Karamvir K. Dhaliwal

While I began law school with a strong focus on immigration law, my first summer internship was at a family law firm. I quickly developed a passion for family law as I experienced the legal complexities, heightened emotions, and meaningful outcomes involved in each case. I quickly learned that no two divorces are the same. People often come to us during one of the most difficult periods of their lives, and it is our responsibility to help ease the fear and uncertainty surrounding the legal process while ensuring clients feel heard, supported, and effectively advocated for.

It is somewhat ironic that I ultimately chose family law because I come from a community where divorce is often considered taboo. Growing up, I was not exposed to divorce very often, but I was exposed to unhappy marriages. I believe that being able to talk openly about divorce can be incredibly empowering. It provides individuals with the knowledge, perspective, and tools needed to make informed decisions about leaving unhealthy or unhappy relationships.

I graduated from the University of Washington in 2016 with my bachelor’s degree and earned my J.D. from Seattle University School of Law in 2020. During law school, I participated in the Gender Violence Immigration Clinic and externed with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. Through that work, I helped secure relief for an LGBTQ asylum seeker, assisted with a U-visa case for a survivor of domestic violence, and worked on various naturalization matters. My experience supporting survivors of domestic violence in immigration cases has given me the ability to navigate the sensitive domestic violence issues that can arise in family law matters with care and compassion.

Outside of work, I enjoy trying new recipes, playing volleyball, and spending time with my family.

Being able to talk about divorce openly is empowering. It gives individuals the knowledge and tools to make the decision to leave an unhappy or unhealthy relationship.