Julie Kline

Julie is a trial lawyer who has dedicated her career to fighting for victims. Julie serves her clients by drawing from her years of experience in the courtroom and a deep knowledge of public policy and government operations.

Julie began her career at the King County Prosecutors Office and quickly earned a reputation as a talented and fierce trial attorney. During her decade and a half as a prosecutor, she tried scores of cases, amassed thousands of hours in the courtroom, authored appellate responses, and gave numerous in-house trial practice trainings. Julie is honored to have spent years serving as the voice to victims of murder and other violent crimes. Prior to being selected to join the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Most Dangerous Offender Program (MDOP), Julie was recognized with the “Outstanding Trial Advocacy” award for the criminal division as a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.

In 2019, Julie accepted a position with the City of Seattle as a Senior Advisor to the Mayor. While with the City, she focused on public safety as the primary liaison with the Seattle Police Department, Seattle Fire Department, Courts, and Office of Emergency Management. Owing to the unprecedented events beginning in 2020, Julie’s responsibilities broadened to include developing and implementing the city’s nationally recognized COVID-19 pandemic public health response. She worked closely with public health experts, and local, State and Federal agencies. By the end of her time with the City, Julie was also serving as Interim General Counsel to Mayor Durkan.

Julie’s desire to return to advocacy for victims and trial practice led her to SGB. Julie focuses her considerable trial experience on holding the powerful accountable and seeking justice for her clients.

Julie is a native of the Seattle-Metro area and is the product of local schools. She lives in Seattle with her family and spends her free time gardening, traveling, coaching youth soccer, and rooting for the Sounders.

Education

• Seattle University School of Law, J.D., 2004

• Western Washington University, B.A. in Political Science, minor in Sociology/Criminology, 1999

Admissions

• Washington State Bar Association

• King County Bar Association

Civic Engagement

Washington State Association for Justice - Eagle Member 

National Crime Victim Bar Association

Board member, Seattle Fire Foundation

Coach, Ballard Youth Soccer Club

Supporter, Everytown for Gun Safety

Volunteer Judge, Seattle University Legal Writing Program & Moot Court

Speaking Engagements

Moderated and lectured on Forensic Evidence, Self-Defense Caselaw, Material Witness Warrants and Dealing with Uncooperative Witnesses, Prosecuting Animal Cruelty Crimes, Interviewing Witnesses Ethically, and Using Technology in Trial.

$1.2 Million jury verdict in a whistleblower case against government agency.

$750,000 settlement against a fire department for employment discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation.

$1.75 Million pre-filing settlement of a sexual abuse claim against a school district for allowing a child to be sexually abused by a teacher.

$1.9 Million settlement with a municipality on behalf of two victims of sexual assault by police officer.

$350,000 pre-filing settlement with school in a sexual assault case on behalf of a child who was assaulted by another student.

$650,000 settlement with a long-term care facility for elder neglect and failing to prevent sexual assault by another resident.