Helsell Fetterman Announces Two New Associates
Alexandra (Xan) Gerson and Matthew Pierce have joined Helsell Fetterman LLP, a Seattle-based law firm serving businesses, organizations and individuals. Both associates are recent graduates who worked at Helsell Fetterman while attending law school.
“Our experience with Xan and Matthew showed them to be bright, hard working, and engaged. Both are a great fit for our team,” said Scott Collins, managing partner at Helsell Fetterman. “Helsell Fetterman, one of the oldest law offices in Seattle, is known for its long-standing partners. Our firm has endured by renewing its ranks with fresh talent.”
Gerson, originally from Rouses Point, NY, studied Human Biology as an undergraduate at Michigan State University. Her first career pursuit was in forensics and while in school she volunteered with the Michigan State Police Crime Lab. After graduating, Gerson relocated to Chicago where she became interested in law. Xan was accepted by the Seattle University School of Law and moved west. In her final semester of law school, Gerson worked part-time at Helsell Fetterman. She graduated cum laude in May 2010.
As a member of the Estate Planning practice group, Gerson enjoys the client interaction. “Generally I work with people before they have a problem. In probate I help clients during one of the hardest times in their lives. It’s very rewarding,” she commented.
Pierce gained his experience with Helsell Fetterman as a summer associate before his final year at law school. Pierce studied Political Science at Oberlin College before attending University of Utah for his law degree. Immediately after graduating from law school, Pierce clerked for a year with the Honorable Marywave Van Deren at Division Two of the Washington Court of Appeals. He now assists with general litigation cases at Helsell Fetterman.
“It was an honor to be chosen by a judge as each one has only one or two clerks. After working in the court for a year I have a better understanding of a judge’s perspective,” said Pierce. He appreciates the welcoming culture at Helsell Fetterman, the generous mentoring of its attorneys, and its wide range of practices. Pierce added, “I see Helsell Fetterman as a place where I can put down roots and stay for a lifetime.”