Biography

Who is Attorney John Messina? More importantly this is why you should know him! He elevated the bar when he was licensed to practice law by graduating first in his class at Gonzaga Law School. That set the stage for the next 45 years in wins and decisions as a practicing attorney first for himself and then joining a prestigious group, Lombino Martino Law Firm. Recognized as one of the finest trial lawyers by his peer group he has won the biggest personal injury verdict in the history of the state of Washington, a record that stood for a number of years. Listed in the prestigious Martindale Hubble register, the national legal publication that rates performance and ethics this is a man who clearly had a vision to not only define the law and win cases with ethics and integrity but more importantly had the respect of judges and juries with a no nonsense approach in defending his clients. He is a Washington Law and Politics “Super Lawyer” and has held the prestigious national certification of Civil Trial Specialist from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is a member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, whose membership is limited to 500 trial lawyers nationally, Medical College of Trial Lawyers, CART Damage Attorneys Round Table. According to the Spokane Daily Chronicle, John placed first in the Washington State Summer Bar examination among a group that included graduates of many law schools in the country. John has won hundreds of cases involving negligence by government agencies, product manufacturers and contractors, and has represented many ordinary citizens injured by negligent driving and medical care. He brings passion and concern to every case and is committed to helping clients cope with the devastating injuries they have suffered. He is lawyer who has passion for his clients and one that understands the stress that a trial can bring on a family with needs. In addition to legal activities, John is active in the greater community. He has served on the committee of the Washington State Supreme Court that writes standardized trial jury instructions and has served on the boards of the Gonzaga Law School, the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and the Washington Sons of Italy. He helped write changes to the Tacoma City Charter authoring provisions regarding election of the council by districts and term limits. At 75 years old, I am privileged and excited to work part-time and enjoy a partial retirement, now without worry. I have had many multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Now, I want this new firm to reach those pinnacles in the field of personal injury cases. In the few years I have left to work as a lawyer, I want this firm, which practices in about every field of law, to have a strong personal injury trial section. When that is done, I just may move on to some other challenge. You know the old saying, “Old lawyers never die; they just lose their appeal.”