News & Highlights

Gordon Thomas Honeywell is proud of our continued partnership with Sheridan Elementary this year! GTH employees volunteered in the first-grade classrooms during the 2023 – 2024 school year. GTH volunteers offered classroom help and a listening ear for students to share or join a classroom activity. We also hosted a holiday book drive! Each student … Read more

GTH is proud to represent the Tacoma Rescue Mission in acquiring land and permitting the Pierce County Village project. The Pierce County Village will be a 280-unit village to serve the County’s chronically homeless population, providing dignified housing, wrap-around services and a sense of community. As noted by Tacoma Rescue Mission Executive Director Duke Paulson, … Read more

GTH is pleased to announce that Chelsea Rauch and Owen Taylor have been promoted to senior associates.

Gordon Thomas Honeywell is proud of having clients such as Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region.  Goodwill changes people’s lives and gives them hope.  Our firm sponsored a table at the Goodwill luncheon at this year’s event and heard inspiring stories from Goodwill clients.

We are so excited to contribute to Goodwill’s Power Up Luncheon. We believe everyone should have access to the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in todays technology oriented world. The Power Up Centennial Campaign is attempting to raise $5 million over the next 5 years to put computers and training in the … Read more

We at GTH are so proud of Andrea McNeely being recognized for her service to the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association. Andrea has given her time to numerous committees including her current role as co-chair of the TPCBA Judicial Evaluation Committee.  GTH has a history of its attorneys contributing their time and efforts to improve the … Read more

GTH’s Rob Wilke made news this week representing Levar Couch in his case against the Central Tacoma Bar. Couch was a victim of a recent shooting taking place at The Alleycat Patio and Lounge in November of last year. Wilke had this to say, “This lawsuit is all about making sure this doesn’t happen again … Read more

At GTH, we strive to get our new attorneys into court – not just as observers but as active participants.  Today, one of our newest associates, Katie Chan, argued in the Washington Court of Appeals Div. II.  Katie came to GTH in the fall of 2023 from clerking at the Court of Appeals for the … Read more

We at Gordon Thomas Honeywell are proud to begin another year of supporting and mentoring the students at Sheridan Elementary School on the Eastside of Tacoma. Seven years ago, GTH “adopted” a first-grade class, and we gave each student a book to take home during winter break.  We continued the tradition with these students every … Read more

Written by Reuben Schutz This content originally appeared in Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association’s Pierce County Lawyer Magazine. It has been reprinted here with permission from TPCBA. I would be lying if I said I always wanted to be a land-use attorney. Frankly in law school I didn’t know the practice existed. As it turned out, … Read more

It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, today, at the age of 93. Her contributions to the legal community have left an indelible mark, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come. Justice O’Connor was the first woman named to the Supreme Court … Read more

This article was written by Joanna Boisen and was first published in KCBA’s Bar Bulletin. It is reprinted here with KCBA’s permission. Next year, 40 years will have passed since Sal Mungia first started practicing law. Almost four decades later, he still loves being a lawyer. He still loves his firm, Gordon Thomas Honeywell. He … Read more

GTH attorney Richard Lumley collaborated with the Family Violence Appellate Project (FVAP) to submit an amicus brief in Desean v. Sanger, No. 101330-2, — P.3d —- (Wash. 2023). On October 5, 2023, survivors of sexual assault in Washington State prevailed in this case, receiving a strong published decision from the Washington State Supreme Court.

Gordon Thomas Honeywell is pleased to welcome new associate attorneys Katie Chan and Bryce Knutzen to the firm! Katie Chan graduated cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School and comes to GTH after serving two years as a judicial law clerk to Judge Linda Lee of the Washington Court of Appeals, Division II. … Read more

This weekend, GTH attorney Stephanie Bloomfield will be inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers, a prestigious recognition from the preeminent organization of trial lawyers in North America dedicated to maintaining and improving the professionalism, ethics, and administration of justice encompassing trial practice. This honor is an invitation-only fellowship of trial lawyers in the United … Read more

Gordon Thomas Honeywell is pleased to be a sponsor of the Alliance for Equal Justice’s Access to Justice Conference, held on September 28-30 at the Tacoma Convention Center (and virtual).  The Alliance for Equal Justice comprises a network of Washington-based organizations working together to coordinate and deliver civil legal aid to individuals and communities experiencing … Read more

This year, five GTH attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for their excellence across practice areas offered by the firm. Managing Partner Salvador Mungia has been awarded the Lawyer of the Year award for his civil rights practice in Tacoma, Washington. He has also been recognized by Best Lawyers for his appellate … Read more

On July 24, 2023, Division I of the Washington Court of Appeals affirmed a trial victory in a neighbor dispute litigated by GTH partner Ryan Espegard.  The appellate court affirmed a $982,000 trial court judgment in favor of Mr. Espegard’s client and awarded attorneys’ fees on appeal.  In the dispute, Mr. Espegard represented the plaintiff, … Read more

Thomson Reuters’ 2023 Super Lawyers has recognized sixteen Gordon Thomas Honeywell attorneys on its annual list.

What made you decide on a career in law? Although I have always been interested in the law, I became more serious about pursuing a legal career after working with West African refugees in Philadelphia. Many of them needed legal advice with immigration and criminal defense and I wished that I had the tools and … Read more

Partner Jemima McCullum has rejoined the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) Board of Trustees, an organization “near and dear to [her] heart.” She previously served on the Board between 2009 and 2015. Jemima credits her love of Northwest art and a desire to stay current with the arts community as primary motivators that drew her to … Read more

Nadine Khalidi (she/her) is a rising 3L at University of Washington School of Law and one of two 2023 summer associates at Gordon Thomas Honeywell, splitting her time between GTH’s Seattle and Tacoma offices. We caught up with her to ask about her experience with law school and summer at GTH thus far.

The WA Cares Fund is a mandatory long-term insurance benefit funded by employee premiums to purchase in-home and/or in-facility services and support. It is administered by the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The WA Cares Fund was initially set to begin on January 1, 2022, … Read more

June is nationally recognized as Pride Month, a celebration of and dedication to the necessary and ongoing work to achieve equal justice, rights, and opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ community. In Washington, Governor Jay Inslee has proclaimed June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Asexual, Aromantic, Queer, Two-Spirit, Non-Binary, and Intersex Pride Month, encouraging Washingtonians from across … Read more

This week, Division I of the Washington Court of Appeals affirmed a $1.5 million judgment in favor of firm client Lexmar Hospitality II, represented by GTH Managing Partner Salvador Mungia, and ordered attorney fees and costs incurred on appeal. In May of 2021, Mr. Mungia, representing Lexmar Hospitality II, obtained a jury verdict of $1,000,000 … Read more

Associates Ian Leifer and Mitch Wright have authored a piece published by the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association entitled “Young Lawyers Report: IFCA Noneconomic Damages” about two major holdings by the Washington Court of Appeals Division II in its recent opinion in Beasley v. GEICO General Insurance Co., 23 Wn. App. 641, 517 P.3d 500 (2022), which … Read more

Gordon Thomas Honeywell welcomes Caitlin Loyd as the newest Associate in its Trust and Estates practice group. Caitlin’s Tax LLM allows her to help clients prepare tax advantageous plans to accomplish their individual goals. Her practice covers estate planning, probate, trust administration, business tax matters, and the management of closely held entities. Please join us … Read more

GTH is proud to support @TacomaHabitat and its mission to provide affordable homeownership to modest income residents in our community. Most recently, GTH attorneys gathered at the Framing the Future Luncheon in support of this important work alongside GTH partner and Habitat Emeritus Board Member Bill Lynn.

March 8 marks #InternationalWomensDay2023. This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity which serves as an important reminder that focusing on gender equity in law and beyond fosters diversity and inclusion in ways that benefit everyone. Today and every day, GTH celebrates the vast achievements and contributions made by women in law, both within our own firm and in the broader … Read more

GTH is co-counseling with ACLU of Washington attorneys filing suit against King County on behalf of people incarcerated in King County Jail.  The ACLU of Washington, a party to a previous settlement agreement with King County, asserts the County has breached the terms of that agreement.  The lawsuit alleges that King County does not have … Read more

Gordon Thomas Honeywell is pleased to announce the appointment of Salvador Mungia as the firm’s new Managing Partner.  Sal has been a valued member of our team since 1986.  Sal has consistently demonstrated a commitment, dedication, and exceptional legal representation to our clients, the legal profession, and advancing the justice system. We are excited to … Read more

We are pleased to announce that Amanda M. Nathan is the newest Partner at GTH. Amanda brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, focusing her practice on estate planning, trust administration, and probate with an emphasis on real estate. Amanda joined the firm as an associate in 2013 and practiced for several … Read more

The firm is pleased to welcome our newest Associates, Jeffrey Nielsen and Richard Lumley.  Jeff joins the Trusts and Estates group with nine years of experience and he will continue advising clients in estate planning, trust preparation and administration, guardianship, and probate. He counsels clients on contract issues and structuring family businesses and corporations. Jeff has … Read more

GTH is delighted to welcome our newest Associates Owen Taylor and Mitch Wright.  Owen received his law degree at the University of Washington Law School and is already a contributing member of our business group.  Mitch is a top graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School, and is focusing his practice on litigation.  Both … Read more

Spring of 2022 has seen notable changes to both federal and Washington state laws regarding arbitration, confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-disparagement agreements between employers and their employees.  These changes were enacted to promote public policy that gives employees more freedom to either resolve or disclose claims of illegal activities that occur (or, in some cases, are … Read more

Stephanie Bloomfield is being honored by the American Board of Trial Advocates Washington Chapter as its 2021 Trial Lawyer of the Year.  ABOTA is an invitation-only national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges with 7,600 members nationwide. Membership is spread among 96 chapters throughout the entire United States—equally balanced between plaintiff and defense lawyers—and … Read more

The firm is excited to welcome our newest Associate, Chelsea Rauch.  Before receiving her J.D. from Seattle University School of Law, she worked as an intern for the Washington Court of Appeals, Division II, and a summer associate at GTH.  She looks forward to growing her practice in the business and labor and employment fields … Read more

The firm is excited to welcome Ian Leifer and Kirsten Parris. Ian joins our Trial attorneys and Kirsten joins our Employment attorneys. These talented attorneys come to GTH with a diverse range of skills and experiences that will serve our clients well. They have already enriched the GTH team and we are delighted to have … Read more

GTH is delighted to welcome our new partner, Molly Kling Crowley. Molly has successfully represented plaintiffs for negligence claims for twenty years. Her commitment to clients and dedication to excellence make her a perfect addition to GTH’s talented litigation team. Reputation and experience matter and we are pleased to have Molly join us in providing … Read more

GTH takes pride in announcing our 2021 Washington Super Lawyers and Rising Stars! Margaret Y. Archer (Land Use/Zoning – Top 50 Women Lawyers in Washington) Stephanie L. Bloomfield (Business Litigation – Top 50 Women Lawyers in Washington) Donald S. Cohen (Utilities, Regulatory & Administrative Law) Dianne K. Conway (Environmental Litigation) Maggie E. Diefenbach (Personal Injury … Read more

    Today, the American Bar Foundation (ABF) launches our new podcast: Whose Law Is It Anyway?   Whose Law Is It Anyway? explores social issues and legal challenges through conversations with the ABF’s community of researchers and practitioners. Join host Matthew Martinez Hannon as he goes beyond the headlines and into our classrooms, courtrooms, … Read more

GTH congratulates Robert Wilke on his milestone achievement of becoming a partner of the firm. Rob is an excellent litigator and successfully represents clients in a variety of cases including personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability and commercial litigation.

We are excited to welcome two Senior Associates to our Estate Planning team. Returning to the firm is Amanda Nathan. Her practice focuses on a blend of estate planning, probate and real estate. She enjoys exploring the often complex connections among these practice areas. New to the firm is Emma Luton. With solid estate planning … Read more

Congratulations to Washington Super Lawyers: Margaret Y. Archer (Land Use/Zoning – Top 50 Women Lawyers in Washington) Stephanie L. Bloomfield (Business Litigation – Top 50 Women Lawyers in Washington) Donald S. Cohen (Utilities, Regulatory & Administrative Law) Dianne K. Conway (Environmental Litigation) Maggie E. Diefenbach (Personal Injury Defense) Mark G. Honeywell (Mediation & Arbitration) Bradley … Read more

Washington’s Supreme Court recently acknowledged that the legal profession bears responsibility for systemic racism against black Americans. At Gordon Thomas Honeywell, we agree, and we embrace the Court’s challenge to combat this ongoing injustice both individually and collectively. We honor our employees, clients, and neighbors who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We believe … Read more

Tacoma – The Association of Washington Spirits & Wine Distributors (AWSWD) today announced the appointment of Andrea McNeely as the organization’s new executive director, effective May 15. She will succeed current ED John Guadnola, who will continue to act as a senior advisor to the Association. AWSWD represents Washington State’s spirits distributors at the state … Read more

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides assistance to workers and employers affected by COVID-19. Because it utilizes federal funds and other funds administered through federal programs, a range of federal enforcement statutes will be implicated. These may include civil and criminal remedies that can be invoked when abuse is detected. The … Read more

Keeping your business up-to-date on the various federal and state programs and resources available to employers and employees in responding to the COVID-19 crisis is no small task. The GTH Business and Employment Law group is committed to helping you do just that. Our team of experienced business and employment attorneys have prepared a summary … Read more

Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) provides additional economic resources for businesses dealing with the impact of COVID-19 on normal business operations.  A key provision of the CARES Act is the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides “forgivable” loans through the Small Business Administration…READ MORE If you or your business has any questions … Read more

Gordon Thomas Honeywell is closely monitoring and evaluating the ever-changing status of the coronavirus that is impacting both our local communities and the world at large. We want to assure our clients that we are committed to protecting the health and safety of all members of our Firm and the clients we serve, while remaining … Read more

The measures being implemented by federal, state and local authorities to address the Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency are developing and changing rapidly. Just yesterday, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) into law. This broad-ranging statute imposes a number of new obligations on employers. The Business and Employment Practice Group at … Read more

Congratulations to Washington Super Lawyers: Margaret Y. Archer (Real Estate/Land Use) Stephanie L. Bloomfield (Employment & PI Litigation) Donald S. Cohen (Utilities, Regulatory & Administrative Law) Mark G. Honeywell (Mediation & Arbitration) Bradley B. Jones (Business & Environmental Litigation) Diane J. Kero (Defense Litigation) William T. Lynn (Land Use/Zoning/Permitting) Alan D. Macpherson (Estate Planning) Warren … Read more

Congratulations to GTH Partner Jemima McCullum, who was recently elected as Council Member to the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Section of the Washington State Bar Association! “The mission of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Section of the Washington State Bar Association is to assist members in achieving the highest standards of competence, professionalism, … Read more

GTH attorneys Stephanie Bloomfield, Andrea McNeely, Julie Dickens, and Patty O’Brien Pearson completed the Run for Equal Justice this weekend! The relay benefits the Washington State Campaign for Equal Justice and supports civil legal aid in Pierce County. GTH currently leads the pack in funds raised, but donations are still open! https://runforequaljustice.com/participant/1043159

After a six-day trial in the United States District Court, the jury reached a unanimous verdict on March 6, 2019, finding in favor of Plaintiff Lori Jacobs on her federal Americans with Disabilities Act claims against Walmart. The jury awarded Ms. Jacobs $1,094,620 in damages. Ms. Jacobs has longstanding disabilities due to cerebral palsy, and … Read more

Every year, the Legal Foundation of Washington awards the Charles A. Goldmark Distinguished Service Award to an exceptional individual or organization for their extraordinary contributions to the justice system. GTH is proud to announce that Salvador Mungia is this year’s recipient of the Goldmark Award! For over 30 years Sal has been a pillar of … Read more

GTH partners Brad B. Jones and Dianne K. Conway recently won a dismissal of a Clean Water Act (CWA) citizen suit filed by Puget Soundkeeper Alliance (PSA) against SSA Marine, Inc. and SSA Terminals, LLC for alleged permit violations at the West Sitcum Terminal in the Port of Tacoma. The federal court found that the … Read more

Partners Bill Lynn and Margaret Archer recently obtained a favorable decision from the Pierce County Hearing Examiner following a highly contested two-week public hearing. The Examiner denied two separate appeals filed by the City of Puyallup challenging our client’s planned development known as the Knutson Farms Industrial Park. The Examiner also approved a shoreline permit … Read more

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, GTH held a 2-week food drive competition for the Emergency Food Network. Staff and attorneys were split into 4 teams for the contest. Altogether the teams collected 4,526 of food, and over $1,000 in donations. Our friends at EFN reported that this is equivalent to 8,762 meals! If you are … Read more

On October 1, 2018 Salvador A. Mungia became Chair of the Access to Justice Board. Sal was appointed to the ATJ Board by the Washington State Supreme Court in 2016. He devotes a large portion of his time to promote access to the civil justice system for those who cannot afford to hire an attorney … Read more

Partners Salvador Mungia and Lisa Kremer recently devoted their energy helping McCarver Elementary students start the school year on the right foot by being part of the Tacoma-Peirce County Bar Association’s (TPCBA) Back-to-School day at McCarver. The TPCBA was the primary sponsor of this event with financial sponsorship also by the Pierce County Minority Bar … Read more

During the inaugural year of our partnership with Sheridan Elementary attorneys and staff often asked, “How can we help more?” For GTH staff members Amelia Franco and Matt Main, that turned out to be coaching the 2nd and 3rd grade Sheridan baseball team through Tacoma Metro Parks. While the baseball season ended earlier in the … Read more

Employees in Washington enjoy some of the strongest wage and hour protections in the country. An employer that willfully fails to pay agreed or required (e.g., minimum wage) compensation is liable to its employee for double the unpaid amount. The same rule applies to improper payroll deductions. In Hill v. Garda CL Northwest, Inc., the … Read more

As summer arrived GTH bid farewell to our Sheridan Elementary first graders until this Fall. Beginning in January, 2018 over 20 volunteers committed to visiting their assigned class a few hours a month to work with students to improve their reading and writing skills.  During the course of the year memorable moments were made when … Read more

A new state law on Notarial Acts becomes effective on July 1, 2018. This article summarizes the effects for Notaries Public: 1. Journals. RCW 42.45.180 requires all notary publics to maintain a journal, except for lawyers, for whom it is optional if they keep the same information in their professional practice. Each entry must contain … Read more

The Clover Park School District is set to pay a settlement of $1.2 million to client Moureen David, an ex-administrator who lost her job for opposing the system of sexual offender transfers between schools.  Ms. David provided almost two decades of dedicated service to the school district, making sure that students’ safety and education was … Read more

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office recently recognized the importance of bilingual notices of employment rights. The new flyers, released April 17, 2018, were designed to be posted in Washington workplaces to educate workers about their rights surrounding sexual harassment at work. Having the flyers in both English and Spanish reaches a broader group of … Read more

Salvador Mungia, one of GTH’s most experienced trial attorneys, has spent the past five years working with an ACLU-W sponsored group formulating a proposed rule change to make it more difficult for attorneys to exclude a person from serving on a jury because of their race and ethnicity. On Thursday, April 12, 2018, the Washington … Read more

Attorneys from Gordon Thomas Honeywell attended the Legal Foundation of Washington’s (LFW) Goldmark Luncheon where GTH was recognized as a “Law Firm Champion” for its financial support of civil legal aid.  GTH partner Eric Gilman currently serves as a board member of the Campaign for Equal Justice and partner Sal Mungia serves on the Board … Read more

Partner, Bill Lynn, was a guest on Crossing Division, a talk show dedicated to news in the 253 area. The episode titled When Cranes Come to Your Neighborhood, discusses the impact of the Growth Management Act, and how it is affecting our local community today. In the interview Bill uses his 39 years of experience … Read more

GTH attorneys were recognized for their community service and pro bono work at the 2018 Lincoln Day Banquet, the annual event of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association (TPCBA). Joe Gordon, Jr. was awarded the Individual Pro Bono Award for his advice given on prototype Washington Web Lawyer a website where low-income individuals who have a … Read more

Gordon Thomas Honeywell (GTH) is proud to announce that Margaret Archer is our newly elected Managing Partner. Margaret has been with the firm for 27 years and is a preeminent real estate, land use, and trial attorney.  Since 2013, Margaret has been recognized annually as one of the Top Fifty Women Lawyers by Washington Super … Read more

Kids In Need of Defense (KIND) is an immigration advocacy group for children. KIND serves as the leading organization for representing children that enter the US immigration without legal representation. GTH is proud to partner with KIND on a pro bono basis in representing several children from Central America. The children escaped their home country … Read more

GTH is proud to welcome Travis Mahugh as a partner in the firm. As an associate, Travis has excelled in representing business owners through complex transactions, as well as digging into real estate issues and even some litigation. A Duck, Travis was at the top of his class in law school, and continues rising to … Read more

Washington’s new paid leave law is generating a lot of questions and commentary as employers prepare to implement the law, which becomes effective on January 1, 2018. Initiative 1433 will require all Washington employers to provide paid sick leave to all non-exempt employees, including full-time, part-time and temporary workers.  The law will require many employers … Read more

“Earthquake insurance is kind of like flood insurance: you’re not going to be required to have it—lenders will take the risk that it won’t happen in our lifetimes—but a sophisticated entity will probably have that type of policy,” Ricketts says. “Everyone is waiting for the big one and we have to be prepared, but I … Read more

GTH Partner Dianne K. Conway was retained by local homeowners in July 2017 to represent them in a pending lawsuit regarding enforcement of a 2015 settlement agreement that resolved boundary line and invasion of privacy disputes with their neighbors.  The settlement agreement and resulting judgment transferred a small strip of each party’s property to the … Read more

An idea years in the making is finally coming to fruition. In 2008, GTH Partner Sal Mungia, had an idea to team up with area businesses to sponsor local elementary classes. Time and resources were limited, however, and sadly the project never progressed out of the preliminary stages. Nine years later, GTH is proud to … Read more

Gordon Thomas Honeywell has been involved in the community through civic and charitable organizations for over 120 years. We are proud to continue that tradition today. In the last decade, GTH and its partners have donated more than one million dollars to local charitable, social, cultural, and educational organizations throughout Pierce and King County. GTH … Read more

GTH is proud of Shadrach White’s efforts to promote technology startups in Tacoma. “We participate in local networking events and help promote the city as a business friendly ecosystem for technology-focused startups. For example, we participated in a youtube video series as part of this marketing effort”, said Shadrach. Excerpt from: Engine, #STARTUPSEVERYWHERE article by Monica Laufer. … Read more

We are looking forward to attending the King County Bar Foundation’s Breakfast of Champions Event March 30, 2017.           Read More

Congratulations to Salvador Mungia for being selected as a co-recipient of the Fellows 2017 Outstanding State Chair Award. Sal and co-recipient, the Honorable Eileen A. Kato (Ret.) will be honored during the 61st Annual Awards Reception on Saturday, February 4, in Miami. Read More