Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, Jay McEntire is a trial lawyer who has represented hundreds of clients in courts across the country.

His education and experience have Washington roots. Jay began as a federal law clerk for the Honorable Edward F. Shea in Eastern Washington. He later spent nearly fifteen years at the Federal Defenders of Eastern Washington and Idaho. There, Jay served as the senior litigator, standing next to clients charged with complex federal crimes including robbery, fraud, money laundering, terrorism, and first-degree murder. His dogged litigation won many case dismissals for his clients; it brought accountability to the government officials who abused his clients; and it changed the way courts and agencies practice. Jay took many cases to trial, all of which resulted in partial or complete acquittals—an achievement against the odds given federal prosecutors have a 99.6% conviction rate.

In addition to helping clients achieve their goals, Jay also teaches at the local and national levels. Locally, he has taught trial advocacy, advanced federal criminal procedure, and advanced legal writing at Gonzaga University School of Law, receiving awards for his commitment to teaching and public service. Nationally, he teaches about persuasive psychology and legal writing, speaking to tens of thousands of attorneys at events hosted by law schools, law firms, state government agencies, and the United States Courts.

Over the years, Jay has also served on various judicial committees, including the Conference Executive Committee for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which plans programs for federal judges and federal court practitioners. His love and aptitude for writing led him to serve as Editor-in-Chief of My Little Red Rules Book, a nationwide publication on federal courtroom practice, and to help rewrite the rules governing federal court practice. He attended college at Whitman and law school at Seattle University.

Jay joined Connelly Law Offices to work with a talented team focused on helping clients achieve their goals—no matter the odds.

Beyond work, Jay loves skiing, biking, triathlon, and all things grammar.