We are pleased to announce that the application for the Judicial Institute's Fellows Clinic is now open. The Judicial Institute is committed to the diversification of Washington’s courts. Please apply or share widely with your networks so we can ensure a more accessible path to the judiciary. 

About the Clinic:

Fellows will participate in two-day in-person interactive sessions at Seattle University School of Law on March 27-28, 2026, designed to provide practical knowledge to help legal professionals from a variety of backgrounds become judges. Taught by instructors who are judges, minority bar judicial evaluation committee members, and appointing authorities, the clinic will address topics including judicial ethics, the judicial appointment process, and preparing for a judicial campaign.

In addition, Fellows will be assigned judicial mentors who will provide one-on-one feedback and guidance. At the end of the program, Fellows should have the skills and information to begin seeking a position on the bench. Fellows will also receive general and ethics CLE credits. 

There will be a $100 fee to help cover costs of obtaining CLE credits and other expenses.

Application Process:

Interested applicants with eight years or more of legal experience should submit a letter of interest, resume, and application. Due October 31, 2025, the application is attached in both Word and PDF and available HERE.

Volunteer with PCMBA

November 13 Bags and Brews Event 6-8pm 

• Bischel Hall, St. Leo Parish - 710 S. 13th St., Tacoma, WA 98405
• Pack food. Build community. Share a brew.
• Questions and RSVP: (253)361-9945 or development@foodconnection.org

The National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) is hosting a women in trial program in Seattle this November. Please follow this link to learn more.

NITA Women in Trial

SKU#WTP1125

Perkins Coie LLP, 1301 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

November 12, 2025 - November 15, 2025

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND

For the fifth year, NITA’s top-tier women faculty present this exciting trial skills training program. Master your skills from acclaimed women lawyers, judges, and professors who broke the barriers and continue to change the legal landscape. This highly customized program focuses on magnifying your individual talent.

You will learn from and collaborate with faculty, leaving the program with improved trial skills, practical tips you can implement immediately, and a network of women trial attorneys.

 WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

This program drills deep on trial skills like direct and cross-examination, and enhances your communication skills. You will receive on-your-feet training followed by individualized feedback. NITA’s signature comprehensive learning-by-doing experience will be carried out in small breakout group workshops with a 3:1 ratio of students to faculty.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE AND CONTENT

The program will be held over four days, each day featuring specialized workshops including the following topics:

• Powerful opening statements using the storytelling technique
• Compelling closing arguments that cut out the clutter
• Bringing back the love for direct examination
• Harnessing your power on cross-examination
• Persuasive and legal foundation for admitting exhibits
• Mastering objections
• Demystifying the technical steps of impeachment

UNIQUE TO THE NITA WOMEN IN TRIAL PROGRAM

• Communication skills presentation led by a national litigation consultant who excels in training women trial lawyers
• Small-group roundtable discussions that will focus on the specific issues that program participants face in their practice and the courtroom  
• Opening session that includes dedicated networking time with faculty and a welcome reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres 

NATIONAL LITIGATION EXPERT KAREN LISKO

Litigation consultant Karen Lisko, Ph.D., works with attorneys to increase their persuasiveness and effectiveness with factfinders throughout all phases of litigation. A veteran of hundreds of civil cases heard in bench and jury trials and arbitration forums, Karen strategizes to help legal teams construct compelling and prevailing arguments. Karen holds a doctorate in legal communication, a specialized degree attained by only a few consultants in the nation, and is the author of two books, Patently Persuasive and Proven Jury Arguments and Evidence.

Karen relies on more than 25 years of extensive mock research and factfinder experience to create an advantage for litigation teams. She strategizes with trial teams, frequently at the earliest stages of litigation, to help establish persuasive case approaches. Her key litigation services include judicial and arbitrator persuasion; jury persuasion; mock factfinder research; jury and bench trials, hearings, arbitrations; and witness preparation for deposition and trial.

NETWORKING EVENTS

On the first evening, the program will kick off with remarks from Program Director Judge Amy Hanley, including an introduction to members of the incredible faculty team and practical tips from past participants for getting the most out of the program. This is followed by a networking hour, specific time we’ve set aside for faculty and participants to mingle and share legal backgrounds, Netflix recommendations, and everything in between. Enjoy appetizers and beverages while we all get to know each other.

UW Women's Center invites you to "Globalization: Various Forms of Human-Trafficking and Their Impact on Women and Children"

RSVP through the QR Code

Thank you for your interest in serving King County District Court.

The National Judicial College, the nation’s premiere educational institute for judges for over 60 years, created a special course called Judicial Academy for attorneys who aim to one day join the judiciary. 

The course was first offered in 2019 and 37 alumni from the first four classes are now sitting judges. The course focuses on how to be elected or appointed to the bench, judicial ethics for candidates, campaigning, as well as media and social media strategies. The course also provides insight into the day-to-day work of judging, the Model Code of Judicial Conduct, and courtroom and docket management. The weeklong course utilizes dozens of faculty who are sitting judges or subject matter experts.

The next Judicial Academy course is scheduled for October 27 – 31, 2025, at the National Judicial College campus in Reno, Nevada. The course takes place during the NJC’s flagship General Jurisdiction course for newer judges, allowing for networking opportunities. There are a limited number of scholarships available for attorneys.

Each year, the NJC educates more than 12,000 judges from around the country through in-person and virtual courses and webinars focused on both foundational topics like decision-making, judicial writing, and evidence as well as emerging issues including artificial intelligence, red flag laws, and digital evidence.

For more information, please visit www.judges.org/courses/judicial-academy-a-course-for-aspiring-judges/

An annual fundraiser is scheduled on October 26, 2025 from Youth and Law Forum at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. Here is the link to register.  https://youthlaw-8576f.uw.r.appspot.com/register  for the fundraiser. . Middle school, high school and parents are invited to the 35^th annual (Judge Charles V. Johnson) Youth and Law Forum on 11/1/25 from 8:30am – 1:30pm.  Principal activities will be at The Church By the Side of the Road, 3455 S. 148^th Street, Tukwila, WA. Registration is through YOUTHANDLAW.COM.   The event is free with breakfast and lunch included.  The morning keynote will be shared by Attorney Jeff Robinson, renowned attorney and filmmaker of ACLU fame.

Please join the Anti-Defamation League’s PNW Office, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, for an inaugural Hope Over Hate Summit on Sunday, October 19 from 1-5PM in downtown Seattle. Please register by October 15!

This half-day program is open to members of the Jewish community and allies, including civic leaders, law enforcement, students, interfaith partners, and all who want to build a safer future for us all.

The day will include inspiring speakers from the main stage- including former Seahawk Doug Baldwin, former Chief of Police Carmen Best, ADL national experts, and nonprofit and technology leaders. Breakout sessions include a range of topics, from Having Difficult Conversations, Building Safe K-12 Spaces, Understanding Jewish Identity & Contemporary Antisemitism, and a CLE for attorneys on Addressing Workplace Discrimination.

We hope you can join us for a day of community building, education, and activation. Please register today!

Just a reminder that the Washington Women Lawyers Olympic Peninsula Chapter
Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 12th, from 2-4pm at the
Sequim Bar Hop!
It will be an informal event, and everyone is invited. 

Please RSVP directly to me (lpowers@jacdefender.org).