On Tuesday mediation failed which means the wrongful death trial will start August 19. Before my mind switches to battle mode, another thought fills my mind. And that thought turns to feelings. And those feelings begin to spread throughout my body. And then I cry.
Read MoreAfter Nala died I fled to New York for a few weeks. Partly to visit Noelle but also to avoid being in the house on Queen Anne hill. Where Nala lived with me for 13 of her 16 years.
Read MoreWe drive down the hill to watch the sunset from the beach. Phuong has come for a visit.
We first met in the hospital She had just turned 18. Barely escaped death. During the Ride the Duck crash of September 2015. After the ducks lost its axle and crossed the center line it rammed into and through the tour bus full of international students. If Phuong had been sitting one seat back she would not be here today.
Read MoreAfter hearing I was heading back into trial, a lovely friend from kindergarten urged me to retire. What more do you need Karen. What more do you have to prove. You deserve to relax and spend more time being a grandma. All good and valid points.
Read MoreWe settled the protest case for $10M the day before. Actually it had been lingering for a week since the mediation. When the city agreed to a deal then two stepped before refusing to put it in writing. Double crossers.
Read MoreAt first I thought, well Karen - how ridiculous that you would think that you should get award and be mad that you didn’t. As a woman raised in the 60s - we were taught not to be forward, not to expect, to do good work, hope we would be recognized, and not be disappointed when the much louder boys got noticed instead.
But that 60s meek attitude is not how you claw to and survive at the top in the paternalistic world of lawyers. Plus I was raised by parents who believed that if you didn’t fight for yourself and others, then what was the point.
Read MoreLast week, the City told me that a yard blower was a weapon and grounds for arrest when used by a protester to protect others from tear gas. Number of victims: 0. A few days later, the parents of Summer Taylor gave gut wrenching statements during the sentencing the drunk (drugs primarily) driver who took their child’s life and almost killed another.
Read MoreDad turned 90 this week. The family got together at Debbie & Rob’s house to celebrate the way we usually do. With dim sum and cake.
Read MoreSince covid entered the world, have dramatically curtailed speaking travel. But times are changing. And when the request comes in from the Colorado trial lawyers women’s caucus. I say yes. Even though Anne says: are you suuuuuurrrrreeeee. And wags her eyebrows at me.
We had just turned down Wyoming because there was no direct flight and it would have been an 8 hour trip. But this one is a simple flight to Denver which is not far away. Then an hour and a half drive to the resort. Piece of cake I enthuse. Anne gives me a knowing look.
Read MoreHi Karen,
It’s been a while since my case settled in 2010, but you would remember me as ‘Colleen McCallum v. Allstate Insurance’ for a Bad Faith Claim with co-counsel Michael Fisher from Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
That MVA was in 2004, and the lawsuits took over 6 years - it was a huge relief once it was finally settled.
Read MoreIt is the second night of our attorney retreat. We are at the Stritmatters’ house in Maui. Listening to guitars. Watching the chefs pulling culinary delights from the pizza oven. The sun has set. And we are a smiling, talking and celebrating Paul’s 80th birthday.
We are also wondering - where are Fred and Furhad.
Read More15 years ago Paul Stritmatter told me I needed to hire a paralegal named Anne Roberson. I was in trial. And declined. He persisted and said I needed to meet her. Eventually. Reluctantly. I did. That day changed me fundamentally because Anne became a member of the firm and part of my life.
Read MoreFor sentimental reasons have been hanging on to the last few pairs. Actually wear a few of them in trials this year. But as 2022 comes to an end. So does my desire (mostly) to ever wear high heels again.
It started in earnest in the disco years. Attended the U of W refusing to wear the uniform of jeans and flats. Can remember walking across red square (which is brick) on my toes - even in the rain.
Read MoreIn a case where 100s of depositions need to be taken, we asked the City of Seattle and King County to agree that instead of hiring a videographer plus a court reporter for each zoom deposition. That we be allowed to push the record button during the zoom session.
Predictably the answer was(a shocked): oh no! No no no. Pushing the zoom button will just not do.
Read MoreMy consistently biggest irritation is the defense lawyer who wastes time for the sake of the billable hour. The typical arena for this involves inefficient taking of depositions. What could be done in an hour - takes four. Or worse - the deposition isn’t needed at all. Add to this the specter of the brand new defense attorney who has not been properly mentored. And it is enough to drive me absolutely wild.
There is a defense firm that I don’t particularly like. It has a problem retaining associates. This means there is a constant stream of new JDs going in and out of there. Two weeks ago, they sic’d one on me.
Read MoreThe year was 2008 and I was president of the state trial lawyers association then called WSTLA (now WSAJ). Every year the president had the honor of presiding over the law day dinner. A formal sit down event filled with lawyers and judges.
I had attended many such events over the years and particularly enjoyed the inspiration offered by the key note speaker. One of my favorites was Morris Dees - of the Southern Poverty Law Center. Who told stories of civilly prosecuting white supremacists and then bankrupting their organizations. He gave me chills.
Read MoreLast night was rough. Spend three hours looking up everything that possibly exists about omicron, isolation, transmission, and dying. Lie in the tub for two hours. Which is a world record. As I head for bed, think: well maybe this is my last night on earth. May not wake up tomorrow.
Read MoreWake up happy. Have been back in Seattle 4 days after 10 spent in Manhattan. Went to a Bach concert at Lincoln Center. Saw Wicked on Broadway. Two movies at the theater up the street. Italian dinner with my neighbors. Ran around Central Park every morning before work. Bliss.
We’ve finished our year end work for the firm partnership. I’ve given the great news to all the associates. Will finish up telling staff today. But first - off to cookie decorating with my daughter’s family. Can’t wait to see them. Sniffle. Ignore it.
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