On Sept. 27, 2024, staff at Ryan Swanson Law lost a dear friend and colleague, Joel Paget, whose presence was a cornerstone of the firm for over five decades. For those of us who worked with Joel, we admired him not only as an exceptional immigration lawyer but also as a kind and generous person who brought humor and warmth to the office.
Joel joined the firm in 1971 as the 14th attorney on staff and became a pivotal figure in establishing the firm’s immigration practice. What started as a referral to assist a Chinese cook facing deportation grew into a thriving immigration group, now recognized as one of the most prestigious in Seattle.
What truly set Joel apart wasn’t just his legal skill—it was his unwavering commitment to people. Whether it was a law student seeking advice, a client in need, or a colleague looking for a laugh, Joel made everyone feel welcome. He was more than a legal mentor; for many of us, he was a life mentor.
Joel always made time to share his wisdom, meeting with young lawyers to offer guidance. His involvement with mentoring attorneys from various bar associations reflected his passion for helping those just starting their legal careers. Joel never hesitated to give back, always eager to help others succeed.
Beyond his mentorship, Joel was deeply engaged in civic and community activities. He was a long-standing member of Seattle Rotary, volunteered at citizenship clinics, and served on the boards of numerous organizations. His commitment to fostering relationships extended beyond the U.S., particularly with Canada where he built lasting connections.
In the legal community, Joel’s impact was profound. He was a founding member of the Washington Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and was highly involved at both the national and regional levels. He was recognized as one of the top immigration attorneys in the country, known for his ability to navigate complex immigration issues for businesses and individuals alike. Joel had the rare gift of seeing both the intricate details and the bigger picture, allowing him to solve even the most challenging cases.
For those who knew Joel well, his reputation went beyond his legal brilliance. He was famous for his cosmopolitans and his unique habit of asking new employees, “Where did you go to school in third grade?” As Marsha Mavunkel recalls: “Joel was a brilliant attorney and incredibly generous with his deep knowledge of the law. He was a mentor to us all, a dear friend, and the heart and soul of our Ryan Swanson work family. He injected a sense of fun and joy into our daily lives and made sure we always felt connected.”
Joel brought joy to everything he did, from his legal work to office traditions. Janet Cheetham fondly remembers: “When I think of Joel, I think of Halloween—countless Halloween parties, costumes, and surprises. I wish I had pictures of all his costumes. May he rest in peace, knowing he touched thousands of lives.”
Joel’s dedication to his clients was unmatched. As Abtin Bahador shares: “Joel was unflappable. He had seen and heard it all. His clients ranged from billionaires to people who could barely afford the filing fees, and he treated everyone with the same respect and care. He would always pick up the phone to answer questions, calm concerns, and lighten the moment with a joke.”
Cody Nunn adds: “Joel was a remarkable attorney and an amazing human being who cared so deeply about everyone. He took his work seriously, but he also loved to crack jokes and make others laugh. He would frequently pretend to be a pizza shop when I called for a second opinion and tell me to put on my seatbelt when we had an urgent case together. Over the years, we shared a lot of laughs. I will miss him terribly.”
Jeng-Ya Chen recalls Joel’s excitement when finding solutions: “Joel would get a twinkle in his eye when we found a solid immigration path forward for clients. I will miss him saying, ‘OK, team … let’s pull the rabbit out of the hat!’ He is forever our border magician, now sprinkling magic from above.”
Joel’s passion for helping clients achieve their American dream was evident. As Amy Royalty puts it: “Joel was the true embodiment of an immigration lawyer. Not only did he provide top-notch legal support, but he went above and beyond to help clients achieve their American dream.”
More than anything, Joel took immense pride in his work, often saying he helped “the best and brightest come into the United States to live and work.” For over 53 years, Joel was one of the best and brightest among us, and we are all better for having known him.
Submitted by Joel’s colleagues at Ryan Swanson Law
