Washington Employment Benefits Advocates, PLLC

Attorney Rory O’Sullivan

Rory is a founding partner of Washington Employment Benefits Advocates, PLLC. He grew up in the Seattle area and spent a year teaching English in China after high school. He earned a double degree in International Studies and Economics from the University of Washington and worked for Congressman Jim McDermott in Washington, D.C. before receiving his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. After clerking for Judge Edward Shea in the Eastern District of Washington, Rory dedicated his career to legal aid and poverty law, representing homeowners facing foreclosure and later serving as Managing Attorney for the King County Bar Association’s Housing Justice Project. He previously served as an Administrative Law Judge hearing unemployment insurance appeals and founded WEBA to help individuals better understand their rights within the unemployment insurance system.

Bar Admissions

• Washington State
• Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
• United States Supreme Court

Education

• Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, District of Columbia
  
  • J.D. – 2006
  • Law Journal: Eyes on the ICC, Editor (2004–2006)
• University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
  
  • B.A. – 2001
  • Honors: With High Honors
  • Major: International Studies and Economics

Professional Memberships and Achievements

• Argued cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Washington State Supreme Court
• Former Adjunct Professor, University of Washington School of Law and Seattle University School of Law
• Published works in Seattle University Law Journal, Gonzaga Law Review, and Blackpast.org
• Op-eds published in The Seattle Times and Real Change

Attorney Jacob Wicks

Jacob Wicks is a Partner whose practice focuses on employment law. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law, graduating with distinction.

Education

• University of Iowa College of Law, Iowa City, Iowa
  
  • J.D.
  • Honors: With Distinction

Attorney Ryan Agnew

Ryan Agnew has practiced law since 2011 and focuses on administrative law, business transactions, and regulatory compliance. He is currently an attorney and, outside of work, enjoys cooking and spending time with his family and friends.

Bar Admissions

• Washington
• Arkansas
• Missouri

Attorney Marrene Franich

Marrene Franich is a dedicated legal professional with a background in education and civil rights advocacy. She earned her Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law, where she served as Research & Technical Editor for the Seattle Journal for Social Justice, following a distinguished 20+ year career as an educator teaching middle and high school. Her passion for advocacy, education, and justice drives her commitment to serving individuals and communities through her legal work.

Bar Admissions

• Washington State

Education

• Seattle University School of Law, Seattle, Washington
  
  • Juris Doctor
  • Law Journal: Seattle Journal for Social Justice, Research & Technical Editor
• University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
  
  • B.A., Bachelor of Arts

Professional Memberships and Achievements

• Washington State Bar Association, Member

Attorney Leslie Edwards

Leslie Edwards is a lifelong Seattle resident who is committed to legal aid and helping people navigate challenging situations with a compassionate, client-centered approach. During law school, Leslie completed a Health Law Concentration and focused on public interest law. She gained experience helping clients with health care and housing issues through internships with the Northwest Justice Project, where she assisted clients fighting improper insurance denials and discharge from long-term care facilities, and the Washington State Bar Association’s Moderate Means Program, where she helped clients facing housing and family law problems access legal assistance. Leslie also interned with the UCLA Voting Rights project, completed a Hazelton Research Fellowship in procedural election law, and participated in UW’s Regulatory Environmental Law and Policy clinic. Before attending law school, Leslie spent nearly a decade working in health policy and advocacy in Washington state. This included both working directly with community members struggling to access care as well as legislative and regulatory advocacy to address systemic barriers. Outside of work, you can find Leslie hiking and playing clarinet with professional orchestras across the greater Seattle area.

Education

• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington
  • Juris Doctor (Health Law Concentration) - 2025
  • Honors: Graduated with Honors
  • Honors: Order of the Coif
  • Law Review: Washington Law Review, Chief Articles Editor
• University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
  • Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Bachelor of Music in Orchestra Instruments
  • Honors: Certificate in European Union Studies
  • Honors: Graduated cum laude and with College and Departmental Honors

Attorney Connor Sivage

Connor Sivage grew up in Portland, Oregon, where he rowed crew during high school and university. He worked with Eid Passport, Inc., a domestic military Anti-Terrorism Force Protection and Access Control contractor, supporting Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 and later administering FBI Channeler background screening programs. After relocating to Tacoma in 2013, Connor completed a Fast-Track Manager Program with Jiffy Lube, ultimately managing the Gig Harbor store and participating in a District-Manager-in-Training program. Prior to joining WEBA, he volunteered to assist claimants beginning in 2020 and created a free public social media community designed to help individuals understand complex processes through shared resources and guidance.

Education

• Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
  
  • Biology – Pre-Medicine
  • Spanish Language
• Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
  
  • Linguistics

Professional Memberships and Achievements

• International Baccalaureate, Higher Level with International Studies Center (120 hours volunteering)
• Most Outstanding Spanish Student, 2004
• San Diego Crew Classic, Men’s Varsity 8+, 1st Place, 2003
• U.S. Collegiate Nationals, Varsity, 13th Place, 2005