Ray has more than 30 years’ experience in tort, insurance, appellate and civil litigation. His practice concentrates on complex tort cases, insurance coverage and appeals. He has successfully defended product manufacturers in cases involving automotive, marine, medical and agricultural products; and local governmental entities in liability cases ranging from catastrophic injuries to Public Records Act claims.
Admissions
- Washington
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- Washington State Supreme Court
Education
- University of Oregon School of Law, J.D., Managing Editor, Oregon Law Review (1988)
- Willamette University, B.S. (1980)
Recognition & Honors
- The Best Lawyers in America for Insurance Law (2024 - 2025)
Representative Work
Litigation and trial practice in state and federal courts in Washington, Arizona, California, Hawaii and Oregon.
Representative Appellate Work
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LM15 v. Girmay, Inc., Washington Court of Appeals. Trial counsel and appellate counsel. Enforceability of option to purchase.
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Sartin v. Pierce Transit, Washington Court of Appeals. On brief. Sudden incapacitation defense.
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Afoa v. Hawaiian Airlines, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. On brief (no oral argument). Catastrophic injury/joint and several liability rules.
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Tiller v. Lackey, Washington Court of Appeals (x2), petition for review. Establishment of implied easement.
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Admiral Way v. Zurich Ins., Washington Court of Appeals. Insurance coverage.
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Nason v. Hoban & Assoc., Washington Court of Appeals and petition for review. On brief (no argument). Housing discrimination.
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Hauskins v. Ford Motor Company, Washington Court of Appeals. Product liability/collateral estoppel.
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Huard v. Prestige Custom Builders, Washington Court of Appeals. Attorney’s fee provision.
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Gray v. Ford Motor Company, Washington Court of Appeals. On brief. Product liability/wrongful death.
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Jaramillo v. Ford Motor Company, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. On brief. Product liability/wrongful death.
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Drieling v. Jain, Washington Supreme Court. On brief. Access to sealed records.
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Syrett v. Reisner McEwin & Associates, Washington Court of Appeals. Validity of time limits in marine survey contract.
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Safeco v. Auto Club Ins., Washington Court of Appeals. On brief. Insurance exclusion/public policy.
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Nordstrom v. Chubb, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. On brief. D&O insurance coverage.
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Weyerhauser v. Aetna, Washington Supreme Court. On brief. Pollution coverage.
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Continental Ins. v. Ursin Seafood, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Trial counsel and on brief. Insurance fraud.
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Allied Fidelity v. Ruth, Washington Court of Appeals. On brief. Adoption of Uniform Insurer Liquidation Act in Washington.
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Colbert v. Skiers Choice, Washington Court of Appeals and Washington Supreme Court. Trial counsel and consulted on briefs. Negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Publications & Presentations
- “Business Interruption Coverage and COVID-19,” author, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (March 2020)
- Washington Civil Procedure Deskbook, contributing editor (2003 - 2006)
Professional & Community Activities
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King County Bar Association
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KCBA Fair Campaign Practices Committee, Chair (2000)
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Washington State Bar Association
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WSBA Special Disciplinary Counsel (2006)
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Defense Research Institute
