It's late, so I'm hoping that the diary rules relax a little bit and I can put in something pretty self-indulgent. This is another "where should I live?" diary, but it's very, very focused.
I have to decide over the next couple of weeks what bar exam I will take in July; until now I have been practicing in New York. It will either be Washington or Oregon, where the weather suits my gray and temperate preferences. The plan is, whichever bar I take, I would hope to settle in that state pretty much permanently (if I stay in the U.S.)
So I'd like to ask people, based on the information and questions found in extended, where I should live. The more vicious the fraternal Pacific Northwestern internecine squabbling, the better.
Here's the situation: I'm an attorney, mid-40s (second career, after formerly teaching), very healthy resume, but not really interested in practicing commercial litigation anymore if I can help it. High income unnecessary, but I don't want to make less than a public interest lawyer. A public interest position (if I can afford it) would be great; work in election law or some other progressive field would be good; other possibilities consistent with a progressive outlook would be fine. I do not know much about the firms in either state. (If you know of great progressive firms in either location, especially small to midsize ones, I'd love to hear about them.) I expect that I'd live in one of the "usual suspects" -- Seattle, Olympia, Portland, Eugene -- but am open to hearing about other great places. West of the mountains, please.
I lived in Seattle for a year and liked it; I visited Portland and liked it; I have no strong current ties to either city. I'd like to leave a smaller footprint on the earth in terms of energy and resources than I have thus far; I don't need to be right in the midst of vibrant culture; I do care about having a good circle of congenial friends. Where do I have the best odds of making the sort of life I'd like?
Any ideas or comments? I need to send out my application soon. Thanks!