Lauren E. Coates

For more than a decade, Lauren has combined sharp investigative instincts with exceptional legal expertise to advocate for clients when they need it most. Drawing on her background as an award-winning journalist with The Seattle Times and Los Angeles Times, Lauren brings the power of storytelling to her work as a litigator—fighting for individuals and families harmed by medical negligence.

Lauren’s unique path from journalism to law shaped her deep understanding that behind every case is a human story. She approaches each client with both compassion and precision, working tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard and their experiences respected.

Lauren says, “I am acutely aware that when we first meet our clients, they don’t really want to be here. No one chooses to become injured or to lose a loved one. They’ve already experienced trauma, and now they are faced with the stress of litigation. I view my role as a guide through this journey—let me worry about it, and I will get you through this.”

Lauren began her legal career as a law clerk at a Seattle plaintiff’s firm, where she assisted attorneys handling complex medical malpractice and serious personal injury cases. There, she discovered a passion for advocating for those harmed by medical negligence, which led her to pursue her law degree.

A graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law, Lauren served as a teaching assistant in the legal research and writing program and as president of the Board of Student Advocates, coordinating regional mock trial competitions.

Before returning to medical malpractice litigation in 2021, Lauren gained broad litigation experience in residential and commercial real estate disputes, general civil litigation, and business and contract matters. She also spent time as a Rule 9 intern at the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s Office.

Lauren’s career highlights include:

• $7 million settlement for a child who suffered a severe hypoxic brain injury at birth
• $2 million policy limits settlement for the surviving spouse of a pedestrian killed by a negligent driver
• $700,000 settlement for a missed diagnosis of rectal cancer
• $600,000 settlement for injuries related to delayed treatment of an epidural hematoma
• $2.5 million judgment and full collection in a hard-fought residential real estate case against a large defense firm

Lauren’s commitment to her clients is matched only by her dedication to her busy family life. She and her husband, Glenn, keep pace with their two children and a lively crew of rescue dogs, enjoying weekends filled with hiking, biking, camping, and sports.