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John L. Acken

Partner

Tacoma and Silverdale Offices
1420 South Union Avenue,
Tacoma, WA 98405
253.338.5007

Email: jacken@glpattorneys.com

John Louis Acken is a Partner in the South Sound offices of GLP Attorneys and has been exclusively representing victims of personal injury for nearly 25 years. 

Professional Overview

During his 25-year career as a Plaintiff’s Attorney, John has successfully recovered over $67,000,000 in jury verdicts and settlements for his clients. Prior to joining GLP Attorneys in 2015, John practiced personal injury law as a partner at the law firm of Howell & Thornhill, P.A. in Winter Haven, Florida.

John graduated from the University of Florida and earned his Juris Doctorate with Honors from Drake University Law School. While in law school, he was a member of Law Review and the National Mock Trial Team. He began his legal career as an Assistant Public Defender for the 10th Judicial Circuit in Polk County, Florida, where he served as a Felony Trial Division Chief Attorney.

John is admitted to practice in the states of Washington, Florida, Maine, and New Hampshire. Since 2008, he has been Board Certified by the Florida Bar as an Expert in Civil Trial Law, which is the highest level of recognition by The Florida Bar regarding an attorney’s special knowledge, skills, proficiency, professionalism, character, and ethics in Civil Trial practice.

John remains active in the local community and has been a member of Rotary International over 22 years. He is a past Member of the Board of Directors for the Haines City Rotary Club and is a current member of the Gig Harbor Midday Rotary Club.

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Awards & Recognition

Florida Justice Assoc
Florida Bar
Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum Badge

More Information

  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Member
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Member
  • Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, 2008 – Present
  • BV-Rated, Martindale Hubbell, 2015
  • Million Dollar Circle, GLP Attorneys, 2018
  • Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International
  • Drake University Law School, J.D., with honors, 1997
  • University of Florida, B.A., Political Science. 1994
  • Washington State Bar, 2015
  • New Hampshire State Bar, 2009
  • Maine State Bar, 2003
  • Florida State Bar, 1997
  • Washington State Association for Justice, Eagle Member, 2015 – Present
  • Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Member, 2015 – Present
  • Florida Justice Association, Eagle Member, 2003 – 2015
  • Maine Trial Lawyers Association, Member, 2003 – 2008
  • Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association, Member, 2003 - 2013
  • Polk County Trial Lawyers Association, Member, 2000 – 2015
  • Haines City Rotary Club, Member, 2002 – 2015
  • Gig Harbor Midday Rotary Club, Member, 2015 - Present
  • Speaker, "How a Personal Injury Case Ends: Two Paths to Resolution", GLP Attorneys Healthcare Provider Seminar, October 2024
  • Speaker, "How a Personal Injury Case Starts: The Critical First 90 Days", GLP Attorneys Healthcare Provider Seminar, May 2024
  • Speaker, "Medical Liens", GLP Attorneys Healthcare Provider Seminar, February 2024

When not working, John enjoys spending time outdoors, boating, skiing, running, hiking, swimming, and traveling with his wife and children.

Successful Cases

$3.57 Million

$3.57 million settlement in a defective roadway design case.  A pedestrian was walking at night on a flooded roadway and was struck by an oncoming vehicle.
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$2.4 Million

$2.4 million verdict for a motorcyclist who was struck by a drunk driver and suffered multiple fractures, surgeries, and coma lasting 58 days.

$2.305 Million

$2.305 million settlement for a family of three injured in a severe head-on collision, requiring prolonged hospitalization.
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$1 Million

$1 million settlement for a rear-end motor vehicle collision in which a mother and son were rear-ended by a semi-tractor-trailer on the I-5 bridge from Portland, Oregon to Vancouver, Washington. 
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$500,000

$500,000 settlement for man who suffered knee surgery and post traumatic reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) following an automobile accident.

$450,000

$450,000 settlement for a woman who was struck by a semi tractor-trailer that ran a red light in the fog and resulted in cervical and lumbar fusion.

$410,000

$410,000 for an elderly woman involved in a rear-end collision which necessitated serious surgery.
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$375,000

$375,000 settlement for woman who required cervical fusion and knee surgery following a motor vehicle accident.

$350,000

$350,000 settlement for a woman who slipped and fell on a city sidewalk that the city and adjacent property owners had failed to repair.
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$325,000

$325,000 settlement for a woman who fell down the stairs after a broken handrail gave way at a county recycling center.
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$275,000

$275,000 for a 23-year-old student who was involved in a side-swipe collision that resulted in a concussion, traumatic brain injury, and whiplash injuries.

$253,000

$253,000 settlement for a man who was involved in a collision caused by a drunk driver resulting in lung contusions, fractured ribs, fractured clavicle, and lumbar sprain/strain injuries.

$250,000

$250,000 policy limit settlement for a woman who suffered seizures following a T-Bone motor vehicle collision.
Read More Client Outcomes

WhatJohn's Clientssay…

“I always felt that I was listened to and that John and his staff were doing their best on my behalf. I am extremely appreciative of all they have done.”
- P.S.
“John Acken and his team at GLP helped my family in a very personal way to get through the legal matters of a personal injury case that was unfortunate and ongoing. His approach made me feel supported in the most competent, efficient and empathetic way. I would recommend John and Marci to help any friend or family that may find themselves in a situation needing legal representation and support after an accident. Thank you.”
- K.L.
“John and his team were great. I was able to focus on my treatment and they took care of everything. I did not need to fight with insurance companies. I highly recommend them.”
– K.T.
“Never left me in limbo, very responsive Informed me about best handling of settlement. Very good team.”
- L.W.
“Everyone at GLP were polite and patient with me. Never once did I feel talked down to. The final award from the court was not as much as I wanted, but as I worked through the process with John Acken, it became evident that I got as much as was possible. I highly recommend using GLP.”
- M.C.
“I worked with John Acken after my vehicle was totaled in head on collision. Not only was John and his staff knowledgeable, but they were also responsive and very helpful throughout the entire process. I felt very much at ease working with GLP and knowing that John was on my case. I highly recommend GLP and especially John to anyone that that gets hit and suffers injuries as a result of the collision.”
- C.V.
“I could not have been more satisfied with your law firm and especially John Acken my attorney, he hit it out of the park for me. Thank you.”
– G.S.
"GLP Attorneys has been around for quite some time. I used them 20+ yrs ago, and when I had my most recent auto accident I didn't hesitate to call them again. John and his assistant took very good care of me, and I wouldn't think of calling anyone else. They handled my case and dealt with the insurance companies for me so I could focus on my care stress free."
- S.K.
"John Acken at GLP Attorneys has guided me more than once. I can’t tell you how absolutely invaluable his guidance has been. I will forever be grateful for his personal care and professional skills. Whenever I may be in need of an attorney - I don’t care if this man moves to Nebraska - I’ll seek out his services. He’s that worth it."
- K.W.
"I highly recommend GLP Attorneys - and John Acken and his team in particular. John is an amazing advocate and went the extra mile time after time. I can’t say enough good things about my experience with him. If you find yourself injured and need someone to work on your behalf, you can’t do better than John and his team."
- R.M.
"John​ Acken and his team were incredible! I had never been in an accident and had a lot of questions. John answered all of them and helped me understand the whole process. I’m very happy with the quality and speed in which he worked on my case."
- S.B.
I'm not very experienced with dealing with attorneys, so I didn't know what to expect after a truck drove over my foot as I was walking. Totally weird! Well, John Acken was more than I could have expected. He was kind and caring, got me a generous settlement, and remained committed to getting what was best for me. I recommend him and his team to anyone!
- S.B.
Thank you, John Acken! It has been a pleasure having you represent me for my personal injury claim. John answered all my emails promptly when I had questions. I really appreciated that because I had no clue about the legal matters. You did all the hard work so I could heal and concentrate on getting back to my normal horse/farm life. Thank you again.
- P.L.
John Acken handled my personal injury case. The insurance company offered me $1,000 to settle my case; that's when I called GLP Attorneys. John and his team went to work on my case right away, keeping me informed and helping me understand the process. We finally agreed to the settlement, and tomorrow over $28,000 will be deposited into my account! If you are looking for an attorney to help you with your personal injury case, I highly recommend John and GLP Attorneys. Thank you, John, and your entire team!
- B.F.
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