Pullman, WA

Peter J. Hess

Peter J. Hess is the Managing Attorney at Hess Injury Law. He graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1996 and the University of Washington in 2000 with a B.A. in Business Administration/Information Systems. He earned his J.D. with honors from Willamette University College of Law in 2007. He joined Hess Injury Law after graduation and became a partner in 2012. He is licensed to practice law in Washington and Oregon. He is a Guardian member of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association and an Eagle member of the Washington State Association for Justice.

Luke Baumgarten

I am a father, a lawyer, and a drummer. I live in Whitman County with my wife, kids, and one very nervous cat. I am a member of several professional organizations, including the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Washington State Association for Justice (formerly the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association), The Top 100 Trial Lawyers (The National Trial Lawyers), the Washington State Bar Association, the Whitman County Bar Association, the Eastern Washington DUI Defense Association (founder), and the Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice. Through my commitment to upholding the finest traditions of the bar and legal profession, I have been honored to speak to classes at the University of Idaho College of Law as well as mentor young lawyers and recent graduates. I worked as a legal intern in the Whitman County Prosecutor's Office while I was in law school, from 2006 to 2008. I spent much of that time practicing law with a limited license handling hundreds of misdemeanor cases from first appearances all the way through trials. I was officially sworn-in as a Deputy Prosecutor after I graduated from law school and was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 2008. After four years working in the prosecutor's office and handling thousands of cases, I decided it was time to use my experience and inside knowledge to pursue my passion: excellent, zealous, and principled representations of good people who find themselves facing criminal prosecution.

Meet Justin, the compassionate and dedicated founder of Elsner Law Firm. After graduating cum laude from Seattle University School of Law, Justin quickly made a name for himself in the legal community. As a member of both the Washington State Bar Association and the Western District of the Federal Court, he possesses the expertise and knowledge needed to navigate even the most complex legal challenges. Justin was introduced to the world of law through his father and gained invaluable critical thinking skills that would later define his approach to client advocacy. It was a life-changing car crash during Justin’s high school years that solidified his interest in the legal field. Feeling lost and unsure of how to proceed, he turned to a personal injury attorney for guidance. Witnessing firsthand the impact of professional legal support, Justin was inspired to dedicate his career to helping others navigate the insurance industry and avoid being taken advantage of. Justin’s entrepreneurial spirit also played a significant role in his path. From a young age, he had a keen interest in running his own business, and when he established Elsner Law Firm right after law school in 2007, he quickly discovered his passion for personal injury litigation. Today, he takes great pride in providing expert guidance to clients facing difficult circumstances, ensuring they receive the fair compensation they deserve. Outside the office, Justin’s dedication extends to various pursuits. Whether competing in triathlons, racing his car at the iconic Pacific Highway with Proformance racing school, or enjoying a round of golf, he embraces life’s adventures to the fullest. But above all, he cherishes spending quality time with his family and staying up to date with the latest news. With Justin and the Elsner Law Firm team by your side, you can trust that you’re in the caring hands of professionals who understand the challenges you face. Their transparent and empathetic approach, combined with their proven track record, ensures you receive the support and expert guidance you need during your time of need. Rest assured, Justin and his team are committed to your well-being and success every step of the way.

Ryan J. Armentrout is a trial lawyer and partner at Hess Injury Law. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of Washington, a J.D. from Gonzaga Law School, and an LLM in tax law from the University of Washington (2011). He joined Hess Injury Law in 2014 as an associate attorney. He has obtained seven-figure results for injured people in Washington and Oregon. He received awards for Best Brief and first place overall in the Albert R. Mugel National Tax Moot Court Competition, and also won the Linden Cup Appellate Advocacy Competition.

Daniel J. Hess is the Founding Partner of Hess Injury Law. He graduated from Seattle Pacific College in 1972 with a B.A. in Chemistry, and from the University of Miami in 1974 with a Master’s Degree in Psychology. He earned his J.D. cum laude from Willamette University College of Law in 1981. He founded Hess Injury Law in 1998, focusing exclusively on injury claims. He is licensed to practice law in Washington and Oregon. In 2014, he was honored as a Graduate of Distinction by the Walla Walla School District for his professional accomplishments and community service.

Lewis Harrington

Mr. Harrington brings a unique and varied background to Baumgarten Law Offices PLLC. Mr. Harrington spent his youth toiling on Idaho’s rivers as a river guide before deciding to return to school, graduating from Lewis Clark State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science and Mathematics in 2013. Subsequently, Mr. Harrington volunteered in Benton County, WA, as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), which inspired him to pursue a career in the law. Following his work in Benton County, Mr Harrington enrolled the University of Idaho College of Law - graduating in 2020 with a Juris Doctor in Law and a Native American Law emphasis. Mr. Harrington equally enjoys the thrill of courtroom advocacy and the calm, steady flow of legal research and writing. Mr. Harrington began his legal career as a Limited License Legal Intern at the University of Idaho’s law clinic/mediation office. While in the UI law clinic, Mr. Harrington successfully mediated numerous family law matters and served as co-counsel in several criminal cases. Additionally, Mr. Harrington served as a law clerk for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office in 2018 and as a legal intern for the Nez Perce tribe in 2019. These positions sharpened Mr. Harrington’s skills in the courtroom and as a legal researcher. After graduating from law school, Mr. Harrington joined the team at Baumgarten Law Offices PLLC is a licensed Idaho attorney practicing family law, criminal defense, and property law. When he is not practicing law, Mr. Harrington enjoys running the rivers of the northwest and spending time at his family cabin on the Selway River in Idaho.

Asa Brown

Asa Brown is a seasoned attorney with nearly a decade of legal experience, proudly serving clients throughout the Palouse region and the greater Pacific Northwest. His practice spans corporate law, estate planning, transactional matters, intellectual property, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) law. Mr. Brown provides strategic, solution-oriented counsel to both individual and corporate clients, with a focus on protecting assets, advancing business objectives, and navigating legal complexities with clarity. Mr. Brown earned his Juris Doctor from Florida State University College of Law in 2014, following a Bachelor of Arts in 2010 from the same institution. He is licensed to practice in both Washington and Idaho and is an active member of the Washington State Bar Association and the Idaho State Bar. Since relocating to the Palouse in 2016, Mr. Brown has earned a reputation for thoughtful, responsive, and results-driven legal counsel. He is committed to building long-term relationships grounded in trust, professionalism, and a deep understanding of each client's unique goals.