February 8, 2022

Get to Know Pacifica – Erik Jennings

This week in Pacifica’s “Get to Know” series, we are highlighting partner Erik Jennings. Erik’s practice focuses on real property transactions, in particular, complex commercial leasing.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR AREA of PRACTICE AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT IT?

Like many other attorneys, I sort of stumbled into my area of practice. That is one of the funny things about law school, most people go into it thinking the areas in which attorneys can practice is much more limited than is reality. I knew I wanted to work on the more collaborative side of the law and real estate became a good fit for that. I enjoy seeing deals come together, especially when they involve really interesting projects which become tangible parts of the community.

WHY did YOU CHOOSE TO PRACTICE LAW AT PACIFICA LAW GROUP?

I started my practice in San Francisco, but as a WA native I knew that I wanted to eventually come “home” to the NW. When the time felt right, I started my search and was pleasantly surprised to come across a firm like Pacifica. The culture and values of the firm really spoke to my personality and the positive aspects I like in the legal world.

WHAT KINDS OF VOLUNTEER, PHILANTHROPIC, OR COMMUNITY EVENTS ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU?

I’ve been a part of a number of different volunteer endeavors both with Pacifica and outside of it, all of which are worthy of mention.

For several years I coached a run team and later a triathlon group that was focused on raising money for cancer research. During this time I got to meet several cancer survivors who directly benefitted from some of the research we were helping to fund, which was an incredible experience.

One area that I encourage people to contribute to is your local food bank. The importance of food banks has been ever more apparent during the pandemic and contributing time or money is easy! 

WHAT HOBBIES AND ACTIVITIES DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN OUTSIDE OF WORK?

My lifelong passion is distance running and racing. I’ve participated in events from 5ks to marathons and full-length triathlons.  In the past several years I’ve also taken up general aviation and try to fly to interesting spots each month.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PAST ADVENTURE?

My wife and I kayaked the length of the Napali Coast on Kauai awhile back. It made for a very long day but was one of the more memorable experiences I’ve had.