John Kauffman, now a prominent attorney based in Olympia, Washington, has seamlessly transitioned from his distinguished role as a Commander in the United States Navy JAG Corps to representing accident victims in Thurston and Pierce Counties. With a childhood shaped by the military, growing up in a family led by an active-duty Navy officer father, John's life journey has taken him across various locations in the United States and overseas.
John's Navy career began as a line officer before he was selected for the Law Education Program (LEP), marking the commencement of his journey as a JAG officer. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, a Juris Doctor degree (cum laude) from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and a Master of Laws degree (cum laude) in Environmental and Natural Resources Law from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon. John has been a licensed attorney since 1993.
Throughout his military service, John held diverse roles, ranging from Antisubmarine Warfare Officer and Communications Officer on a Navy destroyer to prosecuting and defense attorney at the Naval Legal Service Office in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Notably, he served as the legal advisor to the Commanding Officer of the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) and held the esteemed position of the Navy’s senior uniformed Law of the Sea and international maritime environmental law adviser in the Pentagon. With a deep understanding of the service and sacrifice of military personnel, John now channels his extensive experience and skillset to exclusively benefit personal injury clients.
Proudly representing those who serve, John actively engages with servicemembers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). His track record includes successful representation of police officers injured in the line of duty, as well as U.S. military veterans and active-duty personnel. As a parent of three active children, John is particularly passionate about securing fair compensation for injured children and ensuring child safety.
Outside of his legal pursuits, John finds joy in spending time with his family and indulging in outdoor activities such as skiing, boating, and camping. Clients benefit from John's commitment to accessibility, as he is willing to meet them at a time and place convenient for them, including military bases. For legal representation rooted in a wealth of experience and a genuine dedication to clients, contact John now to schedule an appointment.
