Attorneys by day, super rock demons by night. Well, at least for one night a year. Lawyerpalooza is a festival of rock bands (or any genre really - rap anyone?) with only one rule: at least half of the band has to be comprised of those in the legal community. Half rock show, half charity event, Lawyerpalooza is the brainchild of some seriously rockin' attorneys who value community and glorify the air guitar.
Lawyerpalooza ("Less Law, More Palooza"), a take on "Lollapalooza" (an alternative rock festival that showcases musical talents from a wide variety of artists), does much the same as the original: Once a year, lawyers and those in the legal community can showcase their musical inclinations while collecting donations for Seattle School District music programs. This year's event is May 10 at The Showbox at First and Pike. More information is available at www.lawyerpalooza.com.
So, the point of the festival is actually three-fold: first, to showcase the secret musical talents of those in many fields of law; second, to collect money for sponsorship of musical programs in Seattle area public schools; and finally, to provide an outlet for creativity that is not limited to the wording of legal documents.
I had the opportunity to chat with the head of the Lawyerpalooza committee, Michael Nesteroff, a real estate lawyer at Lane Powell, who also responds to the name of "Rock God" and is responsible for organizing the annual event. He gave me the inside scoop into the exciting world of "rock meets law" and an exclusive insight into why events like this one are important for the community, the individuals who participate and those who attend.
Nesteroff embraces the notion that professional well-roundedness is inspired through an education facilitated by music. He cites the vast amount of research that credits a background in the arts as being a key in educational development. And the point of Lawyerpalooza - besides being one night of the common attorney's life when he or she can publicly embrace Aqua-Net and spandex without fear of being ostracized in the legal community - is, according to Nesteroff, "to target the proceeds - to fourth- and fifth-grade music programs where many kids are getting their first exposure to formal music instruction." Indeed, the outcome could possibly be a future generation of lawyers who, by day, advocate for the legal rights of the public and, by night, rock out to the sweet sounds of Iron Maiden.
That being said, with the machismo of Jim Morrison and the transactional prowess of a first class real-estate attorney, Nesteroff is now gearing up for the fifth annual Lawyerpalooza with great excitement. One imagines he is stretching in preparedness for the high kicks made famous by hair bands of the past, yet he makes sure to acknowledge that this event is not a one-man show.
Many local law firms support Lawyerpalooza by helping Nesteroff set up the event, either through playing in the show or figuring out the logistics of how everything will function, to assure a successful outcome. Lawyers, directors and staff from Stoel Rives, Buck & Gordon, Karr Tuttle Campbell, Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, Perkins Coie, and of course, Nesteroff's own Lane Powell, happily contribute their time and talent in organizing and enjoying the festivities.
When asked about annual "favorites," Nesteroff is hesitant to pick just one, but tells me there are a few to look out for, including The Perkins Coie Band; Ruby's Basement; The Suits [Ed. Note: Headed by Karr Tuttle Camp-bell's Jim Austin. See "Attorney by Day, Rocker by Night: Making the Case for Lawyerpalooza," Bar Bulletin, November 2006.); Morris Can Fly; and The Approximations. (Ironically, bands with names like Anti-Law, Final Rejection and the Regal Legals will not be partaking in the event.) And although the purpose behind the event is to raise funds for and awareness of public school music programs, Lawyerpalooza serves a dynamic purpose. According to Nesteroff, "All professionals, whether they be lawyers, accountants, teachers, etc., need additional opportunities to express their creative sides in ways other than how they might in their chosen professions."
Indeed, one hardly has to imagine that in a world where attorneys spend more than 2,000 hours annually deciphering legal facts, figures and testimony, a creative outlet is necessary to provide a holistic existence. Lawyerpalooza provides that outlet for those with musical inclinations, and perhaps will spearhead other festivals for those with other artistic talents. Besides, there's nothing more fascinating than a lawyer's definition of "art" - especially when illustrated on a stage rocking out to the riffs of Black Sabbath's "Iron Man."
