The Journal collaborates with the Law, Technology & Arts Group (LTA), a new research program at the University of Washington School of Law. LTA was formed in 2009 when the University of Washington School of Law merged the Center for Advanced Study & Research on Intellectual Property (CASRIP), the Shidler Center for Law, Commerce + Technology, and the Graduate Program in IP Law & Policy into a sing
le research unit. This new research group takes a comprehensive approach to the legal issues involving technological and artistic innovation. The Journal is a partnership between student editors, faculty, and an External Board comprised of faculty and practicing attorneys. This ensures the Journal publishes timely, relevant, and informative articles. The Journal began in 2004 as the Shidler Journal of Law, Commerce +Technology. The Shidler Journal was named after Bellingham native Roger Shidler, a founding member of the law firm Shidler McBroom & Gates. Roger Shidler was a pioneer in the area of technology law and innovation. In the following decades, Shidler, George McBroom, a former member of the University of Washington School of Law faculty, William H. Gates, Sr., Peter Lucas, and their partners built one of Seattle's most vibrant and influential law practices. The firm was known for its work in technology law and for prevailing in a lawsuit against the Washington Public Power Supply system, a case that became the largest federal securities litigation in the nation’s history. In 1990 the Shidler firm merged with Preston, Thorgrimson, Ellis & Holman, which became Preston Gates & Ellis LLP, and then K&L Gates LLP. Today K&L Gates LLP, has approximately 1,800 lawyers across three continents. The Washington Journal of Law, Technology & Arts is proud to carry on the tradition of excellence and innovation started by Roger Shidler.
