I am intrigued by the different types of awareness month topics. April, for example, is both National Stress Awareness Month and National Poetry Month. While National Stress Awareness Month highlights our modern stress epidemic, National Poetry Month celebrates poetry and its cultural significance. These two topics, although seemingly antithetical to each other, offer a crucial reminder: creativity can serve as an antidote to stress. By acknowledging the stressors in our lives and turning to art, writing, or another creative hobby, we can create moments of calm and a brief creative oasis in the midst of daily pressures.
Partner Pronouncements
Lasher is pleased to announce that, effective February 10, 2026, attorney Elizabeth “Betsy” Hershman has joined the firm as a Principal in the firm’s Family Law Practice Group. Hershman brings sharp litigation skills with a thoughtful, compassionate approach to dispute resolution. A seasoned litigator and trained Collaborative lawyer, Hershman represents clients across the full spectrum of family law matters, including complex divorces, domestic partnerships, high asset divorces, Committed Intimate Relationships, parenting and child support disputes, and LGBTQ+–specific family law issues.
Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S., proudly announces the promotion of Katie Marrs and Amy Spitzer to partners. Marrs’ practice focuses on the complex legal needs of individuals with disabilities and those requiring long-term care, as well as their families. She started her practice at Northwest Elder Law Group PLLC in 2017 and then joined Brothers Henderson Durkin as an associate in 2021. Marrs received her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Washington.
Spitzer’s practice focuses on the representation of professional guardians and other fiduciaries. She also assists healthcare facilities in navigating complex patient issues, including petitioning for guardianship and conservatorship for patients in need. Spitzer is a past Chair of the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section and has since served continuously on the Executive Committee. She earned her J.D. from the Seattle University School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Washington.
Morgan Lewis is pleased to announce the addition of Brian Buckley as a partner in the firm’s litigation practice. Joining Morgan Lewis from Fenwick & West, Buckley brings significant experience across IP dis putes, consumer class actions, securities matters, and complex commercial litigation. Buckley previously served as Associate General Counsel, Litigation & Regulatory at Amazon, where he oversaw a wide-ranging portfolio of litigation matters. He is a board member at Ryther and LAW Fund & the Campaign for Equal Justice.
Puget Law Group is pleased to announce the promotion of attorneys Kyle Ehlers and Corddaryl Woodford to Partners, recognizing their exceptional advocacy, leadership, and continued commitment to criminal defense throughout Washington State. Ehlers focuses his practice exclusively on criminal defense and brings extensive experience representing clients across a broad spectrum of cases, from misdemeanor matters to complex violent felony charges. Prior to joining Puget Law Group, Ehlers served for several years as a public defender with the King County Department of Public Defense, where he built a reputation for passionate and compassionate client advocacy. At Puget Law Group, he has distinguished himself as a natural leader who exemplifies the firm’s core values and will now lead PLG’s Seattle office. Ehlers’ commitment to serving vulnerable communities began before law school while pursuing his undergraduate degree in Law, Economics, and Public Policy at the University of Washington, Bothell. There, he worked as a case manager with Friends of Youth, advocating for unhoused children in King County. He earned his J.D. from American University Washington College of Law, graduating near the top of his class. During law school, he interned with Baltimore City’s Youthful Defendant Unit and the Washington, D.C. Public Defender Service, experiences that shaped his client-centered and trial-focused approach to defense work.
Woodford practices criminal defense with an emphasis on serious felony litigation and trial advocacy as a member of Puget Law Group’s felony strike team. Since joining the firm and becoming Senior Attorney in January 2025, Woodford has handled high-profile matters across multiple counties and recently obtained federal licensure, expanding his practice into federal court. His commitment to justice and client advocacy is evident in his meticulous approach to trial preparation and litigation strategy. Before joining Puget Law Group, Woodford served as a County Attorney with the Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel, where he achieved multiple not-guilty verdicts in felony and misdemeanor cases, including unlawful possession of a firearm, stolen vehicle offenses, DUI, domestic violence, and assault matters. Known for his meticulous trial preparation and strategic litigation approach, Woodford rose through the ranks of the public defender system and has earned respect throughout the legal community for his optimism, work ethic, and commitment to successful trial outcomes. Woodford earned his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law, where he held leadership roles in the Black Law Student Association. He also holds a Master of Arts in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Law, Societies & Justice from the University of Washington.
Pacifica Law Group announces the return of Greg Wong to the firm as a partner working at the convergence of law, government, business, policy, and politics. Wong rejoins the firm after serving as Deputy Mayor and General Counsel of the City of Seattle under former Mayor Bruce Harrell. He previously spent more than a decade at Pacifica, where he established his practice providing strategic advice and courtroom representation to public entities, businesses, and nonprofits on a diverse array of matters impacting the region’s people, politics, and communities. As a Deputy Mayor, Seattle’s highest-ranking nonelected executive, he led strategic planning and execution of major public initiatives, balancing legal, political, operational, and communications considerations. He was involved daily in the executive management of policy initiatives, municipal operations, and crisis management for a city with an almost $9 billion budget and 14,000 employees. From architecting the city’s response to threats from the federal government to leading on 2026 FIFA World Cup planning, Wong helped shepherd the City through several complex issues. Wong also led the Mayor’s Office external relations and intergovernmental affairs, working with local, state, tribal, federal, and international government officials and diverse stakeholders across the city. In addition, as the Mayor’s General Counsel, Wong provided guidance on the full spectrum of legal issues, from litigation to ethics to contracting and negotiations. A graduate of the University of Washington School of Law and Western Washington University, Wong has been passionate about civic engagement throughout his career. He previously served as President of the Schools First Coalition, where he led several successful Seattle School District levy campaigns. He was also President of the Washington State Budget & Policy Center, and the Seattle City Council appointed him to the City of Seattle Families and Education Levy Oversight Planning Committee.
Reed Longyear Malnati Corwin & Burnett PLLC is now Reed Longyear Corwin Burnett & Calogero, PLLC. This change comes in recognition of Carla Calogero’s work and her dedication to clients, the community, and our Firm. Calogero joined Reed Longyear in 2014 and devotes her practice to estate and advanced care planning, trust, probate, guardianship, conservatorship, and to elder and special needs law.
Samuel Meyler is Reed Longyear Corwin Burnett & Calogero, PLLC’s newest equity member. The firm’s decision to promote Meyler reflects his contributions to the firm’s success, his leadership in client service, and his continued dedication to the firm’s values and the legal profession. Meyler focuses his practice on real estate, general business and corporate matters, debtor/creditor rights, dispute resolution, and civil litigation.
Morgan Lewis announced today the arrival of partner Nathan Fahrer to its real estate practice. Fahrer advises on buying, selling, financing, developing, and leasing real property across the United States, with notable experience leading major data center acquisitions, developments, and leases, including colocation arrangements. He will collaborate with Morgan Lewis’s strong power, finance, and telecommunications teams to address the complex infrastructure, energy, and connectivity issues inherent in large-scale data center projects. Fahrer also represents commercial landlords and tenants in office, retail, and industrial leasing, including confidential ground leasing matters, and counsels high-growth technology and internet clients on nationwide commercial leases. His experience includes work with CMBS special servicers on real property-secured loan workouts and real estate-owned dispositions, and he handles real estate-related bankruptcy matters.
Associate Additions
Pacifica Law Group is pleased to announce that Carly Zipper has joined the firm as an associate in the Litigation Practice Group. Zipper brings a strong public service background to the firm. She previously clerked with the Honorable Anne M. Cruser and the Honorable Rebecca Glasgow of Division II of the Washington Court of Appeals and also served for two years as an AmeriCorps Member prior to attending law school. Zipper earned her undergraduate degree from Santa Clara University and her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law. During law school, Zipper externed for the Honorable John C. Coughenour of the Western District of Washington, clerked for the Washington Attorney General’s Office, and was an Articles Editor for the Washington Law Review. She was also a fellow of the Public Interest Law Association.
Other Attorney Additions
Chad Horner has joined Graunke Ayoub Law. Horner regularly assists families in navigating the legal and practical complexities that follow the death of a loved one, and is frequently appointed by courts to serve as a professional administrator and probate guardian ad litem. Horner previously served as a Pro Tem Commissioner in King County Superior Court’s Ex Parte and Probate Department. Horner is also the creator of kingcountyprobates.com, a leading online resource that has become an important tool for lawyers and the public alike, important for its role in improving access to the courts and demystifying probate procedures. He is a frequent speaker on probate and estate administration topics for the Washington State Bar Association, King County Bar Association, and other professional organizations. Horner earned his J.D. from Drake University Law School, where he graduated Order of the Coif and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Drake Law Review. He has been licensed to practice law in Washington since 1997. In addition to his professional work, Horner has volunteered with community legal clinics and nonprofit boards dedicated to expanding access to healthcare and legal services.
Of Counsel
Pacifica Law Group is pleased to announce the strengthening of its litigation practice with the addition of Colin Fieman as Of Counsel. Fieman joins the firm after serving a four-year term as the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington. Before his appointment to lead the office, Fieman served as its Senior Litigator, and he has also represented public entities in investigating and prosecuting fraud and police corruption. A highly experienced trial and appellate attorney, Fieman has tried dozens of cases and argued more than 30 appeals in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Georgia Supreme Court, and New York appellate courts. His experience includes cases concerning complex official and white collar fraud, internet crimes, and digital privacy, and the legal and ethical boundaries of law enforcement. Fieman earned his undergraduate degree from Haverford College and his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law. Following law school, Fieman worked in the New York County District Attorney’s Office in its Appeals Bureau and Special Prosecutions Unit, where he investigated and prosecuted official corruption cases and white collar fraud cases. He later worked with the New York City Commission to Combat Police Corruption; at the University of Georgia Law School Legal Aid Clinic; and as Public Defender in the Federated States of Micronesia.
Robert Morrison has joined Reed Longyear Corwin Burnett & Calogero, PLLC as an Of Counsel attorney. Morrison has transitioned his practice from Foster Garvey and brings with him a wealth of experience in estate planning and probate. He focuses on crafting thoughtful, customized estate plans and guiding clients through the probate process with efficiency and compassion.
Obituaries
Daniel Alderman Farr, Sr., was born on February 22, 1947, and he passed peacefully on January 27, 2026, in his home surrounded by his family. Farr was a dedicated lawyer. Upon graduation from the University of Oregon Law School in 1972, he went to work with Phil Biege in Enumclaw. He and Rodger Gustafson later formed a partnership, and in 2004, his daughter, Megan Farr, joined his practice. Farr served at various times as a prosecutor, judge, and defense attorney. The last couple of decades of his career, Farr’s practice focused on trust and estates and elder law. He retired in 2012, after a career that saw him represent clients in Municipal, District, Superior, and Federal Courts.
Lish Whitson died the morning of February 11, 2026 from complications of leukemia. He graduated from the University of Washington School of Law in 1973. His legal practice lasted for more than 50 years, including time at the Public Defenders Association, Helsell Fetterman, and his own law firm. He finished his career as an arbitrator and mediator at JAMS. He served as president of the King County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, a trustee of the King County Bar Association, Governor of the Washington State Bar Association, and as an active member on many boards, committees, and commissions. In 1993, the King County Bar Association gave him its Pro Bono Award, and in 2000, it recognized him with its Outstanding Lawyer Award. Whitson was a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, the King County Bar Foundation, and the American College of Trial Lawyers. He was also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a charter Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, and a member of the William Dwyer Inn of Court, all organizations dedicated to promoting excellence in advocacy, ethics, and professionalism. In 2025, the King County Bar Association gave him its Distinguished Service Award and named The Lish Whitson Moderate Means Program after him. That same year, the Washington State Section of ABOTA gave him its lifetime achievement award.
Ruth Apahidean is an estate planning and probate attorney at the Law Office of Neil R. Sarles. She is easily reached via email at ruth@sarles.com or by phone at 253.234.4676.
