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Home > Spotlights > Kathleen J. Hopkins
Fellows spotlight

Kathleen J. Hopkins

2014-15 Fellows Chair, Washington Life Patron Fellow

Kathleen Hopkins is a Washington Life Patron Fellow and past Fellows Chair. She is a founding member of Real Property Law Group, PLLC, a boutique Seattle, WA law firm.

Where were you born and raised? 

I was born on an army base in Missouri, but grew up in New Jersey and moved to Seattle for law school and never left (who would)! That said, I will always be a “Jersey Girl” at heart.

What is your favorite Fellows event memory?

That is a tough one, there are so many terrific memories. The Washington State Fellows have great dinners every year with terrific speakers, and I was fortunate enough to conduct a “fireside chat” interview with Bill Gates Sr. right after he received the ABA Medal – that was special. I was also lucky enough to attend the 2 day regional ABF Fellows conference convened by former Fellows chair Ellen Rosenblum (now Oregon AG), which really broadened my network of professional friends and contacts in the northwest. Finally, probably my favorite memory is not a formal event, but rather attending my first ABF Fellows sing along at an ABA midyear meeting, where I learned how many of my friends have excellent singing voices (personally, better to have me lip sync, but I enjoy the informal chance to end our meetings with such a fun coda).

If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

One of my heroes and role models is Eleanor Roosevelt – strong in the face of adversity, turning continuouscriticisms into opportunities to grow or accomplish so much for the country during difficult times. Another is my
husband’s mother, who unfortunately died young, just before I met my husband, but was a strong woman and role model for her children – both her sons and daughter knew that women had no limits and there was no gender specific job or chore. I am blessed to have my husband as my partner, best friend and #1 cheerleader, and wish I had a chance to thank her for giving me such a wonderful man.

What is the title of the last book you read? 

What is the title of the last book you read? I am a sucker for fun stories with character development and just finished re-reading Maeve Binchy’s A Week in Winter.

What are you most looking forward to during your term as Chair of The Fellows?

I don’t know if our members realize that we have an amazing staff, both administrative and scholars. I was humbled to be voted in as chair and look forward to collaborating with them to provide the Fellows opportunities for
professional development and friendship.

If you did not decide to go into law, what would you have done?

I love my practice, law firm colleagues and my clients, so that is tough. Staying in the legal sphere I would love to teach business law at b-school; if I had to go outside the official confines of the bar I would likely do something political, either as an elected official (such as my predecessor) or lobbyist on social justice issues.

Which ABF research initiative are you most interested in?

Tough call, like which is your favorite child, as I enjoy the rich diversity of the scholarship the ABF researches. Having recently moderated a program on After the JD, and having a son who just started law school – that currently leads the pack. Getting the hard data and analytics out there is so important, as there are many misconceptions about recent legal experiences and careers. Additionally, thanks to the generosity of the Fellows, I am quite excited to watch projects develop with the ABF’s new William H. Neukom Fellows Research Chair in Diversity and Law. Thanks to Bill and all the fellows who participated in the campaign!

How about those Seahawks?

YES! We hang our 12th man banner proudly and it was quite fitting that me, a Jersey girl had to fly back to NJ for the big party last February. I know some people thought it was a boring Super Bowl, but for us it was a nail biter! Go Hawks.

Past Spotlights

Julianne P. Blanch

Life Fellow and 2025 ABF Fellows Outstanding State Chair Award Recipient

Paul Smith

ABF Board Member and Patron Fellow; Past DC Fellows Officer

Honorable Lora Livingston

ABF Board Member and Life Fellow; President, American Bar Endowment
Frank X. Neuner

Frank X. Neuner, Jr.

Patron Fellow, National Fellows Chair, and Past Louisiana State Chair
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