The Bernard Law Group

The Bernard Law Group

Seattle Washington Personal Injury Lawyers

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Washington and has no record of discipline from the Washington bar association. *

The Bernard Law Group

The Bernard Law Group

Seattle Washington Personal Injury Lawyers

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Washington and has no record of discipline from the Washington bar association. *

Firm Overview

You Need The Bernard Law Group If You Have Been Injured

The experienced and knowledgeable attorneys at the Bernard Law Group represent victims of catastrophic injury throughout Washington state. Our firm has the resources to help you if you have suffered due to the negligence of another person. Call 1-800-418-8282 to get a free consultation with a legal expert today.

-For more than 30 years, Kirk Bernard has successfully represented accident victims and their families.
-The Bernard Law Group offers proof of its success on behalf of clients with a verifiable track record.
-More than 10,000 accident victims and their families have benefited from our vigorous pursuit of their legal rights.
-The attorneys working with the Bernard Law Group have diverse backgrounds, and all have been trial defense and/or in-house insurance lawyers.
-The Bernard Law Group actively participates in the Washington State Association for Justice.

Our Track Record of Success
In order to achieve a successful presentation of the facts, the Bernard Law Group investigates every aspect of each case. Our highly experienced attorneys monitor, update, and deal with all relevant issues, carefully ushering each case to a favorable resolution. We have the necessary financial resources to take on any defendant, no matter how large, or how rich.

Our extensive list of successes is proof of our legal acumen and unique grasp of the intricacies of personal injury litigation. We are equally proud of the testimonials and endorsements of those injured individuals we've represented.

Main Office

Main Office
900 Aurora Avenue North
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98109

Phone

206 298-9900

Personal Injury

If you have suffered an injury as a result of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, it is important to understand that you have legal rights.

A personal injury lawsuit is a civil claim that victims can file to obtain monetary compensation for their significant injuries, damages and losses. The legal process in such cases can be tricky, complex and challenging. It is important to know how to avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can seriously jeopardize your claim.

Filing a Lawsuit
Ideally, if you have been injured in an accident, the insurance provider of the at-fault party will offer you a settlement to cover your losses. The first settlement offered by an insurance adjuster is typically well below the potential value of the claim. If you are not offered fair compensation or if your claim has been denied, you may want to consider filing a civil lawsuit to get the support you need and rightfully deserve. Do not speak with an insurance company or rush into a settlement until you have spoken with an experienced Washington personal injury lawyer who will fight for your rights and work diligently to protect your best interests.

The Role of Negligence
Every personal injury case is unique, but negligence plays an important role in most of these cases. In order to receive compensation, the plaintiff in a personal injury case must prove that the defendant owed a duty of care and failed to fulfill that duty. Often, the success of a personal injury claim depends on whether or not the at-fault party was careless or negligent. Examples of negligence include:

-A speeding driver who caused a car accident.
-A property owner whose failure to maintain his property caused a slip-and-fall accident.
-A surgeon whose negligence caused serious physical injuries to a patient.
-A doctor who misdiagnosed his patient.
-A nursing home whose employees neglected or abused residents.

The Value of Your Claim
A successful personal injury claim can result in financial support for your:

-Past, current and future medical bills related to the accident including costs of hospitalization and rehabilitation.
-Lost current and future income.
-The loss of earning potential if the injury affects your ability to work in the future.
-Pain and suffering.
-Punitive damages in cases involving extreme negligence or wrongdoing.

Preserving Evidence
In any personal injury case, it is crucial to preserve all possible evidence including physical evidence from the scene of the incident, medical records and in the case of accidents, the vehicles involved in the collision. It is also a good practice to document all the losses you have suffered as a result of the injury and maintain a journal describing your life after the injury.

The experienced Washington personal injury attorneys at The Bernard Law Firm have the skill, knowledge and resources it takes to fight for your rights and ensure that you receive fair and full compensation for your losses. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone else's negligence, please contact our office at 1-800-418-8282 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

The Bernard Law Group
Kirk Bernard

Thank you for considering the Bernard Law Group. With so many options at your disposal for legal counsel, I know the choices can seem overwhelming. I'd like to tell you a little bit about myself to ease your mind, and hopefully to make your decision to work with us easier for you.

Representing the rights of victims is a calling for me, not just a career. My father, Saul Bernard, began his own legal practice in the 1930s. He tried hundreds of cases. He represented all types of clients, regardless of status or standing. His only criteria for taking a case was whether he could help someone who had been wronged.

I watched him in his practice, and saw the satisfaction he derived from serving his community and helping others. He stood up for people who needed someone to be on their side. I knew, from a very young age, that I wanted to help in the same way.

Call 1-800-250-7960 for a FREE case consultation.
My personal commitment to you: In conjunction with my fully trained staff of lawyers, investigators, accident re-constructionists and paralegals, I will work tirelessly to see that your rights are restored, that justice has been served, and that the negligent parties have been made to pay.

Biography:Kirk Bernard has been a civil litigator for more than 30 years. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1981. Mr. Bernard focuses on personal injury cases representing the right of accident victims. He stands up for clients and has an impressive record of verdicts and settlements to show that he doesn't back down when justice is at stake.

He owns and operates two personal injury law firms, one based in Seattle, Washington, and another in Beverly Hills, California. Mr. Bernard is an active member of the bar, and is licensed in both Washington and California. He is also a member of The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Consumer Attorney's Association and ATLA. He is also an eagle member of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.

The Bernard Law Group
Kirk Bernard

Thank you for considering the Bernard Law Group. With so many options at your disposal for legal counsel, I know the choices can seem overwhelming. I'd like to tell you a little bit about myself to ease your mind, and hopefully to make your decision to work with us easier for you.

Representing the rights of victims is a calling for me, not just a career. My father, Saul Bernard, began his own legal practice in the 1930s. He tried hundreds of cases. He represented all types of clients, regardless of status or standing. His only criteria for taking a case was whether he could help someone who had been wronged.

I watched him in his practice, and saw the satisfaction he derived from serving his community and helping others. He stood up for people who needed someone to be on their side. I knew, from a very young age, that I wanted to help in the same way.

Call 1-800-250-7960 for a FREE case consultation.
My personal commitment to you: In conjunction with my fully trained staff of lawyers, investigators, accident re-constructionists and paralegals, I will work tirelessly to see that your rights are restored, that justice has been served, and that the negligent parties have been made to pay.

Biography:Kirk Bernard has been a civil litigator for more than 30 years. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1981. Mr. Bernard focuses on personal injury cases representing the right of accident victims. He stands up for clients and has an impressive record of verdicts and settlements to show that he doesn't back down when justice is at stake.

He owns and operates two personal injury law firms, one based in Seattle, Washington, and another in Beverly Hills, California. Mr. Bernard is an active member of the bar, and is licensed in both Washington and California. He is also a member of The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Consumer Attorney's Association and ATLA. He is also an eagle member of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.

The Bernard Law Group
Tom Budinich

Thomas Budinich graduated from the University of Puget Sound School of Law, now known as Seattle University Law School, in 1993. Early in his career, he worked at Talmage & Cutler, a firm specializing in general civil litigation. He has spent more than eight years working for insurance companies evaluating and settling auto accident and premises liability claims as an insurance adjuster.

He earned the title of Charter Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) while working for the insurance companies. This title requires passing ten tests on different areas of insurance related issues. He brings this knowledge of how insurance companies work from the inside to the Bernard Law Group to help individuals obtain just compensation for their injuries as a lawyer negotiator.

The Bernard Law Group
Tom Budinich

Thomas Budinich graduated from the University of Puget Sound School of Law, now known as Seattle University Law School, in 1993. Early in his career, he worked at Talmage & Cutler, a firm specializing in general civil litigation. He has spent more than eight years working for insurance companies evaluating and settling auto accident and premises liability claims as an insurance adjuster.

He earned the title of Charter Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) while working for the insurance companies. This title requires passing ten tests on different areas of insurance related issues. He brings this knowledge of how insurance companies work from the inside to the Bernard Law Group to help individuals obtain just compensation for their injuries as a lawyer negotiator.

The Bernard Law Group
Viivi Vanderslice

Viivi is a former insurance defense attorney. For eight years, she experienced first hand the unfair advantage insurance companies have over individuals. She knows that only through aggressive and skilled representation will an individual obtain fair compensation.

In 2007, Viivi left insurance defense litigation and chose to dedicate herself solely to representing individuals who have been injured. Her compassion for her clients and dedication to obtain justice for them is her number one priority.

Viivi Vanderslice graduated from the University of Washington in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Minor in History. She obtained her law degree from California Western School of Law in 1999 graduating in the top 8% of her class. She received the American Jurisprudence Award (highest final grade in the class) for Torts, Contracts, and Advanced Civil Litigation Practice and Procedure.

Viivi is licensed to practice law in the states of Washington, Nevada and California. During her time at California Western, she was an Executive Editor for the International Law Review and a published author in the California Western Law Review. Also during this time, Viivi clerked at one of the largest plaintiff's litigation firms in San Diego where she helped personal injury victims, including victims of medical malpractice, wrongful death and physical/sexual abuse obtain justice.

Viivi is an active member of the Washington State Bar Association and Washington Association for Justice.

The Bernard Law Group
Viivi Vanderslice

Viivi is a former insurance defense attorney. For eight years, she experienced first hand the unfair advantage insurance companies have over individuals. She knows that only through aggressive and skilled representation will an individual obtain fair compensation.

In 2007, Viivi left insurance defense litigation and chose to dedicate herself solely to representing individuals who have been injured. Her compassion for her clients and dedication to obtain justice for them is her number one priority.

Viivi Vanderslice graduated from the University of Washington in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Minor in History. She obtained her law degree from California Western School of Law in 1999 graduating in the top 8% of her class. She received the American Jurisprudence Award (highest final grade in the class) for Torts, Contracts, and Advanced Civil Litigation Practice and Procedure.

Viivi is licensed to practice law in the states of Washington, Nevada and California. During her time at California Western, she was an Executive Editor for the International Law Review and a published author in the California Western Law Review. Also during this time, Viivi clerked at one of the largest plaintiff's litigation firms in San Diego where she helped personal injury victims, including victims of medical malpractice, wrongful death and physical/sexual abuse obtain justice.

Viivi is an active member of the Washington State Bar Association and Washington Association for Justice.

The Bernard Law Group
Deborah A. Severson

Ms. Severson graduatedcum laudefrom California State University at Northridge in 1978 with a B.A. in Political Science. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law, Malibu, California in 1981 and was admitted to practice in California in December 1981. Ms. Severson was actively engaged in the practice of law in California for more than 15 years. During that time her practice included all aspects of civil litigation, concentrating on plaintiff's personal injury, construction contract disputes and workers compensation subrogation.

In 2000 Ms. Severson moved to Washington with her husband and four children. She was admitted to the Washington Bar in November 2004. After admission to the Washington Bar Ms. Severson was associated as in house, staff counsel for several insurance carriers and was Managing Attorney for Safeco's staff counsel office in Tacoma, Washington. Prior to joining Bernard Law Group Ms. Severson was a shareholder with the firm of Lee Smart. Ms. Severson has significant jury trial experience and extensive experience litigating all types of bodily injury cases, including traumatic brain injury and wrongful death claims.

The Bernard Law Group
Deborah A. Severson

Ms. Severson graduatedcum laudefrom California State University at Northridge in 1978 with a B.A. in Political Science. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law, Malibu, California in 1981 and was admitted to practice in California in December 1981. Ms. Severson was actively engaged in the practice of law in California for more than 15 years. During that time her practice included all aspects of civil litigation, concentrating on plaintiff's personal injury, construction contract disputes and workers compensation subrogation.

In 2000 Ms. Severson moved to Washington with her husband and four children. She was admitted to the Washington Bar in November 2004. After admission to the Washington Bar Ms. Severson was associated as in house, staff counsel for several insurance carriers and was Managing Attorney for Safeco's staff counsel office in Tacoma, Washington. Prior to joining Bernard Law Group Ms. Severson was a shareholder with the firm of Lee Smart. Ms. Severson has significant jury trial experience and extensive experience litigating all types of bodily injury cases, including traumatic brain injury and wrongful death claims.

The Bernard Law Group
James E. Banks

James loves representing and fighting for people who have been seriously harmed by another's wrongful conduct. He strives to develop close relationships with every person he represents and he takes pride in becoming their advocate. As James prepares his cases, he walks a mile in his clients' shoes. He has the ability to bring his client's stories to life in an effort to obtain full and fair justice for that individual.

Early in his legal career, James worked with the Access to Justice Institute, representing under-represented members of the Seattle community. In this position he experienced many injustices. His clients were low-income, mostly non-English speakers. By fighting for these people, James began to understand that he could positively change peoples' lives and make our community a better place to live. He went on to work with both the Seattle City Attorney's Office and the King County Council, addressing the concerns of citizens to effectuate positive change in our community's health, safety, and quality of life.

James earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Philosophy from the University of Washington with honor. He accepted a Presidential Scholarship to Seattle University School of Law, where he earned his law degree, graduating cum laude.

James Banks is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and has been admitted to argue before the U.S. District Court Western District of Washington. He is an Eagle member of the Washington State Association for Justice, the state's premier organization of personal injury attorneys, and he was chosen as a 2012 Super Lawyers "Rising Star."

The Bernard Law Group
James E. Banks

James loves representing and fighting for people who have been seriously harmed by another's wrongful conduct. He strives to develop close relationships with every person he represents and he takes pride in becoming their advocate. As James prepares his cases, he walks a mile in his clients' shoes. He has the ability to bring his client's stories to life in an effort to obtain full and fair justice for that individual.

Early in his legal career, James worked with the Access to Justice Institute, representing under-represented members of the Seattle community. In this position he experienced many injustices. His clients were low-income, mostly non-English speakers. By fighting for these people, James began to understand that he could positively change peoples' lives and make our community a better place to live. He went on to work with both the Seattle City Attorney's Office and the King County Council, addressing the concerns of citizens to effectuate positive change in our community's health, safety, and quality of life.

James earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Philosophy from the University of Washington with honor. He accepted a Presidential Scholarship to Seattle University School of Law, where he earned his law degree, graduating cum laude.

James Banks is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and has been admitted to argue before the U.S. District Court Western District of Washington. He is an Eagle member of the Washington State Association for Justice, the state's premier organization of personal injury attorneys, and he was chosen as a 2012 Super Lawyers "Rising Star."

Firm Overview

You Need The Bernard Law Group If You Have Been Injured

The experienced and knowledgeable attorneys at the Bernard Law Group represent victims of catastrophic injury throughout Washington state. Our firm has the resources to help you if you have suffered due to the negligence of another person. Call 1-800-418-8282 to get a free consultation with a legal expert today.

-For more than 30 years, Kirk Bernard has successfully represented accident victims and their families.
-The Bernard Law Group offers proof of its success on behalf of clients with a verifiable track record.
-More than 10,000 accident victims and their families have benefited from our vigorous pursuit of their legal rights.
-The attorneys working with the Bernard Law Group have diverse backgrounds, and all have been trial defense and/or in-house insurance lawyers.
-The Bernard Law Group actively participates in the Washington State Association for Justice.

Our Track Record of Success
In order to achieve a successful presentation of the facts, the Bernard Law Group investigates every aspect of each case. Our highly experienced attorneys monitor, update, and deal with all relevant issues, carefully ushering each case to a favorable resolution. We have the necessary financial resources to take on any defendant, no matter how large, or how rich.

Our extensive list of successes is proof of our legal acumen and unique grasp of the intricacies of personal injury litigation. We are equally proud of the testimonials and endorsements of those injured individuals we've represented.

Main Office

Main Office
900 Aurora Avenue North
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98109

Phone

206 298-9900

Personal Injury

If you have suffered an injury as a result of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, it is important to understand that you have legal rights.

A personal injury lawsuit is a civil claim that victims can file to obtain monetary compensation for their significant injuries, damages and losses. The legal process in such cases can be tricky, complex and challenging. It is important to know how to avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can seriously jeopardize your claim.

Filing a Lawsuit
Ideally, if you have been injured in an accident, the insurance provider of the at-fault party will offer you a settlement to cover your losses. The first settlement offered by an insurance adjuster is typically well below the potential value of the claim. If you are not offered fair compensation or if your claim has been denied, you may want to consider filing a civil lawsuit to get the support you need and rightfully deserve. Do not speak with an insurance company or rush into a settlement until you have spoken with an experienced Washington personal injury lawyer who will fight for your rights and work diligently to protect your best interests.

The Role of Negligence
Every personal injury case is unique, but negligence plays an important role in most of these cases. In order to receive compensation, the plaintiff in a personal injury case must prove that the defendant owed a duty of care and failed to fulfill that duty. Often, the success of a personal injury claim depends on whether or not the at-fault party was careless or negligent. Examples of negligence include:

-A speeding driver who caused a car accident.
-A property owner whose failure to maintain his property caused a slip-and-fall accident.
-A surgeon whose negligence caused serious physical injuries to a patient.
-A doctor who misdiagnosed his patient.
-A nursing home whose employees neglected or abused residents.

The Value of Your Claim
A successful personal injury claim can result in financial support for your:

-Past, current and future medical bills related to the accident including costs of hospitalization and rehabilitation.
-Lost current and future income.
-The loss of earning potential if the injury affects your ability to work in the future.
-Pain and suffering.
-Punitive damages in cases involving extreme negligence or wrongdoing.

Preserving Evidence
In any personal injury case, it is crucial to preserve all possible evidence including physical evidence from the scene of the incident, medical records and in the case of accidents, the vehicles involved in the collision. It is also a good practice to document all the losses you have suffered as a result of the injury and maintain a journal describing your life after the injury.

The experienced Washington personal injury attorneys at The Bernard Law Firm have the skill, knowledge and resources it takes to fight for your rights and ensure that you receive fair and full compensation for your losses. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to someone else's negligence, please contact our office at 1-800-418-8282 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.

The Bernard Law Group
Kirk Bernard

Thank you for considering the Bernard Law Group. With so many options at your disposal for legal counsel, I know the choices can seem overwhelming. I'd like to tell you a little bit about myself to ease your mind, and hopefully to make your decision to work with us easier for you.

Representing the rights of victims is a calling for me, not just a career. My father, Saul Bernard, began his own legal practice in the 1930s. He tried hundreds of cases. He represented all types of clients, regardless of status or standing. His only criteria for taking a case was whether he could help someone who had been wronged.

I watched him in his practice, and saw the satisfaction he derived from serving his community and helping others. He stood up for people who needed someone to be on their side. I knew, from a very young age, that I wanted to help in the same way.

Call 1-800-250-7960 for a FREE case consultation.
My personal commitment to you: In conjunction with my fully trained staff of lawyers, investigators, accident re-constructionists and paralegals, I will work tirelessly to see that your rights are restored, that justice has been served, and that the negligent parties have been made to pay.

Biography:Kirk Bernard has been a civil litigator for more than 30 years. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1981. Mr. Bernard focuses on personal injury cases representing the right of accident victims. He stands up for clients and has an impressive record of verdicts and settlements to show that he doesn't back down when justice is at stake.

He owns and operates two personal injury law firms, one based in Seattle, Washington, and another in Beverly Hills, California. Mr. Bernard is an active member of the bar, and is licensed in both Washington and California. He is also a member of The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Consumer Attorney's Association and ATLA. He is also an eagle member of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.

The Bernard Law Group
Kirk Bernard

Thank you for considering the Bernard Law Group. With so many options at your disposal for legal counsel, I know the choices can seem overwhelming. I'd like to tell you a little bit about myself to ease your mind, and hopefully to make your decision to work with us easier for you.

Representing the rights of victims is a calling for me, not just a career. My father, Saul Bernard, began his own legal practice in the 1930s. He tried hundreds of cases. He represented all types of clients, regardless of status or standing. His only criteria for taking a case was whether he could help someone who had been wronged.

I watched him in his practice, and saw the satisfaction he derived from serving his community and helping others. He stood up for people who needed someone to be on their side. I knew, from a very young age, that I wanted to help in the same way.

Call 1-800-250-7960 for a FREE case consultation.
My personal commitment to you: In conjunction with my fully trained staff of lawyers, investigators, accident re-constructionists and paralegals, I will work tirelessly to see that your rights are restored, that justice has been served, and that the negligent parties have been made to pay.

Biography:Kirk Bernard has been a civil litigator for more than 30 years. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1981. Mr. Bernard focuses on personal injury cases representing the right of accident victims. He stands up for clients and has an impressive record of verdicts and settlements to show that he doesn't back down when justice is at stake.

He owns and operates two personal injury law firms, one based in Seattle, Washington, and another in Beverly Hills, California. Mr. Bernard is an active member of the bar, and is licensed in both Washington and California. He is also a member of The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Consumer Attorney's Association and ATLA. He is also an eagle member of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.

The Bernard Law Group
Tom Budinich

Thomas Budinich graduated from the University of Puget Sound School of Law, now known as Seattle University Law School, in 1993. Early in his career, he worked at Talmage & Cutler, a firm specializing in general civil litigation. He has spent more than eight years working for insurance companies evaluating and settling auto accident and premises liability claims as an insurance adjuster.

He earned the title of Charter Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) while working for the insurance companies. This title requires passing ten tests on different areas of insurance related issues. He brings this knowledge of how insurance companies work from the inside to the Bernard Law Group to help individuals obtain just compensation for their injuries as a lawyer negotiator.

The Bernard Law Group
Tom Budinich

Thomas Budinich graduated from the University of Puget Sound School of Law, now known as Seattle University Law School, in 1993. Early in his career, he worked at Talmage & Cutler, a firm specializing in general civil litigation. He has spent more than eight years working for insurance companies evaluating and settling auto accident and premises liability claims as an insurance adjuster.

He earned the title of Charter Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) while working for the insurance companies. This title requires passing ten tests on different areas of insurance related issues. He brings this knowledge of how insurance companies work from the inside to the Bernard Law Group to help individuals obtain just compensation for their injuries as a lawyer negotiator.

The Bernard Law Group
Viivi Vanderslice

Viivi is a former insurance defense attorney. For eight years, she experienced first hand the unfair advantage insurance companies have over individuals. She knows that only through aggressive and skilled representation will an individual obtain fair compensation.

In 2007, Viivi left insurance defense litigation and chose to dedicate herself solely to representing individuals who have been injured. Her compassion for her clients and dedication to obtain justice for them is her number one priority.

Viivi Vanderslice graduated from the University of Washington in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Minor in History. She obtained her law degree from California Western School of Law in 1999 graduating in the top 8% of her class. She received the American Jurisprudence Award (highest final grade in the class) for Torts, Contracts, and Advanced Civil Litigation Practice and Procedure.

Viivi is licensed to practice law in the states of Washington, Nevada and California. During her time at California Western, she was an Executive Editor for the International Law Review and a published author in the California Western Law Review. Also during this time, Viivi clerked at one of the largest plaintiff's litigation firms in San Diego where she helped personal injury victims, including victims of medical malpractice, wrongful death and physical/sexual abuse obtain justice.

Viivi is an active member of the Washington State Bar Association and Washington Association for Justice.

The Bernard Law Group
Viivi Vanderslice

Viivi is a former insurance defense attorney. For eight years, she experienced first hand the unfair advantage insurance companies have over individuals. She knows that only through aggressive and skilled representation will an individual obtain fair compensation.

In 2007, Viivi left insurance defense litigation and chose to dedicate herself solely to representing individuals who have been injured. Her compassion for her clients and dedication to obtain justice for them is her number one priority.

Viivi Vanderslice graduated from the University of Washington in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Minor in History. She obtained her law degree from California Western School of Law in 1999 graduating in the top 8% of her class. She received the American Jurisprudence Award (highest final grade in the class) for Torts, Contracts, and Advanced Civil Litigation Practice and Procedure.

Viivi is licensed to practice law in the states of Washington, Nevada and California. During her time at California Western, she was an Executive Editor for the International Law Review and a published author in the California Western Law Review. Also during this time, Viivi clerked at one of the largest plaintiff's litigation firms in San Diego where she helped personal injury victims, including victims of medical malpractice, wrongful death and physical/sexual abuse obtain justice.

Viivi is an active member of the Washington State Bar Association and Washington Association for Justice.

The Bernard Law Group
Deborah A. Severson

Ms. Severson graduatedcum laudefrom California State University at Northridge in 1978 with a B.A. in Political Science. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law, Malibu, California in 1981 and was admitted to practice in California in December 1981. Ms. Severson was actively engaged in the practice of law in California for more than 15 years. During that time her practice included all aspects of civil litigation, concentrating on plaintiff's personal injury, construction contract disputes and workers compensation subrogation.

In 2000 Ms. Severson moved to Washington with her husband and four children. She was admitted to the Washington Bar in November 2004. After admission to the Washington Bar Ms. Severson was associated as in house, staff counsel for several insurance carriers and was Managing Attorney for Safeco's staff counsel office in Tacoma, Washington. Prior to joining Bernard Law Group Ms. Severson was a shareholder with the firm of Lee Smart. Ms. Severson has significant jury trial experience and extensive experience litigating all types of bodily injury cases, including traumatic brain injury and wrongful death claims.

The Bernard Law Group
Deborah A. Severson

Ms. Severson graduatedcum laudefrom California State University at Northridge in 1978 with a B.A. in Political Science. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law, Malibu, California in 1981 and was admitted to practice in California in December 1981. Ms. Severson was actively engaged in the practice of law in California for more than 15 years. During that time her practice included all aspects of civil litigation, concentrating on plaintiff's personal injury, construction contract disputes and workers compensation subrogation.

In 2000 Ms. Severson moved to Washington with her husband and four children. She was admitted to the Washington Bar in November 2004. After admission to the Washington Bar Ms. Severson was associated as in house, staff counsel for several insurance carriers and was Managing Attorney for Safeco's staff counsel office in Tacoma, Washington. Prior to joining Bernard Law Group Ms. Severson was a shareholder with the firm of Lee Smart. Ms. Severson has significant jury trial experience and extensive experience litigating all types of bodily injury cases, including traumatic brain injury and wrongful death claims.

The Bernard Law Group
James E. Banks

James loves representing and fighting for people who have been seriously harmed by another's wrongful conduct. He strives to develop close relationships with every person he represents and he takes pride in becoming their advocate. As James prepares his cases, he walks a mile in his clients' shoes. He has the ability to bring his client's stories to life in an effort to obtain full and fair justice for that individual.

Early in his legal career, James worked with the Access to Justice Institute, representing under-represented members of the Seattle community. In this position he experienced many injustices. His clients were low-income, mostly non-English speakers. By fighting for these people, James began to understand that he could positively change peoples' lives and make our community a better place to live. He went on to work with both the Seattle City Attorney's Office and the King County Council, addressing the concerns of citizens to effectuate positive change in our community's health, safety, and quality of life.

James earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Philosophy from the University of Washington with honor. He accepted a Presidential Scholarship to Seattle University School of Law, where he earned his law degree, graduating cum laude.

James Banks is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and has been admitted to argue before the U.S. District Court Western District of Washington. He is an Eagle member of the Washington State Association for Justice, the state's premier organization of personal injury attorneys, and he was chosen as a 2012 Super Lawyers "Rising Star."

The Bernard Law Group
James E. Banks

James loves representing and fighting for people who have been seriously harmed by another's wrongful conduct. He strives to develop close relationships with every person he represents and he takes pride in becoming their advocate. As James prepares his cases, he walks a mile in his clients' shoes. He has the ability to bring his client's stories to life in an effort to obtain full and fair justice for that individual.

Early in his legal career, James worked with the Access to Justice Institute, representing under-represented members of the Seattle community. In this position he experienced many injustices. His clients were low-income, mostly non-English speakers. By fighting for these people, James began to understand that he could positively change peoples' lives and make our community a better place to live. He went on to work with both the Seattle City Attorney's Office and the King County Council, addressing the concerns of citizens to effectuate positive change in our community's health, safety, and quality of life.

James earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Philosophy from the University of Washington with honor. He accepted a Presidential Scholarship to Seattle University School of Law, where he earned his law degree, graduating cum laude.

James Banks is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and has been admitted to argue before the U.S. District Court Western District of Washington. He is an Eagle member of the Washington State Association for Justice, the state's premier organization of personal injury attorneys, and he was chosen as a 2012 Super Lawyers "Rising Star."

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Washington and has no record of discipline from the Washington bar association. *

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.

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This lawyer is licensed to practice in Washington and has no record of discipline from the Washington bar association. *

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.