Bio

Rory’s passion is civil appeals in state and federal courts. He has been counsel of record in over 50 appeals. He has argued in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and in all three Divisions of the Court of Appeals of the State of Washington. He has filed amicus briefs in the Supreme Court of Washington on behalf of the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers, national trade associations, and insurance companies. In addition to his love for appeals, Rory supports trial counsel in complex and high-stakes litigation. What distinguishes Rory from his peers is his unwavering commitment to serving and building strong relationships with his clients. He strives to be his clients’ ambassador of Kwan, so it’s no wonder that his favorite movie is Jerry MaGuire. Before joining the firm, Rory clerked for the Honorable James R. Verellen at the Court of Appeals of the State of Washington, Division One, for two years. His clerkship gave him valuable insight into the judicial decision-making process. Rory uses that insight to offer a unique perspective to his clients. While in law school, Rory clerked for the Oregon Court of Appeals in the Appellate Commissioner’s Office. Rory understands the importance of diligence. Before law school, he taught English in France for two years; sold merchandise at Nordstrom on the Las Vegas Strip; owned a painting business in college; made breakfast at McDonald’s in high school; and delivered newspapers to his local community as an adolescent. Outside of the office, Rory enjoys working out, traveling abroad, and spending time with his beautiful wife, precocious young son, family, and friends. Rory channels his love for basketball by playing in Spokane’s HoopFest tournament—13 years and counting. And no matter the weather, Rory will be found on the links working on his short game. Education: J.D., Willamette University College of Law, summa cum laude, 2014, Class Rank: 2/113, Managing Editor (Vol. 50), Willamette Law Review, Honors Appellate Brief, Legal Research and Writing, Certificate in International and Comparative Law, Research, Writing, and Editing Assistant to Dean Emeritus Symeon Symeonides, Legal Writing Assistant to Professor Helen Mazur-Hart, B.A., Eastern Washington University, magna cum laude, 2008, Majors: International Affairs and French, Vice President, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Study Abroad, Université Stendhal III, Grenoble, France.