Heidi Urness

Assistant Professor

Full-Time Faculty

Biography

Professor Urness’s career is rooted in rigorous legal research, persuasive writing, and clear communication—skills recognized through honors such as the Burton Distinguished Legal Writing Award, a Chambers “Notable Practitioner,” and multiple selections by Super Lawyers. Throughout her work in public service and private practice, Professor Urness has contributed to the authorship of hundreds of memoranda, pleadings, and transactional documents, and successfully argued a wide range of motions before trial and appellate courts and administrative agencies alike, often involving novel legal issues.

Professor Urness also consistently mentors junior attorneys and law students, offering detailed, constructive feedback on their legal writing and analysis, with the understanding that individualized guidance is critical to helping young advocates grow as confident legal thinkers. As a proud Don, Professor Urness looks forward to returning to the classroom where her own passion for legal research and writing first took root, and contributing meaningfully to the LRWA program.

Expertise

  • Legal research
  • Legal writing
  • Cannabis law

Appointments

  • Cannabis Editorial Board, Law360 (2023-2024)
  • WSBA Editorial Advisory Committee (2018-2020)

Education

  • JD, School of Law, University of San Francisco (2011)
  • BA in Psychology, Wake Forest University (2008)

Awards & Distinctions

  • "Rising Star” – Super Lawyers (2023, 2024, 2025)
  • "Distinguished Legal Writing Award” – Burton Awards (2024)
  • "Notable Practitioner” – Chambers Legal Guide (2024)
  • "Woman in Cannabis Award (Legal Services)” – Green Market Report (2024)
  • "Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyer” – Cannabis Law Report & Cannabis Law Journal (2021 -Present)

Selected Publications