Rita is a founding partner of McKinley Irvin and has played a central role in shaping the firm’s culture, values, and long-standing commitment to excellence. Working closely with firm leadership, Rita focuses on strengthening legal practice, client service, professionalism, and the supportive, high-performing environment that defines McKinley Irvin.
Beyond her work at the firm, Rita is deeply engaged in the Tacoma community and the broader legal profession. She has served on several local and professional boards, serves on the Legal Pathways Community Advisory Board, and has participated in the Dressel Scholars program at the University of Washington Tacoma. Rita is also the founder of McKinley Irvin’s Black Law Student Mentorship Program and the MI Diversity Scholarships, reflecting her long-standing commitment to access, mentorship, and the development of future legal professionals.
In describing McKinley Irvin’s practice philosophy, Rita says, “While our personal styles may differ, every member of the McKinley Irvin team is dedicated to practicing with professional integrity, and to serving every client with respect, compassion, and zeal. It’s that simple, and it’s that important.”
This philosophy is grounded in the firm’s mission: We believe families are the root of civilization, that healthy families create healthy communities, and that communities are the foundation of the country. By helping one family at a time, we better our society as a whole.
