Part 1: CUTV News Radio spotlights Thomas Gates of Gates Law PLLC

Tukwila, WA – Gates is the founder of Gates Law PLLC, where he specializes in civil litigation, personal injury, business and non-profit, estate planning and trusts, and defense of criminal and DUI charges. Gates brings with him a unique professional career in civil engineering, public service and the law.

At 11 years old he set a goal to be a civil engineer. In 1979, he achieved that goal. A practicing engineer for nearly twenty-five years, Gates focused on the environmental and waste management areas.

To balance his technical work, Gates later got involved in local government, finding his civil engineering background allowed him to effectively review, analyze and comment on such matters as land use, shore line set-backs or environmental issues brought before the committee. He served four years as Chair before being elected to the City Council for two terms, as well as serving as Mayor.

Gates realized his work as an environmental engineer and public official was intertwined with the law, often requiring a steep learning curve. Gates decided to form Gates’ Law, PLLC, immediately after being admitted to the Washington State Bar, relying on the experiences and skills he developed in civil engineering and local government.

“The people I meet need legal assistance and I enjoy helping them address their concerns,” says Gates. “I try to meet with them on a personal level. The main thing is that they feel comfortable that I’m a person of my word and I follow through. My goal is to make sure that my client, in making a decision, is fully informed and comfortable with the decision they make.”