Photos Provided
From Left to Right: Peter Abbarno, Todd Rayan, Jakob McGhie, and Kathryn Eyraud.
By Juanita MacNaughton,
Peter Abbarno, and Cynthia Mudge
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce
For 80 years, Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP, has been far more than a law firm. It has become an institution in Lewis County by helping individuals and businesses navigate life’s most important decisions while building a legacy of integrity, professionalism, mentorship, and community service.
Founded in 1946 by Dale M. Nordquist and D.D. (Donald) Schnatterly, the firm opened its doors in downtown Centralia during the years following World War II. Southwest Washington was experiencing tremendous growth fueled by the timber, railroad, agriculture, and manufacturing industries, creating a need for trusted legal counsel. The founders quickly earned a reputation for providing exceptional legal representation while becoming active leaders in their community.
That tradition of public service began with Nordquist himself. Beyond his successful legal career, he served as a Washington State Senator before becoming a Lewis County Superior Court Judge. His dedication to both the legal profession and public service established values that continue to guide the firm today.
As the firm grew, a new generation of attorneys strengthened that foundation. Ralph Olson became known throughout Lewis County as a trusted counselor, respected attorney, and dedicated mentor. Olson believed attorneys should be active members of their communities, giving generously of their time through Rotary, education initiatives, and numerous charitable organizations. His commitment helped shape a culture where service became just as important as legal expertise.
Another attorney whose influence continues today is T. Charles “Chuck” Althauser. Joining the firm in the late 1970s, he spent more than four decades building one of Southwest Washington’s premier legal practices before retiring in 2018. His work in real estate, business law, personal injury, and civil litigation earned statewide respect. Locally, Althauser served and volunteered with Centralia Rotary, Centralia High School Dollars for Scholars, and many other civic organizations. Perhaps his greatest contribution was mentoring the next generation of attorneys, teaching them that preparation, integrity, and respect for every client are the true hallmarks of a successful lawyer.
That commitment to developing future leaders remains central to the firm’s philosophy today.
The firm’s current partners Todd Rayan, Peter Abbarno, Jakob McGhie, and Katheryn Eyraud bring unique legal expertise while carrying forward the values established by the firm’s founders.
Todd Rayan, who grew up in nearby Rochester, joined the firm in 2003 and became a partner just three years later. His practice focuses on complex civil litigation, personal injury, and wrongful death cases. In particular, Rayan enjoys serving multiple generations of the same families, something he says reflects the long-term relationships the firm has built throughout the community. Although technology allows attorneys to work remotely, Rayan appreciates being together in the office. “We could work from home,” Rayan says, “but coming to the office is a choice. It’s like coming in to hang out with family.”
Peter Abbarno is widely recognized throughout Southwest Washington for his public service as State Representative for the 20th Legislative District and his years serving on the Centralia City Council, including as Mayor Pro Tem. Abbarno joined the firm in 2010 and became a partner in 2013. His legal practice focuses on serving injured workers and those injured in automobile collisions. Abbarno is often recognized for his community services volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club, local school districts, United Way of Lewis County, Special Olympics, and the Miss Lewis County Scholarship Program … to name a few.
“Our law firm has a culture of community service and giving back,” added Abbarno. “We value volunteerism and want to see our staff; our clients; and our community be successful.”
Jakob McGhie joined the firm in 2014 and became a partner in 2023. McGhie’s practice includes criminal defense, workers’ compensation, landlord-tenant law, and civil litigation. Active in numerous civic organizations, McGhie enjoys helping clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. “One of my favorite things about serving our community as a criminal defense attorney is helping people solve problems while building relationships of trust and understanding,” he says.
Katheryn Eyraud became the firm’s newest partner after joining in 2019. Eyraud’s background includes serving as a Family Law Facilitator and Pro Bono Coordinator; experiences that prepared her to guide clients through divorce, child custody, adoption, domestic violence, and other sensitive family matters. A Lewis County native, Eyraud values the firm’s longstanding relationships within the community and its commitment to mentoring young attorneys who want to build their careers close to home. “As a local born and raised in Lewis County, one of my favorite things working here is the relationships the firm has built within the community.”
Supporting the community has always been part of the firm’s mission. Each year, the firm annually contributes approximately $50,000 through pro bono legal services and charitable giving. Attorneys support organizations and events including the annual Turkey Trot to benefit the Lewis County Boys and Girls Club and Chehalis Foundation; Special Olympics of Lewis County Torch Run and Polar Plunge, the Cheyllyn Collinsworth Memorial Scholarship through the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber; Sound Legal Aid; Twin City Union F.C. and youth sports, and numerous other nonprofit organizations and community initiatives.
While many firms have relocated to larger metropolitan areas, Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP has proudly remained in historic downtown Centralia for nearly eight decades. From its office at 114 W. Magnolia Street, the firm continues to serve clients throughout Washington while maintaining the hometown values upon which it was founded. “We are a relationship firm, not merely a transactional firm,” said Abbarno. “We are here when you need us most.”
As the firm looks toward the future, its mission remains remarkably consistent with the vision established in 1946: provide exceptional legal representation, mentor the next generation of attorneys, and strengthen the community they proudly call home. Eighty years later, that commitment continues to define Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP.
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Althauser Rayan Abbarno is hosting the August “Business After Hours” on August 20th from 5-7pm at their Centralia office located at 114 West Magnolia.
