Attorneys
Budge & Heipt was founded by attorneys Ed Budge and Erik Heipt, both of whom share a passion for justice in civil rights cases. Based in Seattle,Ed and Erik represent families and victims of civil rights violations in federal district courts nationwide. The firm has achieved some of the most impressive civil rights victories in the country.
Ed Budge
Edwin Budge has been representing clients in civil rights cases and high-end injury and death cases for more than 28 years. Ed is a 1991 summa cum laude graduate of the University of Oregon. He graduated magna cum laude from Willamette University College of Law in 1994, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Willamette Law Review.
Erik J. Heipt
An experienced courtroom litigator with a passion for civil rights, Erik Heipt is a member of the Washington and California bars. Erik graduated from the University of Colorado in 1991 and received his law degree in 1994 from Willamette University College of Law, where he was Associate Editor of the Willamette Law Review.
Andrea Woods
Andrea is fiercely dedicated to her work as a civil rights advocate and knows the myriad abuses that can occur behind bars. She’s a seasoned civil rights litigator who cares deeply about her colleagues and clients. She strives to bring humor, heart, and high-caliber work to each of her cases.
Hank Balson
For nearly two decades, Hank Balson has devoted his legal career to helping individuals and groups challenge civil rights abuses by governments and corporations. He became of counsel to Budge & Heipt in 2017.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of serious injury and/or death at the hands of police or in jail or prison, tell us about your case.