Blog
Sex Abuse Claims Update
For more than five years I served in the Special Assault Unit of the Prosecutor’s Office, or SAU, where I prosecuted rape, child rape, child molestation and other sex crimes. On the television show Law and Order they call it the Special Victims Unit, or SVU. Real life isn’t as fast and tidy as TV, … Continue reading Sex Abuse Claims Update
Third Shooting is a Pattern
In 15 months Clark County Sheriff’s deputies shot and killed three people unnecessarily, including an off-duty police officer. One unnecessary killing is a tragedy. Three unnecessary killings is a pattern that needs fixing. I’ve filed two wrongful death lawsuits against Clark County in two different officer-involved shootings. There are some disturbing similarities in the cases. … Continue reading Third Shooting is a Pattern
Wrongful Death in Seattle
On March 24, 2022, I filed a $10 million dollar claim against Seattle for the wrongful death of William Yurek. I represent Mr. Yurek’s adult daughter and the mother of his three minor children. This was a tragic and preventable death that serves as a cautionary tale. Mr. Yurek’s 13-year-old son did the important things right … Continue reading Wrongful Death in Seattle
Back to Jakarta for SJ 182
Back to Jakarta. This could be a book title. Instead, it’s a work trip to one of my favorite places in the world. Beyond Jakarta could be another book title. Instead, it’s our itinerary. We have clients on Borneo and Bangka Islands as well as Jakarta. Working for justice sometimes requires travel. After our success … Continue reading Back to Jakarta for SJ 182
A Good Impression
Kris Brannon, a.k.a. Sonics Guy, died on February 11, 2021, from a heart attack. He was a good friend, a loyal supporter, and a local treasure. My wife and daughter also adored him. I wrote this tribute for my Facebook page. “You do a pretty good impression of yourself.” This is the first line of … Continue reading A Good Impression
Suing Seattle
Never Mind Nirvana, my third published novel, was set in the music scene of Seattle. This was an era when local bands became the focus of international attention. Seattle, which had been sort of a cool secret, was suddenly famous. As Mark Arm of Mudhoney sang, “Everybody loves us. Everybody loves our town.” There was … Continue reading Suing Seattle
Working at Home
After I returned from Jakarta and Tokyo in late February, I went into a 14-day quarantine because of the coronavirus, a.k.a. COVID-19. About the time I was ready to return to my office, life changed. One of my carryovers from the Prosecutor’s Office is Bill Bilichek’s mantra, “Do your job.” That’s what I’ve been doing. … Continue reading Working at Home
Elevate Statecraft
Statecraft is one of those semi-obscure words I like. Merriam-Webster defines statecraft as “the art” of governing. We need more art in our politics. As President John F. Kennedy said, “If more politicians knew poetry, and more poets knew politics, I am convinced the world would be a little better place to live.” Meanwhile, I’ve … Continue reading Elevate Statecraft
Local Safety to Global Safety
One morning I woke up in Jakarta and saw my case on the front page of The New York Times next to an article about Bret Ellis, a fine writer and friend. This was both strange and satisfying. I am honored to to be meeting, learning about, and representing many of the victim families from … Continue reading Local Safety to Global Safety
Lion Air Crash
Back in the U.S. after more than a month working in Jakarta and on Bangka Island in Indonesia. In January I joined a personal injury firm. Good people, good causes. We are representing a large number of family members who lost loved ones in the Lion Air crash. My commitment to justice, accountability, and the … Continue reading Lion Air Crash
