Page 27 - Pierce County Lawyer - September October 2024

Seattle U Law’s Incubator Program
By Dean Perkins, Co-Authored by Owen Leupold
My experience starting my practice in the 1980s could not have happened without
the mentorship of many friendly, caring, experienced attorneys. Some were helpful with my business needs and questions, and others were helpful with practice-specific questions. Most of my early mentors were total strangers— people nice enough to take my call and give me some of their valuable time. I was young, eager, and so grateful.
In my case practical mentoring was what I needed most. UPS Law School (now Seattle University School of Law) taught me how to think, read, and write like an attorney. What I didn’t know was what sort of business entity I should be, where to file my pleadings, and what to stamp them with. Good mentors don’t make you feel stupid when you ask a stupid question.
My most recent experience (38 years later) is as the Executive Director of the Incubator Program at Seattle University School of Law. The Program provides support through mentoring for SU alumni who are starting their small or solo practice with a commitment to serve people of moderate means. The Program is run through the Access to Justice Institute. We pair ‘incubatees’ with as many mentors as we can to nurture and help them navigate the daunting task of starting a solo practice. Over the past 10 years, we have paired over 75 incubatees with hundreds of mentors who have helped them with everything from business development to ethical dilemmas. Now some of
our Program alumni have become mentors themselves. I have benefited immensely from being on both sides of the mentoring equation. I could not have started my practice without mentors, and now I get to take part in sharing my own experiences and unique way of practicing law and helping people. It feels good to help. It feels even better to be part of
something that has become an integral part of the evolution of our profession.
See what past participants have had to say about the Incubator Program:
“When I proposed a somewhat non- traditional law firm idea to Stan, he met me with enthusiasm and excitement about my idea. In that moment when
I was unsteady on my own feet, Stan fulfilled his role as a mentor perfectly
by helping me set some achievable milestones and goals and then celebrating with me when I met them.
I think many seasoned attorneys forget how hard it is to break into this field and find a place to thrive, especially if you’re coming in as an older adult, like myself ”
- Ashley George, 2023 Program Graduate
“Overall, the program not only equipped me with the tools to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship but also empowered me to turn my vision into a successful reality.”
- Igor Shapiro, 2021 Program Graduate
“Such a wonderful program! Providing generous guidance via a community
of various professionals, the positive expertise from this network cannot be overstated. This program essentially also facilitates a systematic study of how to start a firm and paves the way toward entrepreneurship, as it has been especially helpful and vital to starting my practice.”
- Maria Green, 2022 Program Graduate
“My mentor through the program was a great guide and invaluable in my first year being solo. And last, but far from least, Stan’s assistance was probably the defining feature of the program. His leadership, mentorship, and friendship
set the stage for my success during the program, but, more importantly, for the years following the end of my program. I truly couldn’t have started my firm without the help of the incubator program.”
- Jeff Hamilton, 2019 Program Graduate
“Stan Perkins, the Program Director, went above and beyond to ensure that any challenges new attorneys faced were tackled head-on. Our cohort met regularly, and each meeting focused on a different topic, from marketing tips, to bookkeeping advice, to social media guidance. We also formed wonderful connections with others in the legal field that continue to this day, including the man himself, Stan Perkins, who is one of our most trusted mentors. It isn’t
an easy decision to strike out on your own, but Stan made the prospect feel not only doable, but exhilarating and empowering.”
- Elena Yager & Jessica Lewis, 2016 Program Graduates
For more information about joining the Incubator Program and starting your own solo law practice, please email stan@ deanstandishperkins.com and visit www.deanstandishperkins. com/support-for-new-lawyers/
Dean “Stan” Perkins has been practicing law in Washington since opening his firm in 1986. Although still practicing personal injury, Stan now spends a great deal of time mentoring law students and young lawyers alike. Outside of the office, you can find him spending time with his grandchildren and attending local art shows.
Owen Leupold is a 2L at Seattle University School of Law who may one day start his own law practice. In his free time, you can find him exploring the North Cascades or spinning 180g vinyl.
September/October 2024 | PIERCE COUNTY LAWYER 27