February 2010

Briefly About Me

Rob McKenna — WSBA No. 18327
Washington State Attorney General

• I became a lawyer because lawyers are problem-solvers who serve others.
• The future of the practice of law is headed toward more mediation, less litigation.
• This is the best advice I have been given: Work hard, strive for excellence.
• I would share this with new lawyers: Immerse yourself in your legal practice.
• Traits I admire in other attorneys: Honesty, professionalism, modesty.
• I would give this advice to a first-year law student: Prepare for each class and take good notes — they're more valuable than making outlines for exams.
• People living or from the past I would like to invite to a dinner party: Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Sandra Day O'Connor.
• I am most proud of this: Arguing two cases successfully before the U.S. Supreme Court.
• I am the most happy when I'm with my family.
• My favorite non-job activity: Any activity with my wife and four children.
• On television, I try not to miss "CBS Sunday Morning.
• Best stress reliever: Exercise and a good night's sleep.
• What I had for lunch: Salad – always trying for more greens in my diet!
• I would never eat: Liver and onions.
• I am currently reading No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin and Hot, Flat, and Crowded by Thomas L. Friedman.
• My favorite vacation place: Lake Wenatchee.
• One of the greatest challenges in law today is coping with electronic discovery.
• If I were not practicing law, I would teach high school or college.
• Technology is more of a blessing than a curse, if you can avoid the temptation to work 24/7.
• Currently playing on my iPod/CD player/record player: Dave Matthews Band; Nickelback; Plain White T's.
• If I could live anywhere, I would continue to live in Washington state, based on my experiences living in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere in the United States.
• I can't live without my wonderful wife of 23 years, Marilyn.
• What keeps me awake at night: Coping with state budget cuts without layoffs and furloughs.
• If I could change one thing about the law it would be the tendency of some lawyers to forget their obligation is to the law, not just their clients.
• This is the best part of my job: Fantastic colleagues; fascinating legal issues; interesting clients.

I'm Rob McKenna, Washington's 17th attorney general. I lead our state's largest law office, with more than 500 attorneys and 700 professional staff, representing more than 200 state agencies, boards, and commissions on behalf of the people of Washington.

Briefly About Me gives you a glimpse into the thoughts of your fellow WSBA members. If you would like to be featured in Briefly About Me or know someone who would, please visit www.wsba.org/lawyers/brieflyaboutme.doc.