William J. Rush

Born: 1934

Resident: Tacoma, WA

Skills: Trial, negotiation, mediation, arbitration 

Practice: Significant personal injury and wrongful death cases

Memberships: American College of Trial Lawyers, American Board of Trial Advocates, Washington State Bar Association, Tacoma / Pierce County Bar Association (past president)

As founding partner of the Tacoma law firm Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, Bill Rush is considered a pioneer in the practice of personal injury law.

Bill has handled many significant birth injury cases during his 30-year career, securing multi-million-dollar settlements for Northwest families. He has taken on the State of Washington numerous times for improperly releasing dangerous felons. And he has helped other clients find legal justice and compensation for injuries and deaths resulting from accidents, unsafe products and work-site hazards.

Today, Bill continues to focus on significant injury and wrongful death cases. However, he understands that many smaller cases are just as important to his clients. "People who are hurt or wronged need to get relief," he says. "I’ve always enjoyed dealing with people and trying to remedy their misfortunes."

Bill received his law degree from the University of Washington in 1958 and served active duty in the military. He began his career in Tacoma in 1959, working in solo practice before founding the firm now known as Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler in 1960. The firm's size by design ensures each client receives highly personalized service from the same attorney throughout his or her case.

Bill has served as a mediator and arbitrator for many years. He frequently lectures to members of the Washington State Bar Association and nurses and physicians associations on various legal and medical topics.

In his spare time, Bill loves to ski, travel, garden, and play racquetball. He married his wife, Patricia, a professional photographer, in 1961. The couple has three adult children: Daniel, Kimberly and Stephanie.