Executive Profiles
The 2014 Executive Excellence Awards: J. Shan Mullin
By Gianni Truzzi, Leslie Helm & John Levesque January 20, 2014
This article originally appeared in the February 2014 issue of Seattle magazine.
J. Shan Mullin, Partner, Perkins Coie LLP
As a young associate at the law firm Perkins Coie, Shan Mullin eagerly started working with the board of United Way, ultimately helping the Seattle branchs charitable campaign become one of the largest in the country.
That first endeavor led to 56 more years of community involvement. When you serve on one board, pretty soon theres another ask, Mullin explains. Even as a prized partner in the law firms business practice, he has served on the boards of the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle, the Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation, University of Washington Medicine and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, where he helped start the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. He also helped found the Alliance for Education to help improve Seattle schools.
Mullin joined Perkins Coie because it encouraged associates to participate in community work. Now, as a longtime partner, he encourages young lawyers to do the same, and helps those who are so inclined to find opportunities that match their interests.
Community service, he advises them, isnt required by the firm, but is a very worthwhile way to spend some time. Ive felt that way my whole life and its very rewarding.