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David Clay Ryder

also known as David C. Ryder
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Avvo Rating8.8
  • Edmonds, WA
  • Licensed for 38 years
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About David

I am a solution-oriented attorney in my 34th year of practice.  I balance my practice between work for a large corporate client (Puget Sound Energy) and individuals who are in need of counsel for their personal injury and criminal misdemeanor issues.  As a sole practitioner, I can be an option for those who prefer high quality, personalized service. 

I am Ivy League educated (Brown University, 1977) and I attended the University of Washington Law School (Class of 1981).  I have been in sole practice since 1983.  For the first 20 years of my practice, I was located in downtown Seattle.  In 2001, I relocated my office to downtown Edmonds.  

Most of my clients are referrals from other satisfied clients and attorneys who trust me.  I am accessible (I return all calls in the same day). My fee (whether a retainer, contingent fee, or hourly fee) is discussed openly and honestly from the outset.  

If you find yourself in need of counsel, please feel free call or email my office.  I am direct regarding my availability.  If I am unable to take your case, I have a few referrals that may work for you.  

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Practice areas

General practicePersonal injuryCriminal defenseLitigation
  1. Litigation: 60%

    Civil litigation and creative dispute resolution for Puget Sound Energy and other corporate/individual clients involving money disputes.

    39 years

  2. Criminal defense: 15%

    Practice limited to misdemeanor defense only, including DUI, Marijuana, Assault 4, MIP/MIC, and major traffic offenses.

    39 years

  3. Personal injury: 15%

    Representation of plaintiffs with significant bodily injury in motor vehicle accident cases, pedestrian accident cases, falls, and insurance disputes.

    39 years

  4. General practice: 10%

    Practical and experienced litigation/consultation to businesses - both large and small.

    39 years

Languages spoken

English

Contact

Law Offices of David C. Ryder, P.S.

100 2nd Ave. S.
Suite 210
Edmonds, WA, 98020-3590

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      WAActive198205/10/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers0
      Legal guides0
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      AttorneyLaw Offices of David C. Ryder, P.S.1983 - Present
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2001 - Present
      Washington State Bar AssociationPeer Counselor1991 - Present
      Washington State Association for JusticeMember1986 - Present
      Washington State Bar AssociationMember1982 - Present
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      University of WashingtonJuris Doctor1981
      Brown UniversityBachelors1977
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      Washington State Bar AssociationClient Satisfaction and Communication Skills2011
      Washington State Bar AssociationManaging your Practice to Maintain your Humanity2006
      Washington State Bar AssociationAdvanced Client Communication Skills for Lawyers2005

      Reviews

      (21)
      5 Star
      		100%
      4 Star
      		0%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		0%
      1 Star
      		0%
      Review David Ryder

      Best DUI Defense Attorney

      Posted by

      I met with several defense attorneys from an online search after being charged with a DUI, all of which were qualified and personable. But David was referred to me through a family attorney and I immediately knew once meeting with him that he would be the best fit to represent me. He instilled the most confidence in me, gave me an honest expectation for the outcome, and eased my mind regarding this case so that I could go about my daily life in between the legal proceedings. Between David and his legal partner Nat we were able to win my DOL case, and reduce the DUI charge to Negligent Driving in the 2nd Degree with no jail time and only 1 day of work crew. Even better, the Negligent Driving charge was given a deferred sentencing and after 2 years of compliance with the court's requests, the pending charges will be dismissed. David provided me with exceptional legal representation, won me an outcome that far exceeded my expectations, and assured me throughout the process that all legal defense actions were being taken so that I could continue to be productive and live my normal life. Thanks to David I not only have a record in good-standing, but I have hope and access to the future I dream and work towards daily.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Best Lawyer Ever!

      Posted by

      David Ryder was hands down one of the best lawyers anybody can ask for. He is professional and experienced, and was recommended to me when I had to deal with my legal case. I was so nervous and worried, but after talking to him during our initial meeting, he made me feel at ease. He didn't sugar coat anything, but he really did make me put my 100% trust in him, and I'm so glad I did. I'm so glad to have chose him because he gave me the best possible outcome in my case!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Top Notch Lawyer

      Posted by

      From my first phone call with, David, he made me feel at ease and in capable hands. He was very patient and understood how to explain things in a way you can easily understand. He breaks it down to the 101 level. His experience and working knowledge of the local courts and jurisdictions was instrumental in resolving my case with a favorable outcome. He concisely laid out a plan of action for me that was tailored to the local jurisdictions and courts based on his previous experience. He knows the prosectors, how they operate, and uses this knowledge to his advantage (and yours). When I had questions, and I had more than a typical client typically does, he was extremely good at getting back to me in a timely manner. Always within the same day and usually within an hour or two at the very most, even on weekends. Bottomline, David is knowledgable of the local areas, he is extremely transparent with you, easily accessible, gets results you want, and is all-around great guy.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Expert attorney

      Posted by

      Very helpful in handling my legal case. Felt handled with dignity and grace with a difficult situation. Mr Ryder has excellent communication skills and knows the law. Would highly recommend him.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Excellent Lawyer

      Posted by

      David is a great lawyer and made me feel very comfortable throughout the process. He's very down to earth and someone that I could talk to. He was very patient when I needed him to the paint the picture of my circumstances and my options. I made a lot of phone calls to different attorneys and I'm glad I chose him.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Excellent, Experienced, Caring Attorney

      Posted by

      I was facing a serious gross misdemeanor criminal traffic charge, jail time/fines/community service. David took time to understand how I felt about the case and what I would like to see happen and that was be proactive, be honest, and take responsibility for what occurred. The personal touch that David demonstrated in caring about me the person as well as a plan to resolve the case, earned my trust the first day. Based on the those first few hours, which are crucial in finding an attorney I wanted to represent me, David came up with a good plan to accomplish the 3 areas. David handled police statements, insurance company inquiries, and the prosecutor's office with top notch professionalism. David set periodic checkpoints from the day he took on my case to the time it was resolved, never missed a beat. During these checkpoints, David also showed a concern for my well being every time he called. For someone who has never been in this position before and never plan to again, David brings a welcome level-headedness and a calming demeanor. The case went for 5 months, I didn't sleep well some nights, David really helped me get through, he genuinely cared. The result of the case was a reduction in the charge to a simple misdemeanor, some fines, and 1 year probation(just don't get convicted of another crime in a year), no community service, and no jail time. I really feel that David's understanding of how I wanted to proceed along with his highly proactive game plan and presentation of the case in court, resulted in how the judge decided accountability. I highly recommend David, he is an excellent communicator, gest to the heart of the matter quickly, and works with hard with you on your behalf with how you want to proceed. David is as an awesome attorney to have in your corner.

      Like a good friend

      Posted by

      Mr. Ryder's help was a Godsend. He turned what would have been my second DUI offense into a Neg 1. He was just as concerned with my case as he was with me maintaining sobriety. He treated me like a good friend and not just a client.

      Wonderful person, adviser and Law expert

      Posted by

      There are good times and bad times in life. It is very hard to keep or find in others the high values of humanity, kindness, understanding and compassion through it all. David Ryder is one such person who helped me and my family cope with a trying situation. His law expertise is exemplary. He came highly recommended by a fellow, well-respected Attorney. But, his demeanor, his approach was what stood out the most. We had spent several sleepless nights and talked to many (over 20) lawyers before we met Mr Ryder - and when he met him, we knew right away that everything would turn out fine. There was no question in our minds that we were very well represented. We trusted his advise completely. He explained the legal aspects clearly and simply and was able to logically break down every situation to help us arrive at the correct decision - that was both right and felt right. I find it refreshing to have met a genuine human in a profession that can appear to be rather cold. After having talked to many lawyers and many people who have hired lawyers before, I will say this - we found the best lawyer in town!! Thank you Mr Ryder.

      Strongly recommending - very dependable Lawyer

      Posted by

      David was a dependable, awesome and trustworthy. I would recommend David to any of my friends if they are in need. David was recommended by a friend whose friend is an attorney as well. We went to David after a DUI arrest that led us to a DUI criminal case in the court as well as a DOL hearing for the same. Throughout the process, David kept us informed about the happenings on time proactively even when we did not ask him at times. David was very friendly and accommodating during our personal visits and did not mind to spend extra time when we needed even at after office late hours. David was very knowledgeable in DOL hearing and with his experience, he was able to ask for canceling the case and it was successful. We were very happy with David's approach in the criminal case as well. David was able to explain the circumstances and got a reduced conviction. Glad we took friend's recommendation and went with David. Thank you David!

      David Ryder is an excellent attorney.

      Posted by

      I can honestly rate David as excellent in all categories. He was responsive to calls and emails, kept us informed as to scheduling, and explained his legal advice clearly. I would hire him again without reservation.
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (12)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Nathaniel Wylie, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 21, 2016
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      David is an exceptional lawyer who brings skill and experience developed over decades to every case he handles. His commitment to obtaining exceptional results for each and every client is the foundation of his well-earned reputation. I rely upon David's input and advice on the cases that I handle. I highly recommend David to anyone seeking a DUI attorney.

      Aaron Wolff, Personal injury Attorney on Mar 17, 2016
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      David is a fantastic attorney who achieves extraordinary results for his clients. I give David my highest endorsement.

      David Crump, General practice Attorney on Mar 14, 2016
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      David Ryder is a thoroughly competent lawyer. He has handled significant injury cases and obtained exceptional results. You can count on David to give your case his full effort and attention.

      Tara Eubanks, Litigation Attorney on Mar 4, 2016
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      David is a compassionate attorney who cares about his clients. He is also a tenacious and hard working advocate. I highly endorse him.

      Brian Leonard, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 3, 2016
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Joseph Cunnane, General practice Attorney on Mar 3, 2016
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I have seen David's excellent work first hand. I know he has deep compassion for his clients. David is a lawyer's lawyer, a guy I would call to help me out of a jam.

      Phillip Weinberg, Litigation Attorney on Sep 9, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I very highly endorse this lawyer. Dave Ryder has over 30 years of experience fighting for his clients’ rights. He is honest, ethical, compassionate and an astute, hard-working problem solver and a very, very tough litigator. David is highly skilled, talented and creative and very intelligent. He will fight relentlessly for your legal rights and knows his way around the courtroom, too. For trustworthy, creative and formidable legal representation, I could not recommend anyone better. Definitely a lawyer’s lawyer, and a great guy, too.

      Sherri Anderson, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 7, 2014
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      I can highly recommend David. I referred a client to him and he handled the matter with compassion and competence. The result was better than the client had thought possible.

      Richard Wurdeman, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 30, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse and recommend David Ryder without hesitation. He is experienced, hard-working, and skilled at obtaining practical results for his clients.

      Raymond McFarland, Litigation Attorney on Oct 29, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I heartily endorse this lawyer. I have known David for over 30 years and have always admired him as a sharp, practical and ethical lawyer. I have referred many clients to him for various matters, ranging from DUI's to business issues, and all have been both satisfied with his services and impressed with his wise counsel, professional manner, and effective advocacy, both in and out of the courtroom. David is highly respected among those who know him and he is the one I turn to when I need to confer on a serious issue.

      Donald Tesch, Personal injury Attorney on Oct 17, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      James Conley, Personal injury Attorney on Oct 17, 2013
      Relationship: Friend

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Cost

      RATES
      • Hourly Rates$300-$350/hour
        OTHER BILLING TYPES
        • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.
          30%-35%
        PAYMENT METHODS

        Cash, Check