Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Defense Partner
Founded over five decades ago, Keating Bucklin McCormack PS has evolved from a small legal practice into a formidable team of 15 seasoned attorneys. Our firm specializes in defending public and private entities across complex legal landscapes, including civil rights, employment law, school law, and high-stakes litigation. Many of our attorneys bring unique perspectives from careers as prosecutors, military JAG officers, and state attorneys general, enabling us to craft innovative litigation strategies and proactive risk management solutions. With a track record of success in state and federal courtsincluding landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Courtwe prioritize client outcomes through aggressive advocacy and cost-effective techniques. Our commitment extends beyond litigation, offering tailored training programs and policy development services to help clients avoid disputes before they arise.Recognized for our expertise in specialized areas like land use liability and road design cases, we combine deep legal knowledge with practical, real-world experience. Clients consistently praise our ability to deliver decisive results in high-pressure situations, supported by a team of attorneys who are not only skilled litigators but also respected educators and policy analysts. From defending law enforcement agencies to advising school districts, we approach every case with the same core principles: courage, professionalism, and an unwavering focus on achieving justice for our clients.
Services
Civil Rights Defense
Employment Law
School Law
Land Use Liability
Road Design Liability
Personal Injury Defense
Premises Liability
Public Records Compliance
Inquests Representation
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience defending public and private entities in complex litigation.
- Our attorneys include former military JAG officers and state prosecutors with courtroom expertise.
- We combine litigation avoidance strategies with aggressive trial advocacy for optimal outcomes.
- Our team provides customized training programs to help clients prevent legal disputes.
- Recognized leaders in specialized areas like land use liability and road design litigation.
What people say
Outstanding trial performance
Restored faith in legal system
Driven, smart, aggressive
Services
Civil Rights Defense
Our Civil Rights Defense team specializes in representing law enforcement agencies and personnel in high-stakes litigation. With attorneys who have tried hundreds of cases in state and federal courtsincluding the U.S. Supreme Courtwe handle matters ranging from routine arrests to high-profile use-of-force incidents. Our proactive approach includes policy development and training programs to mitigate litigation risks while maintaining constitutional compliance. Clients benefit from our attorneys' unique backgrounds in military JAG corps and prosecutorial roles, ensuring robust defense strategies tailored to evolving legal standards.
Employment Law
We provide comprehensive employment law services covering litigation defense, policy development, and proactive training programs. Our team represents public and private employers in disputes involving hiring practices, disciplinary procedures, disability accommodations, and workplace investigations. With decades of experience in state and federal courts, we combine litigation expertise with practical risk management solutions to help organizations prevent disputes. Our attorneys' backgrounds in government service and corporate law enable us to address complex employment issues across diverse industries while maintaining regulatory compliance.
School Law
Our School Law practice offers specialized legal counsel to educational institutions on matters including student discipline, special education compliance, and employment disputes. Attorneys provide strategic guidance on IDEA, Section 504, and constitutional issues affecting schools while prioritizing educational mission preservation. We combine litigation expertise with policy development services to help school districts navigate complex legal challenges. Our team's experience in both courtroom advocacy and administrative proceedings ensures comprehensive support for educators facing legal uncertainties.
Land Use Liability
This practice area focuses on defending governmental entities in land use regulation, permitting, and litigation matters. Our attorneys handle complex cases involving zoning disputes, environmental regulations, and inverse condemnation claims across state and federal courts. We provide pre-defense analysis, administrative hearing representation, and trial advocacy supported by expert witnesses in planning and environmental disciplines. The team's expertise extends to policy development and training programs that help clients implement legally sound land use regulations while minimizing litigation exposure.
Road Design Liability
Specializing in road design and traffic engineering liability cases, our attorneys handle complex litigation involving catastrophic injuries and infrastructure disputes. With decades of experience in state appellate courts, we represent clients in matters requiring expert analysis of traffic engineering standards and accident reconstruction. The practice combines technical expertise with courtroom experience to defend claims related to roadway design, signage, and maintenance. Our team's deep understanding of transportation law and established relationships with engineering experts ensure effective representation in this highly specialized field.
People
Stewart A. Estes
Of Counsel
Experienced trial attorney with extensive background in civil rights defense and police liability cases. Recognized for exceptional courtroom performance and strategic litigation approaches that protect client interests while maintaining professional ethics.
Richard B. Jolley
Shareholder
Seasoned litigator specializing in employment law and complex civil litigation. Brings decades of experience in courtroom advocacy and strategic legal counseling to help public and private entities resolve disputes effectively.
Audrey M. Airut Murphy
Senior Associate
Skilled attorney focusing on school law and special education compliance. Provides practical legal solutions to educational institutions while balancing regulatory requirements with operational needs.
Shannon M. Ragonesi
Managing Shareholder
Leadership role in directing litigation strategy and firm operations. Expertise spans multiple practice areas including civil rights defense and land use liability with emphasis on proactive risk management solutions.
Adam Zenger
Associate
Emerging legal professional supporting complex litigation cases with focus on road design liability and traffic engineering disputes. Contributes analytical skills and technical knowledge to the firm's specialized practice areas.
Questions
What areas of law does Keating, Bucklin & McCormack specialize in?
We focus on civil rights defense, employment law, school law, land use liability, and road design litigation for public and private entities.
Do you represent both public and private sector clients?
Yes, we provide legal defense services to governmental entities, school districts, and private businesses facing complex litigation matters.
How does your firm handle high-profile police liability cases?
Our experienced trial team combines military and prosecutorial backgrounds with specialized training programs to develop comprehensive defense strategies for law enforcement clients.
Can you assist with preventing employment-related lawsuits?
We offer proactive training programs and policy development services to help employers implement best practices that minimize litigation risks.
What makes your road design liability practice unique?
With decades of experience in state appellate courts, we combine technical engineering expertise with courtroom advocacy to defend complex transportation-related litigation.
Do you provide legal services outside Washington state?
Our practice extends to Wyoming and federal courts nationwide, representing clients in multi-jurisdictional cases and specialized litigation matters.
