Our Seattle Attorneys The Broadway Law Group has two solid Seattle Attorneys who have an excellent track record of providing the best legal services in the Seattle area. Contact The Broadway Law Group at (206) 623-2020 for more information about our Seattle Attorneys. RICHARD J. WOTIPKA Partner Broadway Law Group 707 East Harrison Seattle, WA 98102 (P) 206.623.2020 (F) 206.682.6148 (E) rjw@bwseattlelaw.com SEATTLE LAW PRACTICE AREAS Commercial Bankruptcy Reorganization Personal Bankruptcy Foreclosures Insolvency Employment Law Civil Litigation ADMITTED TO SEATTLE LAW PRACTICE Washington State, 1981; U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, 1981; U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 1984; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington, 1997. COMMUNITY, BAR SERVICE, MEMBERSHIP Arbitrator King County Mandatory Arbitration Panel Mediator Honorable Thomas T. Glover Mediation Program Panel
Member King County Bar Association (Bankruptcy Section; Judicial Evaluation Committee, Judicial Screening Committee) Member Washington State Bar Association (Debtor-Creditor Section, Arbitrator, Fee Arbitration Board, Rules of Professional Conduct Committee) Member Federal Bar Association (Bankruptcy Section) EDUCATION B.A., 1978 University of Washington J.D., 1981 Seattle University School of Law. PERSONAL/BACKROUND Seattle area native PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS 1. Show Me The Money: An Overview of Creditor-Debtor Law, WSBA 1998; Small Business Bankruptcy From Both Sides. 2. Judgments: What To Do After You Win, WSBA 2005; Supplemental Proceedings and Garnishment (with Charles P. Helm). Significant Cases 1. Eserhut v. Heister, 52 Wn. App. 515, 762 P.2d 6 (1988). Richard Wotipka represented a former employee in an action against his former co-workers and employer. The appellate court s reported decision has been frequently cited in professional publications and is significant for advancing a new area of employee s rights, with the appellate court holding that co-employees could be held liable for intentionally interfering with a business relationship. 2. Azpitarte v. King County, King Co. Superior Court case no. 86-2-25355-6. Richard Wotipka represented an employee in an action against his employer for handicap discrimination. The resulting jury verdict in favor of the employee was, at the time, the largest individual employment discrimination verdict on record in Washington State. 3. Renfro v. Draper, 232 F. 3d 688 (9 th Cir. 2000). Richard Wotipka represented a party in the successful appeal of attorney fees awarded by the lower court. The reported decision affirmed and explained Ninth Circuit law regarding attorney s fees in bankruptcy. 4. In Re Exploration Cruise Lines, Inc., United States Bankruptcy Court, W.D. Wash., case no. 88-08640. Richard Wotipka and Broihier & Wotipka represented thousands of consumers across the country in this cruise line Chapter 11 case. The representation was significant for advancing rights of consumer creditors via a creditor s committee other than the unsecured creditor s committee Testimonials He is a perfect balance of compassion and professionalism Posted by Joel, a Litigation client, about 1 year ago.
I have hired Mr. Wotipka on 4 occasions over the past 23 years. As with most people, I have had my share of legal issues. First, a chapter 13 caused by extreme medical expenses, next an employment dispute. Then he assisted in my mother s financial affairs before and after her death, and most recently, a very long and complicated litigation. In every case, Mr. Wotipka showed a perfect balance of compassion and professionalism. Mr. Wotipka showed a great concern not only on a personal level but also with the legalities of each case, with a desire to do what is right. His attention to detail and determination to get to the facts of each case has been very impressive. Whether it was collecting discovery facts, taking depositions, his organizational skills, or his confidence in a courtroom venue, Mr. Wotipka always made me feel comfortable that he was there not only as his profession, but for the comfort and assurance to his clients that they are in good hands. In each of my cases, Mr. Wotipka was very successful in gaining a positive outcome that was the most beneficial for me not only financially, but also in protecting me from any future problems that could arise. I have recommended several friends to him, feeling most comfortable that they too will be cared for and in good hands. Recommending a friend is usually an uncomfortable thing to do but I can honestly say that I would recommend anyone to Mr. Wotipka, if they are in need of legal counsel and afraid or uncomfortable about what is happening to them. You will not be disappointed. He will be honest with you and will treat you with the upmost integrity that is rare and hard to find without someone whom he has helped referring him. He is a fantastic lawyer Posted by Jamie, a Chapter 13 client, 10 months ago. This Lawyer is fantastic. My first visit to this man s office, I was terrified I would lose everything. He saved my business, and in the first meeting also scraped me off the ceiling, calming me down. [For people depressed or terrified about being in financial trouble, I cannot overstate how calming his presence was]. He has a dry wit, and made trenchant remarks about the state of bankruptcy that put me at ease. The whole chapter 13 process, though not painless, was made more matter of fact and easier to go through because of his professionalism, and personal warmth. He comes off as being quite brilliant in person. He was available for help and questions after the initial meeting these past 3 ½ years: I can always drop in and ask him questions; he is very good about that. My business recovered, and I am back on the road to prosperity. And much of it is due to hiring this lawyer, I am sure. I heard about him from a personal referral from another lawyer, whom I also was very happy with the service. The Law Professional Every Law Student Should Strive to Be Posted by a Bankruptcy client, about 3 years ago Mr. Wotipka handled a very unpleasant, long-lasting, complex, and rather convoluted case for us.
Richard Wotipka proved to be highly ethical, extremely knowledgeable, calm and very easy to work with, Above all, Mr. Wotipka kept us updated all times and in the end, Victory was ours! I would not hesitate to recommend Richard Wotipka to family members, or friends. An Excellent Bankruptcy Attorney Posted by a Chapter 13 client, almost 6 years ago. He is a highly ethical and hardworking attorney. He worked hard on my case and achieved the best results on a most difficult matter. He is an attorney who is approachable, intelligent, and dedicated. Thank you Dick! Peer Endorsements Mark McClure, Bankruptcy Attorney in Kent, WA 10 months ago Dick worked on a student loan action against both private loan holders as well as publically guaranteed loans. He eliminated almost all of the interest and collection fees and reduced repayment on the loans to zero percent interest. He is a talented attorney who cares for his clients. Sharon Chirichillo, DUI / DWI Attorney in Olympia, WA almost 6 years ago I highly endorse this lawyer s work. Dick is a terrific, hardworking attorney. He fights for his clients, communicates consistently & clearly. He is accessible and absolutely an all-round great guy! Great attorney.
JEFFREY T. BROIHIER Partner Broadway Law Group 707 East Harrison Seattle, WA 98102 (P) 206.623.2020 (F) 206.682.6148 (E) jtb@bwseattlelaw.com PRACTICE AREAS Litigation Business Real Estate Half of Jeff s practice is litigation. He has over 30 years of experience in prosecuting and defending claims for business fraud, real estate fraud, contract enforcement, partner, investor and shareholder disputes, business liability, debt collection, construction claims, real estate disputes, broker and agent liability, landlord and tenant claims, insurance claims, appeals, probate and will contests, and other types of lawsuits, claims and proceedings. Jeff s clients include many corporations and LLCs, private individuals, licensed professionals, real property developers, contractors, agents, investors, and business owners in many different fields, including retail, professional services, manufacturing, construction, restaurant, entertainment, insurance, and others. QUALIFICATIONS Jeff has an AV rating from Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating given by the national peer group rating system for quality of representation and ethical practice. From 1971 through 1973 on active duty, U.S. Army, 1st Infantry Division, 18 months overseas. He attended Michigan State University on a National Merit Scholarship, earning a multidisciplinary Honors B.A. in 1975.
Awarded Juris Doctor degree in 1978 from the University of Michigan Law School, where he was a staff member of the University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform and worked for two years for the Hon. John T. Feikins, U. S. District Court (E.D. Mich). In 1986, Jeff Broihier and Richard Wotipka founded the firm of Broihier & Wotipka in Seattle, Washington, continuing today in the practice of law as Broadway Law Group. Admissions Washington State Bar, 1979 U. S. District Court (W.D. Wash), 1980 U. S. Court of Appeals (9 th Cir.), 1985 United States Supreme Court, 1985 Testimonials Honest, quality, professional, legal service. Posted by David, a Business client, over 2 years ago. I am pleased to recommend Mr. Jeff Broihier. Jeff helped us to quickly complete a difficult sale of a mobile home park between uncooperative family members. His knowledge and ability to foresee issues saved us time and helped to keep us from unnecessary steps. We were well informed throughout the entire process and always comfortable that our interests were in capable hands. Honest, quality, professional, legal service. Posted by Ron, a Probate client, about 1 year ago. Mr. Broihier & his staff are skilled professionals in their area of law. His guidance gave me comfort through a difficult legal process. He is HIGHLY recommended by me as an A-1 caring attorney. THANKS AGAIN, Mr. Broihier, for the quality legal service, which you & your Seattle law firm provided. High Quality Representation from Our Seattle Lawyers Posted by Joe, a Fraud client, over 2 years ago Mr. Broihier does a great job of helping you understand what the issues are (good or bad) in a case. He understands how to handle the court room with knowledge and is able to think on his feet. His knowledge of the case and ability to state the facts of the case while presenting the case, help make a clear and concise presentation. He is not one to waste time or run up his bill. He recently represented us in a case where we were defrauded on a real estate transaction. His ability to understand the dynamics in the court room as well as his knowledge of other cases served us very well. He knows the law very well and was able to help get us a large judgment in our favor. He will do a great job for you.