Legal professionals bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and differing opinions to their work, yet the common thread is a commitment to service, advocacy, and justice. Through open dialogue and mutual understanding, attorneys, judges, legal staff, and community partners can learn from one another and collaborate toward meaningful progress. Lasting impact is achieved not only through individual expertise, but through the collective strength that emerges when people come together to listen, learn, and work toward common goals.
Partner Pronouncements/Managing Attorneys
Perkins Coie has announced that Chad Colton has joined its commercial litigation practice as a partner in Portland and Seattle, further strengthening the firm’s trial capabilities in the Pacific Northwest. Colton represents clients in high-stakes commercial matters such as partnership, shareholder, breach of contract, IP, and licensing disputes. He also frequently serves as lead trial counsel for bet-the-company cases, often joining to advise and advocate for clients in the middle of litigation or immediately before trial. Colton earned his Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University and his Juris Doctor from Lewis & Clark Law School.
Nathan Julius joined View Ridge Law as a Managing Attorney, bringing a steady and authentic approach to high-stakes family law matters. Julius is known for his straightforward counsel, professional integrity, and ability to help clients make well-informed decisions during some of the most difficult periods of their lives. Julius represents clients across a broad range of family law matters, including divorce, custody, parenting disputes, and child support proceedings. His prior bankruptcy practice and experience handling financial cases involving business owners, high-net-worth estates, and nuanced valuation issues contribute to the success of his family law practice. Julius is deeply committed to serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families, unmarried couples, and clients navigating later-in-life family transitions. Julius earned his J.D. from Oklahoma City University School of Law. He has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for 2026 and is a recipient of the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award. Colleagues and clients alike know Julius for his composed courtroom presence, meticulous preparation, and commitment to resolving disputes with strength and civility.
Associate Additions
View Ridge Law is thrilled to announce that Philip Wade joined the firm as an Associate Attorney in May 2026. Wade brings over a decade of legal experience, specializing in navigating the complexities of family law in Washington State. Wade earned his law degree with honors from Seattle University after studying psychology and economics at Whitman College. His holistic approach is deeply informed by his past work as a Guardian ad Litem and as the Executive Director of Kitsap Legal Services. At View Ridge Law, Wade handles a broad spectrum of family law matters, including divorce, child support, and parenting plans. Active in the community, Wade has served as a mentor for the Housing Justice Project and a presenter for Title 11 Guardianship CLEs. When he isn’t advocating for clients, he is often in the skies as a licensed private pilot and commercial hot air balloon pilot.
Calista Bechtold joined View Ridge Law as an Associate Attorney, bringing a deep-seated commitment to protecting the rights of individuals navigating the complexities of the justice system. Bechtold offers a fresh and dedicated perspective, particularly at the intersection of litigation and the collateral consequences that legal issues can have on a person’s future and status. Bechtold’s experience as a Rule-9 Public Defender highlights her hands-on approach to advocacy, where she managed high-volume caseloads with a focus on holistic representation. By collaborating with experts and social workers, she ensures her clients receive comprehensive counsel that considers their lives beyond the courtroom. Her background includes significant contributions to the International Human Rights Clinic and the NAACP Legal Redress Committee, reflecting her drive for accountability and clarity in the law.
Other Attorney Additions
Carl Rubinstein is now Real Estate and Development counsel at Microsoft, where he focuses on the intersection of law, real estate, and data technology infrastructure. Previously, Rubinstein was an associate at Stokes Lawrence, P.C. and an associate at Perkins Coie LLP. Rubinstein earned his B.A. from Carleton College, a master’s from Stanford University, and a J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law.
Honors, Appointments, and Awards
Matthew J. Segal, Pacifica Law Group’s founding partner and former King County Superior Court judge, has been appointed to the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission by Governor Bob Ferguson. The PDC is the agency charged with regulating political disclosure and interpreting and enforcing Washington campaign finance and disclosure laws. Segal’s practice focused on public law advice and disputes, appeals, ethics and investigations, trial and appellate consulting, and alternative dispute resolution. As a judge, Segal presided over jury and bench trials including criminal, civil, and family law. Trials encompassed topics such as commercial disputes, insurance, construction, trusts and estates, real property, employment, personal injury and wrongful death, and professional malpractice.
Obituaries
George Andre Fields has passed away. He graduated from Bowling Green State University, OH, and went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon Law School. He established his solo legal practice, practicing as an SSDI/SSI and long-term disability attorney.
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.
