Young Lawyers Division
A division of the Spokane County Bar Association, the SYLD 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 SYLD without further dues or registration.
If you fit the definition of an SYLD 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
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.
PRESIDENT-ELECT
AIDAN P. MATHIS
Kirkpatrick & Startzel, PS
(509) 455-3647
amathis@ks-lawyers.com
Aidan P. Mathis is an attorney at KS Lawyers, PLLC. He is a litigator with a practice focusing on construction, insurance, and municipal law. He is also one of the few veterinary defense attorneys in the State of Washington. Before joining KS Lawyers, Aidan clerked for Chief Judge Rebecca Pennell at the Washington Court of Appeals. Aidan attended the University of Washington for both undergraduate and law school, obtaining his B.A. in Philosophy in 2016 and his J.D. in 2020. Aidan is also member of both the Washington and Idaho Bar Associations, as well as the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers. Aidan is originally from sunny Anacortes, Washington but today lives in Spokane with his wife Samantha and one-eyed rescue dog Shiela.
TREASURER
ADAM GRIFFIS
Lukins & Annis, P.S.
(509) 623-2006
AGriffis@Lukins.com
Adam is an attorney at Lukins & Annis, P.S. in Spokane, Washington, where he focuses his practice on commercial real estate transactions, entity formation, and mergers and acquisitions. A western Washington native, Adam attended the University of Washington for both his bachelor’s and law degree. While attending law school, Adam interned at the Unemployment Law Project, a local non-profit organization, and was the Class Representative for his graduating Class of 2020. Upon graduation, Adam was awarded the Jack MacDonald Merit Award for his service to the greater Seattle community. Adam now resides in Spokane Valley with his wife and his dog enjoying the regular outdoor activities eastern Washington has to offer.
SECRETARY
CAROLYNN R. IMES
Mack Imes Brown PLLC
(509) 624-2161
carolynn@mackimesbrown.com
Carolynn has worked at Mack Imes Brown, PLLC (previously known as the Law Office of Paul B. Mack) for more than decade, initially as a legal assistant, later as a law clerk in the WSBA Law Clerk Program, and finally as an attorney beginning in 2021. Her practice focuses exclusively on family law matters, ranging from complex divorces to issues involving spousal maintenance, parenting plans, relocations, child support, and minor guardianships. In her free time Carolynn is watching the Mariners with her husband, chasing after her two kids (ages five and two), drinking wine with friends, or reading a good book.
Trustees
JOHNNY JONES
Lucent Law, PLLC
(509) 455-3717
johnny@lucentlaw.com
Johnny is an associate attorney at Lucent Law, PLLC. Johnny’s practice focuses on real estate, land use, natural resources and environmental law. Johnny was born and raised in Spokane, attended Gonzaga Prep (07’), and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. Following undergrad, Johnny pursued his doctorate at the University of California Santa Barbara in marine biology while also working at Olympic National Park and Cabrillo National Monument as a marine biologist. In 2017, Johnny returned to Spokane to raise his family and shifted his focus to serving the Spokane community through the practice of law. Johnny graduated summa cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2023 and is now using his education and experience in natural resources management to the benefit of his clients across the state.
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.
GREG SPURGETIS
Spurgetis Law, PS
(509) 418-9187
greg@spurgetislaw.com
Greg is an associate attorney at Spurgetis Law, P.S. in Spokane, WA. His practice focuses on probate, trust and estate administration, guardianships, and estate planning. A native of Spokane, Greg received his bachelor’s degree from Northwest University in Kirkland, WA, and law degree from Gonzaga University, graduating Cum Laude while enrolled in GU’s two-year Executive J.D. program. Greg currently lives in Spokane with his wife and three daughters.
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.
EX OFFICIO
STEPHANIE FAUST
Stevens Clay, PS
(509) 838-8330
sfaust@stevensclay.org
Stephanie Faust is an attorney at Stevens Clay, P.S., which provides legal services to public K-12 school districts and municipalities throughout Washington State. Her practice focuses on education, public records, employment law, and litigation. Stephanie attended Western Washington University for her bachelor’s degree before attending Gonzaga University School of Law, where she graduated cum laude. In addition to Ex Officio for the YLD, Stephanie is a Trustee for the Spokane County Bar Association and is a board member of the Washington Women Lawyers Spokane Chapter. Stephanie enjoys yoga, cooking, and spending time at home with her husband and their rescue pets.
Meetings and Committees
MEETINGS
The SYLD 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. SYLD also hosts several regular events for members, including networking socials, CLEs, and public service events. Meeting and event notices are emailed to SYLD members on the SCBA email list and in the Calendar Call.
COMMITTEES
The SYLD operates several standing committees. All SYLD members are eligible to serve on a committee.
Intro to Courts CLE Committee:
SYLD 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 SYLD Social and Membership Committee works to increase involvement of SYLD 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 SYLD membership is aware of pro bono and public service opportunities. The Committee also plans at least one community service activity for SYLD 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:
SYLD 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.