If you walk through the lobby of the Columbia Center—that massive, black-tinted skyscraper that defines the Seattle skyline—you’re basically walking through the epicenter of the Pacific Northwest's legal history. Up on the 3300 suite, you'll find Karr Tuttle Campbell Seattle. It’s been there for a long, long time. Since 1904, to be exact.
That’s a wild amount of time for a law firm to stay relevant. Back when Day Karr and George Gregory first shook hands and started this thing, William Boeing hadn't even built his first plane yet. Seattle was basically just a rough-and-tumble port town with a lot of timber and a dream. Today, the firm is still standing, which is kinda impressive given how many boutique shops and "Big Law" satellites have come and gone in this city.
The Reality of Karr Tuttle Campbell Seattle Today
Most people think of these legacy firms as "stuffy." You imagine wood-paneled rooms and lawyers who haven't seen the sun since the 90s. Honestly, though, Karr Tuttle Campbell (often just called KTC by the locals) has had to pivot. You don't survive 120 years in a tech hub like Seattle by staying stuck in the past.
They’ve positioned themselves as a "full-service" firm. In lawyer-speak, that basically means they do everything from messy corporate divorces (mergers) to the actual divorces of high-net-worth individuals. They’ve got a massive footprint in:
- Employment Law: This is huge in Seattle. With the constant flux of tech workers and changing Washington state labor laws, KTC is often the one companies call when things get complicated.
- Estate Planning: They are one of the heavy hitters for the city's old-money and new-money families.
- Litigation: They aren't afraid of the courtroom. While many firms try to settle everything quietly to avoid the "lawsuit" label, KTC has a reputation for being ready to go to the mat.
- Business and Finance: Helping startups scale without getting sued into oblivion.
A Legacy of Leadership (and a few bumps)
The firm's leadership has seen some shifts lately. For over twenty years, the late Bruce Earl Larson steered the ship as President. He was a Princeton and UChicago grad who basically embodied the firm's identity for a generation. Currently, Stephen S. McKay serves as the Chair of the Executive Committee.
But it’s not all sunshine and winning verdicts. No firm this old exists without some drama. Just recently, in early 2025, a case popped up—Trobough v. Karr Tuttle Campbell et al.—involving a legal malpractice dispute. It’s a reminder that even the biggest names in the Columbia Center have to stay on their toes. The case centers on a "wasting policy" in insurance, which is a niche but brutal way for a legal defense fund to disappear. It shows that even in the world of elite law, one small oversight can lead to a massive headache.
Why They Haven't Been Swallowed by "Big Law"
You've probably noticed that every time you look at a Seattle law office, it’s a name from Chicago or New York. Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins—the giants are everywhere. Karr Tuttle Campbell Seattle is different because they’ve stayed local. They have an office in Portland, sure, but they are fundamentally a Pacific Northwest creature.
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This matters because of "local knowledge." If you’re a developer trying to build a new tower in South Lake Union, you don't want a lawyer in Manhattan who needs a map to find the Space Needle. You want someone who knows the King County Superior Court judges by their first names.
The Diversity Push
One thing KTC talks about a lot is their shift toward diversity. Historically, law firms were a "boys' club." KTC has been vocal about changing that, aiming for a more representative roster of shareholders and associates. Does it happen overnight? No. But in the current legal landscape, if you aren't evolving your culture, you're losing talent to the tech companies down the street.
Practical Insights: When Should You Actually Call Them?
Let’s be real: you don't call a firm like this to fight a speeding ticket. They are high-level.
- If you're an executive with a complex contract: If you’re being headhunted by a major tech firm and the non-compete looks scary, these are the people who know how to deconstruct it.
- If you're a business owner looking to exit: Selling a company is a legal minefield. KTC’s business and finance team handles the M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) side of things.
- High-stakes litigation: If your company is being sued for millions, you need a firm with "deep benches." That's a term lawyers use to mean "we have enough people to out-research the other side."
The "Small Firm" Feel vs. "Large Firm" Power
KTC sits in a weird middle ground. With around 37 shareholders and about 16 associates (according to recent 2025 data), they aren't a thousand-lawyer behemoth. They are large enough to handle Fortune 500 clients—which they do—but small enough that you might actually get your lead partner on the phone without talking to three secretaries first.
How to Evaluate Your Needs
If you’re looking for legal help in Seattle, don't just look at the shiny website. Look at the specific attorney's track record.
- Check the WSBA (Washington State Bar Association) records: Make sure they are in good standing.
- Look for Peer Ratings: Sites like Chambers and Partners or Super Lawyers give a decent "outsider" view of how other lawyers feel about them.
- The Consultation: Most big firms will do an initial intake. If they feel like they’re already billing you before they know your name, move on.
What’s Next for KTC?
As we move deeper into 2026, the legal world is getting weirder with AI and automated document review. Karr Tuttle Campbell has been vocal about embracing "innovative technologies." This is basically code for "we're using AI so we don't have to charge you $500 an hour for a human to read 10,000 emails."
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Their survival depends on balancing that tech-forward approach with the "old school" integrity they've bragged about since the days of Day Karr. They’ve stayed in the Columbia Center for a reason—it’s a statement of permanence. In a city that changes its identity every five years, Karr Tuttle Campbell is one of the few things that stays the same.
If you're considering hiring them or just researching the Seattle legal market, your next steps should be:
- Identify your specific niche: Don't just ask for "a lawyer." Ask if they have someone who specifically handles your industry, whether it's aviation, biotech, or real estate.
- Verify the lead attorney: Ask who will actually be doing the work. You want to make sure the "Rainmaker" partner isn't just handing your case off to a first-year associate.
- Review the fee structure: "Full-service" usually comes with a "full-service" price tag. Be clear on retainers and hourly rates before any papers are signed.
Karr Tuttle Campbell isn't for everyone. It’s for people who need the weight of a century-old institution behind them. Whether you're a business owner or an individual with a lot on the line, knowing the history and the current state of the firm helps you decide if they're the right fit for your fight.