Attorneys

About John

JOHN R. LAYMAN | ATTORNEY AT LAW

About John:

John has been a partner in the firm since 1983. His practice involves serious personal injury complex litigation, with an emphasis on traumatic brain injuries and spinal/aquatic injuries.

John is active within the Washington State Brain Injury Association and has served as past executive director for the local chapter. John is currently the president of the Foundation Board for Inland Northwest Hospital Service and is past president of St. Luke's Rehabilitation Advisory Board of Directors.  He also is a member of the executive committee and Vice-Chairman of Banner Bank.  He has received his Aquatic Specialty Certification.

Because of his extensive and diverse experience with brain injuries and his extremely successful representation of its victims, John garners the highest level of respect within the medical community, and has been honored by his peers as one of the State of Washington's "Super Lawyers". John also was named as one of Washington's top 100 trial lawyers by the American Trial Lawyers Association. Feel free to review the testimonials of several of John's peers in the medical community.


Honors and Awards

  • Annual Guide to Commercial Litigation Top Lawyer 2011

  • Spokane and Coeur D’Alene Living Top Lawyer, Top 100 Legal Eagles. 2011

  • Best Lawyers Best Attorneys in WA 2012

  • American Trial Lawyers Association Top 100 Trial Lawyers 2010, 2011, 2013

  • The Best Lawyers in America The Best Lawyer in America 1995-2006

Bar Admissions

  • Washington

  • Idaho

  • U.S. District Court — Eastern District of Washington

  • U.S. District Court — Western District of Washington

  • U.S. Court of Appeals — 9th Circuit

Professional Associations

  • American Bar Association

  • Washington State Bar Association

  • Spokane County Bar Association

  • Association of Trial Lawyers of American

  • Washington State Trial Lawyers Association

  • Banner Bank — Vice Chairman, Board of Directors

  • INHS Foundation — President

  • Brain Injury Association of Eastern Washington — Former President

  • St. Luke's Rehabilitation Hospital — Former President, Advisory Board

  • Valley Hospital Foundation — Former, Board of Directors

  • Washington State Chiropractic Association — Member

  • Life Chiropractic College West — Board of Regents

Education

  • J.D. — Gonzaga University School of Law — 1983 — Cum Laude

  • B.A. — Washington State University — 1980 — Cum Laude

Taylor J. Burkett | Attorney

Taylor is a committed and passionate attorney at Layman Law Firm, where he has been making a significant impact since joining the team in 2019. Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, Taylor is a first-generation attorney who has brought his drive and determination from the baseball fields and ski slopes of his youth into the courtroom. His journey to becoming a lawyer is rooted in personal experience, which has profoundly shaped his dedication to his clients and his career.

At an early age, Taylor developed a love for sports, excelling as both a baseball player and a skier. These activities taught him the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that now define his professional approach. However, his path took a dramatic turn when suffered a fractured C2 vertebrae at the age of 19. This life-altering injury not only ended his competitive sports aspirations but also introduced him to the complexities of the legal system. Navigating the legal implications of his injury was challenging, but it was also the catalyst for his decision to pursue a career in law. Inspired by the compassionate lawyer who represented him, Taylor was motivated to become an attorney who could provide the same support and advocacy for others in their times of need.

Taylor graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2019, where he distinguished himself through academic excellence and a commitment to justice. His tenure at Layman Law Firm has been marked by significant contributions to high-stakes cases, including several multimillion-dollar lawsuits. Taylor's unique background and personal journey equip him with a distinctive perspective on personal injury law, including a deep understanding of his clients’ struggles.  He understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that injuries can take, and he works tirelessly to ensure his clients receive the compensation they deserve.

At Layman Law Firm, Taylor is known for his unwavering dedication to his clients. He is not driven by the prospect of large payouts but by a genuine desire to help those who are truly in need. His empathetic approach and relentless advocacy have earned him praise from both clients and colleagues. Whether negotiating settlements or representing clients in court, Taylor's goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for those he represents.