Robert Kornfeld

Rob Kornfeld has been practicing personal injury law for more than 38 years and he is licensed to practice law in Washington, New York, and Arizona. He graduated from the University of Vermont (UVM) in 1976 with college honors in the area of European Studies. Because he’d been raised in a medical family, Rob started out in pre-med at UVM, and despite a strong interest in medicine, the study of law turned out to be his true calling.

Rob’s medical interest ultimately led him to focus his practice on helping the injured and those who have been victims of tortious conduct by others. He attended law school at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA and graduated in 1979.

Handling Personal Injury Cases Nationwide

Mr. Kornfeld is currently an active member of the Washington State Bar and is licensed to practice in federal court in the Western District of Washington at Seattle, before the United States Supreme Court in Washington D.C. and in superior courts of Washington and Arizona.

Robert Kornfeld is experienced in trials and settlements in both state and federal courts and has been licensed to handle legal actions in other jurisdictions outside of Washington, including Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts, and has assisted on cases in British Columbia, Canada. However, his primary focus is in Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, Everett and the Greater Washington State Area, as well as Maricopa County, Arizona.

Speaking Engagements

Rob has co-chaired many seminars for the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and he regularly attends seminars designed to continue his legal education. Some of these seminars include WSTLA seminars, seminars sponsored by the Washington State Bar Association, and he has attended other respected legal associations, including the Trial Lawyers College (TLC) seminars.

A Passion for Supporting Law Enforcement

Over the last three years, Rob has served as a Board Member of the Bellevue Police Foundation. The Bellevue Police Foundation, aside from supporting law enforcement in Bellevue, financially supports the following:

• Bellevue K-9 dog efforts
• Survival seminars for both physical and emotional support of officers and spouses
• Maintains Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) in patrol cars to assist in saving lives
• Funds for forensic computers
• Fund awards
• Retirements of volunteers
• Much, much more for the Eastside community.

Law enforcement plays an important role in keeping our community safe, and protecting our loved ones, friends, and family members. With the ever-present risks life throws our way, we can always count on those of Bellevue Police Department and other law enforcement organizations to protect us family in times of need.

Special Dedication to the Hispanic Community

Mr. Kornfeld has a working understanding of Spanish and actively provides members of the Hispanic community with legal support when they need it most. As a young exchange student, Rob spent time in Chiapas, Mexico, and he has a special interest in assisting the Hispanic community with any legal challenge they may face.

In fact, one of Rob’s sons is bilingual and both boys have volunteered to support local Hispanic culture.

Rob led the charge for Hispanic rights in the leading Washington State Case of Salas v. Hi-Tec Erectors, a thirteen (13) year struggle. Attorney Rob Kornfeld filed the case on behalf of an undocumented worker, Mr. Salas, to ensure that Alex Salas was able to recover compensation from serious injuries he suffered on a construction job site. Through the ruling from the Washington Supreme Court, Rob was able to obtain a new trial for Alex Salas and a reversal of a Court of Appeal’s decision to deny Alex a new trial. The Washington Supreme Court ruled that the jury verdict against Alex in May 2006 was based on prejudice and passion against Hispanics. In actuality, the ruling should have found the subcontractor negligent, however, the jury awarded no damages to Alex. Rob was instrumental in proving to the Supreme Court that the initial ruling harbored a significant error. Under ER 403, it is not legal to inform the jury that Alex was not a US citizen and was working for 16 years in Washington unlawfully. Now, in Washington and other states, because of this ruling, evidence of citizenship is not admissible in a personal injury trial because the probative value is outweighed by the prejudicial effect. Ultimately, jurors are not allowed to hear this evidence.

Rob has demonstrated a commitment to help his clients regardless of the adversity and time it may take to win. Under the right facts and circumstances, you can count on Rob to stand by you.

Personalized Representation That Understands Your Needs

As someone who has personally experienced the pain, anxiety and distress of a serious injury (read Rob’s Personal Injury Story), Rob understands the challenges you and your family are facing.

Attorney Rob Kornfeld was seriously injured in a motor vehicle collision in July 1985 and he personally experienced some of the very same obstacles you may be facing today. For more than 38 years, he has helped people just like you navigate the legal system in order to recover compensation and obtain reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, material damages, pain and suffering, and other associated damages.

We offer free consultations for the wrongfully injured in order to discuss your potential case and answer any concerns or questions you may have. Call (425) 657-5255 or contact Kornfeld Law online for a quick answer to your legal questions.

Honors & Achievements

• 2017 Distinguished Justice Advocates
• 2016 to 2021 Super Lawyers® member
• Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyers Association Top 25 Award

Professional Associations:

• Washington State Bar, Member
• Washington State Association for Justice, Member
• Master Advocate of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy
• Washington State Trial Lawyers Editorial Board as Co-Senior Editor of Verdicts and Settlements
• Co-chaired many seminars for the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and attended WSTLA seminars
• Arizona Association for Justice

Attorney Kornfeld’s Legal Support Outside of the Courtroom

Rob has served as an active member on various committees and boards, including homeowner associations, over the last 30 + years. He was also the president of one such for a period of time. He has ample experience as a leader among his peers and has always been committed to his community.

To support one of his other great interests, ice hockey, Rob coached in the SnoKing Hockey Association where his kids grew up playing ice hockey for more than 10 years. Rob also served on the board of SnoKing Hockey until his boys went on to play at the next level.

In addition to his involvement with ice hockey, Rob also coached youth soccer and previously played in men’s recreational leagues in both sports. Rob and his family are actively involved in sports and recreational pursuits, particularly outdoor sports, such as hiking, downhill and skate skiing, road and mountain biking, and golf.