Licensed for 33 years

State WA

Acquired 1990

Status
Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

David Charles Snell

Workers compensation Attorney at Tacoma, WA

About
Contact
Reviews
Cost
Resume

Great listener

Great firm and attorney

About David

Learn David’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Workers compensation

51%

33 years, 5,200 cases
Personal injury

49%

Car, Motorcycle and Trucking Accidents, Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Slip and Fall, Wrongful Death, Arbitrator

33 years, 510 cases

Hi, I am a Seattle native with a BA from the UW, Juris Doctor, cum laude 1990 from UPS Law, where I was an Associate Law Review Editor. Martindale AV rated, I've been blessed to represent injured and disheartened people at Small, Snell, Weiss & Comfort since 1990. I served as 2009-2010 President of the Tacoma/Pierce County Bar Association, trustee for the TPCBA, trustee and Treasurer for Brooklake Community Church, and chair of the Lawyer/Chiro Committee, chaired WSTLA Workers Comp Section. A frequent lecturer, I am published in WSAJ’s Automobile Accident Litigation Deskbook, Workers' Comp Deskbook and Pleadings and Practice Handbook. Robert J. Bryan Inns of Court Board and previous Programs Chair. I enjoy vintage rides and traveling with my three kids.

I am a lawyer who likes Jesus, antique trucks, Harleys, gardening and politics.

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Contact David

Small Snell Weiss & Comfort Ps

4002 Tacoma Mall Boulevard, Suite 200

Tacoma, WA, 98409-7702

sswc-law.com/

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Reviews

Write A Review

4.6 / 5.0

10 customer reviews

5 Star

90%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

10%

Posted by May | December 11, 2022

Great listener

I am working with David for a injury case. He and his staff have been attentive and supportive. I highly recommend him.

Posted by anonymous | December 7, 2022

Great firm and attorney

I have had Mr. Snell before and he is a great attorney that doesn't put up with shady employers and their tactics.

Posted by william | November 2, 2022

amazing attorney

David snell has been an amazing attorney for me. he has helped me with more then one issue and has been up front and has followed through

Response from David Snell November 7, 2022

Grateful for the opportunity to help!

Posted by Janell | August 12, 2022

Best Attorney

Mr. David Snell is a great attorney, and highly recommended. He helped me enormously on my Workers Comp Claim. I highly recommend him and his Paralegal to everyone.

Posted by Molly | June 21, 2021

Best lawyer ever!

David Snell has always given me great legal advice. He is well trusted and respected in the community and deservedly so. I would highly recommend!

Posted by LINDA | July 17, 2012

LINDA HARRES, RN

THIS ATTORNEY IS THE ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL-- HE IS KNOWLEDGEABLE, PATIENT, KIND AND RESOURCEFUL. I HAVE KNOWN DAVID SINCE HE WAS AT THE U of WASHINGTON AS A STUDENT. HE HAS MATURED INTO A FINE, FINE ATTORNEY.

Posted by Bill | August 13, 2009

Great attorney to have when dealing with Industrial Insurance

I met David a few years back after referred to him by my father. My father never retained David, because David was honest enough to refer my father to someone who would better suit his needs. David handled a carpal tunnel claim for me against Qwest Communications in 2006. I was being taken advantage of by Qwest's overzealous private insurance company. David was able to answer all my questions and help me achieve the goal I was hoping for. As a current pre-law student who just took the Law School Admissions Test, I am aware of how much hard work and determination is needed to become a successful lawyer. If by chance I was able to work with David or his law firm, it would certainly be an honor.

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Posted by anonymous | June 26, 2008

Great Lawyer

I met with David today due to a referral. He is honest, patient and meticulous. He could have gotten me in and out yet answered all my questions completely with no fee. He is highly professional it was evident he was more worried about me rather than signing up a client I felt like a person rather than a check. He is by no means a stereotypical attorney he will treat you like a person and honestly wants to help even if it means do not sign with me now but if you have a problem I am here for you. I would feel comfortable sending family or friends to him, as he would treat them with the dignity we all deserve as people. MWB

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Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2008

Client Review

David Snell made a very difficult time for me and my family a pleasant experience. Through his consideration, knowledge and experience he was able to reduce the stress for my wife and I as we moved through the legal system. His firm was proffessional and fair and we are quite happy with the outcome. Good people.

Posted by Nadine | June 19, 2021

Not Trusted & Not reliable

I hired David Snell based on his principals posted himself online. Unfortunately, I have learned that he did not really do anything himself: all communication was Precisely with a secretary, not even a paralegal. Only once I did have a phone conversation with David Snell. During the phone conversation he asked me to remind him about my claim(s). Later on, I was trying to get some answers related to my claims, and as usual, I was receiving emails from the secretary ONLY, which did not answer my questions at all, and/or referring me to look the answers up on line. I have had to get in touch with another agency to get the answers. In response, the secretary emailed me that David Snell wants to withdraw himself from representing my claims. Thus, I have Never Met the attorney who was listed as representing me for almost a year, and who dismissed himself without any explanation.

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Response from David Snell June 22, 2021

Our top priority is client satisfaction. Of our many thousands of happy clients, occasionally someone may feel that their expectations were not met. We appreciate the feedback and regret not meeting your expectations.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Principal
Small, Snell, Weiss & Comfort, P.S.
1990 - Present

Rule 9 Intern
Law Offices of Daryl Graves
1990 - 1990

Intern
Law Offices of Thomas Dinwiddie
1988 - 1990

Education

University of Puget Sound School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor cum laude
1990

University of Washington
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1983

Legal Cases

Tobin v Utility Vault, et al.
$1.4 million several weeks after mediation

Associations

The Honorable Robert J. Bryan American Inn of Court
Barrister
2010 - Present

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
Superior Court Commission
2010 - Present

Brooklake Community Church
Treasurer
2009 - Present

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
Editorial Board
2009 - Present

Brooklake Community Church
Trustee
2006 - Present

American Association for Justice
Member
1991 - Present

United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
Admitted to Practice
1990 - Present

Washington State Bar Association
Member
1990 - Present

Washington State Bar Association
N/A

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
Immediate Past President
2010 - 2011

TPCBA Bar News Editor in Chief
2009 - 2010

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
President
2009 - 2010

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
Vice President
2008 - 2009

Washington State Association for Justice, Workers' Compensation Section
Chair
2005 - 2006

Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
Chair, Workers Comp Section
2004 - 2005

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
Trustee
2001 - 2003

Puyallup Tribal Court
Admitted to Practice
1997 - 2002

Washington State Association for Justice
New Member Executive Committee
1997 - 1998

Lawyer - Chiropractor Liason Committee; TPCBA
Chair
1996 - 1998

Civil Service Commission - City of Fife
Chair
1995 - 1996

Civil Service Commission - City of Fife
Commissioner
1993 - 1995

Washington State Association for Justice
CLE Committee
1993 - 1997

Law Review - University of Puget Sound School of Law
Associate Editor
1988 - 1990

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Honors and Awards

AV Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2005

Dean's List
UPS School of Law
1990

AmJur Award for Excellence in Products Liability
American Jurisprudence
1989

Dean's List
UPS School of Law
1989

Merit Scholarship
UPS School of Law
1989

Dean's List
UPS School of Law
1988

Merit Scholarship
UPS School of Law
1988

View all awards

Publications

WSAJ Workers Comp Deskbook
Dealing With the Difficult Client
2010

WSAJ Auto Accident Deskbook
Improper Passing/Crossing the Center Line
2010

Bar News, TPCBA
Monthly President's Column
2010

Trial News Washington State Trial Lawyers
No Agreement - Self-Insured Negotiations Finally End
2007

Trial News Washington State Trial Lawyers
Changes Loom on the Workers' Compensation Horizon
2005

Trial News Washington State Trial Lawyers
Our State Program for Injured Workers Ranks Among Best Value in Entire Nation
2004

Trial News Washington State Trial Lawyers
New Member Lara Herrmann Thrives in Family Firm
2002

Pleading & Motion Practice CD Handbook
Contributing Author
2002

WSTLA CLE
Screening the Prospective Workers' Comp Client
2001

Automobile Accident Litigation Deskbook - contributor
Improper Passing/Crossing the Center Line
2000

WSTLA CLE Materials
Some Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Busy P.I. Practice
1999

Trial News Washington State Trial Lawyers
Our workers' compensation system -- what's wrong: what's right
1997

Trial News Washington State Trial Lawyers
Three Way Workers Comp
N/A

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Speaking Engagements

Annual Convention - Leavenworth
Chair, Auctioneer and Emcee
2010

Lincoln Day Banquet
Award Presentation and Outgoing President's Speech
2010

Lincoln Day Banquet
Incoming President's Comments
2009

Annual Workers Comp Seminar
Co-Chair
2005

Helping the Worker Through Difficult Times
Co-Chair
2003

Workers Comp - Back to Basics
Screening the Prospective Workers' Comp Client
2001

People's Law School
Workers' Compensation and Social Security
2001

People's Law School
Interplay - Workers' Comp, Social Security and Personal Injury
1999

Annual Convention
Some Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Busy P.I. Practice — 7/9/99
1999

Annual Lawyer - Chiropractor Seminar
Chair & Speaker
1998

Law Talk (public access TV)
Workers' Comp and Social Security Offsets
1997

Lecturer
How To Minimize Your Workers' Compensation Exposure
1996

Annual Lawyer - Chiropractor Seminar
Chair
1996

Annual Workers Comp Seminar
Co-Chair
1994

Annual Lawyer-Chiropractor Seminar
Issues Common to Lawyers and Chiropractors
1989

Annual Luvera Seminar
Quality of Practice - Quality of Life
N/A

Annual WC Seminars
Workers' Comp
N/A

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Attorney endorsements

Received (21)

Given (73)

Endorse David

Robert Carter

Personal injury Attorney | Oct 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Snell is an outstanding trial attorney. He has the skills, temperament and integrity to help both his clients and the plaintiff's bar."

Thomas Klusmeyer

Workers compensation Attorney | Mar 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Over the years, I have referred potential clients to David with Labor & Industry (Workers Compensation) issues and have always been told that he did a great job for them. In addition to being a great lawyer, I know David personally and he has the utmost integrity. Obviously, he deserves my highest recommendation."

Michael Waddington

Personal injury Attorney | Jun 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Wendy Zicht

Workers compensation Attorney | Apr 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"David is top notch in the area of L&I law. He is able to evaluate all sides of an issue, and he does thorough research of the facts and law. He is compassionate and listens to his clients. I recommend him to anyone who needs assistance with an L&I injury claim."

Kevin Coluccio

Personal injury Attorney | Jun 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse David. He is respected in the legal community for his work in this area of the law. David is dedicated to providing his clients with the very best legal representation."

Billie Morelli

Personal injury Attorney | Mar 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David loves his job. That's probably one of the first characteristics a prospective client should seek in a potential attorney. David loves helping people who have been wronged, and he works tirelessly on your behalf to find a resolution that meets your expectations. I fully endorse David Snell as your next lawyer."

Steven Krupa

Workers compensation Attorney | Jun 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known David personally and professionally for over 10 years. David is the go to person for worker's compensation in our community. He is a skilled and tireless fighter for the rights of his clients. Accordingly, he is highly respected by the judges and his peers. In addition, he is very active in bar and community service. I heartily endorse David's work."

John Ladenburg

Workers compensation Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David is known to be one of the best workers comp lawyers in the State."

Erik Ladenburg

Workers compensation Attorney | Sep 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Over the years I have referred many of my clients to David when they need a good workers compensation attorney. Not once has a client been disappointed with the service and results David provided."

Kenneth Blanford

Workers compensation Attorney | Mar 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I refer cases to David with confidence. He always takes care of his clients."

Jon Iverson

Personal injury Attorney | Mar 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David impressed me as a student and a person when we were in the same law school class more than 20 years ago. Since that time, he has been the model lawyer. He knows then law and knows how to work well with people. The articles he wrote as president for our local bar association's newsletter were so good I kept some for further reflection. David is one of the best lawyers I ever met."

Lance Hester

Workers compensation Attorney | Oct 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Frederick Lieb

Workers compensation Attorney | Aug 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Dave is one of the best lawyers in the field and does a lot of volunteer work for injured workers."

Jonathan Stubbs

Workers compensation Attorney | Jul 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. David Snell is an outstanding lawyer and advocate for injured workers in this state. I know that David's clients are in very good hands and that their rights are well protected."

Zachary Herschensohn

Personal injury Attorney | Dec 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David Snell is an excellent attorney. I fully endorse his work."

Deborah Nelson

Personal injury Attorney | May 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is an excellent attorney. I have referred clients to him for workers compensation matters for several years and all have been impressed with his knowledge of the subject matter, attention to detail, and excellent results."

Katherine Mason

Workers compensation Attorney | Apr 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Snell in trial recently, and I think he did an exceptional job representing his client and putting on the case. I could tell that the jury listened carefully to Mr. Snell, and this is a critical skill in what we do. I thought the case he took to trial was a challenging one, and I was delighted to hear that there was a successful verdict for Mr. Snell's client. Mr. Snell is an honest, friendly person, and someone who is very compassionate and supportive of injured people."

Knowrasa Patrick-Roundtree

Workers compensation Attorney | Jul 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. David and his firm are wonderful advocates for injured workers throughout the state."

Patrick Palace

Personal injury Attorney | Jun 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"David Snell is a skilled lawyer and has been a pleasure to work with when we have joined forces to fight for our clients' rights. "

Lance Palmer

Workers compensation Attorney | Jun 06
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known David for many years and I have the highest regard for his skills and a lawyer, and for the skills of his law partners. I have referred many workers' compensation claimants to them because they are a top notch law firm."

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