Carson Phillips-Spotts

Carson is dedicated to standing up for people whose rights have been violated.

At SGB, Carson represents workers and people who have been injured by the negligence or criminal acts of others. He is proud to stand on the side of people.

Before joining SGB, Carson worked for the region’s largest labor law firm where he represented individuals and unions in state and federal court litigation, as well as in labor arbitrations.

Before that, Carson completed a clerkship with a justice on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.

Carson earned his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Maine. While at Maine Law, he was selected as the Charles Harvey Trial Practice Immersion Fellow. Upon graduation, he was awarded the Alumni Association Award by the faculty for being an outstanding member of his class.

Prior to law school, Carson worked as an immigration services paralegal at the Latin American Association where he helped low-income individuals and families navigate all aspects of the immigration process.

Carson obtained his undergraduate degree from Colby College, where he was a three-year starter on the football team and the recipient of the Tom Austin Award for exemplary contribution to the football program.

Carson lives in West Seattle with his wife and two kids. When not working, he enjoys spending time with family, rooting for Atlanta sports teams, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.

$31,000,000 products liability settlement;
$3,000,000 employment discrimination settlement on behalf of two Black employees;
$2,500,000 wage-and-hour class action settlement on behalf of insulation workers, Ortega et al. v. Insulation4Less;
$1,900,000 personal injury settlement against a municipality;
$1,300,000 hostile work environment discrimination settlement;
$1,000,000 (policy limits) settlement for medical negligence claim;
$850,0000 wage-and-hour class action settlement on behalf of hourly restaurant workers, Garcia v. Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar;
$475,000 settlement for disability discrimination on behalf of a maintenance worker;
$535,000 settlement for gender discrimination claim;
Obtained wage-and-hour class action settlement on behalf of tutors not compensated for all hours worked, Robinson v. VR Ventures LLC.

Education

University of Maine School of Law, J.D., cum laude
Colby College, B.A. in Latin American Studies

Admissions

Washington State Bar Association

Speaking Engagements

"Wage and Hour Law From the Plaintiff’s Perspective," The Seminar Group Labor & Employment Law Conference, August 2024.
"The Latest Defense Tactics and How to Preempt Them," American Association for Justice (AAJ) Annual Convention, July 2024.
"Death, Taxes, and Zoom: Hybrid Trials In The “Post-COVID” Era," Washington State Association for Justice, (WSAJ) Winter Trial Skills Conference, December 2023.
"Opportunities and Pitfalls in Representing Unionized Employees," Washington Employment Lawyers Association, Annual CLE 2020.

Professional Associations

EAGLE Member, Washington State Association for Justice
Member, Washington Employment Lawyers Association
Labor Subcommittee Chair, Pacific Coast Labor and Employment Law Conference
Member, Loren Miller Bar Association
Plaintiffs’ representative, WSBA Labor & Employment Executive Committee
Member, National Crime Victim Bar Association
Member, Breakfast Group

Publications

"Addressing the Social Media Paradox," American Association for Justice Trial Magazine, February 2023.
"Instagram vs. Reality: Social Media Discovery and Claims for Non-Economic Damages," WSAJ Trial News, July/August 2022.
"How Collective Bargaining Agreements Affect Your Clients’ Rights in Employment Litigation," WSAJ Trial News, July/August 2020.

Exceptional service and results.

Carson fought tirelessly for my case. It was an emotionally exhausting case with too many complexities involved but their strategic thinking and bold advocacy helped me achieve a favorable outcome. Exceptional service and results.

Avvo

The amount of work that Carson and his team put in allowed me to finally have a voice in this case and I feel satisfied with the outcome and weight lifted off my shoulders.

My case was probably the worst thing I’ve ever gone through, both mentally and emotionally. I’ve been battling for years with my case and Carson and his team have been there every step of the way. Keeping me posted on the details, constantly checking in, showing up when it felt I needed someone. The amount of work that Carson and his team put in allowed me to finally have a voice in this case and I feel satisfied with the outcome and weight lifted off my shoulders. I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me.

Carson did everything to make us prepared and comfortable with the legal process.

I contacted Carson to help with a work situation regarding my father. Carson did everything to make us prepared and comfortable with the legal process. My father was not a native English speaker, but Carson was very patient and empathetic when we spoke with him. In the end, we reached a good outcome. My father and I would 100% recommend Carson to represent you.

Carson is sharp, professional, ethical, and prompt.

Carson helped me work through a very difficult and weird situation with my employer. Carson is sharp, professional, ethical, and prompt. I would recommend him to anyone in need of counsel. Carson took the time to get to know my situation and its players, and was analytical and strategic in how he helped progress things. I ended up with an outcome that felt like the right and just conclusion to the issue, and I am very appreciative to Carson for all his help. I would seek his help in the future and endorse him 100%.