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Paine Hamblen second-oldest area law firm behind Witherspoon Kelley

Jane Brown, of Paine Hamblen LLP, talks about her career Thursday in Spokane. Brown is the first woman to be named a managing partner at a major Spokane law firm. (Tyler Tjomsland)
Jane Brown, of Paine Hamblen LLP, talks about her career Thursday in Spokane. Brown is the first woman to be named a managing partner at a major Spokane law firm. (Tyler Tjomsland)

Today's local business section had a quick story on Jane E. Brown, newly named managing partner at Spokane law firm Paine Hamblen.

The story noted it's the second oldest law firm in Spokane, having been started in 1893.

It's also supposedly one of the first five law firms in Washington state.

The oldest law firm in town?  Witherspoon Kelley, which was started in 1887.

Our story said Spokane has four full-service law firms. The truth is that we have five large law firms; in additiong to Witherspoon Kelley, Paine Hamblen, Lukins & Annis and Winston & Cashatt, the top firm list now includes Lee & Hayes.

Since that firm is only a few years into diversifying it practice areas, it can't yet be lumped into the full-spectrum law firm category.

Tom Sowa
Tom Sowa covers technology, retail and economic development and writes the Office Hours blog.