Sharon Cates

Sharon Cates began her legal career in 1999 as a law clerk for the Honorable Karen Seinfeld at the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II. She practiced in the litigation group at Foster Pepper, PLLC from 2000 to 2007, when she left to take on a litigation management role at Microsoft Corporation. Sharon joined Lighthouse Law Group PLLC in 2010. She currently serves as a city attorney for the cities of Edmonds and Maple Valley, and has previously served as the city attorney for the City of Port Orchard. Sharon practices in all areas of municipal law, providing advice and counseling to the Mayor, City Council and Department heads of the municipalities she serves on a wide variety of issues, including city policy, planning, contracts, leases, interlocal agreements, employment and labor law, code enforcement, real estate matters, and public works construction bidding and contract management. Sharon has served as the lead negotiator in her cities’ labor negotiations, has participated in numerous mediations and arbitrations, and is experienced with all aspects of litigation, including discovery, motions practice, trials and appeals. Sharon was recognized as a “Rising Star Attorney” by Washington Law and Politics.

Education

• Seattle University, J.D., cum laude, 1999
• Marquette University, B.A., magna cum laude, 1995

Admitted to Practice

• Washington, 1999

Professional Affiliations

• Washington State Association of Municipal Attorneys
• Washington State Bar Association