Bar Number: 59365
Hailing from Ripley, West Virginia, Alex fell in love with Washington after attending law school at Gonzaga. He currently works at Northwest Justice Project, handling housing, education, and civil rights cases. Alex also sits on both the WSBA’s Pro Bono & Public Service Committee and the Washington Young Lawyers Committee.
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What is the most interesting case you have handled in your career so far and why?
Ooh, this is a tough one. I was previously attached to Northwest Justice Project’s Native American Unit, working with Native Americans in both state and tribal courts. I had one case where a client was smudging in the house (burning medicinal plants as part of his religious practices) and was served a Notice to Comply or Vacate for violating the nonsmoking provisions of the lease. Ahead of that notice, the upstairs neighbors would call the fire department on the client, even during times when he wasn’t smudging the home.
As a new attorney at the time, negotiating with the landlord’s counsel to both keep the client housed and able to continue practicing and celebrating his cultural beliefs was a great learning experience. Luckily, we were able to come to an arrangement, and the client remains housed and free to engage in smudging as he needs, today.
Did you end up practicing in the area of law you expected? If not, where did you end up and why?
Not at all, ha ha. I thought that I would be following my previous experience working in environmental law. While climate change is real and we need more attorneys in this area, I have always been very service-minded, too. My experience working at Gonzaga Law’s General Public Practice and Indian Law Clinic reminded me that there are those often unheard and that legal systems, whether in tribal, state, or federal court, are complicated and inaccessible for too many.
As someone who grew up poor at times, lost my house in a natural disaster, and has family members who committed crime to put food on the table, I empathize and see the necessity to have attorneys in the pro bono and public interest fields. As a barred attorney, I was drawn to and felt I was better suited for housing and discrimination work, and so here we are!
What is the biggest regret of your career?
I had one interjurisdictional family law case where I underestimated the appeal of the emotional argument over the facts of the case. Despite the facts and history of the case being in my client’s favor, one unsubstantiated accusation from a biased witness helped the other side make the “think of the children!” argument, and we lost the motion to transfer the case because of it.
Have you had a pro bono or other volunteer experience that resonated with you? If so, please describe.
I love heading out into the community and staffing pro bono clinics. With the need for legal services greater than the number of attorneys available to assist, clinics are so important to help educate clients in navigating the complex systems we have. Working in clinics also helps attorneys see things outside the office and courtroom. Let’s be real here, attorneys face the stereotype that we’re unaware, uninterested in what’s going on beyond the lawmaking process and political spaces, and/or only in it for the money. Engaging in community clinic work is one of the best things we can do to help break that stereotype.
LIGHTNING ROUND
If you had to give a 10-minute presentation on one topic other than the law, what would it be and why?
Music is such a part of my life and my first language, so probably that.
Do you have any favorite legal or philosophical debates that you enjoy having with colleagues or friends?
Textualism versus original intent versus actual application.
What is one thing from your childhood that you would bring back if you could?
Bionicles by Lego.
How do you unwind or recharge after a difficult day?
Sing it out at the karaoke bar.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“Out There,” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, or “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence & the Machine.
What is one thing your colleagues may not know about you?
I was bear-hugged by the Kenyan ambassador to the U.S. once.
What is the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
At age 15, assistant campaign manager for a West Virginia House of Delegates race. (We made it past the primary, at least.)
What’s the best place you’ve ever traveled to?
San Gimignano, Italy, with New Orleans as a close second.
What is the best movie you’ve ever seen?
Dead Poet’s Society. RIP Robin, “Oh Captain, My Captain!”
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