About Synergistic Law
When you’re facing a workplace crisis or a life-altering injury, the last thing you need is a law firm that treats you like one more file on someone’s desk. At Synergistic Law, we built our practice around a simple commitment: give every client the focused attention, deep expertise, and responsive service their situation demands.
A Focused Practice. A Deliberate Choice.
We intentionally limit our practice to three areas: employment law for both management and labor, sexual harassment, and severe and catastrophic injury and death cases. That focus is not a limitation—it’s an advantage. It means the attorney handling your matter has spent over 40 years developing the kind of specialized knowledge that makes a measurable difference in outcomes.
By choosing to go deep rather than broad, we’ve developed the ability to take on matters that many firms our size wouldn’t touch—and to deliver results that stand up against much larger firms.
Billing That Works for You
Legal fees shouldn’t be a mystery, and the traditional billable hour isn’t always the best fit. We offer flexible billing models tailored to the nature of your case, including contingent fees, flat fees, modified hourly contingent fees, and fee staging. For some matters, hourly billing is the fairest arrangement for everyone. For others, an alternative approach makes more sense. We’ll walk you through the options so you can make an informed decision.
Rooted in History. Built for Today.
Synergistic Law traces its roots to one of the oldest law firms in South King County, established in 1948. Over the decades, the firm evolved, and in 1995 Rod Stephens founded The Stephens Law Firm, which has since grown into Synergistic Law.
That history gives us something you can’t fast-track: a deep understanding of how workplace law and personal injury litigation have changed over time, and how to use that perspective to your advantage today. We pair that experience with modern tools and practices that keep you informed, your case moving efficiently, and communication seamless—on your schedule, not ours.
Our Team
The people behind Synergistic Law bring experience, dedication, and a genuine investment in every client’s outcome.
J. Roderik Stephens, J.D.
Attorney and Counselor at Law | Founder and Principal
Rod Stephens has been practicing law since 1984, and in that time he’s built a reputation for two things: deep legal expertise and a real commitment to the people he represents. His practice centers on employment law, sexual harassment, and severe injury and death cases—areas where the stakes are high and the need for skilled, responsive counsel is urgent.
Rod understands that coming forward—whether you’re reporting harassment or pursuing a claim after a catastrophic injury—takes courage. He approaches every case with the seriousness and sensitivity it deserves, while moving with the urgency that your situation requires.
While Rod is an experienced litigator, he also believes that the best outcome is often the one that avoids the emotional and financial toll of a courtroom battle. That’s why he and his team invest heavily in proactive strategies: seminars, current legal updates, expert counsel, and practical training that help clients—especially those in management and human resources—protect themselves and their organizations before problems escalate.
Rod’s work has taken him across the United States and Canada, educating managers, HR professionals, and fellow attorneys on the evolving landscape of employment law. His commitment to that mission reflects a core belief: that awareness and preparation are just as powerful as litigation.
That dedication has been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell with an AV Preeminent rating, and his firm is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Law Firms. Rod has also been named a SuperLawyer by Washington Law and Politics on multiple occasions.
When he’s not advocating for clients, Rod enjoys the Pacific Northwest with his beloved “Dawg,” a great cup of Mt. Rainier Coffee Company’s Longmire blend, and the occasional local car show.
Symone Kittelson
Litigation Paralegal
Symone Kittelson brings over two decades of legal experience to Synergistic Law. When she joined the firm, she was drawn to our commitment to focused, high-quality client service—a commitment she takes personally, especially when working with clients navigating sexual harassment claims or serious injury cases.
With a background built in litigation and employment law, Symone is the kind of paralegal who goes beyond what’s expected. She’s thorough, responsive, and genuinely invested in making sure every client feels supported from start to finish.
Outside the office, Symone lives by the same philosophy she brings to work: balance hard work with the things that matter most. You might spot her Harley parked outside our office on a sunny day. And she’ll happily tell you that her proudest role is being a grandmother to two granddaughters and a grandson.