A big part of my decision to become a trial lawyer was to be part of something bigger than myself. I believe that trial lawyers have an obligation to make their communities a better place – both through litigation and community service. There is perhaps no circumstances I find this commitment more important than when it comes...
One day, an old man was walking along a beach where thousands of starfish had been washed ashore by a storm. Off in the distance, he noticed a small boy approaching. As the boy walked, he paused every so often, and as he drew closer, the old man could see that the boy was carefully picking up starfish and...
Those who represent ordinary people understand that faith is important to our concept of justice. Many of our modern civil justice principles emanated from narratives told in a religious or philosophical context thousands of years ago. An old Latin proverb, Justitiae soror fides, teaches that "Faith is the sister of Justice." The Pali Canon, sacred scriptures to Theravada Buddhists,...
You are citizens. Called together to render judgment. On a conflict which you are not involved in. For people whom you do not know. You have been taken away. From your businesses. From your families. Your lives have been disrupted. For a conflict which you are not involved in. And this case may only involve an injured hip. That might sound like the least glamorous...
It has been a long 2020 we have been through with the coronavirus. Lost loved ones. Business closures. School shutdowns. Kid's sports cancelled. Graduation and wedding celebrations postponed. No one has been unaffected. It’s been a difficult and exhausting year for everyone. It has long been said that times of crisis bring us closer together. But everywhere you...
My father and I, and everyone at Sweetser Law Office, are excited to announce the founding of the Sweetser Law Closing Argument Competition, in coordination with Gonzaga Law School. Sweetser Law's endowed gift will establish an annual skills-based oral advocacy competition for Gonzaga Law students that focuses on monetary damages in the civil justice system. Each year three participants are awarded...
