Spotlight Series | Ian Bauer
As a personal project, I have started what I am calling my Spotlight Series. There are so many people in our community that are working to make things better in some way. My vision is that I want to find them, meet them, photograph them, and tell their stories. If you know an amazing person, please send me an email, or fill out our nomination form!
The first person that I get to tell you about is Ian Bauer. He is a lawyer in Seattle that fights for abused kids and elderly people. He is also a dad, a music lover, and a former soccer goalkeeper. I met him through my photography business, but I really admire and connect to what he does. At one time I worked for a non-profit that worked to protect children, have two sons that played goalkeeper, and play with guitars when I have the time. So between the personal connections and similarities as well as my admiration for what he does and has accomplished, he seemed like an ideal choice to go first. You can find more information about Ian and his law practice at www.ianbauerlaw.com.
I understand that you are an advocate for children and other people that can't protect themselves. Could you tell me what it is you do and how you do it?
I represent children and vulnerable adults (e.g., the elderly and developmentally-disabled) who have been subjected to severe abuse or neglect, and – through the civil justice system – go after the people who hurt or failed to protect them.
This often means that we are investigating and litigating against large, powerful corporations and government agencies who have a vested interest in denying what happened, minimizing the extent of the abuse or neglect our clients endured, or blaming someone else.
That being said, being a civil litigator is not like what you see on TV. The majority of my time is spent reading and writing. Time spent in a courtroom is a precious commodity these days.
How did you get into that niche?
Throughout my life I have always had a strong sense of “justice.” During law school, I was drawn to public service and ended up spending the bulk of my early career with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. However, I reached a point where, for my family, it made sense to move on. I left with several possible options, but one of my former adversaries recognized a kindred spirit and suggested we join forces. We’ve worked together ever since, and have struck up a strong partnership and friendship founded in the meaning and purpose we find in representing the vulnerable.
What impact do you feel you have on the lives of your clients?
My clients have endured things that I would not wish on anyone.
But I can’t turn back the clock. I can’t “un-ring the bell.” Since I am a civil litigator, I also can’t put their abusers in jail. Instead, my job is to provide them with a voice in the fight for justice.
There is tremendous power in survivors of abuse and neglect being able to tell their story, on their terms – to face the people who wronged them, and have them held accountable in a formal, public setting. While the only tangible outcome that can be achieved in a civil case is an award of monetary damages, often the broader goal for my clients is to tell their story and – by holding the wrongdoers publicly accountable – ensure that no one else has to go through what they endured.
How has the job you do affect the way you view the world and what you value?
I think it is easy for attorneys to become jaded and cynical. It’s an occupational hazard.
I feel very fortunate to have the practice that I do, where I am able to wake up each morning and go fight for people who may not have the ability, means or “voice” to advocate for themselves, especially when their adversaries are powerful people, or sprawling, faceless bureaucracies. It makes me value the so-called “little” things in life – the time I have with my family, in particular.
How have the coronavirus and Covid affected your work and family?
Work has been significantly impacted, as courts have closed (temporarily) and restricted in-person appearances, and our firm has been diligent in adhering to the Governor’s Covid-19 rules and guidelines. While we are capable of doing many things remotely, I look forward to (safely) returning to the office and courtroom, as there is no substitute for in-person communication when it comes to prosecuting the cases we take on.
In terms of my family, we have always been very close and enjoy spending our downtime together – however much downtime you can have with three active children! Fortunately, we have remained healthy throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. In practical terms, the pandemic has allowed us to stop and slow down more than we are usually able to do, to spend more time all together instead of running off in different directions.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of my family. I love my kids and wife more than anything, and am a proud, happy husband and father. Every day, I am thankful for them and the moments we share.
What do you do when you are not working?
When I’m not at the office, I am with my family – watching a soccer game or school play, or just enjoying some quiet time together, away from the world.
Years ago, I would unwind on the soccer field or with one of my guitars in hand. There simply are not enough hours in the day anymore, and a serious injury during law school severely restricts my ability to be active. I still follow soccer religiously and am always looking for new, good music. I will also end each day with a good book, a habit I’ve had for decades.
What are your future goals?
Professionally, to not lose my passion for the work we’re doing, or become jaded and cynical about the law.
As I indicated before, one of the problems with the law is that it is easy for attorneys (especially litigators) to become detached and distant from their everyday work – to see each case as simply a case, or get lost in the desire to “win” at any cost.
I am fortunate in many ways, not the least of which being able to have a practice that I care so much about. It is invigorating. The moment that I lose that passion – the moment I stop caring about the humanity at the heart of our cases, and about the pursuit of justice – is the moment that I need to step away.
What should I be asking and didn't?
What am I listening to right now? The War on Drugs’ Lost in the Dream, Gang of Youths’ Go Farther In Lightness, and The Coronas’ Live at the Olympia – three albums I could listen to on repeat, endlessly.
(As many know, I could talk about soccer and music all day long, and have a never-ending stream of music recommendations.)
Find out more information about Ian and his law practice at www.ianbauerlaw.com.