New Attorneys Division
A division of the Spokane County Bar Association, the SNAD provides new and young lawyers with networking and referral opportunities, social connections, and low-cost CLEs on topics of special interest to those who are new to practice. Members of the SCBA who are under the age of 36 or within the first five years of practice (whichever occurs later) are automatically members of the SNAD without further dues or registration.
If you fit the definition of an SNAD member and are not already receiving emails from us, please contact the division president (contact information included below) to have your name added to our list.
PRESIDENT
AIDAN P. MATHIS
Judicial Law Clerk to Hon. Rebecca L. Pennell
Aidan_Mathis@waed.uscourts.gov
Aidan Mathis is a litigator with experience in insurance law, construction law, and veterinary defense. He currently serves as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Judge Rebecca L. Pennell at the United States Court for the Eastern District of Washington. He previously was an associate attorney at an insurance defense firm, and an appellate judicial law clerk at the Washington Court of Appeals, Division III. Aidan is originally from sunny Anacortes, Washington and attended the University of Washington for both undergraduate and law school. Since 2020, he has lived in Spokane with his wife and one-eyed rescue dog. Outside the law, Aidan enjoys the Spokane Chiefs, cooking, and Roman history.
PRESIDENT-ELECT
IAN S. PLATOU
Lukins & Annis, P.S.
(509) 455-9555
iplatou@lukins.com
Ian is an associate attorney at Lukins & Annis, P.S. in Spokane, Washington. His practice focuses on tax, estate planning, probate and trust administration, and business transactions. Ian obtained his bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington before receiving his JD/MBA at Gonzaga University. Upon finishing law school, he earned his LLM in Taxation at the University of Florida before moving back to Spokane. Outside of work, he is an avid tennis player, runner, and skier.
TREASURER
ZACHARY WALLS
Winston & Cashatt Lawyers
(509) 838-6131
zmw@winstoncashaatt.com
Zachary is an associate attorney at Winston & Cashatt, Lawyers in Spokane, Washington, where he specializes in litigation surrounding family law, construction, real estate and property disputes, and business law. Originally from Seattle, Zach relocated to Spokane to attend Gonzaga University where he earned his undergraduate degree and law degree, graduating Cum Laude in 2024. Outside of the office, he enjoys exploring the many hiking trails of the Inland Northwest, thrifting, supporting Gonzaga Hoops and the Seattle Mariners, and working on his golf game at one of Spokane’s beautiful courses.
SECRETARY
FELICIA R. HEBNER
Mack Imes Brown PLLC
(509) 624-2161
felicia@mackimesbrown.com
Felicia is an associate attorney at Mack Imes Brown, PLLC in Spokane, WA. A native Spokanite, she focuses her practice on family law, representing clients in matters involving dissolution, parenting plans, domestic violence protection orders, child support, and relocation. Before attending law school, Felicia worked for Senator Mike Padden during the 2020 and 2021 Washington State legislative sessions. While at Gonzaga University School of Law, she interned with Judge Anderson at the Spokane County Superior Court and graduated cum laude in 2024. Outside of her practice, Felicia enjoys yoga, singing, science, and spending time outdoors.
Trustees
OLIVIA GONSIOR
Twyford Law Office
(509) 283-7101
olivia@twyfordlaw.com
Olivia is an associate attorney at Twyford Law Office in Spokane, WA. She specializes in family law matters, including dissolution matters involving spousal maintenance, parenting plans, relocations, and child support. Originally from Minnesota, Olivia graduated from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN in 2020. She obtained a law degree from Gonzaga University in 2024. In her free time, she loves to read a good book, try a new restaurant, or catch up on the newest reality TV series.
BROOKE MERKEL
Potlatch Deltic Co.
(509) 835-1582
brooke.merkel@potlatchdeltic.com
Brooke is corporate counsel at PotlatchDeltic Corporation in Spokane, Washington. As corporate counsel, her duties mainly include contract review, real estate transactions, and business compliance. Before joining PotlatchDeltic Brooke worked in private practice both in civil litigation and transactional matters regarding business, real estate, construction, estate planning and probate. In her free time, she enjoys paddle boarding and spending time with her family and friends.
OLIVIA JOHNSON
Dunn & Black, P.S.
(509) 455-8711
ojohnston@dunnandblack.com
Olivia Johnston is an associate attorney at Dunn & Black, P.S., where she focuses her practice on employment litigation, real property disputes, personal injury, and construction litigation. She currently serves as chair of the Social Events and Membership Committee for the Spokane County New Attorneys Division. Olivia earned her B.B.A. from Gonzaga University and her J.D. from the University of Idaho.
KATELYN RENFRO
Witherspoon Brajcich McPhee, PLLC
(509) 455-9077
krenfro@workwith.com
Kate is an associate attorney at Witherspoon Brajcich McPhee, PLLC, where she focuses on litigation and provides effective, strategic legal counsel in landlord-tenant disputes and collection matters. As her practice develops, she is expanding her expertise into additional areas of law to offer comprehensive support that evolves with her clients’ needs.
LAUREN WHEELER
Stevens Clay, P.S.
(509) 838-83330
lwheeler@stevensclay.org
Lauren is an associate attorney at Stevens Clay, P.S. She earned her law degree and graduated summa cum laude as first in her class from Gonzaga University School of Law. Her practice encompasses labor and employment law, special education, litigation, general counsel services, the Public Records Act, and contracts and municipal matters. Outside of her practice, Lauren enjoys reading, playing piano, traveling, and spending time with her family.
NATE SARGENT
Fennemore Craig, P.C.
(509) 455-3713
nsargent@fennemorelaw.com
Nate is an associate attorney at Fennemore Craig, P.C. in Spokane, Washington, and his practice focuses on litigation involving business disputes, real property, and business torts. Nate was born and raised in the Inland Northwest, a region he considers his forever community. Committed to staying rooted in the area, he chose to pursue his education within the community he knows and values. Nate earned his law degree and graduated magna cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law. Nate is also a proud Washington State University alum, having graduated from the Honors College and Carson College of Business. In his free time, Nate enjoys backpacking in the mountains, water skiing, cooking, and spending time with his family.
LIAM McKEEGAN
Gordon Tilden Thomas & Cordell, LLP
(206) 467-6477
mckeegan@gordontilden.com
Liam is an attorney at Gordon Tilden Thomas & Cordell, LLP, where he focuses on insurance recovery and commercial litigation. Liam graduated from Gonzaga University both for his undergraduate degree in history and for his law degree.  Liam and his family are happy to call Spokane their adopted home. In his free time, he enjoys reading, golfing, and brewing beer.
DANE O'DRISCOLL
Paukert & Troppmann, PLLC
(509) 232-7760
dane@pt-law.com
Dane is an associate attorney at Paukert & Troppmann, PLLC. He is a civil litigator with a practice focusing on personal injury, and insurance defense. As an Ohio native, Dane received his bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, and law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, WA.
EX OFFICIO
TJ BURFORD
Witherspoon Brajcich McPhee, PLLC
(509) 252-5863
TBurford@WorkWith.com
TJ’s practice is focused on real property, land use and zoning, business and commercial transactions, and estate planning and probate. He will work with clients to produce creative solutions to everyday problems to provide the best outcome possible. When he is not playing or watching golf and soccer, he is at home with his wonderful wife, children, and two poorly behaved labs.
Meetings and Committees
MEETINGS
The SNAD Board meets at 5:30 pm on the third Thursday of every month at various locations. All members and potential members are encouraged to attend. SNAD also hosts several regular events for members, including networking socials, CLEs, and public service events. Meeting and event notices are emailed to SNAD members on the SCBA email list and in the Calendar Call.
COMMITTEES
The SNAD operates several standing committees. All SNAD members are eligible to serve on a committee.
Intro to Courts CLE Committee:
SNAD puts on the Intro to Courts CLE every fall, specifically intended to help those who have just passed the bar become acquainted with the local courts. The committee coordinates volunteers, supports content preparation, and handles logistics of the CLE, in addition to securing approval of credits from WSBA. For more information or to join the Intro to Courts CLE Committee, please contact the division president to be connected with the committee chair.
Social and Membership Committee:
The SNAD Social and Membership Committee works to increase involvement of SNAD members in the division’s activities. This includes planning social and networking events, looking for partnerships with other professional organizations, and suggesting ways to increase the division’s value to its members. For more information or to join the Social and Membership Committee, please contact the division president to be connected with the committee chair.
Public Service Committee:
The Public Service Committee is charged with making sure the SNAD membership is aware of pro bono and public service opportunities. The Committee also plans at least one community service activity for SNAD membership. For more information or to join the Public Service Committee, please contact the division president to be connected with the committee chair.
Judicial Theater CLE Committee:
SNAD puts on Judicial Theater every spring. Judicial Theater is an ethics CLE comprised of several skits performed by members of the bench. The Judicial Theater Committee coordinates the judicial actor volunteers, prepares skit content, and handles the other logistics of the CLE. For more information or to join the Judicial Theater Committee, please contact the division president to be connected with the committee chair.