Peter M. Ruffatto

Peter’s practice focuses on municipal governments. He practices in multiple areas of municipal law, including governance, employment, public-private partnerships, procurement and contracting, open government, land use, intergovernmental transactions, criminal justice systems, and risk management. He advises a variety of government entities, including cities, port districts, utility districts, and hospital districts.

Peter joined the firm after 23 years of public service, most recently serving as the appointed City Attorney for the City of Bellingham. 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
• Past member, Whatcom County Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Committee

Community Involvement

• Finance council, local church
• Past board member, Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Sexual & Domestic Violence
• Past board member, Bellingham City Club Board of Directors
• Leadership Whatcom graduate
• Past host family, Bellingham Sister Cities foreign student exchange