NWSidebar would like to introduce you to the new members of the WSBA Board of Governors. Today we feature Governor Phil Brady from newly-created District 10. District 10 includes Olympia and parts of Thurston and Pierce counties — log in to myWSBA to view your district.
Governor Philip L. Brady began serving a three-year term on Oct. 1, 2013. He is the regulatory projects coordinator for the Washington Department of Financial Institutions, and currently serves as both records officer and ombudsman for his agency. He practices primarily administrative, financial services, public records, and open government law. Brady holds a degree in physics from the College of Idaho, and received his law degree and a master’s degree in conflict and dispute resolution from the University of Oregon in 2008. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking of all sorts, live music, rooting for the Ducks, and being outside in the beautiful natural environment that is Washington. He is looking forward to representing all of his constituents (even the Huskies), and is particularly excited to enhance opportunities for public lawyers and new attorneys.
Why did you run for the BOG?
I ran for the BOG because I believe that I can offer a voice to two groups who are often overlooked by WSBA, or who at least feel overlooked: government attorneys, and new and young attorneys. One thing we learned from the referendum is that our members across the spectrum aren’t clear on the value they’re getting for their license fees. That’s particularly true for public employees and our newer members, who often have different concerns than established private practitioners. Both groups represent substantial portions of our membership and I think they need more of a voice on the BOG.
Why did you decide to pursue a legal career?
That’s a hard one. I used to joke that it was because I got sick of math my senior year of college (I hold a physics degree which entailed almost all of a math minor as pre-requisites). However, I think this explanation is a little closer to the truth: when I took a moment my senior year to reflect on the things that had been most fulfilling about my college career, they were the leadership roles I’d taken and the policy work I had done. Law seemed the best way to have a career involving both. Turns out it worked.
What is your favorite and least favorite part of being an attorney?
Favorite: at the end of most days, knowing that I had a positive effect on the world, and that I made someone’s life at least incrementally better. Least favorite: how hyper-competitive it can be. We should be able to disagree without being disagreeable, and I think some colleagues forget that from time to time. We play a role in our legal system that gives us a degree of credibility in society, and we forget that at our peril.
Outside of your career, what is important to you?
No question about it — family and friends. Careers change over time, but families and good friends are forever. I’ve never once regretted not working an extra weekend, but I have regretting missing important milestones in the lives of my loved ones.
Complete the sentence: If you weren’t a lawyer, you’d be a…
Astronaut. Actually, more likely an aeronautical/aerospace engineer. “Astronaut” just sounds more fun.
What is (in your opinion) the best place in Washington?
Hard to say — the San Juans? Mount St. Helens? Rainier? Seattle? Probably depends on my mood. I’m quite fond of Olympia, which surprised me at first. I grew up in Hood River, Oregon, so I have a fondness for Klickitat and Skamania counties, too.
How would you like to stay in touch with the members you represent?
My phone number and email address are in the member directory. I’ll also be creating a BOG-specific Twitter handle, and I hope to do some blogging as my schedule permits. Basically, any way members of WSBA use to connect with me is fine. Email is easiest, but I accepted this position to serve our members and I’m going to be as available as possible.
