Josh Shaer: Assistant Attorney General and Bellevue College Alum

Josh Schaer, 1994–96
Washington State Assistant Attorney General

Josh Schaer’s fascination with public service began in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a primary school student. 

“One day, I just called the mayor’s office. I think I was about 8 years old,” he said, adding that he was curious about what a mayor did, and the mayor was happy to tell him. “So, I got to know him, and he came to my primary school. It just got me interested in what people do in public service. That continued throughout my life.” 

After his mother moved to Bellevue, she encouraged Schaer to try classes at Bellevue College while still in high school. 

“Thirty years ago, I had to take a test,” he recalled. “I remember it because it was in the spring, and my allergies were going crazy.”         

Despite sneezing his way through the exam, he passed. By 1996, Schaer had completed both his high school and his associate degree. 

“Now my oldest daughter is at Bellevue College through Running Start, and she did not have to take a test,” he said. “So, it’s a bit different now.” 

Schaer remembers taking political science courses throughout his time at Bellevue College, as well as a business law class. He also enjoyed the math and science classes he had access to.  But he particularly remembers the faculty’s kindness when an accident left him living in a hotel.     

“A water main in our apartment broke during my first quarter,” Schaer said. “My mom and I had to move out and stay in a temporary place. I didn’t have the usual resources to write my term paper, and I had to turn in my paper handwritten, but it was fine.” 

Following the completion of his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, Schaer was admitted to the UW School of Law and earned his Juris Doctor (JD) in 2001. This led to a career in law and ultimately a position with the State of Washington as an Assistant Attorney General. He currently works in the Torts Division.  

“We see a wide range of issues,” he said.  “Employment, civil rights, and all sorts of different things. I definitely enjoy the variety. Also, with my love of public service, I’m proudly able to say that I represent the people of Washington state.”        

As a way to give back to the institution, Schaer decided to join the Bellevue College Foundation’s Board of Directors, which fundraises and provides scholarships for students.          

“The college is so well-done and so engaged with students,” he said. “It’s local. It’s a smaller campus, even though it has grown over the last 30 years, and it’s in the community. It was a meaningful time in my life, and I enjoyed the experience so much.”