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This CLE has been approved for 1 Ethics (General) WSBA Credit | Activity ID #: 2083199
"Is There a Duty to Advise Our Clients of the Sex Offender Civil Commitment Consequence under RPC 1.1, State v. A.N.J., Padilla v. Kentucky, and State v. Sandoval?"
A session from WACDL's Sex Offense CLE at Everett Community College on Friday, February 20, 2026
Faculty:Ken Chang graduated from the University of Washington Law School and started his career as a public defender in January of 1996. He worked in Seattle Municipal Court and Juvenile Court. After being disillusioned by the fact that our juvenile system did nothing to help kids, beginning in 1998, Ken went into private practice with Campiche Hepburn McCarty and Bianco. During this time, he was actively involved in civil plaintiffs’ litigation involving Maritime injuries, Premise Liability, Motor Vehicle accidents, Wage and Hour claims, and Products Liability. During this time he also volunteered at the King County Neighborhood Legal Clinic, as well as with the Korean American Bar Association’s Free Legal Clinic. Ken continues to be active in plaintiff’s personal injury practice and possesses a deep well of practical experience and knowledge. In December of 2003 Ken returned to public defense to work on District Court DUI cases, which he enjoyed immensely. After three years of DUI work, he handled serious felony cases before entering civil commitment practice with clients committed pursuant to RCW 71.09. He became the supervisor of his division in 2011. Ken has emphasized a practice of working with long-term clients to get them hearings and release plans that the clients themselves work toward. He inspired the division he came to supervise with his creative approaches and willingness to assist all staff in any way possible. Additionally, Ken has been awarded by the Washington Defender Association for his work and leadership. He gives presentations statewide and has also provided testimony and guidance in Washington state legislative hearings. When the public defender agency became subsumed within county government, he joined forces with his former colleagues to create this locally owned law firm to serve the community as a free agent.
This CLE was recorded on February 20, 2026.