Inslee appoints Ian Birk to Court of Appeal, First Division

Narrative

Governor Jay Inslee today announced the appointment of Ian Birk to the Washington State Court of Appeals, First Division. Birk will replace Judge John Chun, who was recently confirmed as a judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington.

Birk is a partner at Keller Rohrback LLP, where he represents policyholders in disputes with insurance companies. He has been a litigator with this firm since 2005. Prior to joining Keller Rohrback, Birk represented plaintiffs in litigation for Chemnick Moen Greenstreet and the law firm Donchez. He began his legal career as a court clerk to Washington State Supreme Court Justice Susan Owens.

Birk is active in both the American Association for Justice and the Washington State Association for Justice, professional organizations in which he has been involved since 2002. He served on the Board of Governors of both organizations. He is also a longtime pro bono attorney who provides pro bono legal services through the King County Bar Association.

“Ian is a talented litigator, with a reputation not only for intellect, but also for compassion and empathy,” Inslee said. “He will make an excellent addition to the appellate bench.”

Birk earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Washington.