Erin Fullner is associate dean for student development at Seattle University School of Law. Born and raised in the PNW, she received her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington, law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law, and doctor of education from Seattle University. Fullner loves art (creating and appreciating it), home improvement, writing essays and short stories, and playing piano well but guitar and ukulele poorly. Her favorite day of the week is movie and takeout night with her husband, kid, and cat.
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How did you become interested in your practice area?
I went to law school to be a trial attorney. I’d set my mind and heart on trial practice as a 14-year-old YMCA Youth & Government Mock Trial competitor and didn’t look back. Like many lawyers, my family wasn’t surprised that I went to law school (yes, I talked a blue streak; yes, I had to have the last word; yes, I was hyper-focused on my idea of fairness; yes, I did ALL the things that annoying children who are probably bound for law school do). And even though I chose law school and was well suited to it, my mother sometimes tells the story about how, as a fourth grader assigned to write a story for a 10th grader through a creative writing exchange, I wrote my high schooler a career report because she had written “Undecided” in the “What I want to be when I grow up section.” So perhaps the fact that I now advise students isn’t surprising either.
I pursued my initial goal and started my career as a criminal defense attorney. A few years into practice, I saw a position with the Center for Professional Development at Seattle University School of Law and decided to apply. I figured I was a long shot at best, but Seattle U saw something in me, and I transitioned from public defense practice to law school student services. I’ve since held six positions in the law school and recently celebrated my 15th anniversary at Seattle U. Working in law school administration, student services in particular, has been very rewarding. I get to solve problems alongside students and colleagues, I give enough presentations to fill my storytelling/public speaking need, and I’ve had the privilege of supporting thousands of students and graduates through the challenging and rewarding task of launching a legal career.
At the end of your career, how would you like to be remembered professionally?
As someone who was happy to give people a ride to the airport. It means a lot to me to be counted on. To be trusted and relied on is a simple thing, but it’s not an easy one, which is probably why 90 percent of my mottos revolve around this idea.
What is your best piece of advice for someone who’s just entered law school?
Build relationships. Law students and new lawyers hear a lot about networking, but when we don’t explain what it really is, they’re left with a picture of something transactional and unnatural. It doesn’t have to be like that. Years ago, a student said to me, “It’s just professional friend making!” (attribution: Hannah Weaver), and that’s exactly right. Yes, you may hear about jobs from your professional friends, you may get referrals from them, but the most important thing you’ll gain (and give) is support in a profession that asks a lot of us.
LIGHTNING ROUND
If you had to give a 10-minute presentation on one topic other than the law, what would it be and why?
I’m going with gift wrapping. I’m genuinely passionate about a perfectly wrapped present and there are so many ways to do it well. I’m ready to evangelize—let’s go!
If you could go back in time, where/when would you go?
My instinct is to go back to the first day of 7th grade and wear less slippery shoes so that I wouldn’t fall in front of my classmates on the way from P.E. to home room, but then I’d have less grit, wouldn’t I? Best to leave things be—falling in front of the entire middle school and all.
What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
I had my favorite breakfast to have at home, which is a toasted English muffin (preferably Thomas’) with turkey sausage.
What is your favorite smell?
Saltwater breeze with just a hint of diesel. I call it marina smell; it’s a callback to my days working at Deer Harbor Marina on Orcas Island.
What is your best random fact that you would share with others at a party?
More people die each year from consuming shark meat than die by shark attack.
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