Peter M. Ruffatto

Peter Ruffatto’s practice focuses on municipal government and port district law. Peter joined the firm in April 2021 after 23 years of public service, most recently serving as the appointed City Attorney for the City of Bellingham. Peter practiced in virtually all areas of municipal law, with emphasis on governance, labor and employment, fire/emergency medical services, public-private partnerships, criminal justice systems, procurement and contracting, open government, municipal finance, intergovernmental transactions, and risk management. As the City Attorney, Peter served as the legal advisor to the city council, the mayor, and department directors, and held a variety of management and executive team roles. Prior to joining the City Attorney’s Office, Peter worked in the Civil Division of the King County Prosecutor’s Office and in private practice at the Reed McClure law firm in Seattle.

Education

• Gonzaga University (B.A., Economics, 1989)
• University of Washington School of Law (1994)

Professional Associations & Memberships

• Washington State Bar Association (admitted 1994)
• Washington State Association of Municipal Attorneys
• Whatcom County Bar Association
• Judicial Candidate Evaluation Committee

Community Involvement

• Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Sexual & Domestic Violence
• Bellingham City Club Board of Directors
• Leadership Whatcom