Cowiche Lawyers

I am a seasoned criminal defense attorney from Tacoma, Washington, with more than 26 years of experience in the field. My practice is primarily centered around criminal defense, where I have built a distinguished reputation for advocating for my clients and providing thorough legal guidance. In addition to my work in criminal defense, I have been a pioneer in cannabis law. I played a pivotal role in the legalization of medical and adult-use cannabis in Washington State. Currently, I am working to influence the state’s efforts to legalize and regulate psilocybin.

I am a criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of experience, deeply committed to justice and protecting the rights of the accused. Throughout my career, I have defended clients against a broad spectrum of charges, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, ensuring they receive fair treatment under the law. My approach to criminal defense is uniquely strategic, informed by my extensive understanding of both sides of the courtroom. Having previously served as a prosecuting attorney in King County, I gained invaluable insights into how the state constructs cases against defendants. Now, in my role as a criminal defense attorney, I...

Shelly focuses her practice on employment law and litigation, commercial litigation, products liability, construction law, insurance defense and coverage, and appellate advocacy. She represents individuals and businesses in all aspects of commercial and employment disputes and especially enjoys working with clients to help them understand the legal process. Shelly prides herself on being a tough advocate for her clients and finding strategic and creative solutions in tough cases.

Shelly joined GTH in 2011. A graduate of the University of Washington School of Law, she began her legal career in Alaska, first serving as a judicial law clerk for...

Before earning her law degree, magna cum laude, from Gonzaga University School and joining GTH in 1991, Margaret Archer was a financial analyst for Westinghouse Hanford Company. She puts her business acumen and insight into the world of finance to good use in her position as Chair of our Board of Directors and in her practice areas of land use, real estate litigation and commercial litigation.

James joined GTH after completing a clerkship for the former Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court. He focuses his practice pursuing trials in the areas of personal injury, catastrophic accidents, employment law, and insurance coverage.

He has briefed and argued multiple appeals, including cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Washington Supreme Court. In his practice he has represented families in wrongful death cases, victims in sexual abuse cases, and many returning U.S. service members who face discrimination or retaliation in the workplace.

When he’s not working, he’s blazing trails, scaling peaks, and skiing with his...

Rita is a founding partner and CEO of McKinley Irvin. With an eye toward the future, Rita works with the firm's leadership team to maintain McKinley Irvin’s commitment to excellence in law practice, client service, professionalism, and firm management. In addition to her work at McKinley Irvin, Rita is deeply involved in the Tacoma community and has served as a director on several local and professional boards. She currently serves on the Legal Pathways Community Advisory Board and as a Dressel Scholars Mentor at the University of Washington Tacoma. Additionally, Rita founded MI’s Black Law Student Mentorship Program where she...

Warren’s primary area of practice is labor and employment law. In this capacity, he represents employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, including discrimination, harassment, termination, wage-and-hour litigation, collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, and day-to-day advice.

If client loyalty and satisfaction are any measure of an attorney’s success, then Warren has a lot to proud of. After 30 years, he continues to represent his first legal client, a chain of locally owned grocery stores. In fact, he has worked for many of his clients for several decades. Some of his other long-term clients include Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma Housing Authority,...

Ellis McGehee Carter is a distinguished attorney specializing in corporate and tax matters for nonprofit, tax-exempt, and mission-based businesses, alongside advising donors on major gifts. With a profound dedication to serving organizations that make a significant impact, Ms. Carter leverages her extensive experience in nonprofit governance, tax law, and business transactions to provide unparalleled legal guidance. Her expertise extends to navigating complex tax issues for exempt entities, ensuring they remain compliant while advancing their mission. Ms. Carter's adeptness in handling intricate business transactions for nonprofits is evident through her work on reorganizations, the creation of affiliates and subsidiaries, and facilitating mergers,...

Andrea is a trial lawyer with an emphasis in business and employment litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants. She has successfully represented clients litigating shareholder, non-competition, and employment discrimination disputes, and obtained pre-trial injunctions. She has achieved jury verdicts enforcing her clients’ contract rights, represented clients in trust and estates disputes, and obtained protection for vulnerable adults. She also regularly represents clients in the areas of regulatory monitoring and advocacy, including extensive work in alcohol regulation and policy, and with Washington's Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Andrea joined GTH in 2005 after graduating from Seattle University School of Law,...

Stacy Heard is an attorney who practices exclusively family law in Seattle, Washington. Stacy has served clients for nearly 20 years in the Seattle area. Prior to and during law school, Stacy worked as a family law and civil litigation paralegal for 7 years. Her broad experience in family law includes cases involving complex financial issues, parenting plan/child custody issues, relocation, restraining orders, and child support issues. Prior to starting her own practice in 2005, she worked at a large Seattle civil litigation firm where she also gained valuable negotiation and litigation experience. Stacy chose to practice family law because she...

A skilled litigation attorney with more than 20 yeas of experience, Ed has achieved some of the highest verdicts and settlements in the country for victims of civil rights violations as a result of wrongful death and serious injury by police, as well as cases involving jail and prison abuse.

I have a different perspective than many Seattle DUI defense attorneys. After graduating in 1995 from Emory University in Atlanta, and obtaining my law degree (with honors) from Seattle University School of Law in 1999, I began my legal career as a DUI prosecutor. Working for the cities of Tukwila and Kirkland, I successfully prosecuted hundreds of DUI cases. But by 2002 I decided it would be best to focus my skills on advocating for those who have been accused of DUIs and other alcohol-related driving offenses. I joined the law firm of Stephen Hayne and by 2007 I became a named partner...

John is a international lawyer with multiple post graduate degrees from both U.S. and European schools. He is a certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Controls Specialist. He has extensive multifaceted experience in business law and litigation.

Nick is a trial attorney that joined Anderson Carey & Williams in 2015. Appearing for defendants and plaintiffs in federal and state courts throughout California, Arizona, Washington and other jurisdictions, Nick's litigation experienced includes successful resolutions of various Jones Act, food contamination, constructions defect, insurance bad faith, and product liability cases on behalf of many different businesses and individuals. Nick grew up in New Jersey and after highschool he attended New York University for undergraduate studies in music and business. After he graduated in 2007 with honors from NYU he moved over to Virginia for law school and attended...

Eric Johnson has practiced law throughout Washington, California and Minnesota for twenty-six years specializing in civil trial work. He has tried over fifty cases to jury verdict(s) in civil and criminal cases and is a top rated litigation attorney by peer review and by leading legal service directories. We defend or prosecute civil actions in the following areas of practice: Personal Injury/Wrongful Death: Claims concerning personal injury or death caused by alleged negligence; cases involving issues of product defect(s) (e.g., in motor vehicles, industrial tools, food, drugs); premises liability (e.g., claims alleging dangerous conditions...

Kristi O'Brien's practice is primarily in the area of business transactions and real estate transactions. Kristi represents business clients and medical practices in real estate, commercial, corporate planning, partnership, asset and stock purchase and sale, employment, and health law.

David T. Lyons is a shareholder with the Northwest law firm of Lyons | Sullivan. He concentrates his practice in business transactions. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Gonzaga University in 1977; his Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, from Gonzaga School of Law in 1979; and his Master of Science Financial Services in 1990. Mr. Lyons is a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice public accounting in the State of Washington and an attorney admitted to practice law in the States of Washington and Alaska.

Do you need assistance navigating the complex probate process? Lead Attorney Sheila Ridgway from Ridgway Law Group, P.S. has more than 28 years of legal experience in this area and she can help guide you every step of the way. She focuses primarily on probate issues such as estate and trust litigation, guardianship, TEDRA, will contests, elder law, fiduciary services and mediation. Sheila has taken on very contentious and challenging cases in the past, but she has a proven track record of case victories under her belt. Attorney Ridgway provides individualized representation to her clients that are tailored to meet...

Ed Hones is an employment lawyer in Seattle, Washington, who focuses exclusively on workers' rights. He handles cases involving discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, and wage theft. If you think you were the victim of an unlawful employment practice, contact Hones Law today for a free consultation.

Morgan Adams limits his practice to cases involving tractor trailers, buses, dump trucks, box trucks, and other commercial vehicles involving wrongful death and serious personal injury. With offices on the East Coast and West Coast he is able to handle cases nationally. He has helped injured clients in 42 states to date.

Ford Law Firm focuses exclusively on education law matters and is located in the Pacific Northwest. We are committed to serving parents and students from preschool to college with high-quality legal service. We believe in a collaborative student-centric approach that places students first. Our practice areas include Special Education, Civil Rights (Section 504, Title VI & Title IX), Student Discipline, Student Bullying and Harassment and Student Injuries.

Thaddeus D. Sikes practices workers compensation law, fighting for the rights of injured workers trapped in an L&I bureaucracy captured by employers who exert inappropriate influence through their multiple agents and representatives, adjusters, third party administrators, retro groups, and defense attorneys. The balance of power has shifted to employers, to the overwhelming detriment of workers. Mr. Sikes has dedicated his education, training and life's work to resetting the balance. Mr. Sikes received his law degree from Seattle University School of Law, and subsequently obtained his license to practice in the State of Washington in 2003. He exclusively represents injured...

I have been practicing law since 1990 when I graduated from a top-ranked Canadian law school, Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. After 3 years as a trial lawyer in Canada I moved to California where I gained admission to the California State Bar. I practiced law in West Hollywood California for 13 years until my relocation to Redmond, Washington in 2007. Since 2008 I have practiced family law in the Seattle area, and I have extensive trial experience in King County. While I love being able to fight for my clients in the courtroom I also recognize that fair settlements...

Behind Jennifer Payseno’s calm and deliberate demeanor are the intellect and ability of one of Seattle’s finest family law attorneys. Affiliated with McKinley Irvin since 1999, Jennifer is highly regarded throughout the legal community for her integrity, courtroom skills, and unwavering commitment to every family she serves.

Tatyana Gidirimski has handled every aspect of family law, including complex divisions of property, maintenance, parenting plans (including modifications and child relocations), child support, division of business assets, committed intimate relationships, prosecution and defense of restraining orders, domestic violence protection orders, and preparation and negotiation of prenuptial and other relationship agreements. Tatyana is highly cognizant of the toll - both financial and psychological - a contested family law matter can take on the client and strives to achieve an out-of-court resolution of the conflict whenever possible. She is skilled in dealing with high-conflict personalities and counsels clients on handling...

Caitlin has over 15 years of experience working in the legal field in Clark County, first as a paralegal and later as an attorney. Throughout her career, Caitlin's primary focus has been on family law. In addition to family law, Caitlin has experience working as a law clerk for a large Southwest Washington law firm where she gained additional experience in civil litigation, real estate litigation and business formation. While Caitlin has experience in a range of legal fields, she finds most satisfaction in representing litigants in family law matters. Recognizing that these transitions can be a difficult time for many...

Brian Edwards started his career in clinical psychology, where he often served as a court-appointed counselor for mentally ill patients. With his listening and conflict resolution skills, honed through his years as a therapist, and because he’s driven by a desire to help people who are going through difficult transitions, he chose to become a family law attorney. "This is the area of law that really matters the most. It touches on the most fundamental pieces of peoples’ lives: their family, their children, and their financial security." He has significant trial experience and is particularly knowledgeable in non-parental custody matters. He...

For almost thirty years, Michael Iaria has defended clients accused by the government of serious crimes. An accomplished and successful advocate, he has received the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers President's Award for "distinguished service in the highest traditions of the criminal defense bar." His peers have voted him a "Super Lawyer" each year since Washington Law & Politics Magazine began the award in 1999 and have selected him as one of the 100 best trial lawyers in Washington. Seattle Business Monthly has listed him as one of the best lawyers in Seattle. He has a "superb"...

In addition to a college degree in Labor Relations and a Law degree, Donna has specialized in employment and discrimination law throughout her career. She has adjudicated 120+ arbitration cases in the public and private sectors, mediated 100+ workplace disputes, served as a lead in contract negotiations, and co-chaired labor-management committees on numerous issues. Donna has served as a Hearing Officer, Arbitrator, Mediator, and organizational development consultant since 2012. Donna has developed job classification systems, evaluation protocols, and employee handbooks for nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Donna is the former Chair of the King County Bar Dispute Resolution Section, a former...

Patricia Pearson joined GTH in 2001 and is a member of our Labor and Employment group and Defense Litigation group where she represents and advises clients in a variety of matters including employment law and products liability. She particularly enjoys advising clients on all types of employment issues that arise and working with them to develop sound employment policies by drafting employment documents, including employee handbooks and non-compete agreements.

R. Glenn Phillips believes in fighting for justice for real people. He has been practicing since 1984 and has tried more than 100 civil jury trials. In addition, he has settled numerous million and multi-million dollar cases. Glenn understands that corporate America and the insurance companies have tried, and continued to try to deny real people access to justice. He believes strongly in the principle that all citizens have the right of access to the courts. Mr. Phillips owns Phillips Law Firm which operates in Washington, California and nationally handling serious personal injury, product liability, workman’s compensation, social security...

John M. Tymczyszyn is a third generation Washingtonian, Navy Veteran and trial attorney. After graduating from Bellevue High School he attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and served as the President of the Universities Naval Detachment. John served as a Naval Officer and received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and other awards. After his military service John worked for the U.S. House of Representatives. He served on the staff of the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, the Hon. Harry E. Mitchell. John attended the Seattle University School of Law and...

I was born in Washington and have always called Thurston County my home. I completed my undergraduate studies at Willamette University in Salem, where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and French. I then went on to earn my Juris Doctorate from the prestigious Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. During my time there, I honed my courtroom advocacy skills while externing with a Circuit Court Judge. As an attorney, I possess the legal knowledge and tenacity required to represent my clients effectively in court. My professional practice is primarily focused on family law, where I...