John L. Messina Lombino, Of Counsel at Lombino Martino Law Firm, elevated the bar for his career when he was licensed to practice law, graduating first in his class at Gonzaga Law School. Setting the stage for the next 45 years, he embarked on a plethora of wins and decisions as a practicing attorney first for himself and then joining Lombino Martino. He specializes in personal injury.

Recognized as one of the finest trial lawyers by his peer group, John has won the biggest personal injury verdict in the history of the state of Washington, a record that stood for many years. Listed in the prestigious Martindale Hubble register, the national legal publication that rates performance and ethics, John clearly had a vision to not only define the law and win cases with ethics and integrity, but more importantly he had the respect of judges and juries with a no nonsense approach in defending his clients. 

A Washington Law and Politics “Super Lawyer” he 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), the Medical College of Trial Lawyers, and the 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, John says he is privileged and excited to work part-time and enjoy a partial retirement. He has had many multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, and now wants the new firm to reach those same pinnacles in the field of personal injury cases. In the few years left in his career, John wants the firm, which practices in about every field of law, to have a strong personal injury trial section. When that has been accomplished, he will most likely move on to some other challenge. He goes by the old saying, “Old lawyers never die; they just lose their appeal.”

Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy since 1988, John holds a JD from Gonzaga University School of Law, top of his class. He is an affiliate of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Medical College of Trial Lawyers, CART Damage Attorneys Round Table, Washington State Supreme Court, Gonzaga Law School Board Washington State Trial Lawyers, and the Association Washington Sons of Italy.

 When is not practicing law and building up the firm, John enjoys sports such as baseball, football, travel, and spending time with his grandchildren. He resides in Tacoma WA.

 Worldwide Association of Notable Alumni Member, John L. Messina, JD, can be found on the Who's Who Directory where she is looking forward to networking with you.