Blake Hoonan is a commercial and general civil litigator who advises clients on a broad range of corporate issues. He earned his Juris Doctorate (JD) from Seattle University School of Law. While attending law school, Blake externed with the Hon. Judge Beth M. Andrus at the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division I., was a Student Legal Intern in the Community Development & Entrepreneurship Clinic, and served as Chair of the Moot Court Board. Prior to law school, Blake worked as a paralegal at an intellectual property firm in Seattle.
When did you start practicing law as a licensed attorney?
In September 2021, after graduating from law school and passing the bar.
What drew you to the idea of practicing law?
The law is a fascinating and broad discipline; almost everything we do is governed by one law or another. As an undergraduate student, I was interested in understanding how contemporary legal issues are resolved and how those decisions reflect our ever-shifting societal and cultural values. Ultimately, I knew I wanted to pursue a vocation that enabled me to help others achieve their goals at a professional or technical level. After gaining more legal experience, I became increasingly drawn to the notion of advocacy and the analytical approach to solving problems through calculated litigation.
What do you like about your work?
I really enjoy the intellectual stimulation inherent to this kind of work. I benefit every day from getting to work with other smart, driven, and talented colleagues to solve complicated problems for our clients.
Who is your favorite lawyer?
Bryan Stevenson - social justice activist and founder/Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative.
Is it more important to maximize revenue or minimize risk?
The most pragmatic approach is to strike a strategic balance between the two which serves to promote the client's ultimate goals and interests.
Can you name any skills or personality traits that you think are needed in your kind of practice that might differ from other practices?
The ability to synthesize complex legal and factual materials.