Atty. John Stephen Kapuza

Atty. John Stephen Kapuza

For nearly three decades, John Kapuza has devoted his career to helping injured Washingtonians. As co-founder of Yakima’s Kapuza Lighty, PLLC, he draws on licenses in both Washington and Oregon and a strong academic foundation—dual majors from SUNY-Buffalo and Cum Laude honors from Thomas M.

Yakima Yakima 30 yrs experience 30 year
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Profile Summary

About John Stephen Kapuza at a glance

John Stephen Kapuza is a Personal Injury Attorney based in Yakima, Washington, practicing at Kapuza Lighty, PLLC. They have 30+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1996. Their practice focuses on car accidents, wrongful death, personal injury, slip & fall, and product liability. Admitted to practice in Washington (1996), U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington (2002), U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (2011), and Oregon (2023). Educated at Thomas M. Cooley Law School (J.D., 1995) and State University of New York at Buffalo (B.A., 1992). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serands clients in Yakima, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • For nearly three decades, John Kapuza has devoted his career to helping injured Washingtonians
  • As co-founder of Yakima’s Kapuza Lighty, PLLC, he draws on licenses in both Washington and Oregon and a strong academic foundation—dual majors from SUNY-Buffalo and Cum Laude honors from Thomas M. Cooley Law School—to guide clients through complex injury claims
  • His track record speaks volumes: multimillion-dollar recoveries for car, forklift, motorcycle, and semi-truck injuries
  • A member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, John’s peers have honored him with Washington Law & Politics’ “Super Lawyer” title since 2019, Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating, and a spot in the 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America
  • Outside the courtroom, you’ll find him on Washington’s rivers, in his workshop, or planning adventures with his wife Lisa, executive director of Wellness House
  • Together they champion community initiatives—from the Red Cross and YWCA to the Capitol Theatre and United Way—reflecting John’s belief that justice and compassion go hand in hand

Practice Areas Explained

John Stephen Kapuza's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John Stephen Kapuza handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Car Accidents

Hurt in a car crash? Car accident lawyers fight insurance companies for fair compensation — free consult, no fee unless you win.

John Stephen Kapuza is one of 36,807 car accidents attorneys indexed nationally. Browse car accidents attorneys in Washington →

Wrongful Death

John Stephen Kapuza is one of 31,253 wrongful death attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wrongful death attorneys in Washington →

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

John Stephen Kapuza is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Washington →

Slip & Fall / Premises Liability

John Stephen Kapuza is one of 29,473 slip & fall attorneys indexed nationally. Browse slip & fall attorneys in Washington →

Product Liability

John Stephen Kapuza is one of 66,193 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in Washington →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Washington

Practicing law in Washington. Legal matters in Washington are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Yakima are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Washington state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Washington brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Washington courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Yakima or all attorneys in Washington.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about John Stephen Kapuza

Where is John Stephen Kapuza's law office located?
John Stephen Kapuza's law practice is located in Yakima, Washington. The firm is Kapuza Lighty, PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John Stephen Kapuza handle?
John Stephen Kapuza focuses on car accidents, wrongful death, personal injury, slip & fall, product liability. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Washington.
How long has John Stephen Kapuza practiced law?
John Stephen Kapuza has 30+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1996.
Where did John Stephen Kapuza go to law school?
John Stephen Kapuza earned their education at (J.D., 1995); (B.A., 1992).
How can I contact John Stephen Kapuza for a consultation?
You can contact John Stephen Kapuza directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has John Stephen Kapuza received?
John Stephen Kapuza's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
- 1995
B.A.
State University of New York at Buffalo
- 1992

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Washington
Admitted: 1996
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
Admitted: 2002
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
Admitted: 2011
Oregon
Admitted: 2023

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