Top 10 law firms in Washington: A data-driven report

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Understanding Washington's legal market requires analyzing how firms align with the state's unique economic drivers—from its technology hub status housing Amazon and Microsoft to its strategic position in cross-border trade with Asia. This data-driven approach reveals which firms best serve Washington's 644,868 small businesses and major corporations, helping businesses select legal partners that understand their specific industry challenges and regulatory requirements.

Understanding Washington's legal landscape

Washington's legal market operates within a robust economic framework, with the state's real GDP reaching $702.0 billion in 2024. The legal services sector is supported by approximately 26,494 active attorneys statewide, with 15,036 practicing in King County alone. Major industries driving legal demand include the information sector ($150.9 billion GDP), aerospace manufacturing, and international trade through Pacific Rim connections. The state's third-highest GDP per capita ($108,468) nationally stimulates demand for sophisticated legal services across corporate, intellectual property, and international business law domains.

Top 10 firms in Washington

Our analysis identifies Washington's leading law firms based on practice expertise, client portfolio, and market positioning. The top three firms—Karr Tuttle, Lee & Hayes, and Brewelaw—demonstrate distinct strengths across corporate law, intellectual property, and specialized industry representation. Each firm below offers unique capabilities aligned with Washington's diverse economic sectors.

Karr Tuttle

Karr Tuttle maintains a significant presence in Washington's legal landscape with its Seattle headquarters. Established over several decades, the firm operates with a substantial attorney team focused on comprehensive business law services. Their practice areas encompass commercial litigation, real estate transactions, estate planning, and employment law, serving diverse clients from emerging startups to established corporations. The firm has developed particular expertise in Pacific Northwest business regulations and cross-border commercial matters, leveraging Washington's strategic position in international trade.

Key practice areas

• Commercial litigation
• Real estate transactions
• Estate planning
• Employment law
• Cross-border commercial matters

Best for

Technology companies and manufacturing businesses requiring sophisticated transaction support and litigation representation. The firm's expertise in Pacific Northwest business regulations makes them particularly valuable for companies navigating Washington's unique regulatory environment and international trade opportunities.

Notable facts

Karr Tuttle attorneys regularly handle complex transactions involving technology companies and manufacturing sectors, two of Washington's economic pillars. Their lawyers have received recognition for professional excellence in regional legal publications, and the firm's longevity in the Seattle market positions it as a trusted advisor for businesses operating in Washington's strategic trade position.

Lee & Hayes

Founded in the late 1990s, Lee & Hayes has grown into one of the nation's premier intellectual property law firms with over 80 seasoned IP attorneys and agents operating from offices in Seattle, Spokane, and Vancouver, Washington, along with locations in Atlanta, Austin, and Rochester. The firm specializes in comprehensive IP services including patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright protection, and IP litigation, with particular expertise in technology sectors.

Key practice areas

• Patent prosecution
• Trademark registration
• Copyright protection
• IP litigation
• Technology sector specialization

Best for

Fortune 100 technology companies and innovative startups requiring sophisticated intellectual property protection and litigation support. Their expertise particularly benefits clients in software, medical devices, and consumer electronics sectors seeking comprehensive IP portfolio management.

Notable facts

Lee & Hayes developed a proprietary approach treating IP as an asset class rather than legal commodity, fundamentally changing how businesses value intellectual property. The firm has received repeated national recognition, including rankings in Chambers USA and IAM Patent 1000, with attorneys frequently honored as IP industry leaders. Their "high-tech company of lawyers" operational model differentiates them from traditional law firms.

Brewelaw

Brewelaw has established itself as a distinctive presence in Washington's legal market through its specialized focus on craft beverage industry representation. Based in Seattle with potential secondary locations, Brewelaw serves microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, and restaurants navigating Washington's complex alcohol regulatory framework. Their practice encompasses trademark protection for beverage brands, distribution agreement negotiation, and premises licensing applications before the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Key practice areas

• Alcohol beverage regulation
• Licensing and compliance
• Trademark protection for beverage brands
• Distribution agreement negotiation
• Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board applications

Best for

Craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and restaurants requiring specialized expertise in Washington's alcohol regulatory framework. Their niche focus makes them ideal for beverage industry startups and established producers navigating licensing, compliance, and expansion initiatives.

Notable facts

Brewelaw has successfully guided numerous craft beverage startups through the licensing process in Washington, which hosts over 400 breweries. The firm's attorneys combine legal expertise with technical understanding of production processes and market dynamics, positioning them uniquely within Washington's legal landscape as a national leader in craft beverage production representation.

Carney Badley Spellman

Carney Badley Spellman maintains a strong position in Washington's legal market with its Seattle headquarters and decades of continuous operation. The firm recently elected S. Jay Terry as Director of Litigation, who also serves on the firm's Board of Directors. With a substantial team of attorneys, Carney provides full-service legal representation across commercial litigation, construction law, personal injury, and professional liability matters.

Key practice areas

• Commercial litigation
• Construction law
• Personal injury
• Professional liability
• Construction defect litigation

Best for

General contractors, subcontractors, developers, and design professionals involved in complex construction disputes and defect litigation. The firm also serves Fortune 500 corporations and Washington-based businesses requiring high-stakes commercial litigation representation throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Notable facts

Carney has achieved successful resolution of multi-million dollar construction claims and complex business disputes throughout the Pacific Northwest. Their construction law practice, led by Director of Litigation S. Jay Terry, represents all parties in the construction industry. Carney attorneys have received recognition in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers publications.

Gravis Law

Founded in 2013, Gravis Law has experienced remarkable growth from a single Richland office with five employees to seventeen locations nationwide with over 150 employees by 2024. The firm leverages technology-driven solutions and a team-based approach to deliver accessible legal services across Washington and beyond. Core practice areas include estate planning, family law, business formation, and real estate transactions.

Key practice areas

• Estate planning
• Family law
• Business formation
• Real estate transactions
• Technology-driven legal solutions

Best for

Individuals and families seeking straightforward legal services with transparent, fixed-fee pricing structures. Their technology-driven approach and standardized service models particularly benefit clients who value accessibility and predictable legal costs across multiple practice areas.

Notable facts

Gravis Law's expansion from five to over 150 employees in just over a decade reflects its mission to democratize legal services through scalable delivery systems. The firm has received industry recognition for innovation in legal service delivery, particularly in leveraging technology to improve client accessibility. They provide educational resources through downloadable guides on estate planning and family law matters.

TKN Tyson Law

TKN Tyson Law operates as a specialized business law firm serving Washington's small and medium-sized enterprises, which constitute over 99% of state businesses. The firm provides comprehensive legal services including business formation, contract negotiation, employment compliance, and corporate governance matters. Their attorneys maintain particular expertise in startup law, guiding emerging companies through entity formation, financing, and intellectual property protection.

Key practice areas

• Business formation
• Contract negotiation
• Employment compliance
• Corporate governance
• Startup law and financing

Best for

Technology startups and small to medium-sized businesses navigating Washington's complex regulatory environment. Their specialized knowledge in non-compete statutory earnings thresholds and salary disclosure laws makes them particularly valuable for companies managing employment compliance.

Notable facts

TKN Tyson publishes practical guides on stock options (ISOs vs. NSOs) and founder compensation structures, demonstrating their commitment to client education. The firm's focused approach on SMB legal needs positions it as a strategic partner for Washington's entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly in the technology and professional services sectors driving the state's economy.

ELM Law

ELM Law maintains a strong litigation practice in Washington, with recent strategic hires like Elisa J. Coates who joined in 2024 to bolster their criminal defense capabilities. The firm represents clients across various litigation domains, emphasizing individualized case analysis and contextual understanding of each client's circumstances. ELM's criminal defense practice handles cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Key practice areas

• Criminal defense
• Litigation services
• Misdemeanor representation
• Felony defense
• Justice system reform advocacy

Best for

Individuals facing criminal charges across Washington jurisdictions who require compassionate representation combined with rigorous legal analysis. Their approach particularly benefits clients seeking attorneys with public defense backgrounds and commitment to justice system reform principles.

Notable facts

ELM attorneys are members of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and maintain active involvement in professional organizations focused on justice system reform. The firm's commitment to the presumption of innocence and rehabilitation principles reflects its foundational values. Their litigation methodology prioritizes thorough evidence examination and developing defense strategies based on complete situational understanding.

Inslee Best

Inslee Best has served Washington clients since 1969, establishing itself as a full-service firm with expertise across business law, litigation, employment, real estate, and estate planning domains. The firm operates with a team of experienced attorneys who prioritize clear communication and strategic legal solutions tailored to client objectives. Inslee Best's practice encompasses both routine legal matters and complex litigation.

Key practice areas

• Business law
• Litigation
• Employment law
• Real estate
• Estate planning

Best for

Individuals, businesses, and municipal entities throughout Washington requiring comprehensive legal services from a firm with over five decades of market experience. Their deep understanding of regulated industries makes them particularly suitable for clients navigating complex compliance requirements.

Notable facts

Inslee Best has maintained continuous operation for over 50 years, successfully navigating economic cycles and legal industry transformations. Their attorneys are recognized in regional legal publications and maintain active involvement in Washington's legal community through bar association leadership and continuing legal education initiatives. The firm's commitment to "scrupulous and straightforward communication" remains central to its approach.

Brothers Henderson

Brothers Henderson has provided specialized legal services in Washington for over four decades, focusing on estate planning, elder law, special needs trusts, and fiduciary litigation. The firm's attorneys combine legal expertise with compassionate representation for individuals and families navigating complex life transitions. Their practice encompasses disability planning, probate administration, trust litigation, and guardianship matters.

Key practice areas

• Estate planning
• Elder law
• Special needs trusts
• Fiduciary litigation
• Disability planning and guardianship

Best for

Individuals and families navigating aging, disability, and wealth transfer matters who need specialized expertise in Washington's legal framework for vulnerable populations. Their multi-generational client relationships make them ideal for families seeking continuity in planning and conflict resolution.

Notable facts

Brothers Henderson has pioneered systemic advocacy for individuals with disabilities, contributing to policy improvements in Washington's legal framework. Their attorneys are recognized authorities in trust and estate law, regularly contributing to professional publications and educational programs. The firm's commitment to "compassionate, high-quality counseling" has established them as trusted advisors for over 40 years.

COJK

With over 95 years of continuous operation, Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness (COJK) has established itself as a premier intellectual property firm in the Pacific Northwest. The firm employs more than 95 attorneys and professionals with advanced degrees across scientific, engineering, and artistic disciplines, operating primarily from their Seattle headquarters.

Key practice areas

• Patent prosecution
• Trademark registration
• IP litigation
• Portfolio management
• Biotechnology and software IP

Best for

Independent inventors to multinational corporations requiring sophisticated IP services with particular expertise in biotechnology, software, and mechanical innovations. Their global network of IP law firms makes them ideal for clients with international filing and dispute resolution needs.

Notable facts

COJK has achieved successful resolution of precedent-setting patent cases and developed international IP protection strategies for clients with global operations. The firm has received repeated recognition in IAM Patent 1000 and Managing IP rankings, with individual attorneys regularly honored as IP stars. Their collaborative culture and commitment to work-life balance contribute to low attorney turnover and consistent client service quality.

What to consider when choosing a firm in Washington

Selecting legal representation in Washington requires evaluating firms based on their alignment with your specific industry needs and the state's unique regulatory landscape. Consider whether your business operates in Washington's dominant sectors—technology, aerospace, or international trade—as firms with specialized expertise in these areas understand the nuanced challenges you face.

Evaluate firms based on their geographical reach within Washington. With 15,036 attorneys concentrated in King County, Seattle-based firms offer depth in corporate and IP matters, while firms with statewide presence may better serve businesses with operations across multiple counties or those in specialized industries like agriculture or clean technology.

For immediate next steps, request fee structures and engagement models from your shortlisted firms. Washington's competitive legal market has driven innovation in billing practices, with some firms offering fixed-fee arrangements or technology-enabled service delivery that can significantly impact your legal spend. Schedule consultations to assess not just legal expertise but also cultural fit—particularly important given Washington's collaborative business environment where long-term relationships drive success.