Yakima Offices of SLVMS Now Downtown
The attorneys and staff in our Yakima offices are happy to have completed their recent move and look forward to welcoming you to their new location at 120 N. Naches Avenue. The return downtown brings Stokes Lawrence Velikanje Moore & Shore once again near Yakima's courthouses and convenient to the many businesses the firm represents. George Velikanje, Morrie Shore, John Moore, Brendan Monahan and Sarah Wixson left their former firm, Velikanje Moore and Shore, in July 2007 to establish the Yakima branch of Stokes Lawrence. Since then, they have been joined by associates Dustin Yeager, Andrew Heinz, Sean Russel, and most recently, Garon Jones. Says Kelly Twiss Noonan, managing shareholder of Stokes Lawrence and former Yakima resident, “Our respect for people—clients and employees alike—and the lasting relationships between them, distinguishes Stokes Lawrence from other law firms. We provide smart, practical, tailored assistance to our clients without unnecessary bureaucracy or formality.”
Aneelah Afzali Recognized for Achievements in Diversity
The Washington State Bar Association recently announced Aneelah Afzali would receive its 2010 Excellence in Diversity Award for significant contributions to the legal profession's employment of persons of diversity. Aneelah is active on a number of state bar diversity committees and a leader in the recent creation of the bar's Middle Eastern Legal Association of Washington. Congratulations Aneelah!
Stokes Lawrence Rolls With Clark Nuber
Our Stokes Lawrence bowling team recently took on the Bellevue accounting firm of Clark Nuber P.S. with a contribution to the winner's favority charity at stake. Competition was spirited but eventually declared a draw due to the reluctance of several bowlers to admit to their actual scores. Each firm donated $1000 to the other's chosen charity, Northwest Harvest and LAW Fund/The Campaign for Equal Justice.
Stokes Lawrence One of Washington’s Best Workplaces
Stokes Lawrence has once again been named one of Washington's Best Workplaces by Puget Sound Business Journal. The award recognizes best practices in the hiring and retention of great people. The Business Journal considers hundreds of companies based on surveys completed by nominee-company employees across the state and identifies Washington's best based on their various employee benefit offerings, leadership culture, and work/life balance philosophies.
Stokes Lawrence Super Lawyers
Stokes Lawrence takes pride in congratulating Carolyn Cairns, Shannon Jost, Beth McCaw, Susan Thorbrogger, Bradford Axel, Kelby Fletcher, Phil Ginsberg, Scott A.W. Johnson, Doug Lawrence, Rick Rasmussen, Morrie Shore, and George Velikanje for being named "Super Lawyers" in the Summer 2010 issue of Washington Law & Politics magazine. In addition, Carolyn, Doug and Kelby were chosen for WLP's Top 100 Lawyers for Washington State. Lawyers from across the state were asked to vote for the best lawyers they had personally observed, either in the courtroom or as opposing or co-counsel. A screening process and Blue Ribbon Panel Review produced a list of Super Lawyers representing the top 5 percent of lawyers licensed to practice in Washington. Aneelah Afzali and RoseMary Reed were also again recognized as 2010 Rising Stars.
Stokes Lawrence Celebrates Earth Day with Basel Action Network
An Earth Day presentation at Stokes Lawrence by Donald Summers highlighted our recent work with the Basel Action Network. BAN's certification program enables those disposing electronic equipment to easily identify recyclers committed to environmental responsibility and worker protection. BAN-certified recyclers agree not to export hazardous e-wastes to developing countries nor dump them in municipal landfills or incinerators and also to protect the private data of customers and prevent worker exposure to toxic dusts and fumes. BAN e-Stewards Enterprises commit to recycle e-waste using only BAN-certified recyclers. We are proud to represent BAN and excited to be the first law firm recognized as a BAN e-Stewards Enterprise. Please join us. Read More.
Stokes Lawrence Welcomes Eminent Employment Lawyer Kelby Fletcher
With over 25 years of experience in counseling individuals and employers, and negotiation and litigation in state and federal courts, Kelby Fletcher has a well developed understanding of how to solve problems in private sector employment relationships.
Stokes Lawrence Alums Win Big in Seattle Elections
Congratulations to former Stokes Lawrence shareholder Michael McGinn for his exciting victory in the Seattle Mayor’s race and to our former CFO Mike O’Brien for a convincing Seattle City Council win. While the election of two grassroots environmentalists is a big Seattle story this year, we remember where they got their start. Michael McGinn was an attorney at Stokes Lawrence for 13 years before leaving to form the Great Cities Initiative. Mike O’Brien was our CFO (and lead bike commuter) for 10 years before he decided to devote his full time efforts to environmental and transit issues. We are proud of “the Mikes” and proud to offer a work environment which allows our attorneys and staff to effectively address social and political issues of concern. Like the rest of Seattle, we look forward to working with them for the best interests of our community. Read More.
Mike Garner - Outstanding Mentor
Stokes Lawrence is proud to congratulate Mike Garner, named as a 2010 Outstanding Mentor by the King County Bar Association's Young Lawyer Division. Mike was nominated for his ability to create equal partnerships with young attorneys providing them with quality work and feedback, ensuring both their development as quality lawyers and superior service to clients. We are always gratified when the strong mentoring relationships at our firm are recognized: Rick Rasmussen won the award in 2009 and Scott Johnson was also nominated for this year's award.
Brendan Monahan Recognized with Volunteer Attorney Services Award
Stokes Lawrence congratulates Brendan Monahan for his 2009 Valued Participation Award from Yakima County Volunteer Attorney Services. VAS provides free legal services to persons of low income with the support of the Yakima Bar Association. Brendan has worked with VAS clients since 1992 and currently offers half-day counseling sessions every quarter which sometime result in more involved representation. A recent case involving a disabled client facing eviction and becoming homeless; vigorous representation by Brendan and VAS secured her a period of rent-free tenancy which enabled her to save for a down payment on a new apartment.
Stokes Lawrence Welcomes Attorneys Jeff Coop and Sean Russel
Jeff Coop recently joined the Stokes Lawrence real estate department. Jeff works with clients on commercial and residential real estate transfers and advises brokerages in all aspects of their business. Before opening his own firm, Jeff represented the Northwest Multiple Listing Service for eight years, five as the organization's in-house counsel. Education is also a significant part of Jeff's practice; he regularly leads classes for real estate brokers and agents covering legal, licensing and brokerage issues. Litigation attorney Sean Russel is joining our Yakima office. Sean has worked with Seattle firms for 6 years, most recently practicing construction litigation at Ahlers & Cressman PLLC.
Leslie Ruiter Appointed to International Panel of Mediators
Leslie Ruiter was recently appointed to the International Trademark Association Panel of Neutrals. The international panel recognizes "neutral mediators both expert in trademark and unfair competition law and trained in the art of mediating disputes." Leslie is also certified as a Rule 39.1 mediator for the Western District of Washington.
Stokes Lawrence wins PSALA Diversity Award
Stokes Lawrence is the 2009 winner of the Achievements in Diversity Award from the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators. The award, for firms with fewer than 50 attorneys, was presented October 21st at the annual Managing Partners Dinner.
Ten Stokes Lawrence Attorneys Among The Best Lawyers in America
We are pleased to have eight attorneys from our Seattle office included among "The Best Lawyers in America" (15th Ed.): Carolyn Cairns and Kelby Fletcher in Labor and Employment, Shelley Hall in First Amendment Law, Doug Lawrence in Trust and Estates, Beth McCaw in Non-Profit/Charities Law, Rick Rasmussen in Alternative Dispute Resolution/Employment Law, Leslie Ruiter in Intellectual Property Law, and Susan Thorbrogger in Tax Law. The Best Lawyers also includes from our Yakima office Morris (Morrie) Shore in Corporate Law, and George Velikanje in Trust and Estates. The Best Lawyers listings are the result of exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. Stokes Lawrence is proud to be so well-represented.
Stokes Lawrence Partners with Heritage University to Inspire Future Legal Professionals
Stokes Lawrence Velikanje Moore & Shore is excited to join with Heritage University in inspiring its students to pursue careers in law. A recent program for Heritage students, "Considering a Career in Law," featured speakers Moni Law, Washington State Bar Association Leaders Program Manager, and Sonia Rodriguez, Yakima City Council member and attorney. Kelly Twiss Noonan, a native of Yakima and managing partner of SLVMS, moderated the program. She was also joined by SLVMS attorneys Justo Gonzalez and Andrew Heinz and litigation paralegal Wendy Howard. Plans for the 2009-2010 school year include additional programs and having students observe "real life" experiences of those in legal careers.
Stokes Lawrence's "Eclectic" Doug Lawrence
A recent King County Bar Association profile of our own Doug Lawrence describes his outstanding practice, teaching, and many contributions to the development of Washington trusts and estates law. We also learn about the office toys and myriad projects that Doug uses to tame his boundless energy. Read More.
RECENT SEMINARS
13th Annual Labor & Employment Law, presented by The Seminar Group
Kelby Fletcher - "Tips on Avoiding & Resolving
Employment Litigation"
Thursday August 19, 2010
2010 Real Property, Probate & Trust Section Midyear, presented by WSBA RPPT Section
Doug Lawrence - "Introduction to the New RPPT Website"
RoseMary Reed - Panelist - "The Ins & Outs of Will Basics"
Friday-Sunday June 4-6, 2010
Ethics in Estate Planning - Centralia College Continuing Professional Education Seminar
RoseMary Reed
Thursday May 20, 2010
Class Action Precertification Tactics: Leveraging Early LItigation Strategies for Removal,
Discovery, Dispositive Motions & Settlement - Strafford CLE Teleconference
Shelley Hall
Tuesday May 18, 2010
17th Annual Employment Law Institute,
presented by WSBA
Carolyn Cairns, Kelby Fletcher - "The Year in Review:
Key Developments in State & Federal Employment Law"
Friday April 30, 2010
Stokes Law Briefs - Employment Law Boot Camp
Carolyn Cairns, Brendan Monahan
Aviva Kamm, Sarah WIxson
Thursday March 18, 2010 - Gilbert Cellars, Yakima
Insurance Issues in Trust & Estate Litigation,
presented by East King County Estate Planning Council
Scott A.W. Johnson
Thursday March 18, 2010
7th Annual Trust & Estate Litigation Seminar
presented by WSBA Real Property Probate & Trust Section
Karolyn Hicks - Program Co-Chair, "Mediating Damages"
Scott A.W. Johnson - "Broad & Sweeping Amendments to the Slayer Statute"
Friday, March 12, 2010
Advanced Estate Planning and Probate Clients: Practice Pitfalls & Economic Challenges,
presented by WSBA
Beth McCaw - Program Co-Chair
Chris Farias - "Claims of Caregivers: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Client Before & After Death"
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Ethical Dilemmas for the Practicing Lawyer, presented by WSBA
Phil Ginsberg - Panelist
Monday, November 16, 2009
Continuing Diversity: Recruitment & Retention in Challenging Times,
presented by the Puget Sound Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators
Shelley Hall - "How the Economy Affects Diversity Initiatives"
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
East King County Bar Association Real Property Section Meeting
Michael Garner - "How to Avoid Eviction Litigation Before the Lease Is Signed"
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Post-Competition Employment in Unstable Times, presented by The Seminar Group
Chris Farias - "Restrictions on Employer Rights"; "New Developments & Foreseeable Trends"
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Attorney's Guide to Commercial Evictions, presented by NBI
Michael Garner - "Commercial Leasing Overview and Legislative Update"
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Annual Conference of the Association for Women in Communications
Shannon Jost - "Protecting Your Corporate Identity & Materials"
Friday, October 16, 2009
We work hard, we get along. The quality of our work comes back to our culture.
BRENDAN V. MONAHAN, Stokes Lawrence Attorney
UPCOMING SEMINARS
Conversation Among Employment Law Practitioners and ADR Professionals,
presented by KCBA & JAMS
Kelby Fletcher
Friday September 17, 2010 - Rainier Square Conf. Ctr.
Attorney's Guide to Commercial Evictions,
presented by National Business Institutue
Micheal Garner - Commercial Leasing Overview;
"How to Avoid Eviction Litigation Before Lease is Signed"
Monday October 4th, 2010 - Wash. State Convention Ctr.