About Carrie M Coppinger
Carrie M. Coppinger Carter is a principal attorney at Coppinger Carter P.S., a litigation firm she co-founded in 2006 in Whatcom County, Washington. The firm is strategically located at 100 Central Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225, and specializes in personal injury, employment law, and appellate cases throughout the region. With nearly two decades of legal experience, she is known for her commitment to justice and advocacy for her clients. Carter joined the Washington State Bar in 1999 after earning her Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law in 1998. During her time in law school, she gained inexperience through an externship with Justice Charles Johnson of the Washington State Supreme Court.
There, she researched and drafted portions of a law review article focused on search and seizure law. Additionally, she served as a research assistant to Professor Janet Ainsworth, where her work concentrated on women's political asylum issues—an experience that broadened her knowledge of complex legal matters. Her practice areas encompass many legal issues, including personal injury, wrongful death, insurance coverage, contract disputes, and employment matters, along with the associated appeals. From 2021 to 2025, she was recognized as a Washington Super Lawyer, an honor that highlights her expertise and dedication to her field. Prior to establishing Coppinger Carter P.S., she worked for a Seattle-based insurance defense firm, where she gained critical insights into the insurance industry before transitioning to representing individuals in 2000. Carter has also taken on leadership roles within the legal community.
She served on the Washington State Bar Association's Disciplinary Board and its Leadership Institute Advisory Board, contributing to the ethical standards of the profession. Her involvement with the Washington State Association for Justice, formerly known as the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, spans eight years on its board and participation in numerous committees. This engagement supports her advocating for the rights of individuals and promoting justice in Washington. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Carter is deeply committed to her community. She actively mentors students and coaches local youth basketball teams, demonstrating her dedication to fostering the next generation. Furthermore, she supports pro bono legal services both locally and statewide, ensuring that those in need have access to legal representation.
Admitted to practice in the Washington State Supreme Court, the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, she is also authorized to practice in the Nooksack Tribal Court and the Lummi Tribal Court. Through her experience and community involvement, Carrie M. Coppinger Carter continues to make a significant impact in the legal field and beyond.
