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History
Claude M. Pearson and Alvin A. Anderson, schoolmates at Larimore, North Dakota, High School and Jamestown College, then classmates at the University of Michigan Law School following service in World War II, founded the Davies Pearson law firm in Tacoma in 1949. Lester Seinfeld began his Tacoma practice in 1935. Both firms grew over the years and merged their practices in 1975.
In their early practice, Claude and Alvin became acquainted with Wayne J.
"Jim" Davies, who referred them insurance claims to adjust to augment their budding practice. This eventually led to an association still bearing Wayne’s name. Vernon Pearson soon joined his older brother and practiced at Davies Pearson until 1969, when he became an appellate judge, eventually becoming
the Washington State Supreme Court’s Chief Justice before retiring from the bench.
Vince Gadbow, then practicing in Vancouver, joined his North Dakota friends in 1967, and Ray Hayes joined the firm in 1969 to replace Vern when he joined the bench.
In the 1950's and the 1960's, the firm was generally considered an insurance defense and litigation firm, though it also had a broad business, real estate, and probate practice.
A newer generation started at the firm when Bertil F. Johnson joined the firm following his admission to the Bar in 1965, followed by John Kouklis in 1970. Meanwhile, following service as an Assistant Attorney General, Dennis Seinfeld had joined his father, Lester, in their general business practice in 1967.
The Modern Era – 1970's on . . .
Characterized by a great many trends and accomplishments, the following define the commencement of the firm's modern era.
First, a great expansion in the firm's practice areas from its original base, exemplified by a burgeoning personal injury practice and the merger of Davies Pearson Anderson with Seinfeld & Seinfeld, sparking greater development of the firm's business and commercial practice.
Second, the firm was outgrowing its 12th floor office in the Rust Building. Vince Gadbow had a vision of the firm having its own building and led the construction of an office building at 945 Fawcett in 1974. Following the merger and hiring of additional lawyers, that too became overcrowded, and Vince
again spearheaded the construction of our current office at 920 Fawcett, moving in 1981.
The building on Fawcett is now known as the Vincent L. Gadbow Building in honor of his many contributions to the firm. The 1981 move into our “new” building inspired the firm to shorten the name from Davies, Pearson, Anderson, Seinfeld, Gadbow, Hayes, & Johnson.
Third, the 70's saw the firm’s rapid and progressive modernization of its internal business practices, including its incorporation and its fully integrating modern technology into its office practice. This enabled the firm to produce a higher quality work product in a shorter time, to the benefit of its clients, as well as to establish its highly successful retirement plan, to the benefit of all employees.
Fourth, the firm instituted periodic events for both professional and staff members to help soothe the anxieties and stresses of a busy practice and promote relationships within the Davies Pearson “family”. These have included picnics, cruises, holiday parties, and retreats at such diverse places as waterfront homes, Tanglewood Island, farms, Harrison Hot Springs, Port Ludlow, Alderbrook, Sudden Valley, and South Lake Tahoe.
Fifth, the firm has grown in size from its 7 lawyers in 1970 to over 20 active lawyers and several part-time and consulting lawyers today, providing high quality, efficient services in a broad range of practice areas. |
