Growing up in Seattle, Noah Purcell, Washington’s solicitor general, learned the value of diversity in community at an early age as a Beacon Hill native and proud graduate of Franklin High School, where he was introduced to law on the mock trial team. Purcell was thrust into the national spotlight in early 2017 when he successfully argued Washington state’s victory in federal court that led to a temporary restraining order against President Trump’s travel ban on immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries. As Purcell recounted the events to Rotarians, joined by his wife, Jasmin, in the audience, he said one of his proudest moments was the recognition he later received from Franklin High’s students, including many immigrants, refugees, and Muslim students, in support of Washington state’s stance against the ban.
When President Trump signed the travel ban in late January 2017, Purcell recognized the “immediate and catastrophic” effects the ban would have on Washington and the “pipeline of talent” looking to enter or re-enter the country. Purcell spoke of his moment of truth coming to bear when he realized the obligation inherent to do something, with Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s support, and not repeat the mistakes of the past, reflecting on the Japanese internment camps during WWII. Purcell noted how none of the eight attorneys in the Solicitor General’s Office, which assists the attorney general in many facets, had ever done anything like this before, leading them to ask the question, “we can do this, right?” as they sought to bring suit against President Trump’s travel ban.
Starting in college at the University of Washington, Purcell hasn’t been shy about challenging authority. Upon recognition that the UW was charging a self-imposed energy fee surcharge against the student body, he and Jasmin brought a lawsuit that successfully challenged the legality of the fee, resulting in the University refunding $1.5 million to students. Purcell went on to attend Harvard Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude and served as editor of the Harvard Law Review and learned that contrary to his belief, there isn’t a special group of people on the East Coast well positioned to solve the world’s problems. We’re just as capable in the Northwest as anyone else, as he puts it.
When Purcell and his team ultimately argued Washington’s position on the travel ban in front of Federal Judge James Robart, who recounted his own version of the events to Rotarians in August, Purcell noted the overwhelming interest that generated two overflow rooms in the Federal Courthouse. Importantly, his mother was one of the first people in line to attend the hearing. Adding that many on his team deserve “a lot of credit,” Purcell said it was a “pretty incredible moment,” when Judge Robart issued the temporary restraining order. While the federal government ultimately dropped its appeal on the first version, Purcell added “I was confident we would’ve won” if it would have gone to the U.S. Supreme Court. A third, narrower version of the ban remains in effect.At the end of his presentation, Purcell gave an emotional reading of a letter from a former teacher of his at Kimball Elementary. The teacher, whose parents were in a Japanese internment camp, thanked him for his efforts, and ended with a request to “keep up the fight.” Purcell, who lives on Beacon Hill today with Jasmin and their three children, received a standing ovation from Rotarians.
President Cindy opened the meeting with Howard Crabtree leading an acapella version of the day’s anthem, American the Beautiful. Anna Liotta provided the day’s inspiration, which included a quote from Maya Angelou that “good done anywhere is good done everywhere.” Liz Powell shared an upcoming networking opportunity on Thursday, October 18 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Seattle Glassblowing Studio for Rotarians and non-Rotarians in a fun venue with a professional speaker highlighting the importance of relationships.
David Endicott provided the day’s Seattle Rotary Service Foundation Flash, highlighting how contributions from SRSF have made a difference in lives of students in need. Specifically, via Seattle Rotary’s Music4Life effort, we’ve provided 2,036 musical instruments to students in need in public schools across Puget Sound.
Jan Levy, former executive director of Leadership Tomorrow, introduced us to Purcell, a Leadership Tomorrow alum. Levy spoke of Purcell’s recognition as one of the best and brightest young lawyers as he served in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the General Counsel, and later in Perkin Coie’s Litigation and Appellate practices. Speaking of Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s appointment of Purcell to his current position in 2013, Levy quoted Ferguson’s tweet highlighting his pride and confidence in making the appointment. Levy finished noting that Purcell continues to support Franklin High’s mock trial team in his spare time.
President Cindy closed the meeting with encouragement that Purcell should join us a member of Seattle 4, saying he extolls the virtues of Rotarians.
