From its founding, The Whipple Law Group, PLLC has been dedicated to the principal of “giving back.” This concept of noblesse oblige is demonstrated through the commitment we hold towards our intern program.
Law students are basically lawyers in training. However, without work experience, bright young students run the risk of entering the law profession without the requisite skills to practice law effectively.
At the Whipple Law Group, PLLC, we provide the opportunity for selected law students to experience the day to day realities of practicing law. We attract a special class of interns who are unafraid to roll up their sleeves, get to work and take on new challenges. Our interns work closely with our clients and staff gaining valuable experience and real world knowledge.
Our goal is to augment their legal education, in such a way, that each intern, upon passing the bar, is a ready contributor to the justice system – ready to hit the ground running as they begin the practice of law – all for the benefit of future clients in need of representation.
In addition, we find working with our young, dynamic interns serves to keep our attitude and thinking young and agile, as well.
Education:
Gonzaga University School of Law
- Juris Doctorate Candidate, 2022
University of Redlands
- BA in Political Science, 2018
Michael Burnette
Legal Intern
(July 2020 – November 2020)
Michael started as a rising 2L at the Gonzaga University School of Law. Michael is a California native but chose to attend Gonzaga for its emphasis on legal writing and small class sizes.
During the summer of his 1L year Michael was a law clerk in the Immigration Clinic at Gonzaga. He assisted clients with family reunification and citizenship status during his time at the clinic.
In Michael’s free time he enjoys taking advantage of the beauty the Pacific Northwest has to offer. He enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and spending time at the river.
Education:
Gonzaga University School of Law
- Juris Doctorate Candidate, 2021
Creighton University
- BS in Sociology, 2015
Madeline Clarke
Legal Intern
(May 2019 – January 2021)
Maddie started as a rising 2L at Gonzaga University School of Law. Her first year of law school sparked an interest in property law and legal research and writing. She is on the executive committee of both the Environmental Law Caucus and the Womens Law Caucus.
Maddie looks forward to the hands-on experience of this internship to learn the inner-workings of a law firm. She values working with different people and acquiring new tools to advance her legal education. She is most excited to be out of the classroom to interact with clients.
In her free time, Maddie enjoys hiking, swimming, and gardening. She has gotten to know Spokane over the year that she has lived here and continues to explore the PNW.
Education:
Gonzaga University School of Law
- Juris Doctorate Candidate, 2019
- CALI Award 2017 for Tax, gifts, and Estate Planning
University of Utah
- BA in Political Science, 2015
Norman Peat
Legal Intern
(April 2018 – May 2019)
Norman Peat started as rising third-year law student who moved from his home state of Utah, to attend Gonzaga University School of Law. Norm chose Gonzaga because of the great reputation and small class sizes.
Norm clerked for Judge McKay during the summer of his 1L year. He is experienced in researching issues regarding family law, civil and criminal law matters.
During Norm’s 2L year, he was a law clerk in the Elder Law Clinic at Gonzaga. He assisted clients with drafting Estate Planning documents, end of life planning, and family law matters. In Norm’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his kids.
Education:
Gonzaga University School of Law
- Juris Doctorate Candidate, 2017
- CALI Award Recipient, Transactional Skills and Professionalism Lab, Spring 2015
Gonzaga University
- B.S. Accountancy
Taylie Riddle
Legal Intern
(February 26, 2015—August 10, 2016)
We had the pleasure of working with Taylie Riddle for quite some time. She joined us as an energetic intern and quickly transition to full-time legal assistant. Taylie balanced her studies at Gonzaga University School of Law while taking on a wide array office responsibilities. No task assigned to her was too much and she worked closely with the lead attorney in successfully prosecuting a Public Records Act case. Taylie is highly passionate about the services she provides client and demands nothing but the best out of herself in completing her work.
Taylie is a Westside, Washington native and first came from Seattle to pursue her education at Gonzaga University where graduated from Gonzaga University’s School of Business obtaining her Bachelors of Accountancy.
Ben Paholke
Legal Intern
(November 17, 2015—May 19, 2016)
Ben Paholke joined our firm in November 2015 as a full time legal intern. At the time, Ben was attending the Gonzaga University School of law with the expectation of obtaining his Juris Doctorate in May 2017.
As a Political Science major at Washington State University, Ben has a strong background in public speaking, administration, and leadership; creating a balance that is an asset to his work. Effective communication and thorough research are both important in providing quality legal services for our clients. Ben combines these attributes with his natural affability in a positive manner that serves him well professionally.
Education:
Gonzaga University School of Law;
- Juris Doctorate Candidate, 2016
- Federal Tax Law Clinic (Spring 2015 – present)
- 2L Representative Gonzaga Intellectual Property Law Association
Gonzaga University
- Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Aaron Jones
Legal Intern
(May 18, 2015—October 22, 2015)
Aaron Jones worked at the Whipple Law Group, PLLC while attending Gonzaga University School of Law. In addition to serving successfully as our legal intern, Aaron concurrently worked towards obtaining his Juris Doctorate degree. A native to Spokane, Aaron received his bachelors in Political Science from Gonzaga University. He has always shown himself to be committed to providing professional, competent legal guidance to those in need. We have confidence that Aaron will provide this quality level of service to his clients as a practicing attorney.
Education:
Gonzaga University School of Law;
- Juris Doctorate Candidate, 2016
- Federal Tax Law Clinic (Spring 2015 – present)
- 2L Representative Gonzaga Intellectual Property Law Association
Gonzaga University
- Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
David Simmons
Legal Intern
(April 21, 2014—April 24, 2015)
Dave Simmons served as an excellent addition to our team as a full time Legal Assistant. At the time, Dave was attending Gonzaga University School of Law. As a North Carolina native, he made the decision enroll into Gonzaga because of their commitment to professionalism and legal research and writing. His valuing of legal research and writing translated into a core resource in his capacity as a successful legal intern. His previous work experience gave Dave the ability to analyze a complex situation and effectively manage a strenuous work load. We miss Dave and wish him the very best as he begins practice in North Carolina.