Hunter M. Abell
About
Hunter Abell’s practice emphasizes residential real estate, civil litigation, and Indian law. A native of Washington, he was raised on a ranch on the rural Colville Indian Reservation in Ferry County.
Hunter graduated from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, earned his JD from Gonzaga University School of Law, and his LLM from Georgetown University Law Center. He previously served as a member of the Gonzaga University School of Law Board of Advisors.
Prior to joining Williams Kastner, Hunter served in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, where he obtained extensive trial and litigation experience. His legal experience in the U.S. Navy includes his role as Liaison Officer in the Central Criminal Court of Iraq in Baghdad, Iraq where he worked to assist prosecuting insurgents accused of attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces. Currently, Hunter is a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, and his personal military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
Hunter possesses considerable experience litigating before federal, state, and tribal courts, as well as litigating in state and federal administrative tribunals. He possesses particular experience litigating residential real estate matters. He was recently recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation (2024 – 2025).
Hunter’s practice includes substantial public service. His prior service includes professional leadership as President of the Washington State Bar Association, as well as service as Ferry County District Court Judge. Currently, Hunter is honored to represent the people of northeast and central Washington in the Washington State House of Representatives.
Hunter is the proud father of his daughters, Libby and Wynsome. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, waterskiing, and reading military history.
Memberships
- Washington State Bar Association, President, 2024
- Past Chair of the Indian Law Section and Chair of the Professionalism Committee
- Area Navy League, Past Board Member
- Ferry County Bar Association, Member
- King County Bar Association, Member
Recognitions & Awards
- Puget Sound Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40, 2017
- Super Lawyers Rising Star 2016
- WSBA 2015 Courageous Award
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Commercial Litigation (2024 – 2025)
Education
- Georgetown University Law Center, LL.M., with Distinction, 2006
- Gonzaga University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2005
- The College of William and Mary, B.A., 2002
Articles & Publications
- President’s Corner: “Attorneys as Family“, WSBA, July 2024
- President’s Corner: “Lawyers as Guardians“, WSBA, March 2024
- President’s Corner: “Lawyers as Servants“, WSBA, February 2024
- President’s Corner: “Lawyers at Low Points“, WSBA, December 2023
- President’s Corner: “Lawyers as Heroes“, WSBA, November 2023
- President’s Corner: “For the People“, WSBA, October 2023
- “Q&A with 2023-24 WSBA President Hunter M. Abell“, WSBA, October 2023
- “The Richest Man in Town“, WSBA, May 2023
- “Proceedings,” U.S. Naval Institute, June 2021
- “A Call To Serve,” NW Lawyer, Oct. 2019