Over the last four decades, we have seen a lot of changes in Thurston County. Many other family law firms have come and gone, but we have remained strong, and continued to grow, thanks to support from our community. We reciprocate that support by providing high-quality service to our clients, creating a work environment that encourages personal growth and independence for our staff, and sponsoring community events, activities, and organizations that enrich the lives of the people that they touch.
Frank Morris Reaches 40 Year Milestone
On May 17th, 2017, Frank Morris, founding partner of Morris – Sockle, reached his 40th anniversary of law practice. Frank has an impressive list of accomplishments within those 40 years and commemorated his achievement at the Morris – Sockle headquarters in Olympia, WA. Friends, family, and associates joined Frank for a ‘Happy Hour Gathering’ that was put together by his partner, Jeanne Sockle.
Frank Morris Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Over 4 Decades of Practice in Thurston County
May 17th, 2017 marked 40 years that Olympia attorney, Frank Morris, has been practicing law.
After graduating from the University of Puget Sound School of Law with High Distinction, Frank has spent the last 40 years litigating complex legal claims.
He has successfully tried thousands of family law/divorce, medical malpractice, and personal injury cases.
His reputation often precedes him, as he has an excellent record in the courtroom and is well-known for being a skilled negotiator and aggressive trial lawyer. Frank has won million dollar claims and been successful in highly contested custody cases. Frank particularly enjoys working on difficult cases to win the best possible results for his clients.
Frank is the founding member of Morris – Sockle, PLLC.
Interview with Frank Morris and Jeanne Sockle
DLFM: What made you decide to be an attorney?
Frank Morris: I know it sounds corny, but I like fighting for the underdog. Insurance companies like to bully the little guys. Tough attorneys help level the playing field. Too many attorneys avoid the complex cases, but that is where we are really needed.
DLFM: You’re from Vancouver and attended law school in Tacoma, how did you end up practicing law in Olympia?
Frank Morris: I came to Olympia in 1970 and ‘71 as a Governor’s Intern. After a couple of more years in the political circle, law school was a good alternative as a way to keep fighting for important issues without running for public office.
DLFM: What has been the most rewarding aspect of practicing law?
Frank Morris: Two appearances before the Supreme Court, where I was able to make changes in the existing case law.
DLFM: 40 years practicing law is a major milestone. What would you say is one key factor in your success?
Frank Morris: Great staff that really did all of the hard work, while I had fun in the courtroom.
DLFM: Speaking of staff… Jeanne, before you became an attorney, and ultimately partners, Frank was your mentor. What was the most important thing you learned from him about the practice of law?
Jeanne Sockle: Be prepared – analyze your position, and that of your opponent, and know your strengths and your weaknesses better than your opposition.
DLFM: How instrumental was Frank in your decision to go from Paralegal to Attorney?
Jeanne Sockle: Frank was a key component in both my decision to go from paralegal to attorney and in my success in doing so. He was motivational in my belief that I was capable of becoming an attorney and he set a great example of the kind of attorney that I wanted to be. I was also supremely lucky that Frank first studied to be a teacher and, even though he chose another career path, he is very skilled in teaching and guiding others through complex analysis. He successfully mentored me through my legal studies, for which I will be eternally grateful.
DLFM: You’ve been working with Frank for the majority of his 40 years practicing law. What is your fondest memory of working with Frank over the last 27 years.
Jeanne Sockle: I have a whole host of fond memories over nearly 27 years of working together. The sweetest always focus on our successes on behalf of, particularly deserving clients. Frank presenting his case at the Supreme Court was a very big day. The most poignant memories are often, unfortunately, associated with devastating circumstances and difficult litigation. There were a few specific particularly hard-fought settlements that he negotiated that were bittersweet, such as one for the wrongful death of a stillborn baby, another for the traumatic death of a young father and husband witnessed by his family, and a settlement achieved while we watched our client wither and die from a missed diagnosis of prostate cancer.
They are all part of the wars that we have fought on behalf of our clients. Frank has always championed the underdog, and as deserving as our clients have been, they were always the underdog when fighting for justice against the insurance industry.
DLFM: What is one of your fondest memories of your career as an attorney?
Frank Morris: Seeing a quadriplegic client doing great, 10 years after I fought the holy war for her.
DLFM: Jeanne, what has been your proudest moment working alongside Frank?
Jeanne Sockle: My proudest personal moment was when I was sworn in as an attorney at the Temple of Justice by the Supreme Court Chief Justice. It was the culmination of my journey of more than six years to becoming a licensed attorney. It was a tough road that I very likely would not have accomplished without Frank’s support, mentoring, and guidance. Otherwise, I am most proud of our current success in shifting the focus of our firm, and building and growing a dynamic family law practice. We are breaking new ground on a daily basis and I am very proud of our success.
DLFM: Jeanne, what do you admire most about Frank?
Jeanne Sockle: What I admire most about Frank cannot be answered in a single word. He is a complex and multi-talented character. He is incredibly smart. He is a phenomenally generous person. He is a skilled attorney and an astute businessman. He is not afraid to challenge authority or to buck the establishment. But primarily, he is good person who has dedicated his life to doing the right thing and fighting for justice through our legal system for people who could not fight for themselves. He has had a career of distinction and served both our clients and our profession very well. Frank is a person who sets his mind on a goal and succeeds in almost every instance. All are very admirable qualities.
DLFM: How has your approach to practicing law evolved over the years?
Frank Morris: We do less trials and more mediation.
DLFM: You have a reputation for being an aggressive trial lawyer. Has trial law’s golden age passed or have we yet to reach it?
Frank Morris: I am a Trial Lawyer, and always will be. It does not matter – trials, arbitrations, or mediations – thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy are required for every case. When I cannot provide that it will be time to retire. But I do fear that the golden age for real courtroom advocacy has passed. Juries now want a down-and-dirty, Law & Order type of trial. Not great lawyering.
DLFM: What has been the biggest change(s) in the way law is practiced since you first began?
Frank Morris: Computers.
DLFM: Any words of wisdom for young lawyers just beginning their careers?
Frank Morris: When practicing is no longer fun and exciting, find a new career.
Frank’s 40th Anniversary Celebration
Paul Posadas, Stuart Shelton, Steve Foster, Jeanne Sockle, and Frank Morris enjoy the Happy Hour Gathering at Morris – Sockle
Ashley Lindeman, Stephanie Baumann, Saroeun Simeon, Stuart Shelton, Steve Foster, Peyton Morris, Frank Morris, and Shannon Morris enjoy the feast.
Harold Carr, Frank Morris, Bill Pope, Terry Church, and Carter Hick gather to acknowledge Frank’s milestone accomplishment
Paul Posadas of Morris – Sockle wins Client Satisfaction Award
Frank Morris and Jeanne Sockle, co-founders of Morris – Sockle, have been recognized by Newsweek Magazine as a ‘Premier Law Firm 2017′ and have been featured in the Legal Insights section of their publication in an article titled ‘How to get Great Legal Representation in 2017′.
Proud Supporter of the Nisqually Land Trust
Contact us if you would like more information on how you can contribute to this deserving cause as well.
Jeanne Sockle Recognized as ‘Woman of Influence’
In its 13th year, the Puget Sound’s Business Journal has recognized our very own Jeanne Sockle as a ‘Woman of Influence’ in 2016. This exclusive club of women have helped shape the South Sound business community into the thriving hub that it is today.
Proud Sponsor of ‘Once’ at the Washington Center for Performing Arts
We were happy to have the opportunity to be a part of bringing the National Broadway tour of ‘Once’ to the Washington Center for Performing Arts here in Olympia. Our staff was able to attend the show and it was everything that we hoped it would be. The acting, singing, and set use was amazing and we look forward to more opportunities of this caliber in the future!
Halloween is a Treat at the Morris – Sockle Office
Boo! Morris-Sockle throws the best client, family oriented, Halloween parties of all time! Check out the pictures from our recent Halloween Parties.
Paul Posadas’ 10th Anniversary Celebration
Morris – Sockle has been recognized as one of ’10 Best Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction’ by the American Institute of Legal Counsel.
Supporters of the Harlequin Theatre in downtown Olympia
Contact us if you would like more information on how you can contribute to this deserving cause as well.
Saint Martin University’s President’s Gala
Contact us if you would like more information on how you can contribute to this deserving cause as well.
Recognized by the National Association of Family Law Attorneys
Morris – Sockle has been recognized as one of the ‘Nation’s Premier Family Law Attorneys’ by the National Association of Family Law Attorneys.
We are Proud to Support the Wounded Warrior Project
Contact us if you would like more information on how you can contribute to this deserving cause as well.
Morris – Sockle is Awarded with the ‘Legal Elite’ title
Morris – Sockle has been awarded the ‘Legal Elite’ title by Corp America Magazine.
Sponsorship of The Olympia Symphony Orchestra
Contact us if you would like more information on how you can contribute to this deserving cause as well.
Recognized as ‘Lawyers of Distinction’
Morris – Sockle has been recognized as ‘Lawyers of Distinction’ by PR Newswire.