What's New?

Carter Hick, PLLC sponsors PieFest 10 - The Finale

The Olympia Pie Bakers Guild is hosting its annual Pie Fest and Carter is a proud sponsor! The event is one part pie baking contest, one part pie eating extravaganza and one large part community fundraiser. Proceeds from the event go to benefit the Thurston County Food Bank and the Senior Services of South Sound's Senior Nutrition Program.

Here are the details:

Olympia Pie Fest February 28 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Olympia Center 222 Columbia St NW Olympia, Washington 98501

Don't miss it!

Arbutus Folk School appoints Carter to Board

I am really excited to begin working with the Arbutus Folk School Board of Directors in 2018!  Check them out here.  Arbutus is growing and there will be some interesting times ahead.  In the meantime, you can find a list of the school's 2018 winter offerings here.

Washington Historical Courts Society appoints Carter to Board

As mentioned previously, Carter was appointed to serve on the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum's Board. More recently he was appointed to serve on the Board of the Washington Courts Historical Society (WCHS, http://wacourthistory.org). The WCHS is another outstanding organization with great people and a wonderful mission. Carter is very pleased to now serve on both Boards and looks forward to learning more about his local community and state.

Washington Historical Courts Society appoints Carter to Board

As mentioned previously, Carter was appointed to serve on the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum's Board. More recently he was appointed to serve on the Board of the Washington Courts Historical Society (WCHS, http://wacourthistory.org). The WCHS is another outstanding organization with great people and a wonderful mission. Carter is very pleased to now serve on both Boards and looks forward to learning more about his local community and state.

Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum (OHS & BHM) members elect Carter to Board of Trustees

Carter was elected to the Board of Trustees for the OHS & BHM on Saturday. OHS & BHM is a great organization that consists of a great group of people. The members are extremely active. They write books on local history, help the State Historical Society catalog photos and documents, and much, much more. Carter looks forward to working with this great organization, and the people therein, for at least the next 3 years!

Washington Law and Politics recognizes Carter as 2015 "Rising Star"

Carter was again selected as a "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics for 2015. To be eligible for selection as a Rising Star, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for ten years or less. Only 2.5 percent of the lawyers that meet the criteria are actually selected as a Rising Star. Carter is grateful to be selected for the fifth year in a row.

Non-profit, Friends of Capitol Forest thanks Carter for his support

Carter is a proud sponsor of Friends of Capitol Forest (FOCF). FOCF is a mountain bike based non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and building trails in Capitol Forest. It holds regular trail maintenance work parties and organizes mountain bike rides on a weekly and monthly basis. Carter is happy to contribute to FOCF's efforts! For more information, check out the FOCF Facebook page.

Non-profit, Friends of Capitol Forest thanks Carter for his support

Carter is a proud sponsor of Friends of Capitol Forest (FOCF). FOCF is a mountain bike based non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and building trails in Capitol Forest. It holds regular trail maintenance work parties and organizes mountain bike rides on a weekly and monthly basis. Carter is happy to contribute to FOCF's efforts! For more information, check out the FOCF Facebook page.

Non-profit, Friends of Capitol Forest thanks Carter for his support

Carter is a proud sponsor of Friends of Capitol Forest (FOCF). FOCF is a mountain bike based non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and building trails in Capitol Forest. It holds regular trail maintenance work parties and organizes mountain bike rides on a weekly and monthly basis. Carter is happy to contribute to FOCF's efforts! For more information, check out the FOCF Facebook page.

Non-profit, Friends of Capitol Forest thanks Carter for his support

Carter is a proud sponsor of Friends of Capitol Forest (FOCF). FOCF is a mountain bike based non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and building trails in Capitol Forest. It holds regular trail maintenance work parties and organizes mountain bike rides on a weekly and monthly basis. Carter is happy to contribute to FOCF's efforts! For more information, check out the FOCF Facebook page.

Clients' Choice Award

Carter was presented with a Clients' Choice Award on Avvo. The Clients' Choice Award is given for having five or more client reviews of 4 stars or above in the past twelve months. You can see Carter's Avvo Profile Here.

Martindale-Hubbell gives Carter “AV” status

Carter has received an "AV," or "Preeminent," rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the nation's oldest peer review rating service. Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review ratings are an objective indicator of a lawyer's high ethical standards and professional ability, generated from evaluations by other members of the bar and the judiciary in the United States and Canada. AV Preeminent is a significant rating accomplishment - a testament to the fact that Carter's peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence.

Washington Law and Politics recognizes Carter as 2014 "Rising Star"

Carter was again selected as a "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics for 2014. To be eligible for selection as a Rising Star, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for ten years or less.

Washington Law and Politics recognizes Carter as 2014 "Rising Star"

Carter was again selected as a "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics for 2014. To be eligible for selection as a Rising Star, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for ten years or less.

Carter sponsors Senior Services of South Sound

Carter is happy to sponsor Senior Services for South Sound's (SSSS) fundraising lunch at the Lacey Community Center in 2014.

Carter sponsors Senior Services of South Sound

Carter is happy to sponsor Senior Services for South Sound's (SSSS) fundraising lunch at the Lacey Community Center in 2014.

Washington Law and Politics recognizes Carter as 2013 "Rising Star"

Carter was again selected as a "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics for 2013. To be eligible for selection as a Rising Star, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for ten years or less. Only 2.5 percent of the lawyers that meet the criteria are actually selected as a Rising Star. Carter is honored to be one of the selected for the third year in a row.

Washington Law and Politics recognizes Carter as 2013 "Rising Star"

Carter was again selected as a "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics for 2013. To be eligible for selection as a Rising Star, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for ten years or less. Only 2.5 percent of the lawyers that meet the criteria are actually selected as a Rising Star. Carter is honored to be one of the selected for the third year in a row.

Carter helps Senior Services of South Sound raise money at OysterFest

OysterFest is held each year at the Mason County Fairgrounds. For a number of years now Senior Services of South Sound has sold deep fried coconut covered shrimp at the event to help raise money for its programs. On October 7, 2012, Senior Services did it again! The shrimp was fantastic and the effort a success! It is rumored that the two aforementioned facts are, indeed, connected.

Carter helps Senior Services of South Sound raise money at OysterFest

OysterFest is held each year at the Mason County Fairgrounds. For a number of years now Senior Services of South Sound has sold deep fried coconut covered shrimp at the event to help raise money for its programs. On October 7, 2012, Senior Services did it again! The shrimp was fantastic and the effort a success! It is rumored that the two aforementioned facts are, indeed, connected.

Carter attends CBC Racing's Meet the Team Ride

On September 29, 2012, I attended the "Meet the Team Ride". The event was a success and many new faces were spotted in the peloton. The weather was also perfect for the event. CBC Racing is looking forward to another successful year of racing bikes in Washington and beyond!

Carter attends CBC Racing's Meet the Team Ride

On September 29, 2012, I attended the "Meet the Team Ride". The event was a success and many new faces were spotted in the peloton. The weather was also perfect for the event. CBC Racing is looking forward to another successful year of racing bikes in Washington and beyond!

Carter attends fundraiser for Senior Services of South Sound

On September 19, 2012, I again attended the Senior Services for South Sound fundraising lunch at the Lacey Community Center. The lunch provided was the same lunch that is served to elders in the community via the Meals on Wheels program. This is an important organization and program, and I am proud that our firm stepped up in 2012 to be one of the sponsors of this event.

Carter attends fundraiser for Senior Services of South Sound

On September 19, 2012, I again attended the Senior Services for South Sound fundraising lunch at the Lacey Community Center. The lunch provided was the same lunch that is served to elders in the community via the Meals on Wheels program. This is an important organization and program, and I am proud that our firm stepped up in 2012 to be one of the sponsors of this event.

Carter attends Music in the Park in downtown Olympia

On August 24, 2012, I sponsored a concert in the Music in the Park series. This year the band was DUB Lounge International. It was a lot of fun and the weather was good.

Washington Law and Politics recognizes Carter as 2012 "Rising Star"

Carter was again selected as a "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics for 2012. To be eligible for selection as a Rising Star, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for ten years or less. Only 2.5 percent of the lawyers that meet the criteria are actually selected as a Rising Star. Carter is honored to be one of the selected for the second year in a row.

Washington Law and Politics recognizes Carter as 2012 "Rising Star"

Carter was again selected as a "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics for 2012. To be eligible for selection as a Rising Star, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for ten years or less. Only 2.5 percent of the lawyers that meet the criteria are actually selected as a Rising Star. Carter is honored to be one of the selected for the second year in a row.

Thurston County Bar Association elects Carter to the Thurston County Superior Court Library Committee

Ensuring community access to legal resources furthers the interests of justice. The Thurston County Superior Court's community law library is one resource available to community members who need answers to legal questions. I am pleased to be able to work with the court's library committee.

Carter joins the South Puget Sound Community College's Paralegal Advisory Board

I recently joined the SPSCC Paralegal Program's advisory board. I look forward to working with the Board and the college.

Carter speaks on Back Talk with Dr. Andy Rosser

As you may know, I ride and race bicycles. One of my fellow team members, Dr. Andy Rosser, is a chiropractor. Dr. Rosser is such a great guy and helps many of us on the team with various cycling related health issues. He is also a certified cycling coach and bike fitter. His office is located in downtown Olympia where he serves the community at large. Check him out!

In April of 2012 he invited me to speak on his podcast, Back Talk. The topic of the conversation is essentially "what to do if you are hit by a car while riding your bike." Check it out.

Carter speaks on Back Talk with Dr. Andy Rosser

As you may know, I ride and race bicycles. One of my fellow team members, Dr. Andy Rosser, is a chiropractor. Dr. Rosser is such a great guy and helps many of us on the team with various cycling related health issues. He is also a certified cycling coach and bike fitter. His office is located in downtown Olympia where he serves the community at large. Check him out!

In April of 2012 he invited me to speak on his podcast, Back Talk. The topic of the conversation is essentially "what to do if you are hit by a car while riding your bike." Check it out.

Carter speaks on Back Talk with Dr. Andy Rosser

As you may know, I ride and race bicycles. One of my fellow team members, Dr. Andy Rosser, is a chiropractor. Dr. Rosser is such a great guy and helps many of us on the team with various cycling related health issues. He is also a certified cycling coach and bike fitter. His office is located in downtown Olympia where he serves the community at large. Check him out!

In April of 2012 he invited me to speak on his podcast, Back Talk. The topic of the conversation is essentially "what to do if you are hit by a car while riding your bike." Check it out.

Carter settles negligence case against DSHS for 2.85 million dollars

Amber came to me in early 2007 concerned about how DSHS handled her case. I requested her records and determined that Amber had good reason to be concerned. Realizing the gravity of DSHS' failure, I associated David Moody and Marty McLean on the case--two attorneys with a long history of holding DSHS accountable in situations like Amber's.

The three of us made up Amber's litigation/trial team and we spent the next few years working to prove DSHS' negligence. On May 4, 2012, after many years of hard fought litigation that saw the parties in state court, federal court, at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and back down to state court, DSHS finally admitted that it failed Amber and agreed to a judgment of 2.85 million dollars. You can read here about how the lawsuit helped to change the way DSHS/Child Protective Services conducts investigations.

During the course of the above-mentioned litigation, we filed a separate lawsuit against DSHS for violating the state's Public Records Act (PRA). As reported earlier (see below), Marty and I tried that case to The Honorable Frederick Fleming in Pierce County Superior Court. After two days of trial, Judge Fleming ruled in favor of Amber and entered a judgment against DSHS in the amount of roughly $650,000.00-- the largest PRA judgment in state history.  The judgment is currently on appeal.

Carter settles negligence case against DSHS for 2.85 million dollars

Carter settles negligence case against DSHS for 2.85 million dollars

Amber came to me in early 2007 concerned about how DSHS handled her case. I requested her records and determined that Amber had good reason to be concerned. Realizing the gravity of DSHS' failure, I associated David Moody and Marty McLean on the case--two attorneys with a long history of holding DSHS accountable in situations like Amber's.

The three of us made up Amber's litigation/trial team and we spent the next few years working to prove DSHS' negligence. On May 4, 2012, after many years of hard fought litigation that saw the parties in state court, federal court, at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and back down to state court, DSHS finally admitted that it failed Amber and agreed to a judgment of 2.85 million dollars. You can read here about how the lawsuit helped to change the way DSHS/Child Protective Services conducts investigations.

During the course of the above-mentioned litigation, we filed a separate lawsuit against DSHS for violating the state's Public Records Act (PRA). As reported earlier (see below), Marty and I tried that case to The Honorable Frederick Fleming in Pierce County Superior Court. After two days of trial, Judge Fleming ruled in favor of Amber and entered a judgment against DSHS in the amount of roughly $650,000.00-- the largest PRA judgment in state history.  The judgment is currently on appeal.

Carter attends fundraiser for Community Youth Services (CYS)

On February 23, 2012, CTM sponsored a table at the CYS annual breakfast. CYS is a great organization that helps kids in need.

The National Trial Lawyers include Carter on its list of Top 40 Under 40 in Washington state for 2012

"Membership into The National Trial Lawyers Association: Top 40 under 40 is by invitation only and is extended exclusively to those individuals who exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership as a young lawyer under the age of 40. Selection is based on a thorough multi-phase process which includes peer nominations combined with third-party research. The result is a credible, comprehensive and impressive list of young attorneys chosen to represent their state.

The Top 40 under 40 is restricted to only 40 attorneys per state per year and each attorney must be under the age of 40 as of January 1, 2012. Attorneys must also specialize in the areas of civil plaintiff or criminal defense law. Each candidate must also be in good standing with the state licensing board and must never have been subject to disciplinary action."

TCTV appoints Carter to its Board of Directors in 2012

TCTV is a great organization with a wonderful mission. I am passionate about community media and look forward to getting involved!

TCTV appoints Carter to its Board of Directors in 2012

TCTV is a great organization with a wonderful mission. I am passionate about community media and look forward to getting involved!

Washington Law and Politics recognizes Carter as 2011 "Rising Star"

Carter was again selected as a "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics for 2011. To be eligible for selection as a Rising Star, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for ten years or less. Only 2.5 percent of the lawyers that meet the criteria are actually selected as a Rising Star. Carter is honored to be one of the selected for the second year in a row.

Washington Law and Politics recognizes Carter as 2011 "Rising Star"

Carter was again selected as a "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics for 2011. To be eligible for selection as a Rising Star, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for ten years or less. Only 2.5 percent of the lawyers that meet the criteria are actually selected as a Rising Star. Carter is honored to be one of the selected for the second year in a row.

Carter attends fundraiser for Senior Services of South Sound

On September 21, 2011, I attended the Senior Services fundraising lunch at the Lacey Community Center. This is a great organization that provides incredibly important services to seniors. Unfortunately, we don't treat our elders very well in this society, but luckily there are great organizations like Senior Services that pick up the slack! The lunch provided was the same lunch that is served to elders in the community via the Meals on Wheels program. It was good!

Carter attends fundraiser for Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services (TCVLS)

On May 11, 2011, I attended a fundraising breakfast for TCVLS. The event was well-attended by area attorneys, judges, and other elected officials. TCVLS provides a valuable resource to the community and helps to ensure access to justice for all, especially in these tough financial times. You can learn more about TCVLS on its website.

Carter attends fundraiser for Dispute Resolution Center (DRC)

On Sunday, April 17, I attended a fundraiser for the DRC. It was also the DRC's 20th Anniversary. The organization does great work for the community and I was happy to attend.  You can find out more about the DRC here.

Carter talks law on KAOS 89.3 FM

On March 3, 2011, I was a guest speaker on the talk radio program Free and Fair, You and the Law. During the hour long conversation, I discussed why tort reform is a bad idea both on a national and local level. Locally, the discussion focused on Rob McKenna's (Washington Attorney General) misguided efforts to bring tort reform to Washington.

Carter talks law on KAOS 89.3 FM

On March 3, 2011, I was a guest speaker on the talk radio program Free and Fair, You and the Law. During the hour long conversation, I discussed why tort reform is a bad idea both on a national and local level. Locally, the discussion focused on Rob McKenna's (Washington Attorney General) misguided efforts to bring tort reform to Washington.

Morningside Board of Trustees elects Carter vice-chair for 2011

I was elected Vice-Chair for 2011 by the Morningside Board of Trustees. I am honored to serve this wonderful non-profit organization in this capacity in 2011, and look forward to acting as Chair in 2012.

Morningside Board of Trustees elects Carter vice-chair for 2011

I was elected Vice-Chair for 2011 by the Morningside Board of Trustees. I am honored to serve this wonderful non-profit organization in this capacity in 2011, and look forward to acting as Chair in 2012.

Carter teaches "Street Law" at Tumwater High School

On February 23, 2011, I was invited to Tumwater High School to be a guest speaker for the "Street Law" class. The topic was personal injury and workers' compensation law, my forte. It was a lot of fun and the students were smart, engaged, and interested.

Carter talks law on the local radio station KAOS 89.3 FM

In December 2008, I was a guest on Free and Fair, You and the Law, a monthly program sponsored by KAOS and the Thurston County Bar Association. As part of the program's monthly series, Free and Fair host John Ford talks "law" with various lawyers from the Olympia community. I spoke with John about Washington's workers' compensation system, the process, procedure and potential pitfalls.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program features Carter as speaker

On December 16, 2010, I presented two topics at the CLE program entitled, "Plaintiff's Personal Injury From Start to Finish". I prepared written materials and presented the topic, "Statutes Which Affect Liability Evaluation." I also presented the topic "Understanding the Law of Damages." It was a great experience.

Morningside's 3rd Annual Fundraising Ride a success

The Morningside Ride saw 48 teams participate in this "scavenger hunt" car ride. The event raised $16,185 after expenses, which is a 76.6% increase over the 2nd Annual Ride and a 141.6% increase over the 1st Annual Ride. Morningside provides employment services to individuals with disabilities. Carter is a member of the Board of Trustees.

Morningside's 3rd Annual Fundraising Ride a success

The Morningside Ride saw 48 teams participate in this "scavenger hunt" car ride. The event raised $16,185 after expenses, which is a 76.6% increase over the 2nd Annual Ride and a 141.6% increase over the 1st Annual Ride. Morningside provides employment services to individuals with disabilities. Carter is a member of the Board of Trustees.

Washington Law and Politics recognizes Carter as 2010 "Rising Star"

I was selected as a "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics for 2010. To be eligible for selection as a Rising Star, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for ten years or less. No more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers that meet this criteria are named as Rising Stars.

Washington Law and Politics recognizes Carter as 2010 "Rising Star"

I was selected as a "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics for 2010. To be eligible for selection as a Rising Star, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger, or in practice for ten years or less. No more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers that meet this criteria are named as Rising Stars.

Morningside Board of Trustees appoints Carter to the board

I was recently appointed to work with a wonderful organization in Olympia called Morningside.

Morningside is a private not-for-profit 501-(c)(3) Community Rehabilitation Program providing employment services to individuals with disabilities. We specialize in supported and competitive employment. Morningside's corporate offices are located in Olympia, Washington. With a staff of more than 150 the corporation serves seven western Washington counties from strategically placed satellite offices.

The corporation is governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees. The Board sets the corporation's major direction, establishes policies, and is focused on the inclusion of adults with disabilities in the workplace. Comprised of community leaders the Board represents the rich diversity of the region.

Morningside Board of Trustees appoints Carter to the board

I was recently appointed to work with a wonderful organization in Olympia called Morningside.

Morningside is a private not-for-profit 501-(c)(3) Community Rehabilitation Program providing employment services to individuals with disabilities. We specialize in supported and competitive employment. Morningside's corporate offices are located in Olympia, Washington. With a staff of more than 150 the corporation serves seven western Washington counties from strategically placed satellite offices.

The corporation is governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees. The Board sets the corporation's major direction, establishes policies, and is focused on the inclusion of adults with disabilities in the workplace. Comprised of community leaders the Board represents the rich diversity of the region.

Carter talks law on the local radio station KAOS 89.3 FM

In December 2008, I was a guest on Free and Fair, You and the Law, a monthly program sponsored by KAOS and the Thurston County Bar Association. As part of the program's monthly series, Free and Fair host John Ford talks "law" with various lawyers from the Olympia community. I spoke with John about Washington's workers' compensation system, the process, procedure and potential pitfalls.