Top State Lawyers in ZIP 98104 | 119 available

Mark A Clausen has retired after 38 years of practicing law. Please contact Tyler Thomas at Clausen Law Firm with any questions or representation on any issues or matters

Liberty's practice encompasses estate planning, probate, trust administration, and taxation. She helps families and individuals achieve their estate planning goals by utilizing tax-saving wills and trusts, durable powers of attorney, advanced directives, and property agreements. By understanding who and what is important to her clients, she creates a comprehensive estate plan customized to achieve each client’s goals.. Following the death of a loved one, Liberty offers guidance and support to personal representatives (a.k.a., executors). She provides a detailed overview of the probate process, prepares the necessary probate paperwork, and communicates frequently to make sure the personal representative meets all time-sensitive deadlines. When necessary, Liberty also prepares Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act Agreements (“TEDRA Agreements”) to make sure the decedent’s estate plan is implemented.. Liberty was previously an attorney with the law firms of Carney Badley Spellman, PS, and Helsell Fetterman, LLP in Seattle. Prior to attending law school, Liberty worked at Columbia Bank as a financial analyst underwriting loans to high net worth individuals and businesses.

Laura's practice focuses on wills, trusts and estates. She works with individuals to help them establish foundational documents, such as tax saving wills and living trusts, financial and health care powers of attorneys, and health care directives. She addresses complex issues that may arise, including non-citizen status, retirement benefit planning and life insurance arrangements.

Ken Hart is a Principal at Carney Badley Spellman, P.S.  His practice is focused on commercial and business transactions, business startups, real estate transactions and related litigation. He assists clients with business formations, as well as with negotiating and drafting partnership, shareholder and employment contracts; and negotiating and documenting business purchases and sales and secured sales transactions.. For many of his business clients, Ken serves the role of general counsel to handle such matters as lease negotiations, vendor disputes, employment issues, sales and acquisitions, and ownership succession. He strives to stay current with his clients and to be available and responsive when they need help and advice, so that they can concentrate on running and growing their businesses.. In addition to business law, Ken has extensive litigation, trial practice and appellate experience in various courts and jurisdictions, both state and federal, and in a broad range of areas. These include general civil litigation, commercial and real estate law. He has researched and written extensively on the law as it pertains to adverse possession, property boundary line and easement disputes, and is a sought-after CLE speaker on those topics. Ken is also a trained mediator and experienced arbitrator.. Both by training and inclination, Ken is a problem-solver, and his approach to the practice of law is collaborative. That means helping clients better understand whatever situation they are facing and providing them with information and guidance they need to make informed decisions. Ken's experience as both a transactional lawyer and litigator allows him to better provide his clients with insightful strategic planning and the advice they need to meet their day-to-day challenges.. Ken has been active in both the state and local bar associations, and over the years has served with distinction in various leadership roles. In 1990, Ken was honored as the Washington State Bar Association's Young Lawyer of the Year. Ken is also a former treasurer of the King County Bar Association. He served for three years on the Washington State Bar Association Disciplinary Board, a dedicated group of practicing lawyers and laypersons appointed to review complaints of lawyer misconduct and determine disciplinary actions when appropriate.. Ken is the former editor of the Washington Lawyers Practice Manual and a former member of the Editorial Advisor Board for De Novo magazine. He has also served as chairman of the King County Fair Judicial Campaign Practices Committee and currently serves as a Trustee of the King County Bar Association's Employee Retirement Fund.

Joshua Reinertson is an Associate Attorney with Reed Longyear Malnati Corwin & Burnett, PLLC. His practice focuses primarily on estate planning, probate, and related tax issues. Joshua enjoys working closely with clients to develop estate plans that embody RLMCB’s tenets of “proactive planning” and “sensible solutions.” Joshua has experience drafting wills and trusts which implement client goals, such as ensuring that client assets are used to set up scholarship endowments, or simply reducing tax liabilities to ensure wealth is available for the use of future generations.. Joshua received his law degree from Seattle University School of Law, from which he graduated with honors. While in attendance, Joshua excelled in classes dealing with diverse areas of law, however he quickly developed a passion for estate planning. In order to provide clients with refined level of service—and to further his understanding of the technical tax issues involved in estate planning—he enrolled in the Graduate Tax Program at the University of Washington School of Law. Joshua was awarded the Washington State Bar Association Tax Section’s annual scholarship and he is expected to receive his Master of Laws Degree in Taxation in 2019.. Prior to joining Reed Longyear Malnati Corwin & Burnett, Joshua was a legal extern for the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity office. There, he gained experience related to the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and worked on negotiating settlements of discrimination claims. Joshua began working at RLMA as a legal intern in 2017 and has been a great asset to the firm since.. Joshua also enjoys engaging in volunteer work. He is currently a volunteer with the Washington First Responders Will Clinic, which provides free estate planning to police officers, firefighters, and other first responders. Joshua has also served as a Team Leader with King County Explorer Search and Rescue, an organization providing free-of-charge rescue services on Washington trails.. Outside of the office, Joshua spends his free time riding motorcycles, learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, working his way through a variety of classic literature, and enjoying the great Pacific Northwest on mountain bikes or skis.

John C. Dippold, a principal, joined the firm in
1996. He serves on Carney's Board of Directors and is Co-Chair of the firm's
Construction Department. John's practice principally involves construction
litigation, commercial litigation, construction
law, development, commercial and residential real
estate, and federal/state government contracts in Washington, Oregon, Alaska
and Hawaii. John Dippold served as a Commissioner for the Issaquah Highlands
Development Commission from 1999-2003 and as Vice-Chairman of the Commission in
2004.. Mr. Dippold's experience expands a broad range of construction and
development issues. His primary clients include owners, developers, general
contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. He has in-depth knowledge of the
construction and real estate industries and this allows him to work closely with
his clients in drafting and negotiating construction contracts. Mr. Dippold has
litigated many complex construction claims arising from delays, design errors
and cost overruns. His experience includes drafting and successfully litigating
multi-million-dollar federal and state government procurement contracts and bid
protests. His practice also includes assisting clients in a broad range of
commercial and residential real estate developments. He has worked on hotels,
multi-family condominium and apartment projects that have included the
development of construction contracts and finance, including construction loans,
litigation of defect claims and earnest money disputes as well as other types of
breach of contracts. In addition, he has worked with homeowner associations on
governing contracts and bylaws and assisted them in addressing construction
defects, property damage claims and other liability claims.. Mr. Dippold is involved in several industry associations, including the Associated General Contractors of America and Commercial Real Estate Development
Association (NAIOP). He regularly gives seminars to the construction and
real estate industry groups. Previous seminars have included topics on
construction law in the state of Washington, litigating construction claims,
leasing, and drafting construction contracts.. Mr. Dippold has been honored as a 2009 Rising Star in Washington state by Washington Law and Politics magazine.

Jim has extensive legal and management experience within the aviation industry, including Lead Counsel at Alaska Airlines and Senior Attorney at Trans World Airlines. He holds a commercial pilot license with over 2,500 hours and was the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of a regional Hawaiian airline, as well as Managing Partner of Waldon Law Group, a law practice with an aviation focus. His practice focuses on aircraft transactions and finance and Federal Aviation Administration regulatory matters, general business, and corporate law. He represents domestic airlines and business aircraft owners and operators. He assists clients in establishing appropriate operating structures for aircraft to comply with the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration regulatory requirements and has represented numerous clients in regard to participation in fractional ownership programs. Jim represents clients before the FAA in enforcement actions and assists in obtaining Part 135, 121, and 129 authority for commercial operators. Jim is frequently consulted by local media to discuss various aviation topics.

In my real estate practice, I represent local and national developers and lenders in all aspects of acquisition, development, financing, leasing, and disposition for multi-family residential, mixed-use, office, and retail projects - with a focus on creative, cost-efficient results. I create private equity and debt funds for private regional lenders and other real estate-related companies, and assist them on a range of financing transactions. As Cairncross & Hempelmann's Managing Partner, I'm responsible for the day-to-day management of the firm, and supervise administration, finances, technology, and business development.. My deep passion for Seattle and city government led to my appointment by former Mayor Greg Nickels to the Pike Place Market Council, where I currently serve as chair. I am an identical twin (I credit this for my highly developed people-antenna) and lived in Paris for four years (still read French newspapers). Hemingway, with his clarity and mastery of language, will always be one of my favorite authors. And in a guilty pleasure sort of way, I am really enjoying the proliferation of micro-distilleries in the area.

In 1965 my family founded a manufacturing company in Tukwila and continued to operate it throughout my school years. From that young age, I saw that owning and operating your own business is stressful and requires constant attention, but can also be extremely rewarding.. With family business part of my daily life, it was natural for me to seek a major in business administration. I graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Business Administration focusing on Entrepreneurship and a minor in Political Science.. During the course of my legal education, I realized that businesspersons evolve their practices due to an ever-changing collection of laws and regulations, which can be challenging, and disputes are sometimes inevitable. Having an attorney who understands the inside of a courtroom, as well as the intricacies of owning and managing a business, is a significant advantage.. My daily goal is to be a value-added partner and trusted adviser to my clients. To accomplish this I get to know the inner workings of my clients’ business, their employees, and customers. When an issue arises, I am able to identify the optimal way to achieve a client’s objectives, in light of the stakes involved. Nothing gets me more excited than to see my clients succeed and to know I was able to have a positive impact on their business.. Education. Bar Admissions. Community Engagement. Recent Representative Matters. Reported Cases

I practice in the areas of business and corporate law, health law, employment and real estate law. I focus on mergers and acquisitions, commercial, corporate
planning, partnership, asset and stock purchase and sale, employment,
and the formation of medical practice groups.

I help people get the relief that is available under the bankruptcy code and I actually enjoy doing it. I have heavily concentrated in bankruptcy, filing or otherwise working on approximately 2000 cases over a 15 year span. In addition to my consumer bankruptcy experience, I also do creditor's side work helping aggrieved parties collect on their debts. I know how they think, and I can help you get relief.. While bankruptcy is my main area of concentration, I can also help business wind up their activities or help them in receiverships.. On the personal side, I graduated with a degree in geology and worked in a limestone quarry as an on-site geologist for a summer. After that, I moved to Japan where I taught English, wrote English textbooks and helped to manage an English school for 4.5 years.. I look forward to getting to know you and to helping you with your case.. -Steve Palmer

I have been an attorney at HCMP since 1982, having arrived in Seattle from the boom town of Buffalo, N.Y., following law school and college on the east coast. As dictated by the then prevailing real estate environment, I spent my first seven years dealing primarily with workout and bankruptcy matters. As the real estate sector of the economy improved, I shifted to transactional work, mostly financing transactions and loan syndications.  I have found that, working through some troubled times has given me a great perspective on what's really important when "push comes to shove" in a transaction and, with the recent turn in the economy, my early experience has been a true resource in handling the restructuring and workout of troubled loans and in advising clients in creating effective strategies for realizing on their security. I regularly advise our clients, including a number of financial institutions, in lending, real estate, and related debtor-creditor matters, and supervise attorneys and paralegals providing assistance in the full spectrum of financing and real estate-related areas.. In addition to almost 30 years of experience assisting our clients in addressing their legal concerns, I have spent considerable time working with industry and trade groups in ways that have helped me gain a broader perspective on the issues my clients face on a daily basis. Those in the lending industry have even shown enough confidence in my judgment to elect me President of the Seattle Mortgage Bankers Association and an Associate Director of the Washington Mortgage Lenders Association, and I continue to be involved with both organizations on an ongoing basis as Chair of their joint legal-legislative committee.

I enjoy helping clients navigate important life transitions with clarity and care, whether through estate planning, probate, or family law matters. My goal is always to guide my clients toward solutions that protect their emotional, financial, and psychological well-being.. My background in managing legal discovery and internal investigations for major organizations has given me a practical and detail-oriented approach, which I now bring to my work with individuals and families.. Outside of the office, I love running forest trails, diving into books and music, and spending time with family at game nights.

I am a startup and corporate transactions attorney in Seattle. My practice falls into three broad categories:. I represent companies from inception to exit, and provide general counsel services along the way. For example, I regularly help companies adopt and administer stock option and other forms of equity compensation plans and arrangements.. I also represent investors in companies, as well as executives and founders.. You can reach me at, or via email at You can follow me on Twitter at @joewallin.. I am a frequent public speaker, and happily entertain offers to speak.. I blog at , and I podcast at .

I am a Seattle lawyer with almost 30 years of experience in real estate, finance, partnerships, LLCs, and general business matters. I achieve results through careful analysis of issues, good listening, creative consideration of alternatives, reasoned selection of solutions and strategies, well organized plain English documentation, attention to the psychology underlying a business transaction, skillful persuasion when necessary, and quick implementation. Please call me. Thanks

I am a Seattle area native, raised in a politically active family. Since joining HCMP in 1981, my practice has focused on land use and environmental law, with an emphasis on land development, zoning and permitting. Our state's permit system can be a complex maze for many clients, and I enjoy applying my unique experience to meet our clients' needs.

From a very young age I have been immersed, in one way or another, with ice hockey. Hockey instilled in me the core values of hard work, leadership, loyalty, and honesty — all qualities that I apply in the practice of law. The sport has also shown me the success that can be achieved through working together as a team. In my practice I approach every legal matter with a team mentality and strive to ensure that my clients understand that they are a critical part of the team; cooperation, understanding, and communication are key. Through a team approach, clear communication, and trust, it is my goal to help clients resolve any dispute and then minimize the risk going forward.. I strive to develop long-lasting client relationships by providing the upmost service, regardless of the size or complexity of the legal matter. I have represented clients on a wide variety of transactional matters including residential real property purchases and sales, residential and commercial leases, business purchase and sales, and business entity formation. I have also represented clients in litigation involving construction issues, contractual disputes, property disputes, landlord-tenant actions and evictions. I enjoy working with construction contractors, big and small, to help them navigate the complexities of the construction arena, whether through litigation or in drafting documents to help protect their interests.. Originally from Yakima Washington, I moved to Seattle in 2004 to attend the University of Washington. I graduated with a B.A. in Political Science in 2008 where I played for and captained the University of Washington Ice Hockey Team. I graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 2013 and have been practicing law in Seattle ever since.. When not working, I enjoy playing and coaching hockey, rock-climbing, mountain biking, surfing, sailing, and enjoying everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I live in Seattle with my wife and daughter in the Maple Leaf neighborhood. Education. Bar Admissions. Community Engagement. Recent Representative Matters

For over a decade I have had the privilege of being trusted to create estate plans that reflect specific goals and values my clients have worked a lifetime to create. Whether your focus is on charitable giving, tax optimization, or ensuring the well-being of your loved ones, I am here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.. With extensive experience in estate planning, including charitable gift planning, tax-exempt entity establishment, and navigating complex tax laws, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. From drafting wills and trusts to offering counsel on lifetime and post-mortem tax planning strategies, I am equipped to address all aspects of your estate planning needs.. Moreover, my dedication extends beyond client work to include active involvement with nonprofit organizations, where I share insights on how charitable giving can serve as a tax-efficient strategy. I am deeply passionate about helping individuals like yourself make informed decisions that align with both your financial objectives and philanthropic values.. On a personal note, outside of my professional endeavors, I find joy in spending time with my daughter, who continually inspires me with her boundless curiosity and zest for life.. I would be honored to have the opportunity to partner with you in safeguarding your legacy.

Following in the footsteps of my grandfather and father, I found a passion for the study of history. For both society and institutions, there is value in learning where we come from as the knowledge allows us to better understand what the future holds. Likewise, as an advocate for my clients, it is essential to become familiar with the unique factual history, past and potential legal treatment, and practical implications of each client’s position. Seeking a legal counselor often means one has reached a fork in the road; I enjoy finding the route best suited for my clients’ individual needs.. Born in Seattle, I enjoy helping individuals and businesses around our region, providing me with an opportunity to help shape this innovative area. I take pride in building relationships with my clients as a trusted advocate.. As a lifelong Husky, I am proud to be a University of Washington graduate with a B.A. in History and Communication. I earned my J.D. from Willamette University College of Law in Salem, Oregon. Outside the office, I continually seek opportunities to stay engaged with my community, as well as strengthen my relationships with its residents as a volunteer with local and national non-profits. In my free time I enjoy exploring and photographing the Puget Sound and all of its beauty.

Chris's practice focuses on real estate-related business transactions. He documents and negotiates loans for institutional lenders, structures partnerships and LLCs for developers and equity real estate investors, establishes condominiums, represents land banking entities, and advises businesses and individuals on leases, easements, covenants, contracts, and other business matters. Chris received a J.D., with high honors, from the University of Washington, and a B.A. from Columbia College.

Catherine Clark is keenly aware of the complexities and stress that come with legal disputes, particularly the fear of unknown outcomes and expenses. With over three decades in the legal field, she has built a robust practice focusing on appeals, primarily in commercial and real estate law. Catherine's expertise is crucial for navigating the hazardous and expensive waters of the appeals process, where her skills ensure the protection of her clients' interests. Additionally, her personal experience as a business owner deepens her understanding of the stakes involved in commercial disputes, allowing her to offer cost-effective solutions in these complex situations. Catherine’s extensive knowledge and practical experience empower her to devise strategic resolutions to complicated cases, often achieving favorable outcomes without resorting to trials or court proceedings.

Andy’s practice spans many disciplines including environmental, real estate, land use, and construction law. He advises clients on regulatory compliance and litigation of cost recovery and contribution actions under the Washington Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Andy has successfully managed the environmental remediation and regulatory closure of several complex contaminated sites. He regularly counsels clients on the risks and opportunities of buying, selling, and redeveloping contaminated property, assisting with environmental and geotechnical due diligence and negotiating transactional documents such as real estate purchase and sale agreements, asset sale agreements, leases, construction contracts, and easement agreements.. Andy’s environmental experience also includes work on issues involving industrial storm water permit compliance, the National and State Environmental Policy Acts, wetland issues, development code compliance, construction defect cases, condemnation actions, and the Endangered Species Act.

Amit’s practice focuses on litigation and bankruptcy. He represents clients in a broad range of litigation matters including commercial contracts, real estate, lending, employment, civil rights and liberties, environmental and land use, and construction. Amit has worked with a wide variety of clients including local municipalities, large and small private entities, and individual developers.

Alex's practice focuses on civil litigation involving a wide range of subject matters. He has represented national, regional, and local financial institutions in commercial litigation, real estate litigation, and bankruptcy cases. He has also represented businesses and individuals in disputes involving contracts, insurance, investments, loans, leases, real estate, employment, and enforcement of judgments. Before attending law school and joining HCMP, Alex worked in the biotechnology industry as an entrepreneur and research scientist working on computational biology, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical target discovery, and development of biological threat detection devices for defense and national security applications.

After being in private practice for 6.5 years, Lisa W. Gafken has returned to the Washington Attorney General's Office, where she began her career in 2001. Her initial assignment with the AGO was with the Utilities and Transportation Commission Division, where she spent four years representing Commission Staff in rate proceedings, telecom proceedings, and compliance proceedings.  In addition, Ms. Gafken represented the Commission in court proceedings to enforce Commission orders. She left the AGO in 2005 to enter private practice.  During her time in private practice, Ms. Gafken focused on litigating trust and estate matters under TEDRA, protecting vulnerable adults under Chapter 74.34 RCW, and representing clients in both contested and uncontested probate and guardianship matters. She began as an associate attorney, and then opened a law firm with a partner.. Ms. Gafken returned to the AGO in April 2012, and now serves as an Assistant Attorney General in the Public Counsel Section, where she represents customers of investor-owned utilities in proceedings before the Utilities and Transportation Commission.. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association.  Ms. Gafken served as a board member of MAMA Seattle, the Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association of Seattle, from 2008 to 2014. In addition, she was a founding member of the Lawyers Fostering Independence team, a group of lawyers offering legal assistance to foster children aging out of the foster care system, and she served as a board member for a nonprofit child care center.. Ms. Gafken obtained her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Politics and Government (political science) from the University of Puget Sound.  She graduated cum laude from Seattle University School of Law in 2001.