension assets and to safeguard retirees’ benefits.
“This is about protecting retirement security for elderly police officers, firefighters, and surviving spouses who relied on the State’s commitment when they entered service,” the Coalition stated. “We will take all appropriate legal action to ensure that commitment is honored.”
About LEOFF Plan 1
LEOFF Plan 1 serves police officers and firefighters hired before October 1, 1977. The LEOFF 1 Coalition and the Retired Seattle Police Officers’ Association advocate for the protection and preservation of pension and medical benefits for retired public safety officers and their beneficiaries.
Membership Forms
Click here for the PAYROLL DEDUCTION MEMBERSHIP form - PDF VERSION
Click here for the MEMBERSHIP & CONTRIBUTION form - PDF VERSION