Bar Talk: May 2023
By: Ruth Apahidean Harper
Hanging your own shingle can be daunting. Since I began writing this column, I have not written about an attorney transitioning to or starting a solo practice but would like to announce new solos who have recently made this step. So, please reach out to me if you know of any attorneys in King County who have decided to wear the dual hats of business owner and attorney.
Associate Additions
Greg Pittman has joined Lane Powell PC as an associate. Pittman’s practice focuses on aviation. He represents individuals and companies with the purchase, sale, leasing, financing, ownership, and management of aircrafts and helicopters. Previously, Pittman worked as an associate for Helsell Fetterman LLP, Three60 Law Group PLLC, and the Law Office of Robert C. Pittman. Pittman obtained his B.A. from Ohio State University and his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law.
Partner Pronouncements
Nicholas R. Glancy has been admitted to the membership of Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC. Glancy focuses his practice on for-profit and non-profit business law, church and school matters, and employment law. Glancy was the Assistant Vice President for Risk Management and University Counsel at Seattle Pacific University. Prior to that, Glancy worked in private practice as a corporate tax attorney. Glancy has perspective both as in-house and outside legal counsel and has worked in both for-profit and non-profit contexts. Glancy earned his B.A. from Seattle Pacific University, his J.D. from Harvard Law School, and his Executive LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law.
Makiko Coffland has been elected to the membership of Christensen O’Connor Johnson Kindness PLLC. Coffland is an intellectual property attorney practicing in the areas of IP law, including trademark, copyright, patent, and trade secret matters. She represents clients in IP negotiation, enforcement, and defense matters. Coffland serves as a board member of the Japan-America Society of the State of Washington and as secretary of the Intellectual Property Owners Association’s International Trademark Law & Practice Committee. Coffland earned her B.A. and M.A. from Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology and her J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law.
Marisa Bavand is now a partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP. Bavand provides counsel to construction industry and government contracts clients. She has represented public and private owners, general contractors, and engineers in risk assessment, contract drafting, and disputes. Previously, Bavand was a partner at Groff Murphy. Bavand obtained her B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara and her J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law.
Of Counsel
William C. Severson is now Counsel to the Firm at Lane Powell PC. Severson’s practice focuses on state and local property taxes, and governmental fees and charges. Severson has run his own firm since 2006. Previously, Severson was Owner and Of Counsel at Garvey Schubert Barer, Of Counsel at Stoel Rives, and a King County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. Severson obtained his B.A. from the University of Washington, and his J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law.
Gretchen Hoog has joined Ryan, Swanson, & Cleveland, PLLC as Of Counsel. Hoog represents businesses and individuals in a wide range of commercial disputes. Previously, Hoog was a member at Corr | Downs PLLC and a member at Pepple Cantu Schmidt PLLC. She has served as an adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law. Hoog earned her B.S. from Pacific Lutheran University and her J.D. from Seattle University School of Law.
Honors, Appointments, and Awards
Leonard Feldman has been appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to the Washington Court of Appeals, Division One. Feldman replaces Judge Beth Andrus, who is retiring. Feldman’s focus has been on litigation, including appellate issues, commercial litigation, and civil rights claims. Most recently, Feldman was senior counsel at Peterson Wampold Rosato Feldman & Luna. Feldman earned his B.A. at the University of Washington and obtained his J.D. from Harvard Law School.
Judge Janet Chung was awarded the 2023 Woman of the Year award from Seattle University School of Law and the Womxn’s Law Caucus. Chung was elected to the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division 1 after being appointed by Governor Jay Inslee in 2022. Chung’s career has focused on advancing economic and gender justice as advocacy director of Columbia Legal Services (CLS). Chung was a legal writing professor at Seattle University School of Law and has worked as a litigator. Chung earned her B.A. from Yale University and her J.D. from Columbia University School of Law.
Obituaries
Andrea Brenneke recently passed away at 57 years old. Brenneke graduated from the University of Washington and obtained her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1992. Her work focused on litigating civil rights cases. More recently, Brenneke worked as Assistant Attorney General. Brenneke served as the first Director of Restorative Justice for the City of Seattle and later co-founded Seattle Restorative Justice.
Ruth Apahidean Harper is an attorney at Cobalt Law PLLC. She is easily reached via email: ruth@cobaltlawfirm.com, by phone: 253.234.4676, or by mail: PO Box 1134, Enumclaw, WA 98022-1134.
