NextLaw PLLC is THE Highest Rated Criminal and Injury law firm in the Northwest (Google, Yelp). Led by two former prosecutors who have successfully fought for the rights of thousands of clients charged with DUI and Criminal offenses throughout Washington State, we also handle Personal Injury matters for those injured due to the negligence of others.
Daniel J. Gerl
Founder & Managing Attorney
Dan Gerl is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Next Law. Dan is a former prosecutor with nearly twenty years of experience handling Criminal and Injury cases in Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and throughout Western Washington.
In 2002 Dan enrolled at the Seattle University School of Law with the goal of becoming a prosecutor. He began his career as a legal intern with the Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office, where he handled several jury trials before graduating cum laude.
After passing the Bar, Dan continued working as a prosecutor for four years in Federal Way and Pierce County, handling hundreds of cases, and over 40 trials before a jury, winning the vast majority of them. Over time, however, Dan realized that, despite his solid conviction record, his values aligned more with helping the accused than prosecuting them.
In 2013, Dan founded Puget Law Group, focusing on DUl defense, criminal defense, and personal injury. In less than a decade, Dan grew PLG from a solo practice to the largest firm of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Under Dan’s leadership, PLG made the Inc. 5000 and Puget Sound Business Journal’s lists of the “Fastest Growing Private Companies” four years in a row. PLG was also recognized as “The Fastest Growing Criminal Defense Firm in America” in 2022 by Law Firm 500.
Despite such success, Dan found that “bigger” doesn’t always mean “better.” And Dan has always been committed to being the BEST. Dan left PLG in January 2024 and founded NextLaw because he wanted to make good on this commitment.
Dan is rated “10/10” on AVVO, its highest rating. He is a member of the Washington State and Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Associations, and the Washington State Association for Justice (“EAGLE”) . He has been named a “Top 3 DUI Attorney in Tacoma” and a “Top 10 DUI Attorney” for Washington State.
Albert Didcock
Senior Trial Attorney
Albert Didcock is admitted to practice in Washington State and federal court. Albert graduated from the Alabama University School of Law, the 22nd-ranked law school in the nation, ranked sixth in his class. While attending law school he began a two-year intern program at the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s Office.
After graduation, Albert accepted the position of deputy prosecuting attorney. As a Deputy Prosecutor, Albert stood out among his peers because of his impressive trial skills and his ability to critically strategize. As a result, Albert experienced a meteoric rise in a large prosecutor’s office and quickly found himself handling the most serious felony cases.
After only four years of practice, Albert accepted the position of senior prosecuting attorney. In this role, Albert supervised other prosecutors while also prosecuting the most violent offenders. Albert was also a key part of a task force that oversaw every child abuse investigation. In this position, Albert worked directly with law enforcement, both state and federal, on investigation strategies and processes. In the area of special assault unit prosecution, Albert’s experience and expertise are unparalleled.
During his time as a prosecutor, Albert has taken almost 100 felony cases to trial and secured convictions in the overwhelming majority of those cases. That includes multiple trials and convictions for the most serious offenses.
Albert is eager to bring his unmatched experience and excellent advocacy abilities to assist the team at NextLaw. In less than a month, he has already demonstrated his high value by obtaining two dismissals and several reductions in charges.
Albert has successfully litigated virtually every legal issue imaginable on behalf of the government. He now is dedicated to securing the best result possible for our clients regardless of what legal obstacle they may face. He has supervised and crafted policies for the very same lawyers and police officers that will be investigating and prosecuting our clients. Accordingly, Albert understands the practices, policies, and procedures of police and prosecutors like few others. We are fortunate to have him on our team!
Miguel Rios
Intake & Marketing Director
Miguel serves as Intake & Marketing Director at NextLaw. He has over 10 years of experience working with law firms nationwide.
Miguel was born in Bolivia, and speaks fluent Spanish. He started his legal career in 2014 with Antezana & Antezana in Maryland helping Personal Injury victims. Miguel dealt directly with clients, medical providers, and insurance adjusters. Over the years Miguel has worked with various firms helping them grow and scale to new levels.
In the summer of 2023, Miguel came to work at Puget Law Group in Tacoma. He jumped at the opportunity to work for the largest injury & criminal defense firm in the Pacific Northwest. But when PLG Founder and CEO Dan Gerl left PLG to start NextLaw, Dan knew the one player at PLG he wanted to bring with him – Miguel.
“Dan is a visionary and a great attorney,” says Miguel. “When he reached out to me to be part of NextLaw, I didn’t think twice. I can’t wait to help make Next Law the best firm of its kind in the PNW!”
But when PLG Founder and CEO Dan Gerl left PLG to start NextLaw, Miguel knew he wanted to continue working toward the vision that Dan created and brought with him to NextLaw. Miguel joined NextLaw in January 2024.
Lauren Thomas
Criminal Paralegal
Lauren is NextLaw’s criminal paralegal. She has over five years’ experience working as a paralegal in criminal and family law.
Lauren started her legal career in 2018 with Kendrick, Malane and Webber in Yakima handling DUl and criminal cases. Lauren dealt directly with clients, and with court and DOL personnel on their behalf. Her contact with clients included everything from consultation to answering questions regarding case and licensing status. After five years with KM&W, Lauren worked with Savage Law in Yakima handling family law matters.
In 2023, Lauren came out to Western Washington to work at Puget Law Group in Tacoma. She jumped at the opportunity to work for the largest criminal defense firm in the Pacific Northwest. But when PLG Founder and CEO Dan Gerl left PLG to start NextLaw, Lauren came on board without hesitation.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to provide an excellent service to our clients and to be part of Dan’s next legal empire!!” says Lauren.
Ana Green
Marketing Intern
Ana, our summer 2024 intern, is currently attending the University of Arizona majoring in PreLaw with a minor in English. During her undergraduate studies and internship, Ana discovered that she has a true passion for the field of law. This has encouraged her to pursue her goals of becoming an attorney.
When she is not studying, you will find Ana going on lots of hikes, painting, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Ana has immense gratitude for the invaluable experiences and knowledge she has gained during her time with Next Law. She particularly appreciates the mentorship and guidance provided by Dan!