Republic Lawyers

JAMES F. CHRISTNACHT was admitted to practice law in the state of Washington in 1984 after having attended the University Of Puget Sound School Of Law. Mr. Christnacht has engaged in the general practice of law since his admission to the bar. He is admitted to practice before the Washington State Courts, Federal District Court and the Puyallup Tribal Court. His practice has included personal injury, probate, guardianship, wills and estate planning, will contests and estate litigation, misdemeanor criminal defense and traffic matters, real estate, and business law. Mr. Christnacht is a second generation lawyer. Having grown up with...

I am a resident of Gig Harbor, WA, and have lived in the community for over 20 years. I focus my practice on estate planning, including: wills, trusts, and probate administration.

James B. Feldman is an experienced trial and criminal defense attorney in Pierce, King, Kitsap and Thurston counties Tacoma and other areas of Western Washington. He is a graduate of the College of the University of Chicago and the University of Puget Sound School of Law. For twenty-eight years, he has been fighting to protect the rights of people accused of crimes both misdemeanors and felonies including DUI, domestic violence, property crimes, fraud and murder. He is a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association, The Federal Bar of the Western District of Washington, the...

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...

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.

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...

Carol L. Finklehoffe is a partner at Lipcon, Margulies and Winkleman, P.A. who has been practicing for 30 years in both the state and federal courts throughout Florida, California and Massachusetts. Ms. Finklehoffe is an “AV” rated trial attorney who is a certified specialist in Maritime and Admiralty law. The main concentration of her practice relates to complex personal injury, resort law, wrongful death, sexual assault and medical malpractice. Ms. Finklehoffe is also a skilled maritime lawyer who has developed an expertise in cases involving cruise ship passengers and maritime crew members on various types of commercial and private vessels. Ms....

Brent P. Thompson is a local attorney from Oak Harbor whose practice emphasizes criminal defense including but not limited to DUI, DWI, Assault, Domestic Violence, and Vacating/Expunging Prior Convictions. Mr. Thompson further represents clients with personal injury claims. Beyond this Mr. Thompson is a general practitioner who is capable of handling a variety of matters. He is dedicated to providing passionate representation and will seek to obtain the best results possible.

I am a graduate of the University of Washington where I received my bachelor’s degree in 1989. In 1993 I graduated from the University of Arizona College of Law. After a brief stint working for the Pima County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, I realized my talents and passions were better served to defend people and not prosecuting them. The “obtain a conviction regardless of the individual facts” mentality has never appealed to me and seems counterproductive to obtaining a just result. I moved back to Washington and began my criminal defense practice.

Though I have defended people who have been charged with...

Nicholas Berning has practiced immigration law since January 2007. Nick has represented over 200 EB-5 immigrant investors and E-2 non-immigrant investors. He also has extensive experience with other immigrant visas (family and employer sponsorships) and temporary work visas. Before co-founding Boundary Bay Law, he served as the Practice Manager at T.D. Knowles & Associates, PLLC from 2008 to 2015.

From 2009 to 2015 Nick served on the Washington State Practice of Law Board, which is responsible for investigating the unlawful practice of law in Washington State. The Washington State Supreme Court appointed Nick to serve as the...

As a child, Doug Williams spent a good amount of the time when he wasn't in school on the cruise lines, where his father was the chief medical officer. These experiences gave him the knowledge and passion he needed to pursue a career in maritime law. After graduating magna cum laude at Florida State University and earning his Juris Doctorate, Doug accepted a position with a leading maritime law firm in Tampa, Florida. Here, he handled commercial disputes and the defense of casualty lawsuits. In 2011, Doug and his wife relocated to Seattle, Washington, where Doug joined a Seattle maritime...

I have been practicing personal injury law in Seattle for more than 30 years and have successfully tried, arbitrated, and settled thousands of personal injury cases since 1986, helping clients recover millions of dollars.

The opportunity I have to serve, to help, to counsel people through their challenging times is humbling and satisfying. I love my practice and serving my clients and to make their lives better.

I’m also committed to mentoring a new generation of lawyers, and I’m proud of my work with Seattle University School of Law’s Solo and Low Bono Incubator Program and regularly speak about how to get...

Soon after passing the bar, Troy had the honor of working with pre-eminent plaintiffs’ personal injury attorney, Tom Chambers, who went on to serve on the Washington State Supreme Court. Troy went on to work for 16 years in insurance defense litigation, mostly as a partner at the prestigious defense firm, Floyd, Pflueger & Ringer. There he defended insurance companies and their corporate clients against diverse claims for personal injury and wrongful death and property damage due to fire loss and construction defects. Since leaving FP&R, Troy has used this experience to represent and benefit his personal injury clients...

Ryan has a passion for helping people navigate the complexities of litigation and ensuring they receive a just resolution of their personal injury claims. A just resolution holds a different meaning for each case and Ryan utilizes his diverse experience to help clients understand the nuances of their claim in order to determine the best approach to reaching a just resolution whether it be through mediation, arbitration or trial. He graduated cum laude from Seattle University School of Law where he was a Senior Staff Editor on the Seattle Journal for Social Justice. He was also a member of the...

Aaron began his career as a city prosecutor and then transferred to prosecuting felony crimes for the government. Aaron then went into private practice continuing to work on criminal matters including DUIs, Sex Crimes, White Collar Crimes, Drug Distribution, and more. He expanded his practice by becoming licensed in Utah and Washington and operating offices in both states. The firm expanded from just handling criminal matters to including bankruptcy, wills & estates, family law including divorce, child custody, and parental rights with all areas of criminal law. Aaron held many contracts working with the government including as a public...

National stature, practicing in Redmond, WA. One of the nation's premier federal tax litigators. Senior tax-dispute lawyer, practicing federal tax law since 1982. Formerly represented the IRS in court while with the Tax Division of the United States Department of Justice, in DC; formerly a federal prosecutor; formerly a partner with a DC tax boutique and two ultra-large law firms in Chicago. Has litigated perhaps three or four billion dollars worth of federal tax cases; led the successful effort to recover about two billion dollars for the nation's teaching hospitals. Successfully persuaded DOJ...

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...

Samuel K. Darling is a general civil litigator whose practice emphasizes divorce, employment, and real estate law. Mr. Darling's legal experience also includes landlord tenant disputes, land use issues, personal injury, construction defect matters, creditor law, and business law. Mr. Darling received his bachelor's degree from Columbia University in 2002. In 2007 he earned his law degree cum laude from the University of Minnesota, where he graduated on the Dean's List with an "A" Average and was a Royal Stone Scholarship Recipient, a member of several student organizations, and a moot court Best Brief Nominee. Mr. Darling began his legal career with...

Sharon Fields has been practicing law in the criminal justice system for over 14 years. Graduating in 1996 from the University of Utah College of Law. She began her career as a public defender for juveniles in Salt Lake County, Utah. In 2000, she was appointed as an Assistant City Prosecutor for the City of Salt Lake where she prosecuted DUIs, domestic violence cases and business corruption cases in the Utah State District Court. In 2001, Sharon was recruited to work as a Deputy District Attorney for the Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office. She also worked on various felony...

Serving the Seattle – King County area. We are a criminal defense law firm that defends people charged with DUI, speeding tickets, traffic violations and most felony or misdemeanor offenses. Speeding ticket? DUI or Criminal Charge?

Finding the right attorney to defend you in criminal matters is crucial. But how do you find a good, competent criminal defense attorney? Unlike plumbers or even physicians, it can be awkward or embarrassing to ask a friend or family member to recommend a criminal defense lawyer. That’s why I encourage you to call or schedule a consultation to find our how I can help. I am available evening and weekend hours when necessary by appointment. I have no associates, so your matter always gets my personal attention. I believe in being honest and...

I am a compassionate and empathetic individual, and I founded Akiona Law, PLLC to fully realize my passion for helping people in this turbulent and uncertain economic climate and to ensure people are being treated fairly and are not being taken advantage of. I practice family law in Snohomish County, Washington and my office is located in Everett. I support and encourage parties to work together to resolve their issues, especially when children are involved. The fact of the matter is when you have children, you are going to have deal with your former spouse for the rest...

As a personal injury lawyer, being an attorney and advocate is about addressing inequities and the imbalance of power that exists between individuals and large corporations or governmental entities, usually behemoth insurance companies. I have extensive experience in civil litigation, including torts (personal injury) and breach of contract (insurance bad faith), and find the story of David vs Goliath fascinating.

Andrea has always been particularly drawn to the courtroom. She is quick on her feet and loves cross examination (this is an understatement). Her extensive litigation experience and trial work in a variety of practice areas began in 2007. She has handled numerous appeals, adversary proceedings in bankruptcy court, will contests, guardianships, insurance disputes, evictions, workplace harassment, wrongful terminations, garnishments, contract litigation, administrative proceedings, criminal matters, domestic cases, medical malpractice, injury cases, real estate disputes, etc. Andrea’s aggressive litigation style resulted in her admission to the Eastern and Western District of Washington Federal court, Eastern and Western District of Washington...

Upon graduating from Gonzaga University School of Law, George had opportunities to move to larger cities to practice. However, his love for Eastern Washington kept him in the area and he accepted a job in Kennewick, Washington. As a young associate lawyer, he quickly found his passion – trial work. He further found that he enjoyed helping those injured by others. He decided he wanted to be a personal injury trial lawyer. Within a couple years, George experience success as a personal injury lawyer. As an associate level attorney, he collected millions of dollars for injured people. His first "big" case...

Brian’s legal career started at the Snohomish County Public Defender’s Association, representing juveniles charged with crimes. After that position, he worked for one of the most successful personal injury attorneys in Montana. Brian now focuses primarily on criminal defense, using his skills and experience to aggressively represent those being prosecuted by various governmental agencies. Brian is a successful trial attorney, and has represented clients charged with crimes including assault, domestic violence, drug charges, DUI, theft and more. He has been referred cases by prosecutors, judges and other attorneys due to his reputation in the field of criminal defense.

Born in Texas, Sarah and her family moved to Washington when she was 7 years old to be closer to their family. Growing up in Woodinville, she attended Woodinville High School where she met her high school sweetheart, Josh. They graduated high school and attended the University of Washington together. After three short years, both headed straight to Seattle University School of Law.

Throughout law school, Sarah worked at the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in the Sexually Violent Predators unit and Special Assault unit. She also worked as a Rule 9 intern in the Juvenile Division for a summer and...

I am a second-career attorney who started Adaptive Law so I could offer legal services my own way. I pursued my law degree following a nearly ten-year academic career in urban planning and community development, and now apply my problem-solving mentality to a mixed practice of estate planning, land use and elder law. I represent my home district (District 3) on the Skagit County Planning Commission, and continue to teach as an adjunct professor in the accredited Urban and Regional Planning program at Cal Poly Pomona. I am a member of the Washington State Association for Justice (WSAF), a volunteer...

Mr. LaMusga has represented clients with issues involving family law, criminal defense, business formation, estate planning, probate, Indian law, Social Security Disability, and general civil litigation. He focuses on representing individuals in difficult and trying situations because he finds representing people through some of their most challenging life experiences to be rewarding. Asa seeks amicable resolution where possible in order to reduce conflict and costs while obtaining the best possible results for his clients, but he also enjoys litigation in order to hold others accountable when they fail to do the right thing. Mr. LaMusga is licensed to practice...

Attorney with general practice focusing on real estate (agricultural, commercial, and residential) and business transactions, probate, estate planning, landlord-tenant, and creditor’s rights with a wide variety of clients including banks, contractors, credit unions, dentists, landlords, orchardists, petroleum distributors, physicians, realtors, restaurateurs, and vintners.