Rory loves civil appeals and focuses his practice exclusively on appeals. He has been lead counsel in countless appeals, arguing many in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and in Washington’s appellate courts. And Washington’s appellate courts have described Rory as the “Cadillac” of appellate lawyers.
But Rory is not your typical appellate lawyer. Rory loves the trial process, too. No stranger to the courtroom, Rory often plays a major role in high-stakes trials. Clients routinely hire Rory to supercharge their trial teams with extra firepower. As his clients will attest, Rory is the premier embedded appellate counsel in the Pacific Northwest. In that role, he works seamlessly alongside the trial team to identify legal issues, shape case strategy, and prepare dispositive motions, motions in limine, jury instructions, verdict forms, and post-trial briefing. Under this integrated approach, his clients often achieve positive outcomes, including defense verdicts and favorable settlements. Rory’s deep understanding of appeals and the trial process strengthens his service to clients in all phases of litigation.
His client list includes some of the country’s most recognized companies, including Providence, U-Haul, Bright Horizons, J.B. Hunt, Safelite, Allied Universal, Volkswagen, Graco, Pep Boys, and Comcast. What distinguishes Rory from his peers is his unwavering commitment to building strong relationships with his clients. He strives to be his clients’ ambassador of Kwan, so it’s no wonder that his favorite movie is Jerry Maguire.
One core philosophy drives Rory—to always deliver exceptional legal work to exceed his clients’ expectations. Clients can count on Rory to provide the highest quality legal services. And Rory can do it all—time-sensitive strategic advice, incisive oral advocacy, and top-notch briefing.
Before joining Carney, Rory clerked in Division One of the Washington State Court of Appeals and at the Oregon Court of Appeals in the Appellate Commissioner’s Office. His clerkships gave him valuable insight into the judicial decision-making process. He uses that insight to achieve positive outcomes for his clients.
Rory embodies diligence. Before law school, he taught English in France for two years; sold merchandise at Nordstrom on the Las Vegas Strip; co-owned a painting business with his best friend in college; made breakfast at McDonald’s in high school; delivered newspapers to his local community as an adolescent; and picked up range balls at his childhood golf course. These experiences inform his grounded, client-centric approach. And they reflect a strong work ethic that his clients appreciate and admire.
Outside the office, Rory enjoys working out, traveling abroad, and spending time with his beautiful wife, precocious young sons, family, and friends. Rory channels his love for basketball by playing in Spokane’s Hoopfest tournament and no matter the weather, he can occasionally be found working on his short game.
