Richard Howard Adler

PRO

Richard Howard Adler

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 45 years

Brain injury Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Brain Injury, Personal Injury, Spinal Cord Injury

333 Taylor Avenue North, Seattle, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Richard

Biography

In-Depth Experience in Brain Injury Law in the State of Washington. Call 877-684-1530

Thank you for visiting my profile to guide you to make the important decision to hire an attorney.

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Brain Injury 48%

48%
Personal Injury 47%

47%
Spinal Cord Injury 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2021 2017 2015
...
+ 5
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 45 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1980

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Adler Giersch PS

333 Taylor Avenue North, Seattle, WA, 98109-4619

www.adlergiersch.com?aa_campaign=b015c9dc

Adler Giersch PS

250 East Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA, 98027

www.adlergiersch.com?aa_campaign=b015c9dc

Adler Giersch, PS

1111 West Meeker Street, Kent, WA, 98032

www.adlergiersch.com?aa_campaign=b015c9dc

Adler Giersch PS

4204 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA, 98203

www.adlergiersch.com?aa_campaign=b015c9dc

Online Presence

Other places you can find Richard online.

Richard Howard Adler's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

83 Client Reviews

5 star (82) 4 star (1)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Matthew | January 13, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Truly on Your Side

Richard is a fantastic personal injury attorney. He helped me through a personal injury case and achieved a very positive outcome. If you’re in need of a personal injury attorney, you’re probably already dealing with a difficult, unwanted situation and a lot of emotions. I expected that navigatin...g a claim would only add more stress and uncertainty, but with Richard in charge, the entire process was surprisingly easy. Every conversation with him left me feeling better, more confident, and reassured that everything was under control. From start to finish, he made what could have been an overwhelming experience feel simple and manageable. It was immediately clear that he has deep experience dealing with insurance companies — he knew exactly how to handle them, what to push for, and when to stand firm. What truly sets Richard apart is how personal and supportive he is. I never felt like just another case. He genuinely cared about me and my situation, and it showed in every interaction. He was always available to answer questions, explain things clearly, and give honest advice. He also kept me fully informed the entire way, reaching out promptly with updates so I always knew where things stood. That level of communication and reliability is rare and incredibly valuable. If you’re looking for a personal injury attorney who is highly skilled, responsive, and truly on your side, I would absolutely recommend Richard.

Posted by anonymous | December 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Professionalism and Expertise from Start to Finish

It is with heartfelt gratitude that I recommend Adler & Giersch for their outstanding legal representation, integrity, and profound compassion. After interviewing three reputable firms, we selected the team led by Richard Adler, a brilliant legal authority around traumatic brain injury (TBI). From ou...r first meeting, his exceptional knowledge and demeanor provided us with much-needed confidence and reassurance during a most challenging period of our lives. Our case involved injury to a minor child, complicated by denying all responsibility by the opposing party. The team’s professionalism and resourcefulness were unmatched; they were prompt to uncover critical evidence and locate witnesses with incredible precision. Armed with detailed analysis from experts in pediatric neurology and other areas, our case became unshakable. Throughout the process, our legal team—principal attorneys Richard Adler and Melissa Carter with excellent support from Mary Ellen and Sabrina—kept us informed, explained our options with clarity. What truly sets them apart is their humanity. They prepared diligently, all while reminding us of the greater importance of healing and recovery. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, we achieved a resolution that provided our family with closure and relief. I give Adler & Giersch my highest recommendation to anyone in need of skilled, ethical, and compassionate representation.

Posted by Bonita | October 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

When involved in an accident, contact his office for a consultation. ffice for a consultation

I highly recommend the law office of Adler Giersch. I worked with Richard Adler and his team, Elisabeth and Jenny. They are very professional and compassionate. They kept me informed on what was happening with my case and also checked in with me to see how my recovery was progressing. Richard an...d his team worked exceptionally hard to gather all of the facts to reach a settlement with the insurance company and get me the compensation that I deserved.

Posted by Joe L, | July 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional!

I was in a serious motor vehicle collision with brain, neck, back, hand, and leg injuries. I had extensive medical treatments, and a disability in my profession with loss of income. I contacted several attorneys but I was not satisfied. I was referred to Adler Giersch, and I received an immediate... response from Richard Adler, and met soon thereafter with their legal team. I was impressed, and I could tell after my first meeting they would represent me well. I was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Richard is one of the most highly knowledgeable and experienced lawyers in brain injury cases. He is empathetic and he knew I was struggling personally and professionally, and that I needed substantial medical treatment. I had confidence that Richard and his legal team would help me through the entire process and represent me with my best interests in mind. Richard introduced me to his team. I had several meetings with Arthur, Maria, Elisabeth, and Rachel. I’m pleased they achieved a settlement on the auto policy limits, and without litigation! I have hired many lawyers over the years, and it’s not easy to find a good legal team. Adler Giersch is exceptional, they exceeded my expectations! Their level of detail, expertise, and team work made the difference. They are professionals and they care about their clients well being! Thank you - Richard, Arthur, Maria, Elisabeth, Rachel, and the entire Adler Giersch Team!

Posted by Andrew Garcia | February 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A+ Personal Injury Law Firm

I have over 25 years prior law firm industry experience as a legal biller. As a client of a law form this time, both Richard Adler and Jenny Lacobucci are two of the most professional and caring people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I am extremely happy with the outcome of my case and wou...ld recommend Richard and Jenny to anyone looking for an A+ personal injury team. I wish this firm many years of continued success.

See All Client Reviews

Richard Howard Adler's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard
Leonard Semenea headshot
Leonard Semenea

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Having known Richard Adler for over 20 years, he has been an inspiration and example on how to serve those who suffer from injuries. Through his seminars, literature, and expertise, Richard has been a mentor to many."

Jacob W Gent headshot
Jacob Gent

Unknown lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I have had the great pleasure of working with Richard for over 12 years. He is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of personal injury, particularly traumatic brain injury. He is highly regarded in both the legal and medical communities. Richard is a fierce advocate who consistently obtains excellent results for his clients. He epitomizes "tough advocacy" and "compassionate counsel." His commitment to his clients and the community as a whole is unsurpassed.."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Personal injury lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Richard. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Frederick Wayne Lieb headshot
Frederick Lieb

Brain injury lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Thomas Alfred Thompson headshot
Thomas Thompson

Personal injury lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He has been one of the leaders in helping those with brain injury/trauma. Not only has he represented the injured he has set about setting up programs to help them."

R. Miller Adams headshot
R. Adams

Personal injury lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Richard is a persobn of great compassion. He is a strong advocate for his clients but also mindful of the larger good as he interacts with people on all sides in our local community and at the national level as well. He is first rate in all respects."

Howard Mark Goodfriend headshot
Howard Goodfriend

Personal injury lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've known Richard for 30 years, since we were both starting out as young lawyers and have recently worked with him on appeal in a case he's handled in the trial court. Richard is a great litigator who genuinely cares about his clients. He embodies all the finest qualities of a top notch trial lawyer."

Marvin E Stender headshot
Marvin Stender

Personal injury lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Richard is smart, knows the law, has more trial experience than most and is honest and caring."

William L.E. Dussault headshot
William Dussault

Brain injury lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Richard on several significant cases over the past 10 years. He is an excellent attorney and brought all of the case to a successful conclusion. He has also demonstrated a sincere committment to the population he serves. A good attorney and a good person.."

Simon Henri Forgette headshot
Simon Forgette

Personal injury lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Richard Adler on a number of cases and he is an excellent attorney in every way. I highly recommend him."

David R Kracke headshot
David Kracke

Brain injury lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Richard is a tireless, passionate and effective attorney who has represented traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors and their families in the best possible way. He is considered among the best in his field by those of us who know the TBI legal community and any client fortunate enough to have Richard and his firm represent them has a legal team that will find every way possible to help that client. Richard is a selfless volunteer who regularly takes the time to educate the public about TBI issues through his many speaking engagements and public service opportunities. I wholeheartedly endorse Richard and his firm."

Evan Matthew Oshan headshot
Evan Oshan

Brain injury lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. This is a legend for Brain Injury cases setting a national standard. I respect and admire the accomplishments of Richard Adler."

Kevin Coluccio headshot
Kevin Coluccio

Brain injury lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Mr. Adler. He knows this area of the law and provides his clients with the best possible representation."

John Louis Messina headshot
John Messina

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Richard has my unqualified endorsement as an advocate and a caring person. He represents badly injured people. He not only takes care of their legal needs, but also is diligent in seeing that they get the best of medical care. He is truly a lawyer's lawyer."

John Richard Christensen headshot
John Christensen

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Richard Adler and his firm on many high profile complex personal injury cases. Richard possess the unique qualities of unparalled knowledge of brain injuries with a deep rooted compassion for his clients. I look forward to continuing my professional relationship with Richard and his firm."

View All Endorsements
Adam Rosenberg headshot
Adam Rosenberg

Unknown lawyer

Jacob W Gent headshot
Jacob Gent

Personal injury lawyer

Kevin Coluccio headshot
Kevin Coluccio

Personal injury lawyer

Simon Henri Forgette headshot
Simon Forgette

Insurance lawyer

John Richard Christensen headshot
John Christensen

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers

2020

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2020

Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers

2020

Top 100 Companies to Work for, Seattle Business Magazine

2019

Top 100 Companies to Work for, Seattle Business Magazine

2019

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2019

Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers

2019

Honorary Chair, Brain Injury Alliance-Washington

2018

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2018

Top 100 Best Companies to Work for, Seattle Business Magazine

2018

Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers

2017

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2017

Top 100 Companies to Work for, Seattle Business Magazine

2017

Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers

2016

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2016

National Pro Bono Award, American Association for Justice

2016

100 Top Companies to Work For, Seattle Business Magazine

2016

Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers

2015

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2015

Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers

2015

100 Best Companies to Work For, Seattle Business Magazine

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2014

Super Lawyers Honoree, Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2013

Super Lawyers Honoree, Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

Top Rated Lawyer, ALM

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyers Honoree, Super Lawyers Magazine

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2012

Washington State Jefferson Awards, Seattle City Club

2011

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2010

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2009

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washinton State Bar Association

2009

"Advocacy Award", Brain Injury Associaton of Washington

2009

Award - Leadership and Dedication, American College of Sports Medicine

2008

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2008

The President's Award, The American Massage Therapy Association - WA Chapter

2007

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2006

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2006

Phoenix Award, Brain Injury Association of Washington

2005

AV, Martindale-Hubbell

2005

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2005

Invited Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum

2004

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2003

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2000

Calvin Anderson Legislative Advocacy Award, American Massage Therapy Association of Washington

1999

Certificate of Appreciation , Brain Injury Association of Washington

1995

Award Plaque for Commitment to the Civil Justice System, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association

Work Experience

2019 - Present

Founding Principal, Adler Giersch

1988 - Present

Managing Partner, Adler Giersch

1983 - 1988

Managing Partner, Adler Giersch & Read PS

1980 - 1983

Public Defender, Seattle-King County Public Defender

Associations

2014 - Present

Brain Injury Alliance-Oregon

Attorney Member

2010 - Present

Multi-Million Dollar Advocate

Member

2007 - Present

American Association for Justice; Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group

Member

2006 - Present

Brain Injury Alliance-Washinton

Chairman Advocacy Committee

2000 - Present

Brain Injury Alliance of Washington

Board Member

2000 - Present

Brain Injury Alliance of Washington

Member

1991 - Present

Washington State Association for Justice

Eagle Level Member

1986 - Present

American Association for Justice

Member

1985 - Present

Washington State Chiropractic Association

Member

1984 - Present

Washington State Association of Justice

Member

2009 - 2021

University of Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems

Advisory Board

2004 - 2018

Brain Injury Alliance of Washington

Chairman of Executive Board

2003 - 2009

Brain Injury Association of Washington

President

1996 - 2000

Evergreen Head Injury Rehabilitation Center

Advisory Board

1996 - 2000

Brain Injury Association of Washington

Member

1989 - 2006

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Member

1988 - 1996

Washington State Head Injury Fondation

Member

Education

1980

Georgetown University Law Center

JD - Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude

1977

State University of New York, College at New Paltz

BA - Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude

Speaking Engagements

2019

Washington Academy of Pain Management Physicians

Getting Insurance Companies to Pay for Pain Management with Clinic Records and Litigation

2017

USA Football's Parent Clinic

Concussion Awareness and Recognition

2017

Seatttle Science Foundation at Swedish Medical Center

Traumatic Brain Injury and Lystedt Law: 10 Years Later

2015

Annual Convention

How to Use Stories to Win Your Case

2014

Traumatic Brain Injury Conference

Concussion Laws in the United States and New Era in Brain Injury Awareness, Funding and Research: What Does it Mean for TBI Survivors and Their Families

2014

National Athletic Trainers Association Annual Convention

Are you Prepared for Concussion Litigation (Mock Testimony Demonstration)?

2014

Annual Conference

Traumatic Brain Injury and Youth Sports: State of the Laws in the USA

2013

Washington Academy of Pain Management Physicians

Getting Insurance Companies to Pay for Pain Management with Clinic Records and Litigation

2013

Santa Cara Valley Medical Center

Brain Injury, Adversity, and Never Ever Giving Up

2012

Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Leadership Forum

“The Zackery Lystedt Law”

2012

Sports Medicine Prevention/Training/Therapy Head Injury to Upper Extremity Practical and Legal Implications of the Lystedt Law For Today's Physicians

2012

63rd Annual Meeting & Clinical Symposia Legal Issues with Concussion Managment

2011

Pacific Northwest Brain Injury Conference Winning a Traumatic Brain Injury Case

2011

Bi-Monthy Seminars hosted by Seattle Spine & Sports Medicine

Management of Sports Concussion Injuries with Special Reference to the Zackery Lystedt Law

2010

Youth Sports Concussions: Education to Legislation

The Zackery Lystedt Law

2010

Pacific Northwest Traumatic Brain Injury Conference

Winning a Traumatic Brain Injury Case: Using Lay Witnesses, Illustrations, New Laws, Imaging, Neuropsychologists and other Practice Pointers

2010

Handling the Traumatic Brain Injury Case

Co-Chair; Use of Illustration in Brain Injury Cases; Sports-Related Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries-Lessons for Severe TBI Related Cases

2010

AAPM&R Annual Assembly

Forensic Physiatry: The Basics of Expert Testimony and Life Care Planning

2008

Co-Chair: Conference for Trial Lawyers - Handling the Trauma Brain Injury Case

The Winning Focus for your Traumatic Brain Injury Case: Including Use of Before and After Witnesses

2007

Roundtable Training for Insurance Brokers

Personal, Family, and Business Liability

2006

Conference for Trial Lawyers: Handling the Traumatic Brain Injury Case

The Winning Focus for your Traumatic Brain Injury Case - Including Use of Before and After Witnesses

2006

Annual Meeting

Effectively Managing Your Personal Injury Cases

2006

Annual Convention

Understanding Personal Injury and Insurane Law

2006

4th Annual Pacific Northwest Brain Injury Conference

What Every Attorney Should Know About Brain Injury: The Winning Focus for your TBI Case

2005

Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Special Session

Overview of the Challanges of Brain Injury Litigation; Ethical Issues in Brain Injury Litigation; Screening Traumatic Brain Injury Cases; Working with your TBI Client and Family; Effectively Navigating Obstacles in TBI Cases - Practice Pointers

2004

Conference for Trial Lawyers: Handling the Traumatic Brain Injury Case

ERISA Subrogation Issues

2003

Seminar

Medical-Legal-Insurance Aspects of a Personal Injury Case for Today's Clinical Psychologist

2003

International Symposium

Whiplash and Spinal Trauma:Presenting Chiropractic Neurology at Deposition

2003

International Spinal Trauma Conference

Understanding and Responding to an Insurer's Cost Containment Practices

2003

Certification in Spinal Trauma

Chiropractic Jurisprudence

2002

Conference for Trial Lawyers: Handling the Traumatic Brain Injury Case

Handling the Traumatic Brain Injury Case: Practice Pointers

2001

Workshop

Medical-Legal Aspects of Advising the MVA Patient for ER Nurses

2000

Conference for Trial Lawyers: Handling the Traumatic Brain Injury Case

Handling the Traumatic Brain Injury Case: Practice Pointers

2000

Certification in Spinal Trauma

Personal Injury Practitioner's Medical Legal Guide

2000

Annual Convention

Chiropractic Jurisprudence

1999

Post Graduate Facility

Medical Jurisprudence

1999

Life Care Planning for TBI Suvivors

Who Pays and When? Life Care Planning Initiatives

1998

Private Practice Group

Medical-Legal Aspects of the Personal Injury Case for Physical Therapists

1997

Annual Conference

Chiropractic Personal Injury Case

1996

Annual Convention

Professional Standards of Practice

1996

83rd Annual Northwest Osteopathic Convention: Family Practice Update

Medical-Legal Aspects of Soft Tissue Injury

1993

NeuroSpine Conference

An Attorney's Role in the Rehabilitation Team of the Spine-Injured Patient

1993

Continuing Education

Forensics and Describing Brain Injury to a Jury

Publications

2014

The Oxford Handbook of Sports-Related Concussion The Legislative Agenda

2011

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Medical Journal) Changing the Culture of Concussion: Education Meets Legislation

2011

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America (Medical Journal) Youth Sports and Concussions: Preventing Preventable Brain Injuries. One Client, One Cause, and A New Law

2004

Lippincott, Wiliams & Wilkins Healing Hands, Editor of Book

2001

Chiropractic Resource Group Video: "Chiropractic Testimony: Presenting Chiropractic Neurology at Trial"

2001

Chiropractic Resource Group Video: "Chiropractic Testimony: Understanding and Responding to Common Cross Examination Questions"

1994

Chiropractic Resource Group Video: "Chiropractic Testimony: Deposition and Trial"

1993

Adler Giersch PS Survival Guide: Chiropractic Practice Guidelines

1990

Callaghan & Company Handling Motor Vehicle Accidents Desk Book: "Medical Aspects of Soft Tissue Injuries"
Avvo Rating

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