October 2000

Jan Eric Peterson
A Profile of the New WSBA President

by Allison L. Parker

He has been described as a passionate trial lawyer with small-town roots, a liberal who's not just in love with issues, and someone who stands up for the rights of the disenfranchised. But when asked to describe himself, he says simply, "I'm a trial lawyer."

Recently, WSBA Executive Director Jan Michels asked Peterson what he hoped people would remember about him after his term as president. He responded, "I want them to think, 'He made me proud to be a lawyer.' That's the theme for the coming year — proud to be a lawyer."

It might seem that Jan Eric Peterson is narrowly focused, and he is — on law as a profession. He believes the legal community must return to its roots, being more of a profession and less of a business in order to change public perception and restore pride among lawyers. "We must commit to core values — justice first, public service, commitment to individual clients, being officers of the court, the Constitution — all before profit," he explains.

Peterson also believes access to the justice system is critical. "Many people can't afford and can't get access to the system. It's difficult to have respect for a system you can't participate in. Access to justice is a bedrock to a democratic society.…The profession must make a commitment to make the justice system relevant and accessible to people — not just those who can pay. If we do that, participation will breed respect for law and lawyers."

Peterson believes many people don't understand the role of the judicial branch of government. Therefore they don't recognize the fundamentally important role lawyers play in a democracy. "You can't have a democracy without lawyers. People need to understand that. Our role is key," he says. In his opinion, the number of television judge shows is evidence of the public's thirst for legal education.

Such passion for law and justice is practically innate. Peterson's parents were a legal team. His father was a lawyer in Pasco, Washington, and his mother was his father's secretary, bookkeeper and legal assistant. As a child, Peterson was proud to tell anyone that his father was a lawyer because he believed it was a respected calling. He traveled with his parents from small-town courts, to meetings of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers around the world. Their home was frequently filled with lawyers, judges and clients.

The qualities that initially attracted Peterson to law are the same ones that have kept him in the profession for 30 years. "What attracted me is real people with real problems. I wanted to make a difference.…I like doing something about something, righting wrongs. That feels good," he explains.

"There's also the problem-solving aspect to it. It's pragmatic. There are measurable results.…It's constantly intellectually stimulating.…Trial work is exciting and fun. I get satisfaction from helping people."

The advancement of the WSBA Long-Range Strategic Plan is one of Peterson's primary concerns as president. One of his goals is to get increased funding for legal services by enlisting the help of the Legislature, the governor and local legal service agencies. He looks forward to meaningful discussions about the future of the profession in relation to multidisciplinary practice issues and the unauthorized practice of law.

With the assistance of the Board of Governors, Peterson intends to spearhead a mentorship program for new lawyers. "If we want to be more professional, we have to make it happen. Law schools are not equipped or obliged to teach professionalism. It's our obligation to teach professionalism," he says. Mentors need training, proper materials, and accountability to effectively help new lawyers become professionals. Likewise, he believes young lawyers need something more than a one-time seminar. They need ongoing guidance and resources. He believes the program is "so doable, there's no reason not to."

Peterson's professional goals and activities leave him with little spare time. But he can often be found at Safeco Field. An avid Mariners fan, he has been a season ticket holder since the franchise began. He also enjoys going out to hear live jazz, and plays the piano at home.

What does Jan Eric Peterson really want WSBA members to know about him? With a thoughtful stroke of his beard he says, "I'm a native of a small Eastern Washington town. My dad was a lawyer. I've practiced mostly in a small firm — criminal defense, family law, trial work, personal injury, employment, civil rights. The result is that I have fairly representative experience. I think I know what it's really like out there. With some credibility, I can say I speak for all lawyers in Washington."

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