Partner

Philip Buri

Bellingham, WA

30+ Years Experience

About Philip

Phil has over three decades of experience resolving disputes. For some cases, it takes only a well-timed phone call or a persuasive letter. For others, it requires years of litigation ending in the Washington Supreme Court. Phil has done both, many times. Phil began his career as a law clerk in United States District Court followed by four years in the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice. He also served as a law clerk for the Washington State Supreme Court, giving him unique insight into the evolution of Washington law. From 1995, he has been in private practice, representing a diverse set of clients including his neighbors, local businesses and non-profits, city, county, state and federal agencies, tribal entities, and multinational corporations. Phil also acts as a Pro Tem Judge for the Bellingham Municipal Court, Whatcom County District and Superior Courts, and the Lummi Nation Tribal Court and Court of Appeals. He recently represented the Great Blue Herons that roost near the Post Point water treatment plant. Although some consider it old-fashioned, Phil believes that lawyers should make their communities better. He has served on the Boards for the Washington State Bar Association, the Bellingham Community Food Cooperative, the Whatcom County Bar Association and on his local Homeowners’ Association. He is also a violinist in the Skagit Symphony and an active member of its Finance Committee. His wife and he have three children in college. The art of lawyering is to resolve disputes with no more and no less effort than is necessary. With his broad experience as a lawyer, judge, and community member, Phil provides calm, insightful guidance in times of crisis. He also writes legal pleadings and appellate briefs that are clear, persuasive and successful. And he never loses sight of the purpose for his work: to reach just resolution when it seems most unlikely. His appeals include defending San Juan County’s ban on jet skis, Weden v. San Juan County, 135 Wn.2d 678, 958 P.2d 273 (1998); and successfully advocating a tort of wrongful adoption, McKinney v. the State of Washington, 134 Wn.2d 388, 950 P.2d 461 (1998)