Blaine L. Tamaki

Blaine Tamaki has been a trial lawyer for over 30 years. He graduated with a J.D. from the University of Washington Law School in 1982. He obtained his B.A. in Economics with Honors Distinction from the University of Washington in 1979. He founded Tamaki Law in 1994 and has record breaking settlements in cases throughout the Northwest.

In August 2012, Blaine received the distinguished “Trial Lawyer of the Year” award. This award, presented by the Washington State Association for Justice, honors a lawyer who advances the art and skill of adovacy, either in trial or by training others so as to benefit humankind. He was also designated a Super Lawyer by Washington Law & Politics, a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.

Some of his noteworthy results:

  • Settling or achieving verdicts for over a million dollars seventeen (17) times in his career.
  • Serving as one of the lead lawyers announcing the settlement of $167.3 million record breaking settlement against the Northwest Jesuits which made global news.
  • Achieving a $30 million settlement for his own Native American clients who suffered sexual abuse as children.
  • A $6.4 million dollar settlement against State Department of Corrections for negligent supervision of a serial rapist and murderer.
  • A $6.55 million settlement against the State Department of Social and Health Services for negligent protection of 4 foster children.
  • A record $12 million medical malpractice settlement in Central Washington
  • A series of multi-million dollar settlements for Tribal victims including a $3.5 million settlement of a two young children who were drowned in an irrigation canal.

Blaine  was born in Berkeley, California but raised in Yakima, Washington since he was 8 years old. He has practiced law in Yakima since he graduated from law school.

He attributes his success as a trial lawyer to his hard work, persistence, and competitiveness. He has pride in his savvy, negotiation skills, and knowledge of his business.

Blaine is very committed to the Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) and has been on the Board of Directors for decades. He is currently Vice President of WSAJ and Chairman of several committees and events. He is also a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming.

Blaine has been very active in community civic activities. He now supports dozens of non-profits charities through his charitable donations every year. He likes to spend time with his wife and three children, enjoys traveling, and participating in and watching sports, especially the Mariners, Seahawks, and the Huskies.

 

Bar Admissions:

  • Washington

 

Education:
  • University of Washington Law School
    • J.D.  - 1982
  • University of Washington
    • B.A. in Economics with Honors Distinction - 1979