At Ryan Swanson, we prioritize creating a supportive and dynamic work environment where employees can thrive personally and professionally. Our flexible scheduling and hybrid work options reflect our commitment to work-life balance, allowing team members to manage their responsibilities effectively. We foster a culture of kindness and respect, encouraging open communication and recognizing the valuable contributions of each individual.
Regular training sessions keep our staff equipped with the latest skills and knowledge, while monthly events foster camaraderie and a strong sense of community. Our commitment to a positive workplace culture has earned us recognition as a “Washington Best Workplace” by the Puget Sound Business Journal for many years. With a focus on excellence in legal work and a deep appreciation for our employees, Ryan Swanson offers more than just a job—it’s a place to build a fulfilling career in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Ryan Swanson takes pride in helping our employees maintain a healthy balance between work and life. We offer a salary and benefits package that is competitive with other Seattle law firms, including:
We also offer flexible work arrangements, with the technology and systems in place for attorneys and staff to work remotely.
We believe a legal career should be one meaningful part of a fulfilling life. That belief has led us to rethink the associate experience: we have eliminated our associate billable-hour requirement.
At Ryan Swanson, we do not believe a lawyer’s contribution can be fully measured by hours alone. Great lawyers create value in many ways—not only through the work they perform, but through their judgment, client relationships, mentorship, leadership, and service to their communities. We trust our associates to manage their practices responsibly, serve clients exceptionally well, and invest in the activities that make them better lawyers and colleagues.
Associates are expected to deliver excellent work, provide responsive and thoughtful client service, meet the highest professional standards, and contribute to the success of our clients and firm. But development, achievement, and fulfillment are not defined by a single annual hours target. Instead, we focus on the qualities that matter most in becoming a trusted advisor: the quality of your work, sound judgment, professionalism, teamwork, client service, community engagement, and commitment to service.
Our approach gives associates greater flexibility while continuing to reward exceptional contributions through our incentive bonus program. It reflects the kind of firm we are committed to building—a place where lawyers can handle sophisticated matters, learn from talented colleagues, develop meaningful client relationships, and achieve long-term professional success without losing sight of life beyond the office.
We believe associates should have the opportunity to own their legal careers and choose their trajectory. We also believe that we can trust the associates we hire to do the work and do it well, not because they are trying to meet some arbitrary hour requirement, but because they take pride in their work and want the best for their clients and the firm. We are building a firm where lawyers are evaluated on the quality of their contributions, not the accumulation of hours, and where professional success and personal fulfillment are viewed as complementary—not competing—goals.
Ryan Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC is seeking a mid-level associate to join our litigation practice. The ideal candidate will have three to six years of litigation experience, including handling a variety of litigation matters, commercial disputes, contract issues, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will also possess excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, along with strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
Candidates should hold a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and be admitted to the Washington State Bar, with at least three years of experience in practicing litigation. The annual salary range is $140,000 – $195,000 depending upon years of experience. We offer a dynamic work environment, mentoring, and an excellent benefits package as shown in the section above.
Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Sophia Lavert at [email protected].
The Right Fit is Always Welcome.
Ryan Swanson is eager to connect with talented legal professionals who share our commitment to client service and collaboration.
We are actively exploring lateral partner opportunities within our Employment, Estate Planning, Business, Real Estate, and Litigation practice groups.
We are looking for partners who not only bring expertise but also value the importance of genuine connections, with each other and with our clients. Attentiveness and responsiveness are at the core of how we work, ensuring that our clients feel heard, supported, and confident in our counsel. Equally, we foster a culture where colleagues support one another and celebrate collective achievements.
If you are a forward-thinking, relationship-driven professional who wants to be part of a team that prioritizes both client and colleague relationships, we would love to hear from you.
Feel free to send a cover letter and resume to Sophia Lavert at [email protected] and we will keep you in mind for future opportunities.
Ryan Swanson is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
At Ryan Swanson, we believe work is more rewarding when you enjoy the people around you. Whether it’s happy hours, firm retreats, cheering on our best-dressed softball team, or celebrating milestones together, we make time to connect. Our commitment to community is just as strong, with volunteer events, charity runs, and pro bono work bringing us together outside the office. From casual gatherings to firm traditions, we’ve built a culture where camaraderie, collaboration, and fun go hand in hand.
