Washington Journal of Law, Technology & Arts

The Washington Journal of Law, Technology, & Arts (referred to as "WJLTA") offers succinct legal insights tailored for practicing attorneys. Established in 2004 under the name Shidler Journal of Law, Commerce, + Technology, it honors Roger Shidler—a Bellingham native and co-founder of the prominent law firm Shidler McBroom & Gates. Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to technology law and innovation, Roger was part of a dynamic team that included notable figures such as George McBroom—formerly a faculty member at the University of Washington School of Law—and William H. Gates Sr., Peter Lucas among others. Together they shaped one Seattle’s most influential legal practices known especially for their success in pivotal cases like the landmark lawsuit against the Washington Public Power Supply System—the most consequential federal securities litigation at that time. In 1990, this esteemed firm merged with Preston Thorgrimson Ellis & Holman to become first Preston Ellis Gates LLP and later evolved into K&L Gates LLP—a global powerhouse now boasting over 1,000 lawyers on three continents. With this illustrious legacy guiding us forward, WJLTA is committed to upholding a tradition marked by excellence and progressive thinking initiated by Robert Shidler himself.