Seattle University School of Law

10/17/2026

We were happy to welcome Jonathan Rapping (photo 1, right), founder of public defense nonprofit Gideon's Promise, to Seattle U Law for our first Dean's Luminaries in Law event of the year. In his talk, "21st Century Public Defense: Stories from the Front Line of Today's Civil Rights Struggle," Rapping talked about the importance of public defense work both today and in the historic fight for civil rights. Rapping was interviewed by Seattle U Law Professor Paul Holland (photo 1, left), associate dean for experiential learning and director of the Ronald A. Peterson Law Clinic. This event was a collaboration between Seattle U Law's Defender Clinic and Seattle University College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, with Seattle U Law's Defender Initiative as a partnering sponsor.

10/16/2026

Friday Student Spotlight - meet 2026 Nash Scholar Lauren Drennan '29. A member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) in Arizona, Lauren has spent the past 10 years working in a variety of roles for her community at the CRIT Department of Health and Social Services. Having seen the many ways in which the law intersected with her work, she hopes to one day return to her tribe with her law degree and work as in-house counsel. Read more about Lauren: https://tinyurl.com/azwsdhjw

10/15/2026

Are you a foreign-trained lawyer working in the U.S. legal system or planning your next step here? Join Seattle U Law for a live info session at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, to learn how our Master of Laws (LLM) Program can help you advance your legal career and move toward U.S. practice. RSVP here: https://events.seattleu.edu/event/build-your-legal-career-across-borders-fall2026

10/14/2026

Seattle University joins the global Catholic community in prayer for Pope Leo XIV in his recent cancer diagnosis and recovery from surgery. May God give him strength and healing in the time ahead.

10/14/2026

TOMORROW: Join Seattle U Law and the Archdiocese of Seattle in a tradition dating back to 13th century Paris as we celebrate Red Mass to invoke God's blessing and guidance for those who work in law. Members of the legal community, alumni, faculty, staff, students, family, and friends of all faith traditions are warmly invited. This year's Mass will be presided over by Father Alejandro Olayo-Méndez, S.J., Seattle University's new rector, with a special musical performance by Professor Pilar Margarita Hernández Escontrías. RSVP here: https://events.seattleu.edu/event/red-mass-2026

10/13/2026

KING 5 News reporter Sharon Yoo shone a spotlight on the work of Defender Clinic 3Ls Elora Hancock (photo 1) and Anna Picetti (photo 2). Under the direction of Professor Paul Holland and Professor Jennie Pasquarella, interim director of The Seattle Clemency Project, the clinic is helping detained immigrants file habeas petitions challenging the legality of their detention.

"When our supervisor told us that we would have the chance to work on immigration and habeas cases, I was really interested," Anna said.

"Helping pro se clients with their habeas petitions has been an honor and a privilege, but it's an honor and a privilege that I wish I didn't need to have," Elora said.

Watch the full piece: https://www.king5.com/video/news/community/facing-race/washington-immigration/how-law-students-are-stepping-in-to-help-detainees/281-def79e97-0f93-4cdb-a07e-c657875d8cd6

10/12/2026

Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day! We honor the rich histories, cultures, and traditions of Indigenous peoples, and celebrate their enduring contributions to our communities.

10/10/2026

Congratulations to Center for Civil Rights and Critical Justice Executive Director Melissa Lee (left) and Senior Director Jessica Levin (middle)! They received the Washington Innocence Project's Catalyst of Change Award, which recognizes those who work toward a truly just system in Washington. They are pictured here at the recent awards ceremony with Washington Innocence Project Litigation Director John Marlow.

10/09/2026

Please join us on Friday, Oct. 16, for a workshop on the foundational principles of tribal sovereignty and free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), hosted and presented by the Northwest Center for Indigenous Law and Washington Conservation Action Tribal Nations Program. In-person spots are filled, but there is still room for virtual participation. Register here: https://www.tfaforms.com/5228569

10/08/2026