Ryen Godwin
About Ryen Godwin
Ryen Godwin is a lawyer based in Seattle, WA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2024. Ryen Godwin is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Seattle, Washington
- Environmental Law
- Litigation - Environmental
- Natural Resources Law
Current Firm: Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt PC
Education: New England Law | Boston, J.D., graduated 2008
Location: Seattle, WA
Nearby Lawyers
Julia C. Hunter is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Immigration Law. Julia C., who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Julia C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
John Gagliardi is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. John, who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Patrick E. Basinski is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Technology Law. Patrick E., who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patrick E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Professional Experience As chair of the firm’s estate planning and probate group, Laura Hoexter’s practice focuses on wills, trusts and estates. She works with individuals to help them establish foundational documents, such as tax-saving wills and living trusts, financial and health care powers of attorney, and health care directives. She addresses complex issues that may arise, including non-citizen status, retirement benefit planning and life insurance arrangements. Laura has si...
Rich Birmingham has over 30 years of experience in both employee benefit consulting and ERISA litigation. He is one of the few lawyers in the country who is listed in "Best Lawyers in America" in two employee benefit categories—ERISA law and ERISA litigation. His command of both the substantive and litigation areas of ERISA enable him to give practical proactive advice when consulting with clients and to obtain early dismissal or settlement when litigating ERISA matters. Rich is a frequ...
Professional Experience Kristy practices in the firm’s litigation department, handling cases involving personal injury, employment, business disputes, health insurance and property disputes. Kristy also represents physicians and other health care providers in licensing and disciplinary disputes. Prior to joining Helsell Fetterman, Kristy worked at a boutique law firm for fourteen years. During her time at the firm, she successfully represented clients in a number of matters. Her experie...
Carol Vaughn is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Elder Law, Family Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Carol, who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Carol is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Sarah English Tune is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Sarah English, who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sarah English is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
David Burman, a partner in the firm's Commercial Litigation practice, has more than 30 years of experience in litigation, including antitrust, appellate, class action, consumer protection, constitutional, media, patent and intellectual property, privacy, and other cases. He also counsels clients in these and other areas. He has worked on many high-profile cases, including two U.S. Supreme Court arguments, the trial contesting the 2004 Washington State Governor's election, Costco Wholesale Cor...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.