As the son of a United Nations diplomat, Sergio lived in developing countries throughout Africa and Latin America and spent summers in Mexico with his father’s family. He moved to the Seattle area for high school (Edmonds-Woodway). He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in international relations from American University in Washington, D.C. While in D.C., Sergio worked at several governmental and non-governmental agencies, including the U.S. Senate and Human Rights Watch.
Sergio returned to Seattle where he attended Seattle University School of Law graduating with cum laude honors. During law school, Sergio advocated for farm worker rights with Columbia Legal Services, clerked for the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in Costa Rica, and clerked for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Washington.
After graduating from law school, Sergio moved to Yakima, Washington, to work for a law firm where he successfully advocated for his clients on a variety of personal injury cases. Most of his clients were monolingual Spanish speakers.
Sergio is very passionate about helping survivors receive justice and holding individuals, corporations, and governments accountable. During his free time, Sergio loves playing guitar, cooking, reading, and traveling. He is fluent in Spanish.
- $2.1 million medical malpractice settlement for significant injuries sustained while undergoing a cardiac procedure
- $1.75 million for sexual assault on a minor student by a schoolteacher
- $1.5 million for sexual assault on a minor
- $1.25 million for failure by school staff to report suspected abuse and neglect of student
- $1.2 million for foster home abuse and neglect
- $950,000 for foster home abuse and neglect
- $850,000 for catastrophic injuries from an automobile collision
- $650,000 for traumatic injuries from an automobile collision
- $500,000 for substantial injuries from an automobile collision
- Confidential product liability settlement for wrongful death from a fire caused by an automobile’s catalytic converter
- Confidential wrongful death settlement for failure by an in-home care agency and Washington State to properly care for a vulnerable adult
- Confidential settlements for wrongful death due to fraternity hazing
- Confidential insurance bad faith settlement for failure to evaluate a traumatic brain injury in an automobile collision
- Confidential settlement for sexual assault on a ride-share passenger committed by a driver
- Washington State Bar Association
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
Education
- American University, BA in International Studies, cum laude
- American University, MA in International Studies, magna cum laude
- Seattle University School of Law, cum laude
Professional and Civic Involvement
- Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ)
- EAGLE member
- Co-Editor of the WSAJ Civil Rights Deskbook
- Diversity Committee Member
- Judicial Committee Member
- Washington Leadership Institute (WLI) Graduate (2019)
- American Association for Justice (AAJ)
- National Crime Victims Bar Association (NCVBA)
- Washington Employment Lawyers Association (WELA)
- King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) Volunteer
- King County Bar Association (KCBA)
- Latino/a Bar Association of Washington (LBAW)
- Vice-President of the Judicial Evaluations Committee (JEC) (2020-2022)
- Executive Board Member (2020-2022)
- Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA)
- Justice for All PAC Board Member (2016-2019)
Professional Recognition
- Selected to Washington Rising Stars by Super Lawyers® (2018-2023)
- WSAJ Carl Maxey Award (2016)
Sergio represented me in a personal injury case and was very good at explaining every step of the process and my options. Dealing with the insurance companies left me feeling overwhelmed and having Sergio as my advocate really alleviated the stress of the situation. Due to the accident and the medical bills, I was placed in collections. Sergio was able to correct my credit report...
Vanessa
Dealing with adverse insurance companies can be very daunting and overwhelming. Before seeking advice from Sergio, I felt as if my case did not stand a chance. Sergio took the time to carefully listen to not only the facts of the incident but also how I felt about the whole situation. He was very accommodating and thoroughly explained my rights to me, while also detailing what legal remedies were available. He gave me a list of suggestions, but ultimately enabled me to make the final decision. I do not wish any personal injury cases on anybody, but if such an incident occurs, I highly recommend Sergio.
Paolo