Mike Parker
Class of 2024
Law
Criminal defense, family law
Involvement
I am the current chair of the Student Bar Association Judicial Board, spring 2024 SBA elections supervisor, and a member of the Disability Justice Collective and Veteran Law Society. I am also a former First Year Fellow in the Access to Justice Institute. As an Army retiree and parent of three adult children, I offer informal and impartial guidance and mentorship to my classmates, many of whom are much younger than I am and often younger than my children! I seek to find ways to bridge our generational gaps to provide them and myself with a better understanding and appreciation for what we all bring not only to SU Law, but to society as a whole.
Passion
I have a long history (more than 25 years) of working in the criminal legal system as a criminal investigator, inspector general, and a criminal defense investigator. I also managed a county Family Recovery Court prior to attending law school. When I started law school, I thought to myself, "Anything but criminal law.” However, soon after starting, I realized where my heart was and began studying for and pursuing opportunities in those fields. I am currently an extern at Thurston County Public Defense in Olympia. Giving back to my communities is extremely important. Having lived the opportunity to serve my nation both as a U.S. Army soldier and federal civil servant, I now look forward to giving back to the community that raised me, which is Thurston County (Olympia). I was raised and formed within this community, and returning after 25 years away, I treasure the prospect of giving back to the families here and serving the indigent population who have too-few voices and minds representing their interests.