Rick is a seasoned plaintiff’s employment attorney with over 15 years of litigation experience. He is committed to protecting the rights of individuals and using the legal system to promote accountability and justice. Rick considers it a privilege to fight for equal treatment under the law—and for every client’s right to be heard.
He focuses his practice on complex litigation, with an emphasis on employment discrimination, retaliation, harassment, whistleblower claims, and wage and hour violations. Rick has secured numerous six- and seven-figure results for his clients and has successfully litigated against some of the largest employers in the country.
In 2024, Rick served as trial co-counsel in Gratton v. UPS, a landmark race-retaliation case that resulted in a record-setting $238 million verdict on behalf of a wrongfully terminated UPS driver.
Rick was named a Super Lawyer for 2025 by Washington Super Lawyers, after being recognized as a Rising Star from 2013 through 2018. He is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the Washington Employment Lawyers Association (WELA), and the Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ), where he is an Eagle Member.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington and graduated magna cum laude from Seattle University School of Law. After law school, Rick clerked for the Honorable Tom Chambers at the Washington State Supreme Court.
Rick is admitted to practice in all Washington state courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
He approaches every case with strategic focus, deep experience, and an unwavering commitment to securing the best possible outcome for his clients.
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Chat withState: Washington
Acquired: 2008
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506 Second Ave., Ste 2400, Seattle, WA, 98104
8 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews
Posted by anonymous | December 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Full hearted recommendation to hire Richard Goldsworthy
Richard Goldsworthy was one of the reasons that I made it through the process of my lawsuit. From our very first phone call, he was affirming of my experiences with my previous employer. He not only validated my legal concerns and confirmed that I had a case, he validated my feeling. Please trust me ...
Posted by Norman | October 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Super Star!
I had the privilege of working with Richard, who proved to be an outstanding advocate. His expertise, commitment, and support were invaluable every step of the way.
Posted by Amanda | February 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Empathic, Transparent, and Efficient Legal Support
I had an excellent experience working with Rick Goldsworthy. He handled my case quickly and professionally, always responding promptly to emails and calls. His transparency and clear explanations made complex legal issues easy to understand, and his guiding advice helped me make informed decisions wi...
Posted by anonymous | January 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor
A very solid lawyer to have in your corner
I hired Rick a couple years ago to navigate some issues with a (then) employer. When that was concluded, Rick said to let him know if I had any other questions, and so when something that was tangentially related to that issue came up recently (1+ years later) I reached out to Rick to see if he could...
Posted by Renee | November 01, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Wrongful Termination
Highly recommends Mr. Goldsworthy
When I was treated unfairly by a supervisor, and later wrongfully discharged, I sought legal advice. Mr. Goldsworthy listened to my story with kindness and compassion, offering options on how to proceed during a very difficult time. Mr. Goldsworthy gave me hope and helped me navigate through this lif...
"It is without hesitation that I would recommend Rick as legal counsel. As a former colleague, I had the pleasure of working closely with Rick on many employment cases, and I continue to pick his brain when hard legal questions arise. In addition to being incredibly smart and hardworking, Rick has all the qualities needed in complex litigation – he is a strategic and creative thinker, great problem solver, exceptional legal writer, and has a calm, confident judicial demeanor. Rick is a strong advocate; he is passionate about the work and dedicated to getting the best results for his clients. I would unequivocally trust Rick with handling any employment matters."
"Rick is the rare combination of gifted intellectual, aggressive advocate, and compassionate listener. He is practical, informed and realistic, but has achieved incredible results for his clients. A true expert in employment law. You want him on your team and in your corner."
Employment and labor lawyer
2025
Washington Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Top 10 Washington, TopVerdict
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2025 - Present
Partner, Shishido Goldsworthy PLLC
2022 - 2025
Partner, Shishido Taren Goldsworthy, PLLC
2019 - 2022
Principal, The Blankenship Law Firm, PLLC
2010 - 2019
Associate Attorney, The Blankenship Law Firm, PS
2008 - 2010
Judicial Clerk to Justice Tom Chambers, Washington State Supreme Court
2024 - Present
Washington State Association of JusticeEagle Member
2010 - Present
Washington Employment Lawyers AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
Obtained $237.6 million jury verdict in a federal and state race retaliation case tried in Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Washington (Yakima).
After a four-week arbitration hearing, the arbitrator awarded $8.78 million for two doctors who were wrongfully terminated for whistleblowing and reporting patient harm (with Scott Blankenship)..
$450,000 public settlement against senior care community for violations of Title VII and the Washington Law Against Discrimination.
2008
JD - Juris Doctor
2001
BA - Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
2025
Key Aspects of Gratton v. UPS
2025
Justice Served: Securing a Historic $237.6 Million Race Retaliation Verdict in Federal Court
2014
Case Examples in Preservation, Spoliation, and Sanctions
English