James Gooding is a Shareholder based out of GLP Attorneys’ Seattle office.
Jim Gooding is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most accomplished trial attorneys, with a career built on decades of courtroom experience and a steadfast dedication to justice. From his early years practicing alongside his father in Kent, Washington, Jim learned the importance of compassion, preparation, and standing up for people from all walks of life. Those lessons became the foundation of a career defined by skillful advocacy and success before juries.
Jim’s reputation as a formidable trial lawyer was cemented during his years in New York City, where he served as trial counsel for multiple firms that trusted him with their most challenging cases. Over the course of his career, Jim has tried nearly 100 personal injury jury trials, securing millions of dollars in verdicts and helping clients find justice and closure after devastating injuries. His trial record has earned him national recognition, including Board Certification as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification—a distinction held by only a handful of attorneys in the Northwest.
Since joining GLP Attorneys in 2007 and becoming a Shareholder in 2010, Jim has continued to lead with integrity and excellence, mentoring younger attorneys and elevating the firm’s trial practice. His peers have repeatedly recognized his expertise: Jim has been named a Washington State Super Lawyer (2012–2025), a Top 100 Washington Super Lawyer (2018, 2021–2025), and one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers (2012–2025).
Jim leads the firm’s Maritime and Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect practice groups, representing individuals and families whose lives have been profoundly impacted by serious injury, neglect, and loss. He is an active member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), the Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ), and the American Association for Justice (AAJ). He has also contributed significant pro bono service through Trial Lawyers Care, assisting World Trade Center victims after September 11th, and through the WSAJ Disaster Relief Program, supporting victims of Eastern Washington wildfires.
For Jim, every case is personal. He views each client as a partner in pursuit of justice—not just a name or file number—and works tirelessly to ensure they are treated with respect, compassion, and determination from start to finish.
When Jim is not at work, he likes being with his wife and three kids enjoying time in the mountains, San Juan Islands or on Lake Washington.
"My case is still ongoing, but my lawyer and his team have been great and helpful through these hardest of times. Thank you for what you do!"
"Going to trial for my husband's brain injury was the last thing we wanted to do. This is what we experienced with Janelle, Jim, Rayna and the entire staff at GLP: Empathetic, detail-oriented, hard-working, resourceful, committed to truth and dedicated to a high standard."
"Excellent work! James Gooding is an amazing attorney. A great team of people who guided me through the legal process which lead to a great result."
"I just want to thank you for having a great team. I'm serious when I say they honestly pulled me out of some of the hardest times I've experienced. So please know I appreciate everything."
“If you want a lawyer that thinks of your welfare, you don’t have to look any more. Mr. Gooding has helped me with anything that I’ve needed.He is always working on your case to get things done in the right matter for you and your case.”
“Jim entered my complex case late in the game. He plowed through documents in a very short time period and then represented me at trial beautifully. I am forever grateful for the work he and Sara Maleki put into my case, treating me like a human being.”
“James Gooding is a very hard working and an amazing attorney. When he takes on a case he gives it his all. I have recommended James to a number of my friends and fellow business associates.You would be very lucky to get James Gooding on your legal team.”
“I had total confidence in Jim due to his professional and courteous demeanor as well as his knowledge. I really felt that he was in my corner fighting the good fight. I wouldn’t hesitate a second to use his services again.”
“I just want to express my gratitude for your exquisite performance, research, and kindness over the last week during trial. I truly felt that I was in good hands, and the outcome is proof of that! You, my friend, are the man. Thank you so very much.”
“Just a note of thanks to Jim for all you did to make [our] trial have such a positive outcome. I’m glad [we] had your guidance. [We] speak so highly of you in this process. She believes YOU made the results happen. For that I am grateful."
“I cannot praise Jim Gooding enough. He is an exemplary lawyer and person. He is honest, compassionate and skillful at the same time. Without him, our Mother’s death would have been in vain. Jim is the lawyer you need if you sadly have an elder abuse or wrongful death in your family.”
“I wanted to thank you for all your hard work and your excellent management of my case. I do indeed think we got a “shut the front door” amount of money. I think you are a very, very exceptional human being, a kind person, and a blessing on our planet.”
