Founding Partner | Washington Native | Successful Litigator
Jeff was born in Pullman and raised in Moses Lake. Before graduating from Moses Lake High School in 1987, Jeff was fortunate enough to live and go to school in Germany for a year, as a Rotary exchange student. He values that experience for the maturity and independence it provided him.
Attorney Background
Jeff’s upbringing was marked by his dad’s love for the law (Evan – Grant County Superior Court Judge 1983 - 2015), and his mom’s eagerness to help those in need (Colett – former director Moses Lake United Way).
Since 1994, Jeff has argued successfully for his clients at all levels of the Washington state courts, including the Washington State Supreme Court, and in 19 of Washington’s counties. These cases involve personal injury claims, contract and business disputes, employment issues, medical malpractice, real estate, construction claims and divorce.
In 2005, Jeff was named a “Rising Star” lawyer by Washington Law and Politics magazine. He and his partner, John Raekes, we’re two of only four Tri-Cities area attorneys to earn this honor. Jeff was elected by his peers and was honored to serve as President of the Benton Franklin Counties Bar Association from 2012 - 2013.
Just prior to beginning law school at the Gonzaga School of Law (graduated 1994), Jeff was married to Amy, and they have shared their lives together. Amy teaches in the Richland School District and is also a wonderful mother. Jeff and Amy are members of Richland Lutheran Church, where they enjoy being involved in varying ministries.
Jeff was also privileged to start an All Pro Dad’s Day chapter at White Bluffs Elementary in Richland. This monthly breakfast program, supported by the National Football League, provides an opportunity for dads and their children to share time and connect with each other.
Jeff looks forward to putting his professional and life experiences to work for you.
- Washington, 1994
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington, 1995
- Central Washington University – Bachelor in Political Science/History
- Gonzaga University School of Law – Juris Doctor (1994)
- “Rising Star” lawyer by Washington Law and Politics magazine (2005)
- Avvo Rating 10 out of 10
- Super Lawyers Top Rated Lawyer
| Association Name | Position Name | Duration |
| Benton Franklin County Bar Association | President | 2012 - Present |
| Benton Franklin Legal Aid Society | Board Member | 2012 - Present |
| Benton Franklin Counties Law Day | Committee Member | 2012 - Present |
| Benton Franklin Counties Federal CLE | Committee Member | 2012 - Present |
| Benton Franklin County Bar Association | Vice President | 2011 - Present |
| Washington State Association for Justice | N/A | 2009 - Present |
| United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington | N/A | 1997 - Present |
| Benton Franklin County Bar Association | N/A | 1994 - Present |
| Washington State Bar Association | N/A | 1994 - Present |
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