Ian M. Bauer

Ian M. Bauer


Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC

Recognized since 2024

Tacoma, Washington

Practice Areas

Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs

Navigate to map location for Ian M. Bauer Call Ian M. Bauer at (253) 289-1412
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Ian Bauer represents vulnerable children, developmentally disabled adults, the elderly, and others who are victims of severe abuse or neglect. His clients, who have endured what no one should have to, suffer permanent, life-changing consequences as a result of the actions of others. Although Ian can’t turn back the clock on the devastating events his clients have experienced, he can work to achieve the justice they deserve, including the healing that results from holding their abusers accountable.

“There is tremendous power in survivors of abuse and neglect being able to tell their story – on their terms – to face the people who wronged them and have them held accountable in a formal, public setting,” explains Ian. “While the only tangible outcome that can be achieved in a civil case is an award of monetary damages, often the broader goal for my clients is to tell their story and, by holding the wrongdoers publicly accountable, ensure that no one else has to go through what they did.”

Ian’s commitment to his clients in their fight for justice is without exception. Their cases are not just files on his desk. They are the stories of real people with extraordinary challenges, who he sincerely cares about. He views his work on their behalf “a calling,” not a job.

Working for victims of abuse or neglect means that Ian is frequently investigating and litigating against large, powerful corporations, daycare centers, hospitals, group homes, nursing homes, rehabilitation and assisted living facilities, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and youth sports organizations that have a vested interest in denying what happened, minimizing the extent of the abuse or neglect, or blaming someone else. Nevertheless, he is a fearless and effective advocate for his clients.

Before entering private practice, Ian spent time as a lawyer in the Washington State Attorney General’s Office defending state agencies and facilities against the type of abuse and neglect cases he now represents. This valuable experience gives him unique insight into how corporations, governmental agencies, and other institutional defendants operate and what is at stake for them. He can anticipate their tactics, defenses, and pressure points.

For Ian, the cases he takes also have meaning beyond the immediate legal issues. He believes that his work is sacred and solemn, that it serves a greater purpose. He wants the case outcomes he achieves for his clients to make a difference in their lives, to improve protections for the vulnerable, to change organizations in a positive way, and to influence policies, going forward.

“I feel very fortunate to wake up each morning and fight for people who may not have the ability, means, or ‘voice’ to advocate for themselves,” explains Ian. “This is especially true when their adversaries are powerful people, wealthy corporations, or sprawling, faceless bureaucracies. To address the people who wronged them, tell their story on their terms, and have their abusers held accountable in a formal setting is a tremendous feeling for survivors and their loved ones.”

In representing his clients, Ian sometimes collaborates with his PCVA colleagues on case strategy when unique circumstances arise. He is inspired by their enthusiasm and desire to realize the firm’s collective mission that no matter what condition a client comes into the firm, the goal is always for them to walk away with that sense of empowerment from taking ownership of their own story.

Outside of the office, Ian is a devoted husband and father to three children. He enjoys soccer, music, and spending time with his family.

Contact & Links
Location
  • 909 A Street, Suite 700
    Tacoma, WA 98402
Education
  • Connecticut College, Goverenment, graduated 1999
  • Seattle University, graduated 2004
Bar Admissions
  • Washington, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Washington
  • Washington, U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
  • Washington, U.S. District Courts, Western and Eastern Districts of Washington
  • Washington, Washington State Bar Association
Affiliations
  • Federal Bar Association, Western District of Washington - Member
  • Rebuilding Hope - Board of Directors Member
  • National Crime Victim Bar Association - Member
  • Pierce County Bar Association - Member
  • King County Bar Association - Member
  • National Trial Lawyers - Member
  • American Association for Justice - Member
  • Washington State Association for Justice - EAGLE Member

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Awards:
  • TopVerdict, Top Settlements Nationwide, 2017-19, 2021-22

  • Selected by LawDragon as one of the nation’s Leading Plaintiffs Lawyers, 2022-23

  • Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated

  • Selected to Thomson Reuters Washington Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2009, 2016-17

  • The Best Lawyers in America®

    • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, 2024
  • National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2023-24

Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Government Relations Practice
  • Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
  • Civil Rights Law

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Publications

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