Introducing the 2025–2026 Gregoire Fellows

The Gregoire Fellows pose together for a group photo.

The University of 鶹 of Law is proud to announce its 2025-2026 Gregoire Fellows: Brayden Dini, Trent Jensen, Isaac K. Lam, Emily Murphy, Sophie Ossorio, Paige Saller, Jai-Lynn Taylor and Sydney Williams.

Since 2015, the Gregoire Fellows Program has recognized students for their academic and professional achievements, unique perspectives and experiences and their leadership potential. The program provides Fellows an opportunity to engage across a broad range of experiences and practice areas within the legal profession, which is especially meaningful to law students without prior exposure to the breadth and depth of the legal profession. The program is named in honor of former Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire who also participates as a mentor.

Fellows spend the summer following their first year of law school gaining invaluable legal experience. Fellows work 10 weeks, with their time split between a major corporate law firm and either a Seattle-based corporation or government agency.


The Gregoire Fellows Program is made possible thanks to generous support from the following sponsors:

Law Firms

  • Ballard Spahr LLP
  • Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
  • K&L Gates LLP
  • Ogden Murphy Wallace PLLC
  • Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
  • Pacifica Law Group LLP
  • Perkins Coie LLP
  • Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt PC
  • Stoel Rives LLP

Organizations

  • Amazon
  • King County Prosecutor’s Office
  • Microsoft Corp.
  • Nintendo of America Inc.
  • Starbucks Corp.
  • Washington State Attorney General
  • Weyerhaeuser Co.

Brayden Dini

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Gonzaga University

Brayden Dini

Through their undergraduate studies and career, Brayden Dini used their voice to promote belonging and accountability. Working at a medical school, they organized a coalition of doctors, educators and Tribal leaders to create pathways to medical school for Indigenous students. Dini also served as an active responder to legal changes impacting higher education, medicine and Tribal communities. This inspired Dini to pursue a legal career and promote access to legal services in all communities. “Being a Gregoire Fellow is the next step towards having a seat at the table to address pressing issues in our modern world,” said Dini. “By building a workforce that reflects our society, I hope to leave a positive impact on the communities that contributed to my personal and professional development. The Gregoire Fellows Program will help me to hone the skills necessary to become a leader pursuing inclusive excellence within the legal community.”


Trent Jensen

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of Washington

Trent Jensen

Throughout his undergraduate career at the University of Washington, Trent Jensen explored the themes of equity and opportunity. He interned at the U.S. House of Representatives, where he witnessed the individual impact of the inequality he had studied. After earning his bachelor’s degree, Jensen worked as a paralegal at a plaintiffs’ firm in Seattle, where he witnessed firsthand how law and policy impact everyday citizens. His research and lived experiences motivate Jensen to use his legal education to uplift marginalized groups and foster a cooperative path to growth between business and communities in the Northwest.

“As a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, I feel that my experiences position me to use corporate law as a platform to promote environmental sustainability and inclusivity within the Northwest’s legal and business communities,” said Jensen. As a Gregoire Fellow, I will gain valuable experience and connect with mentors who will prepare me to successfully enter this legal discipline.”


Isaac K. Lam

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, University of Washington
Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science & Engineering, University of Delaware

Isaac K. Lam

As a first-generation college graduate, Isaac K. Lam has achieved many more firsts in his family, including first to obtain a Ph.D., and first to attend law school. In his career as an engineer, Isaac has lived across the nation and worked in both start-up and Fortune 500 company environments. During these experiences, he has had the opportunity to work on a multitude of technical topics including chemical engineering, materials science, software development, data science, biotechnology, renewable energy and semiconductors.

“I plan to use my technical expertise and understanding of scientific communication to bridge the gap between deeply technical innovators and the legal community. The opportunities that I will be afforded through the Gregoire Fellowship will allow me to jump-start my participation at the cutting edge of IP development and technology law,” said Lam. “In doing so, I plan to use my unique position at the intersection of science and the law to help young engineers who — like I once did — have big ideas and just need a little help implementing them.”


Emily Murphy

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Graduate Certificate in Financial Economics, Purdue University

Emily Murphy

Emily Murphy previously worked in banking regulation at the Federal Reserve and in affordable housing at the Washington State Department of Commerce. In these roles, she witnessed the complexities of the current regulatory and legal frameworks. Seeing how difficult these systems are to navigate and watching her work transform into real homes for those in greatest need motivated her to pursue a legal career so she can make an even more direct and meaningful impact on her community.

“The Gregoire Fellows Program will provide me with the resources and support to learn how to best serve my community throughout my legal career. During my time in public service, I saw the impact even seemingly small changes in the law can have on outcomes,” said Murphy. “I hope to use my prior experience and the resources the program will provide to help ensure our legal and governmental systems consistently improve the lives of the people they serve.”


Sophie Ossorio

Master of Arts in International Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Near East Studies, University of Washington

Sophie Ossorio

After graduating from the University of Washington, Sophie Ossorio worked for Starbucks as an analyst, focusing on political developments in Latin America. In addition to her current legal studies, Ossorio is working toward becoming a certified mediator through the Snohomish County Dispute Resolution Center’s practicum, which has given her the opportunity to co-mediate property division and parenting plan disputes. Ossorio is excited to apply her alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and language skills (Arabic, Persian and Spanish) to serve her community.

“I am grateful to 鶹 Law and its sponsors who support the Gregoire Fellowship, and I look forward to collaborating with partner organizations this summer. It is an honor to have the opportunity to learn from Governor Christine Gregoire — the state's first woman to be elected attorney general, who has advocated for the people of Washington throughout her career. She inspires my advocacy, and I intend to carry her wisdom forward through impactful litigation and leadership.


Paige Saller

Bachelor of Arts, Politics & Government, University of Puget Sound

Paige Saller

Experiential opportunities solidified Paige Saller’s interest in the law and its real-world implications. As chief justice of her student government’s judicial branch, she balanced student compassion with upholding institutional standards. Post-graduation, she worked as a legal assistant in commercial litigation, which afforded meaningful insight into client advocacy. These roles deepened her passion and commitment to engaging in spaces where law, policy and lived experience intersect.

“I am honored to have been selected for the Gregoire Fellowship. I would not be where I am today without the mentorship and support of my former colleagues, friends and family. As a first-generation law student, I am incredibly grateful for the continued support that the program will provide in enabling me to find my foothold in Seattle’s legal market,” said Saller. “I look forward to the day when I can give back by mentoring new attorneys, just as others have generously encouraged and guided me.”


Jai-Lynn Taylor

Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Minor in Writing Studies and Criminal Justice, Seattle University

Jai-Lyn Taylor

During and after her undergraduate years, Jai-Lynn Taylor worked as an administrative assistant at a firm specializing in personal injury defense and at a construction litigation firm. She also interned at the United State Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington. Her biggest takeaway was that strong advocacy met with compassion is key to making change and gaining the best outcome for clients.

“As a first-generation law student and Black woman, I understand the barriers within the legal field, and I am excited for the opportunities the Gregoire Fellowship fosters,” said Taylor. “Ultimately, I hope to represent a more diverse legal community and inspire others to enter the legal field.”


Sydney Williams

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, University of Washington

Sydney Williams

Sydney Williams's undergraduate education shaped her perspective on the intersection of business, law and advocacy. She managed a food cooperative for the Associated Students of the University of Washington, a role that allowed her to serve as both a businesswoman and an advocate to represent and assist students facing food insecurity. Williams has also served as an accounting intern in hospitality and an accounting teaching assistant. She spent the summer before law school taking all four CPA exams.

“I saw firsthand how legal structures and advocacy can create systemic change and shape the accessibility of resources. As a first-generation law student, the support of the Gregoire Fellowship is invaluable and will allow me to take my first step toward a career dedicated to working in the corporate legal sector while driving positive change,” said Williams. “As a Gregoire Fellow, I plan to utilize the power of legal activism to support businesses in achieving their goals that contribute to the betterment of society.”