In law school, I often heard that attorneys were risk-averse and cautious, careful to stick to the tried and true. This might have less to do with attorneys and more to do with human outlook in general. However, in sticking with this month’s theme, let’s challenge this default. Many of us might not have the bandwidth to change up the routine, reorganize checklists, and opt for new software or practice management systems, but it is not a bad idea to shake things up a bit.
Partner and Shareholder Pronouncements
David Rice has joined Davis Wright Tremaine as a partner in the firm’s Seattle office. Over the past 20 years, Rice has counseled domestic and international organizations on emerging issues in data privacy and data security. He advises clients on compliance, handles incident response, and conducts employee training. His experience encompasses a broad range of international, federal, and state laws. Rice has counseled clients across diverse sectors, including B2C, data brokers, adtech, SaaS providers, healthcare-adjacent companies, and franchise operations. He is a Certified Information Privacy Professional – United States. Rice joins the firm from the Seattle office of Miller Nash, where he was a partner. He previously worked as an associate at Venable LLP and at a predecessor firm to K&L Gates. He received his B.A. from The George Washington University and his J.D. from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. He currently co-chairs the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Federal Communications Bar Association.
Ceslie A. Blass has been elected as a shareholder at Carney Badley Spellman, P.S. Blass focuses on working with and representing general contractors, subcontractors, developers, design professionals, and suppliers in navigating the legal aspects of the construction industry, including resolving contract disputes, bid protests, CPARS disputes and appeals, lien and bond claims, L&I appeals, and contract drafting and review. Blass received her B.A. from the University of West Florida and her J.D. from Seattle University School of Law.
Amy C. Weston has been elected as a shareholder at Carney Badley Spellman, P.S. Weston drafts and negotiates commercial contracts, advises clients on privacy and other regulatory compliance and best practices, and supports start-up and emerging companies at all stages of their corporate lifecycle. Weston received her B.A. from Kalamazoo College, M.A. from the University of British Columbia, and J.D. from Boston University School of Law.
Eric Liberman has been elected as a shareholder at Carney Badley Spellman, P.S. Focusing on civil and construction litigation, Liberman represents and advises clients in disputes related to commercial construction projects and government contracts. He has represented clients in federal and state court cases and arbitrations, GAO bid protests, and appeals before state and federal boards of contract appeals. Liberman obtained his B.A. from Miami University and his J.D. from George Mason University School of Law.
Ann T. Wilson is joining Stokes Lawrence as a Shareholder after practicing at her own firm since 2002. Wilson is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide as a Band 1 practitioner for Private Wealth Disputes – Washington. She received a J.D. with honors (Order of the Coif) from the University of Washington School of Law in 1988 and an LL.M. (master of laws) in tax law from New York University in 1991. She received her undergrad from Harvard University.
Associate Additions
Mackenzie Wieburg has joined Fox Ballard’s guardianship practice group as an Associate. Wieburg helps people who are subject to guardianship, and also represents health care entities as petitioners in guardianship matters requiring urgent assistance. Wieburg joined the firm from the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office where she served as a deputy prosecuting attorney. Wieburg received her B.A. from the University of Washington and her J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law.
Siyan Kang has joined Carney Badley Spellman as a litigation associate attorney. She specializes in guiding clients through the stressful litigation process while exploring innovative and creative solutions to achieve their business goals. Kang worked for Shanze Partners PLLC prior to joining Carney Badley Spellman and volunteered with the Moderate Means Program. During law school, Siyan interned for King County Public Defense and Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Kang has a law degree from Jilin University, an LL.M. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, and a J.D from the University of Washington School of Law.
Other Attorney Additions
Kiran Uppal is returning to Seattle after six years in Chicago and will be joining Stokes Lawrence’s Estate Planning and Administration group as Of Counsel. Prior to Stokes Lawrence, Uppal was a partner at Accelerant Law and worked at ArentFox Schiff, Levin Schreder & Carey, as well as Stoel Rives.
Honors, Appointments, and Awards
William L. Dixon V has been appointed to King County Superior Court by Governor Jay Inslee. Dixon replaces Judge Judith Ramseyer, who is retiring. Dixon began his legal career in 1996, and, since 2007, has owned and managed Dixon Law Firm. Dixon has worked on clients’ claims of medical malpractice, employment discrimination, products liability, and motor vehicle injury. Washington State Association for Justice awarded Dixon the Carl Maxey Award for his sustained commitment to diversity in the legal profession. Dixon earned his B.A. at the University of Arizona and his J.D. at the University of Washington School of Law.
Obituaries
Marilyn Brenneman has passed away at the age of 74. Brenneman obtained her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law in 1979 and joined the King County prosecutor’s office in 1980, eventually becoming Chair, Special Operations Unit/Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. In 2012, she worked as an attorney at Brenneman & Brenneman, PLLC.
Retired Washington Supreme Court Justice James A. Andersen, passed away at the age of 98. After serving in World War II, Andersen earned his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Washington. He began working as a deputy prosecuting attorney in King County, went into private practice, and then started his own firm. In 1975, Andersen was appointed to the Court of Appeals, Division I, and appointed to the State Supreme Court in 1984. He helped found the Board of Directors for the Washington Coalition for Open Government and was the first recipient of the Washington Coalition for Open Government’s James Madison Award.
Robert Dean “Bob” Welden passed away in May 2023. Welden was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 1970 and started his legal career as a public defender. Welden’s last job before retiring was serving as General Counsel for the Washington State Bar Association. A memorial service is planned for late summer.
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.
