Richard W. Relyea
Rich Relyea’s practice focuses on insurance defense, insurance coverage issues, product liability, construction accidents and the defense of employers in OSHA/WISHA proceedings. He appears in state and federal courts throughout Washington.
Rich joined Winston & Cashatt in 1981. After completing his B.A. in Public Administration at Miami University and prior to law school, he served in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1976. Upon leaving the military, Rich attended Creighton University Law School and Gonzaga Law School, graduating magna cum laude in 1979. From 1979 to 1981, he served as a Judicial Law Clerk for Robert J. McNichols, U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of Washington. He is a past President of the Federal Bar Association of the Eastern District of Washington and served as a Lawyer Delegate to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judicial Conference for three years. He was also a board member of the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers. He served for over 10 years as the Chairperson of the Spokane County Superior Court Liaison Committee.
In his spare time, Rich enjoys cycling, sailing, swimming, and organizing and promoting a yearly series of Concerts for the Hungry and Homeless in St. John’s Cathedral (i.e., “Swing in the Cathedral for Habitat for Humanity”, “Country in the Cathedral for Catholic Charities”, etc.).
Professional and Civic Activities
Washington Defense Trial Lawyers, prior Board Member
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
St. John's Cathedral Outreach Committee, Co-Chair
Areas of Emphasis
Wrongful Death and Personal Injury
Product Liability
Professional Negligence
Construction Accidents
Worksite Safety (OSHA/WISHA)
Education
Gonzaga University Law School, J.D., magna cum laude, 1979
Creighton University Law School
Miami University, B.A. in Public Administration, 1969
Admitted to Practice
Washington State Courts
U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit