Laurie Lootens Chyz, a commercial litigator for 34 years with Seattle-based Hillis Clark Martin & Peterson P.S., has been named as the firm’s President and  Managing Principal. In her new role, Laurie will provide strategic direction for the firm's operations and main areas of practice including Business, Real Estate & Land Use, Litigation and Lender Services & Finance. She is the first woman appointed to the role in the firm’s nearly 50 year history.

Said Gary Fallon, the outgoing Managing Principal who served nearly six years in the position, “Laurie is the perfect person to assume the leadership of the firm.  She has served on the firm’s Management Committee for more than 25 years, has a deep understanding of the firm’s business operations, and exemplifies the firm’s core values of collegiality and service. Her management experience,  strong relationships with firm attorneys and staff, and history of collaborative leadership will provide her with just the right tools to manage HCMP going forward.”

Laurie will continue her commercial litigation practice, representing  individuals and businesses in a broad range of matters, including disputes related to contract interpretation and enforcement, real property transactions, construction defects, lender liability, and securities. She also has extensive experience with employment matters, including wrongful discharge, employment discrimination and sexual harassment. She practices in state and federal trial and appellate courts, before administrative bodies, and in arbitration and mediation forums.

Laurie holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School, cum laude, and an A.B. from Vassar College, with honors.