BIO

Neil Wachter’s civil practice focuses on real property, land use, municipal law and appellate matters. He has a wealth of courtroom experience and offers the unique perspective of a former government practitioner. He knows what works and (more importantly) what doesn’t work in the courtroom and in navigating the challenges of matters involving local government.

Neil cut his teeth as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Kitsap County, working his way up to trying homicide and other serious felony cases on behalf of the State of Washington. Over twelve years of criminal practice, Neil gained a reputation for taking on difficult and high-stakes cases and consistently seeking and delivering the just result in court.

Neil next joined Kitsap County’s Civil Division, where he practiced municipal law and handled tort, public records and civil rights claims and cases as defense counsel. He also prosecuted nuisance abatement and civil enforcement actions for the County, including the nonconforming land use case of Kitsap County v. Kitsap Rifle and Revolver Club. Between his work for the County and later for the City of Auburn, Neil has nine-plus years of experience practicing municipal law.

PRACTICE AREAS

  • CIVIL LITIGATION
  • LAND USE
  • REAL ESTATE
  • APPELLATE LAW
  • MUNICIPAL LAW

EDUCATION

  • LEWIS AND CLARK LAW SCHOOL, J.D.
  • UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, B.S.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

  • KITSAP BAR ASSOCIATION, VP, 2019
  • SAINT PATRICK CATHOLIC SCHOOL, SCHOOL COMMISSION PRESIDENT, 2019-20

HONORS

  • BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO & FIREARMS, COMMENDATION, 2002
  • KITSAP COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION, HUMANITARIAN AWARD (2003)
  • KITSAP COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION, PRESIDENT'S AWARD (2014)