John A. Maxwell Jr.

Attorney

John A. Maxwell Jr. is a seasoned trial attorney based in Yakima, Washington, with over 40 years of legal experience. He is the founding member of the Maxwell Law Group PLLC where he focuses on trial practice, business litigation, family law, domestic relations, asset division and appellate advocacy. Mr. Maxwell earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Washington in 1984 and graduated cum laude from the University of Puget Sound Law School (now Seattle University School of Law) in 1987. He was admitted to the Washington State Bar the same year and is also authorized to practice in federal courts and the Yakama Nation Tribal Court. Throughout his career, Mr. Maxwell has argued cases before the Washington Supreme Court, Washington Courts of Appeals, and the Federal Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit including the U.S. Supreme Court (Sanchez-Garcia v. United States, 543 U.S. 1115 (2005)). His appellate work spans a wide range of legal issues, reflecting his depth of knowledge and commitment to legal excellence. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Maxwell is active in the Yakima community, having served as a board member and president of the Montessori Society of Yakima, and as a coach for youth ice hockey and inline hockey.

Harley A. Montoya

Attorney

Harley A. Montoya was admitted to the Washington State Bar in April 2023 and focuses on complex civil litigation, high-asset dissolutions, real estate, probate, estate planning, transactions, and family law. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Mr. Montoya earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Pacific University in 2017, where he also played college football. He later received his Juris Doctor from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College in 2022, along with a certificate in Environmental and Natural Resource Law. During law school, he gained experience working with the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Western Resources Legal Center, and the National Agricultural Law Center, focusing on legal issues affecting agribusiness and agriculture. Mr. Montoya is known for his practical and efficient approach to resolving legal matters across multiple counties in Washington, including Yakima, Snohomish, Skagit, and Kittitas. Outside of work, he enjoys fly fishing, collecting vinyl and cassette music, and spending time with his wife and their rescued dogs at local farmers' markets, wineries, and breweries.

Nicholas C. Frontin

Attorney

Nicholas C. Frontin was admitted to the Washington State Bar in October 2021 and brings a strong background in employment law, civil litigation, and administrative hearings. Originally from rural Montana, Nicholas spent much of his childhood immersed in small-town life before moving to Bozeman, where he graduated from Montana State University. Prior to entering the legal profession, he worked for the United States Postal Service, serving as a union steward for the American Postal Workers Union. This experience deepened his understanding of labor rights and inspired his commitment to advocating for employees. Nicholas earned his Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law, where he focused on employment and administrative law. He later worked with the Unemployment Law Project, representing clients in over 150 unemployment hearings, helping individuals navigate complex benefit claims and workplace disputes1. Now based in Yakima, Nicholas continues to serve clients with a practical, rights-focused approach, drawing on his Montana roots and diverse legal experience to provide thoughtful and effective representation.

Derek L. Gauthier

Attorney

Derek L. Gauthier is an accomplished attorney and educator based in Portland, Oregon. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at Lewis & Clark Law School, where he teaches courses in Natural Resource Litigation and the Western Resources Legal Center (WRLC) Practicum. His academic focus reflects a deep commitment to environmental and natural resources law, areas in which he holds specialized expertise. A graduate of Lewis & Clark Law School, Derek earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) with a Certificate in Natural Resources, Environmental, and Energy Law. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy from Michigan State University. Derek focuses on water law, land resources and environmental law. His legal career includes experience as a Judicial Law Clerk in Nevada, and prior roles at firms in Washington and Oregon. Notably, he has represented a Fortune 500 company in complex environmental litigation involving CERCLA remediation, cost allocation, and negotiations with state and federal agencies. Derek’s legal practice is distinguished by his analytical rigor, commitment to public policy, and dedication to sustainable resource management. His dual roles in academia and legal practice allow him to bridge theory and application, preparing future legal professionals to navigate the evolving landscape of environmental law.

Lori Stafford

Legal Assistant

Deanna Boss

Legal Assistant