PORT ANGELES — Holly McKeen, Clallam County’s newest deputy prosecuting attorney, took an unconventional path to the legal profession.

McKeen, who was sworn in as a general practice attorney Sept. 20, completed the APR6, or Admission to Practice Rule 6, curriculum instead of attending law school.

McKeen had been working as a Rule 9 legal intern in the Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney’s office before she was promoted to deputy prosecuting attorney Sept. 20.

“I am currently living the dream,” McKeen said in a Thursday interview.

Prosecuting Attorney Mark Nichols, who presided over McKeen’s swearing-in ceremony, described the occasion as a “really historic event for Clallam County.”

“At least to my knowledge, I am unaware of another individual who has traveled that path,” Nichols said.

McKeen began the four-year APR6 program in January 2015.

At that time, she was working as a full-time legal assistant in the Port Angeles City Attorney’s Office.

“We decided law school would not be feasible for our family,” said McKeen, who is married to Lt. Joel McKeen of Clallam County Fire District 3 and is raising three children, ages 11, 12 and 12.

About half of those who begin the rigorous program leave within the first year.

“For the first couple of years, it was like learning a new language, a new way to think,” McKeen said.

“It wasn’t easy, but it worked for me. I was able to accomplish my goals while working and having a family.”

McKeen was mentored, supported and supervised by Heidi Greenwood, former Assistant Port Angeles city attorney and current Port Townsend city attorney; Port Angeles City Attorney Bill Bloor; Chris Cowgill, former Port Angeles assistant city attorney and Michele Devlin, Clallam County chief criminal deputy prosecuting attorney, among others.

Unlike in law school where students prepare for exams in study groups, the APR6 program was “isolating” for McKeen.

“You’re in this by yourself,” she said. “You’re a class of one.”

McKeen took the bar exam July 30 and 31 and learned that she had passed Sept. 13.

More than 50 of McKeen’s family, friends and supporters attended the Sept. 20 ceremony. McKeen took the oath of attorney and was sworn in as a deputy prosecuting attorney by County Auditor Shoona Riggs.

“It was really humbling,” McKeen said.

“Each and every person in that room has impacted my journey in some way or another.”

McKeen grew up in Cathlamet, a small town in southwest Washington.

Her stepfather, Fred Johnson, was a long-time Wahkiakum County prosecuting attorney and coroner.

“I grew up with the body bag in the back of our car,” McKeen said in a telephone interview.

“I had a fascination with criminal law at a really young age.”

McKeen earned an associates degree at Clark College in Vancouver, Wash. She received a bachelor’s equivalent at Peninsula College after moving to Port Angeles in 2009.

McKeen will continue to practice criminal law in District Court, she said.

“Criminal law is definitely where it’s at,” McKeen said.

“You get to work with people. You get to help people.”

Neupert, who presides over Port Angeles-based Clallam County District Court 1, said McKeen is “always professional and courteous” in the courtroom.

“I have been a first-hand witness to your professionalism throughout your work in the District Court,” Neupert told McKeen.

“You’ve gone into the right line of work.”

Nichols presented McKeen with a personnel action form memorializing her promotion from Rule 9 legal intern to deputy prosecuting attorney.

“We are so thrilled and privileged to have you join our ranks.” Nichols said.

Said McKeen: “They say that when you have a job that you enjoy you’ll never work a day in your life.”

“That’s how I feel,” McKeen said. “I feel like I’m where I belong.”

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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.