U.S. District Court for Western Washington
Federal courts manage cases unlike state courts, so choose a team that knows the differences.
Rocke Law Group is based in Seattle, Washington and our attorneys represent both local clients and out-of-state clients whose legal matters bring them under Washington jurisdiction.
Rocke Law Group is based in Seattle, Washington and our attorneys represent both local clients and out-of-state clients whose legal matters bring them under Washington jurisdiction. We take cases involving federal law and federal jurisdiction in the United States District Court for Western Washington.
If you would like to speak with a lawyer about how this applies to your specific legal situation or would like to speak about a case involving Washington State law, please contact us.
Location and Jurisdiction
The U.S. District Court for Western Washington jurisdiction covers all Washington counties west of the Cascade Mountains. Due to the size of this jurisdiction, the district is organized into two divisions. The Seattle Division, based just blocks from our firm’s office in downtown Seattle, and the Tacoma Division. Out-of-state parties must have a Washington attorney represent them for cases tried in Washington State. Our Seattle-based attorneys have experience representing both local and out-of-state clients.
The Case Assignment Areas
Civil cases are assigned to the area where a defendant (or respondent) resides. If no defendant/respondent lives in King County, the case is assigned to the area where a plaintiff (or petitioner) resides.
The U.S. District Court hears certain civil actions between citizens of different states, civil actions in which the United States is a party, and civil actions involving federal law. It also hears civil actions within the U.S.’s admiralty and maritime jurisdiction.
Seattle Division: Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties.
Tacoma Division: Clallum, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum counties.
Benefits of Hiring a Seattle Attorney
Whether you are a resident of Washington or your legal issues have brought you here from another state, it is highly advisable to work with a Seattle attorney. We have a strong, positive working relationship with our peers. Judges and opposing counsel are familiar with our firm and respect our attorneys.
Out-of-state parties sometimes wish to be represented pro hac vice, i.e. by an attorney from a different state. Pro hac vice representation is permitted in the District Court for Western Washington, provided:
a) The pro hac vice attorney must obtain advance written permission from the Court; and
b) The pro hac vice attorney must appear in court in association with a local attorney who (1) is an active member of the Washington State Bar and (2) has a physical office within the Western District of Washington.
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION SERVICES:
Business torts and breach of contract
Franchise issues
Intellectual property
Risk management and strategic planning
Unfair competition
EMPLOYMENT LAW SERVICES:
Employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation
Employment disputes
Wage and hour claims
Non-compete Agreements