Richard Byers

No stranger to twisting wrenches, loading car batteries on pallets and even pressure-washing garbage trucks, Rich put himself through school starting at Spokane Falls Community College, then going on to graduate with a double concentration in Marketing and Communication/Media Methods from Gonzaga University. In 2010, Rich earned his Juris Doctor from Gonzaga Law and founded Carlisle + Byers with Chris Carlisle in 2013.

During law school, Rich saw his father drawn into a lengthy and unjustified battle resulting from an injury on the job, which forced him to retire after 32 years of devout work as a laborer for Washington State. Having a front-row seat to the Labor and Industries process gave Rich a unique perspective on the L and I system. He knows what it really means to suffer an injury that can disrupt your life, cause anxiety, depression, and a loss of your identity as a worker in addition to physical damage.

Ask his clients you’re likely to hear a consistent theme – Rich doesn’t mince words. He will give you a straightforward assessment of your legal situation without glossing over or shying away from the tough parts where he sees them.

As an attorney and small business owner (and male pattern baldness survivor), Rich wears many hats. His favorites by far are husband to Sarah and parent to two awesome boys.

After helping lower income families with pro-bono representation at the Federal Tax Clinic at Gonzaga, Rich spent two years with the law firm of Stiley & Cikutovich before deciding to partner up with Chris Carlisle, realizing that the Spokane market was underserved by attorneys who value community connection and personal service in the legal industry.

Although his professional life has often taken priority, don’t be surprised to see him playing a role as the 12th man at Century Link Field, or charging a wave through the Alberton Gorge.