Schauermann Thayer

07/31/2026

Meet Scott Staples, a partner at Schauermann Thayer and an experienced personal injury attorney licensed in both Washington and Oregon.

Scott began working with Schauermann Thayer as a law clerk while attending law school and later joined the firm as an associate attorney. Today, he represents individuals and families in Vancouver, Portland, and communities throughout Washington and Oregon who have been harmed by negligence.

Scott has successfully handled a wide range of serious injury cases.

His experience includes successfully appearing before the Washington State Supreme Court in Weismann v. Safeco. Scott is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Washington and Oregon.

A Vancouver native, Scott attended Vancouver public schools and graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Washington State University Vancouver and his law degree from Willamette University College of Law, graduating cm laude from both institutions.

Scott has also served the legal profession and his community through the Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Housing Justice Project and leadership roles with the Washington State Association for Justice’s Clark County Roundtable.

07/31/2026

Meet Scott Edwards, a partner and accomplished trial attorney at Schauermann Thayer in Vancouver, Washington.

Scott represents individuals and families in wrongful death, personal injury, insurance, childhood sexual assault, and sexual assault cases. Licensed in Washington and Oregon, he is admitted to practice in state and federal courts throughout both states, as well as before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Scott joined Schauermann Thayer in 2011 and became a partner in 2013. A graduate of the Trial Lawyers College, he combines meticulous preparation, innovative courtroom technology, and compelling storytelling to help jurors understand the human impact of his clients’ experiences.

Before representing plaintiffs, Scott worked as an insurance defense attorney. That experience provides valuable insight into how insurance companies evaluate, defend, and attempt to minimize claims. Today, he uses that knowledge to advocate for people facing powerful insurers, corporations, and institutions.

Scott is actively involved in the Washington State Association for Justice, where he has served on the Board of Governors and participated in leadership committees and workgroups. He is also a member of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association and frequently speaks to other legal professionals about trial strategy, insurance bad faith, courtroom technology, and effective advocacy.

Scott earned his Juris Doctor, cm laude, from Gonzaga University School of Law, where he participated on the Trial Team and Moot Court Board. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers as both a Rising Star and a Super Lawyer.

07/31/2026

Meet Sara Schirato, an associate attorney at Schauermann Thayer in Vancouver, Washington.

Sara represents individuals and families in personal injury, auto accident, premises liability, wrongful death, and insurance cases. Licensed to practice in Washington and Oregon state and federal courts, she advocates for people facing serious injuries, unexpected losses, and difficult disputes with insurance companies.

Sara earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Washington State University, with a minor in Psychology. She later received her Juris Doctor, magna cm laude, from Gonzaga University School of Law.

During law school, Sara served as Managing Editor of the Gonzaga Law Review and was a member of the Moot Court Honors Council. Her academic background, attention to detail, and understanding of both legal and human issues help her provide thoughtful, strategic representation to every client.

Before joining Schauermann Thayer in 2024, Sara gained experience working at law firms in Washington and Oregon. She is an Eagle Member of the Washington State Association for Justice and is also a member of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, Clark County Bar Association, Washington State Bar Association, and Oregon State Bar Association.

07/31/2026

Meet Brad Thayer, a partner and personal injury attorney at Schauermann Thayer in Vancouver, Washington.

Brad represents individuals and families in personal injury cases involving car accidents, dog bites, wrongful death, and other injuries caused by negligence. Licensed in both Washington and Oregon, he is committed to helping injured people understand their rights, navigate the insurance claims process, and pursue the compensation they need to move forward.

Brad joined Schauermann Thayer in 2015 and became a partner in 2018. His dedication to the legal profession and the clients he serves earned him the Clark County Bar Association’s Rising Star Award in 2018. He has also been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star annually from 2019 through 2025.

Brad earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism, with a minor in Sociology, from Western Washington University. He later received his Juris Doctor, cm laude, from Willamette University College of Law, where he was a member of the Moot Court Board, participated in the Student Bar Association, and earned recognition on the Dean’s List.

An active member of the regional trial-lawyer community, Brad is an Eagle Member of the Washington State Association for Justice and a Guardian of Civil Justice with the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association. He has also held leadership roles with the Clark County Bar Association and served as a delegate to the Oregon State Bar House of Delegates.

07/31/2026

Ben Melnick represents individuals and families in personal injury claims involving car accidents, motorcycle crashes, bicycle accidents, wrongful death, insurance disputes, and other serious incidents caused by negligence. Licensed in Washington and Oregon, he is admitted to practice in state and federal courts throughout both states.

Ben joined Schauermann Thayer in 2018 and became a partner in 2020. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science, with a minor in Philosophy, from Washington State University before receiving his Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law.

Throughout his career, Ben has remained actively involved in the legal community. He is an Eagle Member of the Washington State Association for Justice and a Guardian Member of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association. He has also served as Treasurer of the Clark County Bar Association and held leadership positions with the Campaign for Equal Justice.

Ben’s professional recognition includes being named the Clark County Bar Association’s Rising Star and being selected to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list. His approach to representation emphasizes preparation, open communication, and a clear understanding of each client’s individual needs and goals.

07/31/2026

When a serious injury or the unexpected loss of a loved one changes your life, choosing the right legal team matters.

Schauermann Thayer is a personal injury law firm serving clients throughout Vancouver, Portland, Southwest Washington, and Oregon. Our attorneys represent people and families affected by car accidents, truck crashes, motorcycle collisions, workplace accidents, brain injuries, dangerous products, wrongful death, and other preventable tragedies.

We understand that an injury claim is about more than financial compensation. It is about protecting your future, holding negligent parties accountable, and helping you regain stability during one of the most difficult periods of your life.

Our firm provides personalized legal representation, clear communication, and determined advocacy tailored to each client’s individual circumstances. From investigating what happened and dealing with insurance companies to negotiating a settlement or presenting a case in court, Schauermann Thayer is prepared to stand beside you throughout the legal process.

06/10/2026

In 1986, Schauermann Thayer opened its doors. Ronald Reagan was president, Boothe Gardner led Washington, and Vic Atiyeh served as Oregon’s governor. "Top Gun" dominated the box office, while classics like Stand by Me, Hoosiers, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off captured audiences. The airwaves were filled with hits like We Are the World, That’s What Friends Are For, and Addicted to Love.

Nearly 40 years later, while much has changed, Schauermann Thayer’s commitment to serving clients throughout Washington and Oregon remains as strong as ever. Here's to the values, relationships, and results that have defined our firm since 1986.

Learn more about the founding of our firm, and how we've evolved since:

In 1986 Schauermann Thayer was born. Here's a look back at our firm's history, and what was going on in the world at that time.

04/07/2026

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Scott Edwards, named Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Clark County Bar Association.

This award reflects his dedication to standing beside clients during their hardest moments. In one recent case, Scott helped secure a $2,000,000 verdict for a survivor of childhood abuse, giving a voice to someone who deserved to be heard.

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do.

“Before the verdict was read, it was my client who gave me courage.”

At Schauermann Thayer, we remain committed to making a difference, one client, one case, one story at a time.
We’re honored to do this work.

READ MORE: https://www.stlaw.com/scott-edwards-trial-lawyer-of-the-year/