Stephen M. "Steve" Rummage, Appellate Attorney in Seattle, Washington
focused on Appellate, Entertainment, and IP
Seattle, WA
Trusted appellate attorney serving Seattle.
Practices in
Are you Stephen M. "Steve" Rummage?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Stephen M. "Steve" Rummage is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Appellate, Entertainment, and IP.
- Based in
- Seattle, WASHINGTON
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Appellate · Entertainment · IP
- Handles Appellate, Entertainment, and IP matters from Seattle, WASHINGTON.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Seattle) (2024).
About Stephen M. "Steve" Rummage: Stephen M. "Steve" Rummage is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Appellate, Entertainment, and IP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Stephen takes on
Stephen concentrates on appellate, entertainment, ip, litigation, and business. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
View other Appellate attorneys
Entertainment
View other Entertainment attorneys
IP
View other IP attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Business
View other Business attorneys
Appellate cases in Seattle, Washington
Stephen takes appellate matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in Seattle, Washington
Stephen takes entertainment matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Seattle, Washington
Stephen takes ip matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Seattle, Washington
Stephen takes litigation matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Seattle, Washington
Stephen takes business matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Stephen M. "Steve" Rummage — appellate lawyer in Seattle
Stephen M. "Steve" Rummage is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Appellate, Entertainment, and IP.
Stephen M. Rummage is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Advertising Law, Appellate Practice, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property.
Stephen M., who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Stephen M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
How Stephen handles appellate matters
Stephen M. Rummage is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Advertising Law, Appellate Practice, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Stephen M., who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in…
Who Stephen represents
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, entertainment, and ip matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of California Berkeley
J.D. · 1980
Stephen studied at J.D. in University of California Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed J.D. in University of California Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Stephen has received 22 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Seattle)
2024
Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Seattle)
2019
Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Seattle)
2017
Best Lawyers in America — Advertising Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Consumer Protection Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Copyright Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Banking
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Civil Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Class Actions
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Complex Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Consumer
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Securities
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Stockholders' Suits
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Seattle) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Seattle) (2019). Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Seattle) (2017). Best Lawyers in America — Advertising Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026).
Locations
Stephen M. "Steve" Rummage's office in Seattle
Stephen's primary office is at 920 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3300, Seattle, Washington, 98104-1610. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Stephen M. "Steve" Rummage
Stephen has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Stephen M. "Steve" Rummage can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Stephen M. "Steve" Rummage — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Seattle, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Stephen
Stephen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Stephen M. "Steve" Rummage
How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Washington typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
Stephen is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stephen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Stephen?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new appellate clients right now?
Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington
Stephen handles appellate matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Washington
If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Seattle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





