Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

King County Superior Court to conduct jury trial at Seattle University School of Law

In a community visit next Monday (February 11) King County Superior Court Judge Mary Yu will preside at Seattle University School of Law, hearing a four-day civil trial Shane v. Gibbons at the law school’s courtroom.

Attorneys Karen Koehler and Bonita Olson will present their case before a jury and observing law students starting on Monday afternoon. Jury selection will take place at the King County Courthouse on Monday morning, with selected jurors reporting directly to Seattle University until the conclusion of the case.

"Seattle University is particularly excited at the opportunity to have Judge Yu conduct a trial at the law school’s courtroom, at a time when students and faculty can easily observe portions of the trial and interact with the judge and attorneys," said Seattle University School of Law Dean Rudy Hasl.

Inspired by visits of Washington’s appellate courts to communities throughout the state, Judge Yu organized the visit with the school’s Clinical Law Program. Believed to be the first jury trial of its kind to be held at a University, Yu sees the process as a way of taking the Court out into the community.

"I am pleased to be able to offer law students the opportunity to watch a trial as a part of their legal education," said Judge Yu. " As a state trial court judge I am committed to the training of lawyers, and believe that this can only serve to enhance their education and to make our courts more accessible."

King County Superior Court Chief Civil Judge Jim Doerty also views the visit as a unique opportunity for the Court. "Opportunities such as this are valuable in helping the Court stay connected to the community," he said.

The case Shane v. Gibbons relates to a civil dispute resulting from a motor vehicle accident. Interviews with Judge Yu or the attorneys in the case may be arranged by calling the number listed above.

CONTACTS: King County Superior Court Judge Mary Yu 206-296-9275; Seattle University School of Law Dean Rudy Hasl, 206-398-4309.

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