Dayton Lawyers

Casey got his start as a lawyer with the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office where he won his first several jury trials. After working briefly with the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office, he was hired by the Hester Law Group where he worked for ten years – trying numerous misdemeanor, felony and civil trials – before joining Puget Law Group in February 2019 as a Partner. In January 2022, Casey became Managing Partner. Casey fights vigorously for his clients. He has been recognized for his fervent representation of his civil clients – having a 100% success rate at trial – and he has...

Matthew Philbrook is a graduate of Clark College, Washington State University, and Gonzaga University School of Law. He has been a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association since 2001, and Oregon State Bar Association since 2005.

Matthew entered a career in law with a passion for protecting the legal rights of those in our community, with a competitive approach. He formed Philbrook Law Office, located in Vancouver and Battle Ground, Washington, in 2005, with the goal of championing the rights of people wrongfully injured or in legal jeopardy. Matthew’s years of dedicated service to his clients has...

Chris Van Vechten moved to Tacoma from Portland in 2004 to attend the University of Puget Sound. He studied history, volunteered in the community, worked as a legislative staff member for a state representative and later a state senator, and even personally ran for school board before enrolling in Seattle University School of Law. Prior to launching the Law Office of Chris Van Vechten, Chris worked as a Rule 9 prosecuting attorney with the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office and later with the Lakewood City Attorney’s Office. In addition, he interned with the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Civil Division...

Immigration attorney with a focus on family-based immigration law. I'm passionate about helping people of different backgrounds acquire legal status and pursue the American dream. As an immigrant myself, I understand how complex and intimidating the U.S. immigration system can be. I enjoy helping people resolve their immigration issues so they can focus on building their future. I live in Tacoma, Washington with my wife and two daughters. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, spending time with my family, and working on house remodeling projects.

Brady Douglas is a lifelong resident of the State of Washington. He graduated from Seattle Pacific University (B.A., 2009) with a degree in Business Administration and received his law degree in 2014 from the University of Washington School of Law (J.D., 2014). He is licensed to practice law in the State of Washington. Brady has been with the Menzer Law Firm since 2020. His legal practice focuses on the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, vaccine, and insurance law. Prior to working for the Menzer Law Firm, Brady was an in-house attorney for Amazon. Brady also...

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,...

Maritime Injury Lawyer James Beard has a unique understanding and compassion for the clients he represents. For 30 years his legal career has been devoted to representing crewmen and commercial fishermen who have been injured while working at sea. He is widely recognized as one of the most experienced maritime injury lawyers in the Pacific Northwest in handling maritime wrongful death and personal injury cases. He has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for his clients located throughout the United States.

Beard begins each maritime injury case by making sure that his clients are getting the proper medical treatment and care...

Lanning M. Trueb has spent almost 30 years representing seamen in plaintiff maritime cases arising throughout the North Pacific; including waters off Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California and Russia. In addition to practicing maritime law, Lanning owned and operated his own commercial fishing vessel in the Alaska commercial salmon fishery. Lanning has been involved in over a thousand maritime matters covering a wide range of maritime issues - from commercial fishing injury and death claims, to serious injury and death claims involving oil spill response, tug and barge, SERVS, off-shore supply, tankers, and cargo vessels. He's represented crew and family members...

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 becoming an attorney, Reuben worked in the construction and building trade. He puts his prior life experience to good use in his practice areas of environmental and land use law. In addition to being a skilled attorney, Reuben is a compassionate advocate who loves working with his clients to solve problems and keep goals and objectives on track.

Reuben began his career at the Washington Supreme Court where he served as law clerk to Justice Charles W. Johnson. Prior to that, he served as an extern to Judge James L. Robart at the Federal District Court in Seattle.

A Seattle native, Amanda O’Halloran joined the firm in 1995, after graduating from Seattle University School of Law. She focuses her practice primarily on providing employment law advice to a diverse group of businesses, ranging from car dealerships and other retail establishments to healthcare providers, financial services companies, non-profits, and private membership associations. She is frequently called upon to provide advice on difficult employment terminations, conducting internal harassment and discrimination investigations, drafting employment agreements and other contracts, and developing anti-harassment policies and conducting training. Amanda works closely with Human Resource personnel, executive management, and business owners to resolve...

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,...

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...

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...

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.

A native of Lynden in Whatcom County, I have spent my career representing ordinary citizens, small business owners, and consumers in Washington in bankruptcy and civil cases. My primary focus is Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases involving rental properties, developers, and small business, although I am experienced in many areas of debt and consumer law. I am a 2001 graduate of Western Washington University in Bellingham, and received my law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego in 2005. Prior to cofounding Henry DeGraaff & McCormick, I worked in general practice at Libey, Enley, Esser & Nelson...

Scott Semrau is the Managing Partner at Divorce Litigation Partners, a Seattle, WA law firm practicing exclusively in family law. Scott Semrau is an Honors Graduate of Georgia State University and Tulane Law School. Courtroom advocacy has been the cornerstone of his practice since 1994 when he tried his first murder. In 1995 Scott Semrau was awarded the Phelps Dunbar award for outstanding advocacy. Scott Semrau has been selected as a Super Lawyer and awarded an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubble.

Ryan practices exclusively in the area of consumer bankruptcy. Ryan has represented thousands of debtors in bankruptcy matters in Oregon and SW Washington. Ryan handles chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy cases.

Nigel is a partner at Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC. He is proud to represent maritime workers at the same firm where he interned starting in high school. Born and raised in Seattle, Nigel has worked across the country for various law firms and on different matters. He graduated from the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington D.C. before working as a litigation associate for Milbank, LLP, a New-York based law firm with over 150 years of experience. After learning from top-tier attorneys at Milbank, Nigel went back to his roots by working for Stacey & Jacobsen, where he worked during the...

May is a licensed Attorney and CPA with a J.D. degree, specializing in business law, financial, and tax advisory. With extensive experience in providing strategic guidance and practical solutions, May offers holistic advice tailored to the unique needs of individuals, small businesses, and corporations. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and conversational Japanese, May excels in effective communication and client service, catering to an international clientele. Known for meticulous attention to detail and maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards, May is committed to delivering tailored solutions that drive success in complex legal and financial landscapes.

Having worked as an attorney in the Puget Sound region for the past twelve years, Brian McCormick has spent his career working with a wide range of clients. Brian spent the early years of his career defending citizens in criminal matters. After moving into private practice, he focused on assisting individuals and small businesses achieve their business objectives. Brian is a 1997 graduate of the University of Washington, and received his law degree from Seattle University School of Law in Seattle in 2000. Prior to cofounding Henry, DeGraaff & McCormick, P.S., Brian worked as General Counsel and Director of business strategies...

Lucas McWethy, an Experienced DUI Lawyer Who Cares About You With a steadfast dedication to defending your rights and ensuring fair treatment, Lucas is a seasoned DUI lawyer committed to advocating for his clients with integrity and compassion. With 10+ years of experience in the DUI law, Lucas has successfully represented numerous individuals facing DUI charges, providing them with expert legal guidance and unwavering support every step of the way. Driven by a genuine concern for people and their well-being, Lucas approaches each case with a personalized touch, taking the time to understand the unique circumstances and challenges that his clients may...

I am a business and real estate attorney with a focus on commercial real estate transactions, including the acquisition and disposition of land, commercial and investment property, commercial development, industrial, office and retail leasing, and financing. I also handle related business transactions including formation of entities including for the purchase of real estate, membership interest purchase and sales, and business acquisitions and dispositions.

Seattle Divorce Services is dedicated to conflict resolution in complex cases. Our Seattle divorce attorneys believe that our clients are best served by an approach that reduces fighting and allows for agreement building. In high-conflict cases, our Seattle divorce mediation lawyers work to avoid escalating hostility. This approach is designed to reduce the trauma of the divorce experience and prepare clients to move forward in life, also setting the stage for more successful co-parenting.

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...

Diego Gavilanes has over 35 years of experience as an attorney. He has helped thousands of individuals from all areas of the world to accomplish their dream of immigrating to the United States. The law firm of Diego Gavilanes has vast experience representing clients before the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), the US Immigration Court, and US Consulate offices. Whether you want to petition for a relative or a foreign fiancee to immigrate to the United States, the Law Offices of Diego Gavilanes can help you and your loved ones. Family immigration, immediate relative petitions,...

I work as part of a team of entrepreneurial-minded business lawyers who provide practical advice, transparent flat rates, and quick turnaround times. We use custom technology to decrease costs, increase efficiency, and provide the highest quality legal services at competitive rates. We offer transparent flat rates, so you will know upfront what services you will receive and at what price. We remove unnecessary legalese and craft our documents so they are easier to understand. We are accessible; we keep you informed on your matter and respond promptly to your questions and concerns. We help businesses with all aspects...

Chris has the criminal experience you need to get the job done. He has worked as a city prosecutor, a public defender, and is now in private practice, working for you. Chris graduated from the University of Washington in 2004 and went on to Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan where he recieved Honor Role and Dean's List recognition. Chris began his legal career by prosecuting misdemeanor offenses as a Rule 9 Intern for the City of Marysville Prosecutor's office, and went on to work as an attorney in the Public Defender's office handling hundreds of criminal cases. Chris is...

Originally from the Boston area, Ken Levey has lived in the Pacific Northwest since 1980. He received his B.A. from the University of Washington in 1983 and received his law degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law (now Seattle University School of Law) in 1991. That same year Ken was sworn in as a member of the Washington State Bar. He opened his law practice in Tacoma in 1992.

Unlike many attorneys, Ken also is trained in collaborative law, represents families in CPS investigations and dependency actions, and has a great deal of experience and a high level...