Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC

08/20/2026

Darrell Cochran and Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC recently helped secure a $21 million settlement with the University Place School District on behalf of six former students who were sexually abused by a former substitute nurse and classroom assistant.

As one of the attorneys who stood with these survivors, Darrell L. Cochran's focus has always been on them: their voices, their safety, and their futures. This resolution is an acknowledgment that what happened to them mattered and was wrong, and it provides resources these former students will need for ongoing healing and support. The District confirmed in the attached article that the settlement will be fully funded by insurance.

Civil cases like this serve an important role beyond any single lawsuit. They shine light on what went wrong, help families get answers, and can prompt changes that better protect children in the future. That is the work my colleagues and I — including my co-counsel, Loren Cochran — are committed to doing.

To the survivors and their families in this case: your strength and persistence made this outcome possible, and your willingness to come forward will help protect other children you will never meet.

Read more at:

University Place School District agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by six former students against ex-instructor Michael Basse.

08/06/2026

It's time to rock for a cause 🎸

Donations are now open for Law Rocks Seattle, and we're proud to support our partner Ian Bauer as The Orphan 40 as he takes the stage to raise funds for Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center.

As a top sponsor, PCVA is honored to support an event that brings the legal community together while making a meaningful impact for survivors in our community.

📅 Thursday, October 1, 2026
📍 The Crocodile

Every donation helps. Learn more, support Ian's fundraising efforts, and grab your tickets at lawrocks.org/sea.

07/29/2026

PCVA Partner Mallory Allen presented at the American Association for Justice's 2026 Annual Convention in Chicago this past weekend, joining trial lawyers from across the country to share knowledge, strengthen advocacy, and advance the pursuit of justice.

Mallory's presentation, "Framing Successful Causes of Action and Out-Litigating the Defense in Medical-Sexual Assault Cases," explored effective litigation strategies for holding institutions accountable and advocating for survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated by medical providers.

07/20/2026

Washington’s wildfire season is no longer something we prepare for “someday.” It’s here, and each year the risk to our families, homes, businesses, and communities continues to grow.

While we can’t control the weather, we can advocate for stronger prevention. Investing in healthier forests, expanding prescribed burns, improving early fire detection, supporting our firefighters, and preparing communities before disaster strikes can save lives and reduce the devastating impact of catastrophic wildfires.

At Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala, we believe prevention should always come first. But when preventable tragedies occur, we’re also committed to standing beside individuals and families whose lives have been forever changed.

PCVA partner, Ian Bauer, created this video to share why proactive wildfire prevention matters—and why we believe Washington must make it a top priority before the next spark becomes the next disaster.

If you agree, we encourage you to contact your elected officials and the Washington Department of Natural Resources and ask them to make wildfire prevention one of our state’s highest public safety priorities.

Protect our forests. Protect our communities. Protect our future.

07/20/2026

Three years ago, six lives were taken in a catastrophic, fiery crash at the intersection of SR 509 and Alexander Avenue. Families forever changed by unimaginable loss chose to honor their loved ones by fighting for something greater than themselves.

More than 100 prior crashes had devastated other lives over a short period of time leading up to this deadly crash - all because the government agencies responsible for the road refused to prioritize spending the money to make this intersection safe.

Because the families here summoned the strength to speak, demand answers, and seek accountability, meaningful safety improvements have now been made at this intersection. Those changes stand as a reminder that every life matters and that tragedy should never be ignored when it can help prevent future heartbreak.

Today, we remember those who were lost. We continue to keep their families in our thoughts, and we hope these improvements help spare others from experiencing the same devastating loss.

The agencies responsible for the intersection continue refusing to accept accountability for failing the motorists and public who needed this to be a safe intersection. There is no justice without accountability and atonement, and the grieving families here will never have closure without the government agencies accepting responsibility - or having it decided for them by a community of their peers - for their failure to act. The civil justice system is the true equalizer, giving victims and their families an opportunity to impose responsibility and a voice can create change that protects future generations.

Please take a moment today to remember the six lives lost and drive safely.

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07/17/2026

The crowd cheers. The strikeout goes on the board. Kids benefit!

Throughout the season, PCVA is donating to youth baseball and softball programs for every Mariners strikeout at T-Mobile Park.

It's one more way we're investing in the communities we serve and helping young athletes access the opportunities that sports provide.

See how we're supporting youth sports: https://pcva.law/kids/

07/02/2026

A Mariners strikeout means more than an out on the scoreboard.

Every strikeout recorded by the Mariners at home helps support youth baseball and softball programs, thanks to PCVA's commitment to investing in the next generation of athletes.

From first-time players to future stars, we're proud to help create opportunities for kids to get in the game.

Learn more about the program: https://pcva.law/kids/