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Karen Koehler Elected President of Washington State Trial Lawyers

Posted on: Friday, 27 July 2007, 18:02 CDT

SEATTLE, July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington State Trial Lawyers Association (WSTLA) today named Karen Koehler as president of the 3,000-member association for 2007-2008. She is the first person of color and single mother to hold this position since the group's creation in 1953.

Koehler is a personal injury attorney with the highly regarded Stritmatter Kessler Whelan Coluccio firm. Her clients have included the family of Kristopher Kime, who was killed during Seattle's Mardi Gras riots in 2001, and Ethel Adams, who was catastrophically injured by a road rage driver and was then denied coverage by Farmers Insurance Group who claimed it wasn't an accident.

"I am deeply honored to serve as president of WSTLA," said Koehler. "The association is committed to preserving the constitutional rights for each American to have a trial by jury. WSTLA members are advocates for individuals who deserve redress for injury to person, property and civil rights. As trial lawyers, we strive to correct the wrongs of our society by seeking the balance of power and a fair judicial system."

Koehler has practiced law for more than 20 years, spending the majority of her career securing justice for families who have experienced serious injuries or the deaths of loved ones because of negligence. She also has extensive experience helping clients recover damages from insurance companies for bad faith practices.

Stritmatter Kessler is a law firm dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered serious brain or spinal cord injuries or other catastrophic harm, as well as wrongful death cases. The firm's team of experienced attorneys has a history of achieving exceptional results for clients across the Northwest.

"Karen Koehler has a made a life-long commitment to protecting the underserved. She cares about people, and actively seeks justice for those who have been wronged," said outgoing WSTLA president Deborah M. Nelson. "Karen is an outstanding trial lawyer who has compassion for her clients; and, the characteristics that make her an outstanding attorney also make her a wonderful mother and community advocate."

In 2005, Koehler received the WSTLA trial lawyer of the year award, which recognizes individuals who act as advocates for clients' rights, and mentors for other lawyers. In 2003, she received the association's president's award, and has been recognized by her peers as one of the "Top 100" lawyers in Washington according to Washington Law and Politics' June 2007 edition.

Koehler has held several leadership positions with the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, including Chair of the Motor Vehicle Highway Design Premises Liability Section. She is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and is a member of the invitation-only American Board of Trial Advocates. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Washington law school, has written several nationally published legal treatises and lectures to lawyers around the country.

Koehler is a 1978 graduate of Shorecrest High School in Shoreline, Wash. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 1982. In 1985 she obtained her J.D. from Seattle University. She has lived on western Washington's Sammamish Plateau since 1990 with her daughters Cristina, a 2007 graduate of Eastlake High School, Alysha who is a junior at Eastlake, and Noelle, a 9th grader at Inglewood Junior High School.

About WSTLA

The Washington State Trial Lawyers Association represents attorneys and professionals in the legal field committed to championing the cause of those who deserve redress for injury to person, property or civil rights. Established in 1953, the association's mission is "to protect and promote a fair justice system and the right to trial by jury, and to ensure that any person who is harmed by the misconduct or negligence of others can obtain justice in America's courtrooms, even when taking on the most powerful interests." In addition, WSTLA conducts legal education, compiles research, and facilitates the sharing of resources and implements public affairs as well as government relations programs.

About Stritmatter Kessler

Stritmatter Kessler (SKWC) is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in Seattle and Hoquiam dedicated to helping people who have suffered brain, spinal cord, and other serious personal injuries including wrongful death. More information is available at http://www.stritmatter.com/.

CONTACTS: Mark Firmani (206) 443-9357 Firmani + Associates Inc. mark@firmani.com

The Washington State Trial Lawyers Association

CONTACT: Mark Firmani of Firmani + Associates Inc., +1-206-443-9357,mark@firmani.com, for WSTLA

Web site: http://www.stritmatter.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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