KJ
About Us
The Law Offices of Kamela James, PLLC, has been providing victims and their families with compassionate, aggressive representation for sixteen years.
The Law Offices of Kamela James, PLLC, is a boutique personal injury firm in downtown Olympia.
Since opening in 2006, The Law Offices Of Kamela James has continuously grown each year. The firm's success comes from our team’s combined knowledge and understanding of the process, our years of experience, our passion for our work, and our desire to be there for clients through a difficult and stressful time.
We intentionally do not run a “high-volume” firm so that we are able to spend the time necessary to achieve the best possible outcome on every single case. We take great pride in the fact that nearly every case we receive is referred to us by former clients, friends, family, or medical practitioners in the community.
Kamela James - Attorney
Kamela graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelors in Business Administration in 1996. She then attended Seattle University School of Law, graduating with her Juris Doctorate in 1999. Kamela began her career as an Insurance Defense attorney at a mid-sized law firm in Tacoma, Washington. There she worked for multiple insurance companies, and gained extensive trial experience.
After suffering a significant injury in 2001 that resulted in 3 years of litigation, she knew she wanted to help others. In 2006, she left the defense firm and opened the Law Offices Of Kamela James. She has since practiced solely as a plaintiff's personal injury attorney, dedicating her career to fighting for victims of negligence. Kamela's true passion in life is seeking justice for the injured.
Outside of work, Kamela enjoys time with her family. She also loves being in the gym, hiking, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, boating and swimming with her dog Tessa.
Morgan Cartwright - Attorney
Morgan graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelors in Law, Societies & Justice and Sociology in 2014. He went on to attend the University of Washington School of Law, graduating with his Juris Doctorate in 2019. Morgan began his career as a Plaintiff’s Medical Malpractice attorney in Seattle, Washington, where he worked on dozens of complex medical negligence cases and gained valuable courtroom experience. Morgan immediately knew he wanted focus his career on advocating for individuals who had been injured.
Morgan was born in Tønsberg, Norway and grew up in Shoreline, Washington. Beyond advocating for clients, Morgan enjoys supporting the Seattle Sounders, traveling, and visiting the various museums and microbreweries in the Pacific Northwest Region. He currently lives in Tumwater, Washington and also enjoys all the outdoor activities that Thurston County has to offer.
Tristan Steed - Paralegal
Tristan graduated from the University of Nevada in 2006. He immediately began his career as a paralegal at a larger personal injury firm in Las Vegas. He knew he had a passion for helping people, and for him, personal injury was the perfect fit.
In 2013, Tristan moved to Washington and joined the practice. He is our lead paralegal and lead negotiator. Tristan has more than 14 years experience in personal injury and is an invaluable resource for our clients on a day to day basis. He is the face of the firm, and the first person to greet you as you walk through our doors. Tristan is also a Notary Public and can provide this service for free.
In his spare time, Tristan volunteers with the Mountaineers as an instructor. When he's not volunteering, he loves rock climbing, scrambling, backpacking, hiking, mountain and road biking, traveling, and adventuring with his dog Duke.
Katie Wade - Legal Assistant
Katie graduated from Saint Martin's University in 1999 with her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. She went on to become a Trooper with the Washington State Patrol. In 2006, she changed direction, and began her career at the Law Offices of Kamela James. Katie handles the record gathering process and ensures that each case is moving forward at all times. She is also in charge of the office's accounting and makes sure that this aspect of the firm is running smoothly on a day to day basis.
Outside of work, Katie is a busy wife and mother. Katie, Jon, their daughter Kallie, and their golden doodle Cooper, are very active. They love skiing, snowmobiling, ATV and UTV trips, water sports, traveling in their RV, and taking trips on their boat.
Nancy Lach - Legal Assistant
Nancy has worked part time off and on for the firm since it opened in 2006. Nancy worked for the Department of Labor and Industries in various positions for more than 30 years. She has a wealth of knowledge regarding injury claims and the ways in which they are evaluated. Nancy provides support to the firm any time there is a need so that we are never short staffed.
When Nancy is not at the firm, she loves to travel. She has had the opportunity to visit many beautiful places all over the world, with Italy being her favorite. When she is not working or traveling, she enjoys working on her home, working in her yard, spending time at the lake, and playing fetch with her Parti Yorkie, Oliver.
Tessa
Tessa is our client greeter and reportedly, our clients' favorite staff member! She will always meet you at the door with one of her special toys. Tessa helps prepare clients for depositions and other phases of litigation. She has also, upon request, attended depositions. She enjoys providing our clients with comfort during an extremely stressful period of their lives. She is at the office every Tuesday and Friday, as well as on any day there is a special request.
When Tessa is not at the office, she loves to be in the heated pool at her doggie daycare, swimming at the lake, or taking a nap.
