Posts tagged wsaj
On the need to prove myself when I don't need to.
On the need to prove myself when I don't need to.

“Can I take lead on this next dep” said a former president of the trial bar. “No” I said. “We are prepped and ready to go.” “Can our group go first” said another. “No” I said. “We have taken the lead since the beginning and will go first.” I even took someone’s associate out into the hall and told her not to ask any more deposition questions as we went around the room. Because she was not doing a good job and undermining our strategy.

That consortium of plaintiff attorneys even sent an emissary over to complain to my partners that I “was out of control” because I shut down the mediation and walked out. It didn’t take an Einstein to realize that I was not destined to be voted most popular ever again. Trial lawyers can hold grudges for a long time and are cliquey as all get out.

The case was tried not for self glory. But because the defendants were not offering enough money to pay for killing, maiming and traumatizing our 50 clients.

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Karen Koehlerwomen, legal profession, diversity, sexism, wsaj
She cracked our glass ceiling: a chat with Justice Faith Ireland, ret.
She cracked our glass ceiling: a chat with Justice Faith Ireland, ret.

Justice Ireland:

“Here’s a picture of me as the first woman member of the Washington State Trial Lawyer Association Board. It only happened because the President, John Lewis, insisted. He wanted me to be chair of the legislative committee because I had worked in the Stat senate three terms in college. I knew everyone and where all the bodies were buried. The WSTLA Board agreed with one hitch.

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Karen Koehlerwomen, discrimination, wsaj, equal rights
Clare Vellek
Clare Vellek

This week we celebrated Clare's 30 years of service to the Washington State Association for Justice.  I met Clare when it was named WSTLA - the trial lawyer's association.  The entire time I've known her she's run the legal education department.

Of all the committees I've worked on over the years, WSTLA/WSAJ CLE was my favorite.

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Karen Koehlerwsaj, great people
Escape of the Goblin
Escape of the Goblin

Am being good patient non-wiggling member of audience at the convention.  For several hours.  It is the Luvera Seminar without Luvera (dear Paul please get well).  Another Paul (Stritmatter) my partner, is playing the role of host to a rapid fire panel of speakers.

Paul tells a story to illustrate the point that jurors always like him the best of anyone in the courtroom.  He says he works hard to be professional and nice and liked the best.  And over time whether inside or outside of the courtroom, it is a habit that has stuck.  He is a very pleasant and likeable fellow.

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Karen Koehlerlawyer convention, public speaking, wsaj
Where's my biscotti
Where's my biscotti

Eagerly open the door to the hotel and rush over to the little table in my room.  There's the candle and right next to it should be the chocolate covered biscotti.  Last night found it in the little goodie bag left by one of the convention sponsors.  Didn't eat it then, but was saving it for a moment just like right now.  Except there is no biscotti.

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Karen Koehlerfamily, lawyer convention, traveling lawyer, wsaj
A lesson not taught well enough
A lesson not taught well enough

Am late. The room is filled with female trial attorneys.  We call ourselves WOW (Women of WSAJ).  Am here to show moral support.   Move to the rear of the room, grabbing a cluster of red grapes along the way.  Take off puffy coat.  Stand and listen.

About ten minutes later my phone rings.  Go to silence it but see it is Cristina.  Are you still in a meeting she says. I whisper yes.  She promises to call later.  Put it on silence.  Another ten minutes pass.  I see someone on the other side of the glass door.  Break into huge smile.  It is Cristina.  She's surprised me by coming home from college (spring break) a day early.

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Karen Koehlerwsaj, lawyer convention, women