Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc: Warns Jr Ray H

For businesses and individuals operating within Washington State's vast maritime industry or those involved in complex federal compensation claims, securing specialized legal expertise is not just beneficial—it's essential. The unique legal landscape of admiralty and maritime law, along with federal acts such as the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (Longshore Act) and the Defense Base Act, demands attorneys with specific knowledge, extensive experience, and a proven track record in these niche areas. For local employers, insurers, and those facing intricate litigation in federal or administrative courts across the Puget Sound and beyond, finding a seasoned legal professional who understands these specialized fields can significantly impact outcomes.

This article introduces Ray H. Warns Jr., a highly respected attorney practicing out of the Seattle office of Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc. With a maritime practice that commenced in 1984, Mr. Warns has dedicated decades to representing numerous insurers and employers in critical maritime matters. His profound expertise includes extensively defending claims brought under extensions to the Longshore Act, showcasing a deep understanding of these complex federal compensation statutes. For Washington businesses involved in shipping, fishing, shipbuilding, or other port-related activities, Mr. Warns's specialization offers a vital resource for navigating legal challenges effectively.

Ray H. Warns Jr.'s legal acumen is widely recognized, supported by an impressive background that includes a Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude from the University of Illinois (Phi Beta Kappa, 1979) and a Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon (1984). He is admitted to practice in Washington State and Federal Courts, Alaska State Courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and even the United States Supreme Court. His high Martindale-Hubbell (AV) Peer Review rating further solidifies his standing as a top-tier attorney. Beyond his case work, Mr. Warns is a prolific speaker at national seminars and has authored numerous articles on subjects relevant to employers and insurers, such as "Barriers to Settlement: The Phantom Partners at the Settlement Table and What to Do With Them" and "The William Price Case Ten Years Later," demonstrating his thought leadership in the field.

Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc itself is a well-established full-service commercial law firm with deep roots in the maritime and natural resources industries, tracing its history back to 1914. This century-long legacy of experience and assertive advocacy provides a robust foundation for Mr. Warns's practice.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the specific services offered by Ray H. Warns Jr. and Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc, discuss their convenient Seattle location and accessibility, highlight the key features that distinguish his legal practice, and provide essential contact information. Our aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview to help Washington users make informed decisions when seeking expert legal counsel in maritime and federal compensation law.

Location and Accessibility

Ray H. Warns Jr. practices out of the Seattle office of Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc, which is conveniently located at 3101 Western Ave Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98101, USA. This address places the firm in a prime waterfront district, specifically in a commercially significant area that aligns with their strong maritime focus.

The firm's location on Western Avenue offers excellent accessibility for clients throughout the Seattle metropolitan area and beyond. For those utilizing public transportation, the office is well-served by King County Metro bus routes, with several stops in the immediate vicinity. While not directly on a light rail line, the office is a relatively short distance from downtown light rail stations (such as Westlake or University Street stations), which can be connected via bus or a short ride-share trip. This makes it accessible for clients commuting from various Seattle neighborhoods, as well as from surrounding cities like Bellevue, Everett, and Tacoma.

For clients who prefer to drive, the location provides relatively straightforward access compared to the denser core of downtown. There are typically parking options available in the area, including street parking and commercial garages, though it's always advisable to plan parking in advance, especially during peak hours. The firm's position near Seattle's waterfront and port facilities further enhances its relevance and convenience for clients engaged in maritime and longshore-related industries. This strategic and accessible location underscores Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc's commitment to effectively serving its specialized clientele across Washington.

Services Offered

Ray H. Warns Jr. at Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc focuses on highly specialized areas of law, primarily serving insurers and employers within the maritime industry and related federal compensation schemes. His key practice areas include:

• Admiralty and Maritime Law: Providing comprehensive legal counsel for a wide range of maritime-related issues. This includes defending claims brought against shipowners, vessel operators, marine insurers, and other entities involved in maritime commerce.
• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (Longshore Act): Extensively defending claims brought under this federal workers' compensation statute. This involves representing employers and their insurers in disputes arising from injuries or deaths sustained by longshoremen, harbor workers, and other maritime employees not covered by the Jones Act.
• Defense Base Act (DBA): Handling claims arising under the Defense Base Act, which extends the Longshore Act's compensation benefits to employees working outside the United States on U.S. military bases or under contracts with the U.S. government for public works or national defense. Mr. Warns has presented on "Defense Base Act Claims Come Home to America," indicating significant expertise in this area.
• Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act (NAFIA): Providing defense in claims related to this act, which provides workers' compensation coverage for civilian employees of non-appropriated fund instrumentalities (e.g., PX, BX, MWR facilities) of the U.S. armed forces.
• Litigation and Appeals: Representing clients in extensive litigation before federal, administrative, and appellate courts, including the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. He is known for authoring numerous articles and presentations relevant to advancing the objectives of employers and their insurers in these forums.
• Insurance Defense: Representing numerous insurers in maritime and federal compensation matters, defending against claims and providing strategic advice to minimize liability.

His published articles and numerous presentations on these topics, such as "How to Win a Longshore Case," further illustrate his deep engagement and expertise in these niche areas, making him a go-to attorney for employers and insurers in the maritime sector.

Features / Highlights

Ray H. Warns Jr. at Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore his specialized expertise and strong standing in the legal community:

• Decades of Maritime and Federal Compensation Experience: With a maritime practice that began in 1984, Mr. Warns brings over 40 years of dedicated experience to his clients. This long tenure means a profound understanding of the intricacies of admiralty law, the Longshore Act, and the Defense Base Act.
• Highly Specialized Practice: His primary focus on defending employers and insurers in maritime, longshore, and Defense Base Act claims makes him a highly specialized expert in these complex federal compensation statutes. This narrow focus allows for deep knowledge and strategic advantage.
• Extensive Litigation and Appellate Experience: Mr. Warns has handled extensive litigation before federal, administrative, and appellate courts, including admission to the United States Supreme Court. His ability to present and win arguments at the highest levels of the judiciary is a significant asset for complex cases.
• Recognized Legal Authority: He holds the highest Martindale-Hubbell (AV) Peer Review rating, indicating top-tier legal ability and ethical standards as judged by his peers. This is a strong testament to his reputation within the legal community.
• Thought Leadership and Publication: Mr. Warns is a prolific speaker at numerous national seminars and has authored several influential articles relevant to advancing the objectives of employers and their insurers. This commitment to sharing knowledge solidifies his position as a recognized expert in his field.
• Strong Educational Background: Graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Illinois and earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon demonstrates a rigorous academic foundation.
• Reputable Firm Association: Practicing with Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc, a firm established in 1914 with over a century of experience in commercial law, particularly maritime and natural resources, provides a robust and well-resourced platform for his specialized work. The firm itself is recognized as a top-tier law firm for Admiralty and Maritime Law by U.S. News and World Report.

These highlights collectively position Ray H. Warns Jr. as a leading and highly respected attorney for maritime, longshore, and Defense Base Act matters in Washington and beyond.

Promotions or Special Offers

In the highly specialized and sophisticated realm of maritime law, Longshore Act defense, and Defense Base Act claims, particularly for an attorney of Ray H. Warns Jr.'s caliber and experience, traditional "promotions" or "special offers" (in the consumer discount sense) are not part of the standard business model. Legal services in these complex areas are valued for their unparalleled expertise, strategic insight, and the ability to navigate intricate federal regulations and litigation effectively.

However, clients engaging with a distinguished attorney like Ray H. Warns Jr. and a firm of Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc's reputation can anticipate certain practices that represent significant value and accessibility, which can be seen as "offers" in a professional context:

• Expert Cost Management and Risk Mitigation: While fees are based on the complexity and scope of the work, Mr. Warns's deep expertise in defending claims under the Longshore Act and Defense Base Act, as well as maritime matters, means he is highly skilled at navigating these complex cases efficiently. His strategic counsel can help insurers and employers mitigate significant liabilities, potentially saving them substantial costs in settlements, judgments, and protracted litigation. His insights into "Barriers to Settlement" and "How to Win a Longshore Case" directly speak to this value.
• Initial Consultations: For new clients, discussions to assess the scope of a complex maritime or federal compensation case and determine the potential for representation are customary. While the nature of these initial discussions (paid or unpaid) can vary, they provide a crucial opportunity for potential clients to understand Mr. Warns's approach and evaluate his suitability for their specific needs without a full commitment. It is advisable to inquire about the firm's policy on initial consultations.
• Strategic and Proactive Counsel: Instead of a discount, clients receive proactive and seasoned counsel aimed at advancing their objectives. Mr. Warns's history of publishing articles "relevant to advancing the objectives of employers and their insurers" demonstrates a commitment to providing strategic guidance that goes beyond reactive defense, helping clients manage risks and achieve favorable outcomes.

For Washington-based insurers and employers in the maritime sector, the primary "offer" from Ray H. Warns Jr. is the assurance of receiving top-tier, highly specialized, and strategically effective legal defense that can protect their interests and achieve favorable resolutions in complex federal compensation and admiralty law cases. Direct communication with Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc is recommended to discuss specific case needs and engagement terms.

Contact Information

For businesses and insurers in Washington State seeking specialized legal expertise in maritime law, Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, or Defense Base Act claims, Ray H. Warns Jr. can be reached through Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc using the following contact details:

Address: 3101 Western Ave Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Phone: (206) 292-8008

Mobile Phone: +1 206-292-8008 (This number is typically the same as the main office line for attorneys at a firm of this size.)

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the firm during standard business hours to schedule a consultation or to discuss their specific legal inquiry. The professional staff will be able to provide preliminary assistance and guide you through the process of connecting with Mr. Warns or another appropriate attorney specializing in these complex areas.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For businesses and insurers operating within Washington State's robust maritime industry, as well as those managing claims under federal compensation acts like the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act or the Defense Base Act, Ray H. Warns Jr. at Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc is an exceptionally suitable and advantageous legal partner. His practice is uniquely tailored to the specific needs of these local and regional entities.

Firstly, his highly specialized focus is paramount. Washington is a state with a significant coastline, major ports, and a thriving maritime economy, from commercial fishing to shipping and shipbuilding. Having an attorney like Mr. Warns, who has dedicated over four decades to admiralty and maritime law, and who specifically defends claims under the Longshore Act and Defense Base Act, means local businesses and insurers benefit from unparalleled depth of knowledge. This specialization ensures that the unique nuances of these complex federal and state maritime regulations are expertly navigated, protecting local interests effectively.

Secondly, his extensive litigation and appellate experience in federal courts, including the Ninth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court, is a critical asset. For Washington entities involved in high-stakes maritime disputes or federal compensation litigation, this means having a formidable advocate capable of handling cases at every level of the judiciary. His proven track record in defending claims and his recognized legal authority (as evidenced by his Martindale-Hubbell AV rating) instill confidence that local clients are receiving top-tier legal representation.

Furthermore, Mr. Warns's role as a prolific speaker and author on these topics, often addressing national seminars, positions him as a thought leader in the field. This demonstrates not only his expertise but also his commitment to staying at the forefront of legal developments relevant to his practice areas. For Washington businesses and insurers, this translates into strategic advice that is current, informed, and proactive, helping them to manage risks and adhere to evolving regulations.

Finally, his presence within Holmes Weddle & Barcott Pc, a firm with a century-long legacy in the Pacific Northwest and strong ties to the maritime industry, provides a stable and reputable platform for his services. The firm's location on Seattle's Western Avenue is also logistically convenient for local maritime businesses and related industries, facilitating easier access to expert legal counsel. In essence, Ray H. Warns Jr. is perfectly suited for Washington locals in the maritime and federal compensation sectors, offering a blend of deep specialization, proven litigation prowess, and a strong understanding of the regional industrial landscape.