Masterful Support

Ken '92 and Kara '93 Masters met in law school while Ken was a teaching assistant for David Skover's Constitutional Law class and as he puts it, "she married me anyway." 

"Kara and I received a great legal education at University of Puget Sound School of Law," he said. "When the law school moved, Seattle University wrapped their arms around us immediately and made us feel we were a valued part of the community. I knew right away my degree would always have worth. In fact its value has risen as a result of the school's focus on academics and social justice."

They are members of the law school's Dean's Club, the leadership giving group made up of those who contribute at least $1,000 annually to support the Annual Fund for Excellence.

"Dean Niles is an outstanding leader for the school, and I know we are in good hands," Ken said. "We are proud to support his work and the work of the school's faculty and students through the Dean's Club."

The law school provided the foundation for their accomplished careers. Following a 14-year partnership with now Supreme Court Justice Charles K. Wiggins, Ken continued the firm as Masters Law Group, and made his senior associate, Shelby Frost Lemmel '02, his new partner.  Kara is a principal and executive committee member at the Seattle firm Skellenger Bender, where she also oversees human resources. She says one of her newest "star associates" is Hillary Madsen '08.

The two are committed to legal education and increasing access to justice. They are often found at the law school judging Moot Court appellate competitions. Through their own projects, they serve the most vulnerable in our communities. Ken is recognized for his leadership in chairing numerous state and local bar committees and has received the WSBA President's Commendation for Pro Bono work every year since 2004. Kara volunteered for many years for New Beginnings, a local organization serving domestic violence survivors and their children. She started out cooking in the shelter kitchen, then served as a board member and ended her three terms as board president. 

 "It's easy to support a law school whose focus is on social justice," she said.