Congratulations to Christopher John Coker for being selected as the 2026 Daniel Bigelow Award recipient!
Chris was raised in the Johnson Point area of Thurston County and graduated from North Thurston High School in 1988. He
graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1992 with a B.S. in Biology, and in 1995 entered Gonzaga University School of Law, graduating cum laude in 1998.
Chris began his career in Olympia working as an associate attorney for the law firm of Glenn & Hoffman. In 2001 he joined the law firm of Parr & Younglove. He became a partner in 2003 and is currently a partner in the law firm of Younglove Coker & Rhodes.
Chris maintains a diverse civil litigation practice focusing in the areas of employment law, municipal law, and criminal law. Chris prides himself in offering sound legal advice and counseling to individuals and businesses.
Over his career, Chris has served as the city attorney, prosecutor and judge for several local municipalities. Working as a judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney has provided him with a unique perspective on the justice system that allows him to better serve his clients.
Chris has been an active member of the Thurston County Community. He was a
director on the TCBA Board from 2013-2018. He has served as a board member for Wolf Haven; a member of the Tumwater School District Harassment Committee; an instructor for the Paralegal Program at Pierce Community College; and a volunteer coach with both the YMCA and Tumwater Parks and Recreation. He contributes his legal services regularly providing pro bono services to the Olympia Senior Center as its attorney and has mentored younger lawyers in his firm and in the community.
Thank you, Chris, for being an outstanding lawyer and for giving back to your community!
