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Richard James Symmes
About Richard
Biography
Richard J. Symmes, Esq. is a Seattle native and the principal attorney at Symmes Law Group, PLLC. Mr. Symmes currently focuses his practice on bankruptcy and debt settlement matters and is an experienced bankruptcy advocate, having filed and prepared numerous bankruptcy petitions prior to starting his own firm. Mr. Symmes is also well versed in business, trademark, and sports and entertainment matters. Prior to forming Symmes Law Group, PLLC Mr. Symmes was an associate attorney at two respected law firms in Denver, Colorado where his practice primarily involved bankruptcy, business and insurance defense. While in law school Mr. Symmes clerked at All Pro Sports and Entertainment in Denver, Colorado, where he participated in the representation of marquee NFL and PGA athletes in player grievances, endorsement contracts, standard player contracts, business incorporations and trademark disputes. In addition to his work at All Pro, Mr. Symmes clerked and interned for several law firms throughout Colorado in the areas of employment, family, gambling, and trusts and estates law.
Mr. Symmes is a graduate of the University of Denver Sturm College of Law where he was the Vice President and Community Director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society as well as a Staff Editor for the University of Denver Sports and Entertainment Law Journal. Mr. Symmes earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle where he double majored in economics and communications.
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 16 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Licensed in Colorado for 17 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Symmes Law Group, PLLC
1818 Westlake Ave N., Suite 202, Seattle, WA, 98109
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Richard James Symmes's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 76 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Eston | January 22, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Incredibly helpful and Knowledgeable
Working with Symmes Law Group made a very stressful situation much easier to manage and work through. I never felt like I was uncertain about next steps and when I did have questions they were answered quickly and fully. I cant recommend enough how much Symmes Law Group guided and helped me through...
Posted by Patty-Ann | January 5, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Mr. Symmes and his staff are outstanding
During what was undoubtedly one of the most challenging times of my life, I had lost both my jobs due to a lengthy hospital stay. I found myself with a large amount of debt. I reached out to the Symmes Law Group to file for bankruptcy; the staff were professional, patient, prompt and friendly. Mr. Sy...
Posted by Seyedebrahim | December 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommend This Team
I had a great experience with Richard Symmes and his team. They were always responsive, supportive, and there for me whenever I had questions. You never feel alone working with them. I’m truly grateful for Richard and the Symmes Law Group.
Posted by anonymous | October 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly recommended Richard Symmes
Working with Richard Symmes was a huge relief. He walked me through everything with kindness and confidence. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, he’s the guy you want on your side
Posted by Steve DeMont | October 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Looking for a Solid Bankruptcy Attorney, Richard Symmes is At the Top of HIs Game.
A big thank you to Richard Symmes for handling my case. I appreciate his patience and expertise when answering my questions and preparing my case for court. I highly recommend him if anyone needs a solid attorney for their situation.
Richard James Symmes's Lawyer Endorsements
"Richard is the type of attorney that cares for his clients. He truly cares about delivering excellent service and getting the results they deserve. He has entrepreneurial skills and is very personable. I recommend him."
"I have always found Richard to be very sharp, highly skilled in his practice area, and, very approachable and gregarious. I thoroughly endorse him and know and recommend as a valuable resource to the local legal community and to clients seeking a world-class bankruptcy attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is well respected and works hard representing his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Richard has been good to work with and very helpful in responding to questions I have had in bankruptcy matters."
"Richard is my primary of counsel attorney in the state of Washington. He is knowledgeable, courteous, and responsive. I would recommend Richard to anyone in Washington who needs assistance in the Debt/Bankruptcy areas."
"This guy walks on water. Not only as an attorney but in caring and dealing with clients. He deals with people without an ego and makes every one of his clients feel like they're being well taken care of. Cannot go wrong with Richard"
"Rich is as "plugged-in" as any lawyer I know. He is active in the legal community and always looking for new ways to help his clients."
"I endorse Richard Symmes for legal help with all bankruptcy and debt matters. Richard is very personable and dedicated and a great resource for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Richard is a great guy and a great attorney. If you need help, give him a call."
"Richard is an aggressive and brilliant attorney who gets results for his clients. As a criminal attorney, I often refer clients who inquire about business, bankruptcy or settlement to Rich and every single client I refer has glowing reviews about his work product, his responsiveness to their questions and his strong court presence. Rich has helped many clients who were hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt settle for a fraction of what they owed. He is definitely the go-to attorney for bankruptcy as well. I wholeheartedly recommend Rich for any legal matter."
"I endorse this lawyer. Richard is a great advocate for his clients and a respected member of the bankruptcy practice community. He readily shares his extensive knowledge with other lawyers in both the bankruptcy and marketing fields."
"Richard is personable and affable as well as an excellent lawyer. I have had the pleasure of getting to know him the past year as Chair of the King County Bar Association Solo/Small Small Section. I would highly recommend his services for those in need of a Bankruptcy lawyer."
"Richard is a good friend and insightful attorney. I highly recommend his services."
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Seth Rosenberg
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Shashi Vijay
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Experience
Honors
2016
Top Bankruptcy Lawyer, Expertise
2015
Preeminent 4.8 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2014
Preeminent 4.8 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Preeminent 4.8 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, WSBA Board of Governors
2012
Clients Choice Award, Avvo
2012
Preeminent 4.8 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
Sports & Entertainment Law Journal Member, University of Denver, Sturm College of Law
2004
Deans List, University of Washington
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Principal Attorney, Symmes Law Group, PLLC
2009 - 2010
Attorney, Foster Law Group, PC
2009 - 2009
Associate Attorney, Balaban & Levinson, PC
2007 - 2008
Law Clerk, All Pro Sports & Entertainment
Associations
2011 - Present
Seattle Chamber of CommerceMember
2010 - Present
Neighborhood Debt Relief ClinicVolunteer Bankruptcy Attorney
2009 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
2009 - Present
King County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
King County Solo Attorney SectionMember
2009 - Present
King County Bankruptcy Attorney SectionMember
2008 - Present
Colorado Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
In Re: National Collegiate Trust
Settled for 55% of current balance: Savings of $80,459.88
In Re: National Collegiate Trust
Negotiated 50% Settlement: A savings of $48,360
Navient Student Loan
Negotiated a Settlement of $30K down from $68K owed on the loans
Debt Settlement
Settled $96,500 in total debt for $25,000
Palisades Collection, LLC v. PDI Industries and Evans
My client was dismissed with prejudice. He cannot be sued or liable for the debt in the future
Education
2008
University of Denver Sturm College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2004
University of Washington
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
New Urban Unlimited Radio Show
Debt Relief and Foreclosure Defense
2013
KOMO 4 News
Copyright Infringement Interview
2012
Head of the House Radio Show
Bankruptcy Options
Publications
2020
2015
NWLawyer
The Evolution of Sports Law
2014
Marijuana Business Daily
Cannabis Businesses Capitalize on Super Bowl Hype, But Legal Questions Abound (Quoted)
2014
The Wall Street Journal
CEO of Capitol Hill Restaurants In Bankruptcy Had His Own Problems
2010
Symmes Law Group, PLLC
Seattle Bankruptcy Lawyer Blog
2009
Legal Issues in College Athletics
Does CentSports Engage in Illegal Bookmaking or Violate National Collegiate Athletic Association Bylaws?
2009
Sports Litigation Alert
How Facebook and Twitter Are Affecting Major Sports and Individual’s First Amendment Rights
2008
Symmes Law Group, PLLC
Seattle Trademark Lawyer Blog
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Guides
Video Legal Guide
How to Choose a Bankruptcy Lawyer
09 Oct 2016
Video Legal Guide
What is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
09 Oct 2016
Video Legal Guide
What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
09 Oct 2016