Biography
Professor Erin Lovell is the Associate Director of the Externship Program and an Assistant Professor of Lawyering Skills at Seattle University School of Law. Her years of experience in youth advocacy, public defense, civil legal aid, and nonprofit leadership support Seattle U's experiential learning team and students.
Professor Lovell was the founding Executive Director of Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC) from its launch in 2010 to 2024. LCYC's mission is to protect the interests and safety of youth in Washington by advancing their legal rights. LCYC accomplishes its mission through direct legal representation, strong community partnerships, and systemic advocacy. Professor Lovell grew LCYC from a staff of one to over twenty. She expanded legal service program areas from one to four, starting with child welfare, and growing to include juvenile defense, youth and family immigration, and youth homelessness. In 2023, LCYC served approximately 860 youth across 17 counties in Washington. The American Bar Association Homeless Youth Legal Network recognized LCYC as a Model Program Site in 2017. The National Association of Counsel for Children named LCYC as the 2024 Outstanding Children's Law Office.
Prior to the creation of LCYC, Professor Lovell represented youth and parents as a staff attorney in the Dependency Unit of The Defender Association, now a division of King County Department of Public Defense. Professor Lovell has been honored for her enduring and innovative advocacy for youth. She received the YMCA of Greater Seattle, Hero Everyday Award in 2024, the Access to Justice Board and WSBA APEX Award, Norm Maleng Leadership Award in 2019, and was recognized as a Fearless Children's Lawyer of the Month by the ABA's Children's Rights Litigation Committee in March 2022.
