District 20 Representative Peter Abbarno
By Peter Abbarno
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce
When I walk into our office each morning in downtown Centralia, I am reminded that I am not just going to work—I am stepping into a legacy that began in 1946. That was the year Dale Nordquist and D.D. Schnatterly opened their law practice in historic downtown Centralia, building what would become one of the longest-standing law firms in Southwest Washington. What started as Nordquist & Schnatterly has, over generations of dedicated attorneys, grown into Althauser Rayan Abbarno. That history is not just something we celebrate—it is something we carry forward every day.
Over eight decades, the firm evolved as new partners joined and leadership transitioned. Each name change reflected both continuity and growth. From Nordquist & Schnatterly to later formations that included attorneys like Ralph Olson, Charles Althauser, James Lawler, Wade Samuelson, and eventually to Althauser Rayan Abbarno, the firm steadily expanded its reach and reputation. With the addition of new partners and attorneys—including Todd Rayan, Peter Abbarno, Jakob McGhie, and Kathryn Eyraud—the firm continued to modernize while staying true to its founding principles.
Today, as Althauser Rayan Abbarno, we are proud to represent the next chapter in that long line of service. But what makes me most proud is not just our longevity—it is our deep and lasting commitment to this community.
For nearly 80 years, this firm has been rooted in Lewis County and Southwest Washington. We don’t just serve clients here—we live here, raise our families here, and invest our time and energy into making this a better place for everyone. That belief—that a law firm should be part of the fabric of its community—has guided generations of our attorneys.
You can see that commitment in the causes we support and the events we help make possible.
Every Thanksgiving morning, we lace up our running shoes and join hundreds of community members for the Turkey Trot. It’s more than a race—it’s a tradition that brings people together in support of the Chehalis Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County. We are proud to partner with Thorbeckes to present this event that truly reflects the spirit of giving that defines this community and our role within it.
We are also proud supporters of Special Olympics, where we’ve had the privilege of cheering on incredible athletes who remind us what determination and joy truly look like. Our partners are honored to help plan and sponsor the annual polar plunge at Mayfield Lake and Torch Run from Napavine through Centralia.
We support the Miss Lewis County Scholarship Program, which invests in the future of young women in our community by helping them pursue higher education and leadership opportunities.
Our commitment extends to youth sports and community activities as well. Whether it’s supporting Twin City Union F.C., sponsoring local runs, or helping organize back-to-school supply drives, we believe in showing up for our community—not just in moments of need, but in moments of growth, celebration, and opportunity.
Because at its core, being a lawyer—at least the way we see it—is about more than legal representation. It is about service.
Every day, we have the opportunity to help people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives—whether that’s recovering from an injury, navigating a family matter, building a new business, or planning for the future. That responsibility is something we take seriously. It is also something that connects us directly back to the mission of our founders in 1946.
They built a firm grounded in trust, integrity, and community. Eighty years later, those values remain unchanged.
Of course, much has changed in the legal profession since 1946. The law has grown more complex. Technology has transformed how we practice. The needs of clients have evolved. And yet, through all of that change, one thing has remained constant: people still need advocates they can trust. That is what we strive to be.
As we celebrate 80 years of service, I find myself reflecting not just on where we have been, but on where we are going. The strength of this firm has always come from its people—past and present—and from the community that has supported us along the way.
We are proud of our history. We are grateful for the generations of clients who have placed their trust in us. And we are committed to continuing that tradition for generations to come.
From Nordquist and Schnatterly in 1946 to Althauser Rayan Abbarno today, this has always been more than a law firm. It has been—and will continue to be—a part of this community’s story.
Rep. Peter Abbarno,
R-Chehalis, represents the 20th Legislative District and is the House Republican Caucus Chair.
