Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Thursday, February 15, 2018

American Board of Trial Advocates Presents: Civility Matters

Lawyers from the Washington Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) will present Civility Matters on Wednesday, February 28, from 12:00 to 12:50 p.m., in Room 110.

ABOTA's mission is to foster improvement in the standards of practice in the field of advocacy for the benefit of individual litigants, the general public, and our system of justice.

The Civility Matters presentation will feature firsthand lessons and experiences from ABOTA members on maintaining the values and standards that promote the ethical and civil practice of law, including integrity, honor, and courtesy within the legal profession.

Presenters:

Sim Osborn, a 1984 alum of Seattle U Law, ABOTA member, and partner in the personal injury firm of Osborn Machler

Michael Wampold, President, WA Chapter of ABOTA, partner in the litigation firm of Peterson Wampold Rosato Feldman Luna

Andrew Kinstler, ABOTA member and civil litigation partner with the Helsell Fetterman law firm

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Law Review Annual Symposium

SINGULARITY: AI AND THE LAW  

Date: Saturday, February 17th, 2018 
Time: 9:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: Casey Commons, Reception in Casey Atrium

The Seattle University Law Review is pleased to invite you to our annual symposium. This year, the symposium features a series of panels that will explore artificial intelligence and the new challenges it presents for our legal system. 

Welcome Remarks from Dean Annette Clark
Panel #1:  Robotic Speech and the First Amendment
Keynote Speaker:  Ryan Calo, Professor of Law, University of Washington
Panel #2:  Accountability for the Actions of Robots 
Panel #3:  Ethical Consideration in Artificial Intelligence

Lunch will be provided for attendees, and a reception with light refreshments will follow the conclusion of the third panel. 

If you are able, we are asking attendees for a $5 donation at the door. However, a donation is not required for attendance. 

For more information about the Symposium and to register for the event, please visit our Eventbrite page.

Evening Student Networking Dinners

Evening Student Networking Dinners

The Office of Alumni Relations and Office of Student Life are pleased to announce upcoming dates and honored guests for the Evening Law Student Networking Dinner Series

Wednesday, February 7th
Barbara Serrano ’13
Prosecutor in Seattle City Attorney’s Office

Wednesday, February 21st
Kris Zucconi ’14
Contract Attorney at Law Offices of Stephen M. Hansen

Monday, February 26th
Judge David Keenan ’08
King County Superior Court Judge

Dinners will be held from 5:00 – 5:50 pm in the Dean’s Conference Room

Veterans' Law Panel



The Seattle U and UW chapters of Phi Alpha Delta are working together to help organize this event.

All Seattle U Law students are invited to attend. Please contact Emily Yoshiwara if you have questions.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Save the Date: Clerkship Kickoff

Photo by Janko Ferlič on Unsplash
If you plan to apply for post-graduate judicial clerkships this coming season, be sure to attend one of the two kickoff meetings:
  • Tuesday, February 27, 2018: 12:00 - 1:00 pm in 328 or
  • Tuesday, February 27, 2018: 5:00 - 6:00 pm in C1 
Attending a kickoff meeting is mandatory for clerkship applicants, so please contact Erin Fullner if you have a class or work conflict and need to explore makeup options.

Students who attend one of the kickoffs will have access to the clerkship program handbook and listserv the following week.

FAQs:
  • What is a judicial clerkship? A judicial clerkship is a post-graduate position with a judge or justice, typically lasting one or two years. Not to be confused with judicial internships or externships, these positions are for lawyers, though applications are generally submitted while still in school. Clerkships are high-value opportunities that offer excellent preparation for practice. They are available at the state trial and appellate levels, in federal district and appellate courts, and often in other courts as well.
  • When should I apply? Most applicants apply as 2Ls. Depending on the court, judges and justices will hire a year or more in advance. The "clerkship season" we are currently at the start of primarily focuses on clerkships with late summer/early fall 2019 start dates, though some federal courts are already advertising for 2020.
  • Would I be a strong candidate? There are lots of different types of clerkships, so candidates should not count themselves out on grades alone. That said, some courts will require top grades and will strongly prefer candidates with law review/journal experience. Erin Fullner can help you evaluate which court(s) might be the best fit.
  • If I've already begun applying for clerkships, is it too late to join the clerkship program? No! It's never to late to start taking advantage of the law school's clerkship application resources. Reach out today to help put together the strongest application strategy possible.
  • Can alumni participate in the clerkship program? Yes. Please reach out to CPD.
  • Who should I talk to if I want to decide if a clerkship is right for me? Erin Fullner is happy to talk through important considerations with you, and a number of Seattle U Law faculty have clerked and are excellent resources as well. 

Women's Law Caucus Scholarship


Seattle University’s Women’s Law Caucus is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a SU Law student who exemplifies the leadership qualities of the WLC’s core values. The WLC is dedicated to the support and development of women as active and successful members of the legal community. Through our support network of legal professionals and students, the WLC encourages students to interact with their current and future professional peers for both personal and professional development.
The WLC originally created this scholarship to recognize the outstanding professional and personal accomplishments of Kellye Y. Testy, the first woman appointed as dean by the Seattle University School of Law. Dean Testy served as dean from 2004 to 2009.
Eligibility
Applicants must be full or part-time Seattle University School of Law students in good standing. “Good standing” refers to an applicant’s academic and disciplinary (if applicable) record. Applicants must also be a member of the Women’s Law Caucus.
Application Guidelines
The application deadline is Sunday, February 25, 2018 (5:00PM).
All application materials must be submitted via email to Dean Deming at dcdeming@seattleu.edu.
All committee members will keep application materials and applicant information confidential.
A complete application must include:
1. Personal Statement
The WLC’s core values are leadership and excellence in the advancement of women in the law. The personal statement should describe how you have demonstrated or plan to demonstrate one or both of these values in your academic career and/or through your work experience, as well as why you believe these values are important.
2. Résumé
Your resume should include your contact information: email, mailing address, and phone number.
3. Letter of Recommendation (optional)
You may, but are not required to, submit a letter of recommendation from a professor, employer, or advisor.
Selection Process
The scholarship committee shall be composed of five or six members including the Dean of Student Affairs, a law school faculty member, law school alumni, and WLC co-presidents. Committee members will evaluate the application materials to select a scholarship recipient.
Timeline
·         February 25th, 2018: Application deadline (5 p.m.)
·         Week of March 5th, 2018: Scholarship committee meets to select recipient.
·         Week of March 12th, 2018: All applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision via email.
·         March 27th, 2018: The WLC will publicly announce the scholarship recipient at the Woman of the Year celebration.
Fine Print
Per IRS guidelines regarding prizes and awards, the law school will furnish recipients with a 1099-MISC, the IRS form used to report such miscellaneous income.
Contact
Please feel free to contact the WLC Co-Presidents for more information:
·         Taliah Ahdut: ahdutt@seattleu.edu
·         Taylor Severns: severnst@seattleu.edu

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Student Bar Association Elections


SBA Spring Elections Information
The Student Bar Association invites students to submit a candidacy application for the following elected positions for the 2018 – 2019 academic year:

President
Evening Student Representative
Vice President
Faculty Standards Representative
Treasurer
Public Interest Representative
Academic Standards Representative
Student Activities Representative
Alumni Representative
Student Services Representative
Diversity Representative

Please refer to the SBA Constitution and SBA Bylaws for the specific duties of each position. If you would like to be considered for the elections taking place February 19-23, please submit a candidacy statement (300 words or less on why you would like to take on an SBA position, what makes you a good candidate) and a high-resolution photo of yourself to the Elections Supervisor, Riley Moss by 12 pm on Friday, February 9

If you are interested in running for a SBA Council position, be sure to come to one of the following candidate information sessions.

Wednesday,  Feb 7th at 12:00pm in room 109
Thursday, Feb 8th at 5:30pm in room C5

Information sessions will provide details regarding election and campaign rules, and a chance to ask questions about position responsibilities. If you are unable to attend an information session please contact Riley to arrange a separate meeting time.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Justice Charles Z. Smith Award

The Justice Charles Z. Smith Award will be awarded to a Seattle University School of Law student on the basis of demonstrated leadership for justice, equality, and public service.

The three laws schools of Washington State, together with the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission, established an annual award in honor of Justice Charles Z. Smith after his passing.  The purpose of the award is to honor the legacy of Justice Smith, the first person of color to serve as a Justice on the Washington State Supreme Court.  Justice Smith served on the Court from 1988 to 2002.  He was the founding chairperson of the Washington Supreme Court’s Minority and Justice Commission.  Through these roles and many other professional activities, Justice Smith advanced justice, equality, and public service and is widely recognized as one of Washington’s greatest lawyers and jurists.

Please email nominations to Dean Deming with a brief statement about why you think the student should be considered for the award, by no later than Monday, February 5, 2018.  Self-nominations are encouraged.  

Nominated students will be contacted and asked to submit a resume and brief statement.  A Committee composed of a representative from ATJI, Student Life, and the Associate Dean for Students Affairs will review the application and make a recommendation to the Dean.

The award will be presented to the selected student at the law school's Annual Black Law Student Association (BLSA) Alumni Awards Reception, which will take place on February 22, 2018, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  A law student from Gonzaga and one from the UW will also receive the Justice Charles Z. Smith Award at this reception.

WSBA Intellectual Property Scholarship

The Washington State Bar Association Intellectual Property section offers an annual $2500 scholarship to a student who has a demonstrable interest in the practice of  intellectual property law (whether litigation or transactional work) in the areas of patent, copyright, trademark or trade secret protection, arts and entertainment, advertising law, and/or the intellectual property aspects of business.

The successful student will be selected based on their overall academic record, performance in coursework related to intellectual property, and extracurricular activities, particularly those that relate to IP.  Preference will be given to upper level students.

Application Deadline and Announcement of the Scholarship
  • Applications for the scholarship are due February 12, 2018
  • All applications must include:
    • A cover letter explaining their qualifications and merit
    • Resume
    • Law school transcript
Completed applications should be submitted to Dean Donna Claxton Deming. If you are submitting your materials in hard copy, please bring them to the Dean’s Office on the second floor of Sullivan Hall. If you are submitting your materials in a digital format, please email them to dcdeming@seattleu.edu

The scholarship recipient(s) will be presented with the award at the annual WSBA IP section meet and greet event, scheduled to be held on Friday, April 20th at 5:00 pm at the Washington Convention Center.

SEED IP Law Group Founder Scholarship

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 Seed IP Law Group Founders Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded each year to a Seattle University law student with a strong interest in the field of intellectual property law. Seed IP Law Group is one of the top-rated intellectual property law firms in the United States. The scholarship honors the firm’s founders, Dick Seed and Ben Berry, for their contribution to the law of intellectual property. As expressed by Bill Ferron of the Seed IP Law Group, “We think it’s very important to train the next generation of intellectual property attorneys so that we can continue to build on the legacy started by Ben Berry and Dick Seed. Only through strong support of higher education will our country continue to be a leader in the world.” The scholarship recipient receives $6,000.00.

Eligibility and Criteria of Selection for Scholarship
  • Currently enrolled as a law student at Seattle University School of Law
  • Have an undergraduate degree that qualifies you to sit for the USPTO Patent Agent Exam
  • Well-developed interest in intellectual property and active participation in IP activities such as the Intellectual Property Law Society
  • Preference will be given to 2 and 3Ls and students with strong technical and/or scientific backgrounds 
Application Deadline and Announcement of the Scholarship
  • Applications for the scholarship are due February 12, 2018
  • All applications must include: 
    • A cover letter explaining the applicant’s qualifications and merit
    • Resume
    • Law school transcript that includes the grades through the Fall 2017 semester
Completed applications should be submitted to Dean Donna Claxton Deming. If you are submitting your materials in hard copy, please bring them to the Dean’s Office on the second floor of Sullivan Hall. If you are submitting your materials in a digital format, please email them to dcdeming@seattleu.edu

The scholarship recipient will be announced in late February and the recipient will be expected to attend a reception hosted by the firm in March.  

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

2017-2018 WSBA Construction Law Section Legal Writing Competition

The Construction Law Section of the Washington State Bar Association is pleased to announce its 2017-2018 legal writing competition for Washington law students.

AWARD DETAILS
  1. First prize is $2,500
  2. Second prize is $1,000
  3. Awards will be paid to the law students directly
  4. Submissions will be judged anonymously
  5. Up to a maximum of five finalist submissions may be published in the section e-newsletter
ELIGIBILITY
  1. 2L or 3L (in good standing as of October 15, 2017) at Seattle University School of Law, Gonzaga University School of Law, or University of Washington School of Law
Written submissions must address one of the two prompts below:
In 2015, the Appellate Court of Illinois in The Chicago Housing Authority v. Destefano and Partners, Ltd., 45 N.E. 3d 767, determined that indemnity, breach of contract and negligence claims against a design professional for damages arising out of violations of the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disability Act (ADA) were pre-empted and thus barred by federal law. Take a position on whether this decision is a correct statement of federal pre-emption against design professionals (or others involved in the construction industry) and how a court in Washington might respond to the questions raised in this case.
Or
Take a position on whether City of Seattle Ordinances No. 124690 and No. 125368, Chapter 20.37 Seattle Municipal Code, mandating hiring from historically disadvantaged zip codes, are a legal means of spending public money.
And must be:
    • No more than 2,200 words
    • Double-spaced
    • Times New Roman, 12-point font
    • Clear, concise, cogent, and interesting in substance and style
    • The original work of the submitter, and shall not have been previously published
      • The submitter may consult with law school faculty and librarians to aid in the preparation of the submission, but the legal assessment and writing must be that of the submitter
      • Cover letters will not be accepted; identifying information shall only include the student’s name, prospective graduation date, mailing address, email address, and phone number
Submissions must be received by March 16, 2018 at noon via email, mail, or hand delivery:
Email: tom.wolfendale@klgates.com
Mail: Thomas H. Wolfendale, 925 Fourth Ave., Ste. 2900, Seattle, WA 98104

Volunteer Opportunity for Attorneys

Alumni, you can help foster the development of the next generation of legal professionals, civic leaders, and community members. YMCA Youth & Government's Mock Trial State Competition will take place Friday and Saturday, March 23-24, at the Thurston County Courthouse in Olympia.  Register online to volunteer.

Monday, January 22, 2018

Networking HOT TIP: When You're Right, You're Right

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
When it comes to name tags, the right side is the right side.

Etiquette dictates that name tags be worn on the ride side of your shirt, dress, or jacket, above the pocket. The primary reason for this placement is that it allows others to see your name tag easily while shaking your hand.

A simple way to remember this rule is that you shake with your right hand, so your tag should go on the right side as well.

Happy networking! Please reach out to CPD any time with your networking and professionalism related questions. Plus, keep an eye on the law school's event calendar for networking opportunities, and search this blog using the "networking" tag for opportunities to connect with lawyers in the community.

State Department Info Session

University Career Services will host Diplomat in Residence Dorothy Ngutter for an information session. Students will learn about internships and careers with the State Department, as well as the Consular Fellows Program.  All students, particularly those with foreign language skills, are welcome to attend.  

Date: February 1, 2018
Time:12:30 - 1:30 pm
Location: PIGT 102


Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Join Seattle U Law Connect

Seattle University School of Law students are invited to join our law school’s alumni directory and networking platform.

On Seattle U Law Connect, you can search for law alumni by practice area, region, or company; direct message other members; and strengthen your networks and connections in the legal community.

Sign up is quick and easy—you can use your LinkedIn or Facebook account, or a personal email address, to create your Seattle U Law Connect profile. A how-to guide is posted online at law.seattleu.edu/alumni.

More than 750 Seattle U law alumni, faculty, and staff are actively using the directory! Join them on seattleulawconnect.org.

If you have questions or would like assistance creating your Seattle U Law Connect account, please contact lawalumni@seattleu.edu.

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Monday, December 4, 2017

University Shuttle Program

If you're traveling over winter break, the Department of Public Safety may be able to help facilitate your transportation.

Public Safety will be providing free shuttle rides from campus to the Capitol Hill Light Rail Station. From there, travelers can take a 45-minute train ride directly to SeaTac Airport.

Details:
  • There is no need to sign-up for rides in advance, simply arrive at the university seal (11th and Marion) any time during shuttle service hours
  • A university Nighthawk vehicle will be stationed there with a driver on-site (if there’s no vehicle present when you arrive, shuttle service is taking place, and a vehicle will return shortly; your wait time should be no longer than 15 minutes)
Passengers must be current university students, faculty, or staff, so be sure to have your campus ID with you when you arrive for a ride.  Present your ID to the driver and  board the vehicle.

Shuttle Service Times:

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2017              THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
Service times: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM              Service times: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017                        SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017
Service times: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM              Service times: 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM

If you have any questions, contact the Public Safety office at (206) 296-5992, or by email at VanRental@seattleu.edu.

Monday, November 27, 2017

1L Mentorship Program

Sign up today!
Registration is now open for the 1L Mentorship Program
More than 140 mentors have signed up to participate and connect with you!

The program begins in January 2018 and will continue through the end of the year, so you have a resource as you search for your first summer internships and consider classes for the fall. An alumni mentor will provide information and insight to help you use your time at law school effectively and take on the job market with confidence.


The Advancement Office and law alumni-led Mentoring and Professional Development Committee will work to match Seattle U 1Ls with alumni whose practices align with your interests and goals for the program. You can find materials from the 2017 program online here.

Please sign up by Friday, December 1 for the best match.

Our alumni are excited to share their knowledge, experiences, and connections with you. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity!

Questions? Contact Stephanie Howson, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

King County Bar Association Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon

Registration is now open for KCBA's annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. luncheon.


Monday, November 13, 2017

Myths, Mysteries & Magistrate Judges: Getting the Straight Scoop from the Bench on How to Succeed in the Courtroom (FREE CLE)

The Federal Bar Association of the Western District of Washington and the King County Bar Association are pleased to present Myths, Mysteries & Magistrate Judges: Getting the Straight Scoop from the Bench on How to Succeed in the Courtroom (1.5 CLE credits pending approval), Friday, December 15, Noon to 1:30 pm (check-in begins at 11:30 am) at the federal courthouse in Seattle.

Presented by:

The Honorable James P. Donohue
Chief Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

The Honorable Mary Alice Theiler
Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

The Honorable Brian A. Tsuchida
Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Registration will open in late November, RSVPs will be accepted at that time. If you have questions in the meantime, contact the FBA co-chairs of membership, Jamie Lisagor or Karen Orehoski.

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Save the Date: King County Bar Foundation Breakfast with Champions



2018 Breakfast With Champions

MARCH 20, 2018
7:30 – 8:45 A.M.

REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 1

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dahlia Lithwick



Dahlia Lithwick, considered one of the best Supreme Court journalists in the country, is a senior editor at Slate, where she writes the "Supreme Court Dispatches" and "Jurisprudence" columns. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Harper’s, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, and Commentary, among other places.

She has appeared on CNN, ABC, The Colbert Report, and is a frequent guest on The Rachel Maddow Show.


SAVE THE DATE!

────


Westin Hotel
1900 5th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

────

Support Pro Bono Services & Minority Law Student Scholarships

────

Sponsorships
Available



The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America (FREE CLE)

The Federal Bar Association of the Western District of Washington and King County Bar Association are pleased to present a free CLE

THE COLOR OF LAW: A FORGOTTEN HISTORY OF HOW OUR GOVERNMENT SEGREGATED AMERICA

Join author Richard Rothstein who will discuss his book with Professor Quintard Taylor and Rory O’Sullivan; moderated by Professor Margaret Chon with opening remarks by Chief Judge Ricardo Martinez
  • When: Friday, November 17, 2017, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm (check-in will begin at 10:00 am)
  • Where: United States Courthouse's Ceremonial Courtroom – 700 Stewart St., Seattle, 18th Floor (photo ID is required to enter the courthouse; please allow time to pass through security)
  • How: Please RSVP online
If you have questions, contact the FBA co-chairs of membership, Jamie Lisagor and Karen Orehoski 

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Experiential Learning Course

Moderate Means Practicum              
A few spots remain for this experiential course - register now! LPRC-425-A         
3 credits – Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

Looking for an opportunity to build your client interviewing skills?  Interested in family, consumer or housing law and want to apply your learning to real clients’ cases?  Want to build or hone your issue-spotting and legal analysis skills?  Want to help moderate income individuals access low-cost legal services? 

This experiential course will give you the opportunity to:
·        Learn about the legal issues that low and moderate income clients most often encounter
·        Conduct client interviews via telephone
·        Perform legal analysis of interesting cases
·        Work with attorneys throughout the state to provide representation

What are students saying about this course?  A 3L student recently shared, “This experience has been the most engaging experience in law school yet, and has given me more confidence in client interaction and my ability to research any civil law topic that comes up.” 

If you have questions or need more information contact the Moderate Means Program Staff Attorney, Clay Wilson

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Washington State Patent Law Association Networking Event

Washington State Patent Law Association's Fall Networking Happy Hour
October 25, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, Aluel Cellars
Students interested in pursuing patent law are invited to attend WSPLA’s next happy hour. The event will take place at the Aluel Cellars tasting room on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, October 25, and is a great opportunity to meet local IP and patent practitioners. Space is limited so please send RSVPs to Adriane Scola by October 18, 2017.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Red Mass and Reception

Red Mass is a traditional gathering that recognizes and celebrates the legal profession's vital role in promoting justice and peace through our work and academic endeavors. Join Seattle University School of Law for the liturgy, reception, or both as we honor the contributions of our alumni, the bench, bar, and our legal community.

The Most Reverend J. Peter Sartain, Archbishop of Seattle, will preside at the Mass. The Reception will feature an address by the Honorable Bobbe J. Bridge, retired Washington State Supreme Court Justice and Founding President/CEO of the Center for Children and Youth Justice.


Mass is at the Chapel of St. Ignatius from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Reception is at Sullivan Hall, 2nd Floor Gallery from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

RSVP online.

MAMA Seattle Monthly Lunch Seminar: Balancing Career, Family, and Self-Care

MAMA Seattle invites you to attend their next monthly lunch seminar on Tuesday, October 3, from 11:45 am to 1:15 pm. This month's presentation is Dishing MAMA Secrets: Balancing Career, Family, and Self-Care. The presentation will be from noon to 1:00, with networking time before and after.

Members can RSVP on BigTent. Non-members, please RSVP by email to lunchseminars@mamaseattle.org

The event will take place at Davis Wright Tremaine's Seattle office (1201 Third Ave., Floor 22).

For information on panelists, sponsors, accommodations, and membership, visit MAMA Seattle's events page.

Scrofano Law PC Aspiring Public Defender Scholarship

Scrofano Law PC, has established a $1,500 annual scholarship for law students interested in pursuing a career as a public defender.

The Scrofano Law PC Aspiring Public Defender Scholarship has a June 1 application deadline.  The application requires a resume, transcript, and written proof of an internship or externship with a public defender's office, as well as an essay.

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Volunteer Opportunities for Recent Grads

Public Law Library of King County: Legal Help Center
The Law Library is looking for volunteer attorneys to help staff the Legal Help Center in Seattle from now through October 13th. This is a clinic that provides free, limited legal help to pro se patrons. Volunteer attorneys assist clients by explaining legal issues and helping to draft pleadings to either initiate or respond to legal proceedings. If you are interested, please email services@pllkc.org. For more information refer to the volunteer position description.

Become a Content Editor for the Washington Lawyers Practice Manual
Use your expertise to strengthen the best reference work on Washington Law.  The King County Bar Association is seeking content editors to oversee its volunteer authors work for Civil Trial Practice, Domestic Relations Practice, State Administrative Law, and Public Entitlement Law chapters. Content editors learn new areas of law while interacting with recognized experts.  This is an ideal position for new lawyers eager to make contacts and increase their knowledge.  Please click here to learn more about the practice manual. Interested attorneys may also contact Kathleen Jensen (206-267-7053) to learn more. 

Free YLD CLE and Happy Hour

Join the Young Lawyers' Division of the King County Bar Association for this month’s CLE, Framing Your Case: Strategies for Developing a Persuasive Case Story, presented by Tsongas Consulting.

The CLE will take place September 21st  at 4:00 pm at the KCBA Offices, followed by a free happy hour at Elephant & Castle from 5:00-6:00 pm. Registration is now open.

Contact annar@kcba.org with questions or for more information.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Evening with Equal Justice



Please join Seattle University’s Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) and Access to Justice Institute (ATJI) for the annual Evening With Equal Justice. The event provides the opportunity for law students to learn from attorneys practicing in a wide range of public interest and pro bono areas. 

This year’s Evening with Equal Justice will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a keynote address by Jorge Barón, Executive Director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. Mr. Baron will speak about the importance of public interest lawyering in the current political climate.  

Attorneys are encouraged to attend the keynote address or join the program at 6:00 p.m. for networking with students.


Co-sponsored by the Public Interest Law Foundation, Access to Justice Institute, Center for Professional Development, Dean's Offices, and Student Bar Association.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Coast Guard Legal Internship


To learn about eligibility requirements and find out how to become a Coast Guard Judge Advocate through the Coast Guard’s Direct Commission Lawyer (DCL) program, go to https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/officer-opportunities/programs/direct-commission-lawyer-dcl. You can also email CoastGuardDCL@uscg.mil.

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Publish An Article in Defense News

Publish an article! The Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (WDTL) has a quarterly publication, the Defense News, that is sent to all of its 750 members, including attorneys and judges in Washington State. Article submissions are currently being accepted from law student members. WDTL law student membership is only ten dollars and members are eligible to contribute to the Defense News.

What can you write about? Here are some ideas:
  • Your experience working with lawyers as a summer associate or intern
  • Thoughts about the legal profession
  • How firms can improve on-campus interviews
  • Cases you read that are interesting or applicable to civil defense attorneys
  • A law student's perspective on visiting a courthouse
  • Other topics, if approved by the Editor-in-Chief
WDTL is a professional association for civil defense attorneys. It provides legal education, advocacy, and networking opportunities. Published articles look great on a resume, so contribute your article today!

Apply for membership and contact Editor-in-Chief Kyler Danielson if you are interested in submitting an article.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Moderate Means Practicum

Build practical legal skills! Seattle University's Moderate Means Practicum (LPRC-425-A, 3 Credits; Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30 to 3:45) is open to all 2 and 3Ls.

The Statewide Moderate Means Program (MMP) is a joint venture between the Washington State Bar Association and the Washington State law schools. The goal of the program is to increase access to civil legal services by people of moderate means who cannot afford an attorney but make too much money to qualify for traditional legal aid services. The program is focused on the areas of family, housing and consumer law.

Law students participating in the practicum will interview potential clients by telephone to collect information and evaluate their cases. Students have the opportunity to interview many different clients with a broad array of legal issues. Qualifying cases will be referred by students to participating attorneys who have agreed to represent MMP clients for a reduced fee.

Benefits to students include:
  • Hands-on experience interviewing clients
  • Training in substantive legal issues, issue-spotting, interviewing skills and ethics
  • Instruction on how to use the Legal Server database, which is used by most of the civil legal aid organizations in Washington State as well as the SU Law clinics
  • Supervision and mentoring by experienced attorneys
  • The satisfaction of helping moderate income individuals who otherwise might not receive any legal help at all
The total time commitment is eight hours a week. If you have questions or would like additional information please email Clay Wilson.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Bloodworks Northwest Scholarship

Bloodworks Northwest is offering scholarships of up to $500 for students who host blood drives this summer.

If you or a student you know would like to host a blood drive, email: Scholarship@bloodworksnw.org. Include in the email your name, where you donate, and your city. You may also inquire by phone: (425) 656-3039.

Official rules and details can be found here. Help better our community drop by drop!

Thursday, July 27, 2017

National Law Students Workers' Rights Conference Registration

What:              National Law Students Workers' Rights Conference        

When:             October 13 & 14, 2017

Where:            Conference Center at the Maritime Institute, Linthicum Heights, MD

Deadline:        August 28 if you would like the Peggy Browning Fund to pay for airfare;
                        September 29 for all other registrations

Details:           See the brochure and FAQs for info, or visit www.peggybrowningfund.org

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Hot Jobs

If you're a Seattle U Law alum on the hunt for a job, make sure you're on the Hot Jobs listserv!

CPD sends out a digest of entry-level legal positions every two weeks, including law practice and non-traditional jobs. Email Erin Fullner to get on the list.

Richard S. White Fellowship

ATTENTION RISING 2LS:

It's the last chance to apply for the Richard S. White Fellowship, which includes a paid, 12-week 2018 summer associate position with Helsell Fetterman, and a $7,500 academic scholarship.

Applications may be mailed or submitted online and must be postmarked or emailed by July 19.

Monday, July 17, 2017

Hot Tip: Make Time This Summer for Informational Interviews

Summer can be an unexpectedly busy time for law students. When your calendar fills up, it's all the more important to use your time wisely. The CPD team is a big fan of activities that can serve two purposes for you. Informational interviewing allows you to network while gaining valuable insight into a particular practice area. Check out this Forbes article for tips on informational interviewing and make a plan to reach out to some contacts this week!

Attorney General's Honors Program and Summer Law Intern Program Webinar

2Ls, 3Ls, and grads in or entering judicial clerkships are invited to attend a webinar about the Attorney General’s Honors Program (HP) and Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP). The webinar will be hosted by the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management and will provide info on the HP and SLIP application process, opening on Monday, July 31, 2017.

Please attend one of the three sessions:
  • July 25th at 12:00 PM
  • July 26th at 9:00 AM
  • July 27th at 9:00 AM 
Additional information about both programs, including eligibility and offices participating, can be found online: HP and SLIP.