Hartline Business Lawyers

A Graduate of Gerry Spence’s renowned Trial Lawyers College, Todd, has been helping people through troubled times for years. It started with working as the Public Defender for the City of Clarkston in 1997, the ability to care for clients as people set Todd apart. It continues today; clients find they have more than just an attorney representing them, they have someone who cares about them, and a firm that works for them. The professional, yet personal, touch that is brought to each case from this firm is part of what makes it remarkable. Dedicated and experienced staff know your...

Christopher Small is the owner of CMS Law Firm LLC, the Northwest's premiere estate planning, probate, and trust administration law firm. CMS Law Firm focuses on estate planning for one reason - legacy and family protection are at the forefront of their philosophy and beliefs. Christopher is the proud father of three kids, Blakely, Jackson, and Dillon, and understands how important it is to make sure families have the protection and safety they need to excel no matter the circumstances.

Some of the routine matters we handle include, wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, health care...

A Pacific Northwest native, I grew up on Whidbey Island before moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. I received my law degree magna cum laude from Vermont Law School and was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 2011. Prior to joining Gillin Law Group, I was of counsel at Genesis Law Firm for three years and an associate at Purcell Legal & Mediation Services for two years. Prior to that, I was an Assistant City Attorney with the Seattle City Attorney’s Office for three years.

Bilingual Mandarin Chinese and English attorney. Admitted to the New York State Bar, Washington State Bar, and qualified to the Chinese Bar. Has attorney experience both in the U.S. and in Beijing, China. Mainly focus on the U.S. immigration law, business law, and China practice.

A valued GTH partner, Julie Dickens has been with the firm since 1999. She focuses her practice on estate planning, real estate, and general business, representing individuals and their closely held businesses in all stages of their planning. Besides Wills, trusts, prenuptial agreements and probates, she helps her clients with entity formation, shareholder agreements, real estate purchase and sale agreements, leases, easements, and financing transactions.

Julie enjoys her practice because it offers her the opportunity to interact personally with her clients as she learns their life stories and collaborates with them to develop effective strategies for securing their future. She...

A native of Washington, Joanne takes a Northwest approach to practicing law. Joanne welcomes the opportunity to help her clients develop outside-the-box solutions that are designed to avoid protracted litigation. However, if the dispute needs to be settled in Court, she is no stranger to the Courtroom and welcomes the challenge. She became a partner with Garvey, Schubert & Barer in Seattle in 1999 and later moved to Gordon Thomas Honeywell as a partner in 2008.

Her primary areas of practice include defense litigation, products liability, construction, insurance defense and coverage, broker and agency defense, and appellate advocacy....

A Seattle native, Mike Ricketts received his undergraduate degree from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law. He focuses his practice on civil trial work including property and casualty insurance disputes and other commercial matters, and asbestos and other personal injury and product liability litigation.

He has considerable experience with fire claims and property losses involving product failure, electrical malfunction, or construction issues. He also devotes a substantial portion of his practice to appeals.

Eric’s practice focuses on the representation of individuals and business organizations in a variety of commercial contexts, including planning, organizing, and financing business entities, handling business and real estate transactions, advising on contract and employment issues, and litigating commercial disputes. He is admitted to practice in Washington and Oregon. Eric received his B.A. from the Honors Program at the University of Washington, where he rowed on the varsity crew team, and his J.D. cum laude from Seattle University. He has been named to the list of Washington Rising Stars in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

As a fourth generation Washington lawyer, Hunter developed an early interest in the legal profession. He was drawn to the profession’s challenges and complexities, as well as the sound judgment required of good lawyers. Hunter pursued his interest at the University of Washington School of Law. There he researched and authored reports on modern legal issues for Law School Dean Kellye Testy and served as managing editor of the Washington International Law Journal. Hunter also served as a legal extern to United States District Court Judge Robert J. Bryan. Hunter’s practice areas include business and commercial litigation, municipal liability, insurance...

RUSSELL LAW OFFICES provides legal services to clients in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington from offices in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square and Boise's Empire Building. Our regional practice emphasizes environmental, natural resource, real estate, and business matters. We also engage in litigation and provide mediation, trustee, and business management services. Our numerous clients include individuals, small to medium sized businesses, corporations, public agencies and start-ups. Prior to opening Russell Law Offices, Mr. Russell was of counsel with the firms of Neubauer Hunsinger and Ryan Swanson in Seattle. He also served as Regional Administrator of EPA's Region 10...

I have been practicing bankruptcy and personal injury law in Seattle for over 31 years. I have helped over 5000 individuals get debt free or receive fair compensation for their personal injuries.

I am a native of Olympia, and my family has been in the region for more than 100 years. I received my B.A. in Philosophy before graduating from Lewis and Clark Law School. I have been licensed to practice law since 1996 and have spent my career serving my community. I place an emphasis on attorney-client communication. This includes promptly responding to messages, regularly meeting with clients at my office, and providing an online portal through which clients may access their important records. I promise this level of communication to each and every client I serve.

Shelly focuses her practice on employment law and litigation, commercial litigation, products liability, construction law, insurance defense and coverage, and appellate advocacy. She represents individuals and businesses in all aspects of commercial and employment disputes and especially enjoys working with clients to help them understand the legal process. Shelly prides herself on being a tough advocate for her clients and finding strategic and creative solutions in tough cases.

Shelly joined GTH in 2011. A graduate of the University of Washington School of Law, she began her legal career in Alaska, first serving as a judicial law clerk for...

Before earning her law degree, magna cum laude, from Gonzaga University School and joining GTH in 1991, Margaret Archer was a financial analyst for Westinghouse Hanford Company. She puts her business acumen and insight into the world of finance to good use in her position as Chair of our Board of Directors and in her practice areas of land use, real estate litigation and commercial litigation.

Andrea is a trial lawyer with an emphasis in business and employment litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants. She has successfully represented clients litigating shareholder, non-competition, and employment discrimination disputes, and obtained pre-trial injunctions. She has achieved jury verdicts enforcing her clients’ contract rights, represented clients in trust and estates disputes, and obtained protection for vulnerable adults. She also regularly represents clients in the areas of regulatory monitoring and advocacy, including extensive work in alcohol regulation and policy, and with Washington's Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Andrea joined GTH in 2005 after graduating from Seattle University School of Law,...

Ellis McGehee Carter is a distinguished attorney specializing in corporate and tax matters for nonprofit, tax-exempt, and mission-based businesses, alongside advising donors on major gifts. With a profound dedication to serving organizations that make a significant impact, Ms. Carter leverages her extensive experience in nonprofit governance, tax law, and business transactions to provide unparalleled legal guidance. Her expertise extends to navigating complex tax issues for exempt entities, ensuring they remain compliant while advancing their mission. Ms. Carter's adeptness in handling intricate business transactions for nonprofits is evident through her work on reorganizations, the creation of affiliates and subsidiaries, and facilitating mergers,...

I am a second-career attorney who started Adaptive Law so I could offer legal services my own way. I pursued my law degree following a nearly ten-year academic career in urban planning and community development, and now apply my problem-solving mentality to a mixed practice of estate planning, land use and elder law. I represent my home district (District 3) on the Skagit County Planning Commission, and continue to teach as an adjunct professor in the accredited Urban and Regional Planning program at Cal Poly Pomona. I am a member of the Washington State Association for Justice (WSAF), a volunteer...

Michael T. Smith advises individuals and companies of all types and sizes regarding the proper formation and structure of a business entity (corporation, limited liability company, etc.), their general business and corporate matters, issues related to the purchase or sale or lease of real property and transactions to purchase or sell their business. Michael also focuses his practice on assisting people prepare their estate plan, including wills, trusts, community property agreements, durable powers of attorney, health care directives, and helping families navigate and administer a loved one's estate in probate proceedings. Michael can also assist with guardianship proceedings for loved ones...

Bill Kessler helps businesses, individuals and families reach their goals by providing timely, thorough representation. He understands and facilitates each client’s big-picture objectives, and efficiently integrates his role in achieving those objectives. Bill has litigated Superior Court cases all around Washington and cases in the United States District Courts for the Western District of Washington and Eastern District of Washington. He has also argued cases to the Washington Court of Appeals and has been admitted pro hac vice to several federal and state courts around the United States. Bill conducts a range of business and real estate transactions, including...

David C. Tingstad joined the Firm in 1995, and has extensive experience in the areas of business and real estate transactions, limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations and real estate. David regularly counsels clients in all aspects of business combinations such as asset acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures. In addition, his practice includes assisting operating businesses with succession planning, financing, dissolution and disputes between owners. David is a member of the Washington State Bar Association’s Partnership Law Committee, which is currently working to revise Washington’s Limited Liability Company Statute. David is also a Member of the American Bar Association’s Committee...

At Cornerpoint Law, attorney Stacia Hofmann, JD, ARM, focuses on helping Washington and Idaho businesses and individuals draft, revise, interpret, implement, negotiate, manage, and enforce contracts. Stacia primarily spends her days helping new and established small business owners use the power of contracts, the rules of law, and concepts of risk management for more effective operations and enhanced legal protection. This typically involves drafting and revising business, employee, and customer agreements, and answering related legal questions. Stacia also assists individuals with business ownership offers, exits, LLC disputes, and employment contracts. Cornerpoint Law is a solo, mobile law practice, so clients work...

I represent people and businesses. My practice focuses on civil litigation, plaintiffs' personal injury and business law, but I also handles a wide variety of other types of cases. If your case is out of my practice area, I will help you determine the type of lawyer you need to make sure you get to the right person. I earned my law degree from the University of Washington School of Law in 2001 and my bachelors degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Washington School of Business, with a Finance concentration, in 1998. ...

Whether working hands-on with clients, or spearheading a novel legal matter, Elijah is dedicated to crafting meaningful and lasting legal solutions for his clients. He provides a wide range of legal services, including intellectual property, corporate, contract and litigation services. Over the years he has learned that the law cannot be practiced in a vacuum. Effective legal assistance requires an understanding of each client's unique business and personal realities. In addition to representing clients with their personal matters, he has successfully assisted with matters including trademark and copyright registrations, cease and desist letters and infringement, civil litigation, settlement negotiations, licensing...

Early in his career, Don became a part of legal history when he served as counsel at the trial and appellate levels in the famous “snail darter” case (Tennessee Valley Authority v. Hill, 437 U.S. 153 [1978]), litigated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The litigation resulted in a successful review by the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to practicing law in Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, Don has also taught law and served in senior administrative positions at the University of Puget Sound, University of Michigan, and University of Tennessee law schools.

Since joining GTH in 1982, Don’s practice...

Paul is the founding attorney of North City Law. Paul offers business, estate planning, probate, dispute resolution and litigation advocacy. Paul is curious in his clients, as he has built businesses himself, including North City Law. Based on his understanding of his client’s position, Paul gives strategic options to empower choices. During client intake and interviews, Paul listens for key gaps in a story to root out hidden issues. In disputes and litigation, Paul helps clients reframe the situation to conform to the applicable legal theory. When clients trust Paul with their business, Paul ensures money is spent wisely on...

I am a lawyer who helps small businesses, nonprofits and individuals with contracts, agreements and business/nonprofit formation and governance. I also am knowledgeable about government and environmental law. After working for an international law firm in New York, I decided I wanted to make a positive, local impact, so I opened my own law firm in Seattle. I earned my BA from Tulane University and my JD from the University of Chicago Law School. I have lived all over the US and am thrilled to called the PNW my home.

Theresa is an expert in legal matters pertaining to Tax, Business, Estate Planning, Immigration and Probate. With a Masters in Taxation from UW, her knowledge and expertise in these matters surpass the majority of her peers. She uses her abilities to give back and add value to Seattle-Tacoma, which has nurtured her into the attorney she is today.

Per joined the firm in 2005. He has represented a wide range of clients in the negotiation and drafting of documents for large loan transactions, sales of assets, corporate restructuring, leases, real estate transactions and secured transactions. Per’s experience includes practice before the federal bankruptcy court and appeals in the federal courts and before the Washington Court of Appeals. Per and his family reside in Edmonds. He enjoys golf, bicycling and music.

I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest my whole life. I love it here. I grew up in Lake Stevens, WA, and earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Seattle. After taking a law school course on “Corporations, Law and Society,” I knew I wanted to help Seattle businesses with their legal services. I came to fully appreciate the impact of business on society and how the law can shape this impact. I appreciate the relationship between business and our communities, and I am passionate about making it easier for businesses to positively impact our community.

Robert Dickson practices civil litigation, with a focus on issues related to business, real property and construction law. His clients are diverse, ranging from large corporations to residential homeowners. Recently, Mr. Dickson expanded his practice to include the representation of property owners in mediating their distressed property matters through the Foreclosure Fairness Act. Another element of Mr. Dickson's practice includes contributing to various legal publications. In particular, he serves as an editor and contributing author of the LexisNexis Practice Guide: Washington Real Estate Litigation (LexisNexis 2014) and a contributing author for the Washington Lawyers Practice Manual. At present,...

May is a licensed Attorney and CPA with a J.D. degree, specializing in business law, financial, and tax advisory. With extensive experience in providing strategic guidance and practical solutions, May offers holistic advice tailored to the unique needs of individuals, small businesses, and corporations. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and conversational Japanese, May excels in effective communication and client service, catering to an international clientele. Known for meticulous attention to detail and maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards, May is committed to delivering tailored solutions that drive success in complex legal and financial landscapes.

Babak Shamsi joined the Firm in 2015 with an extensive background in business, real estate, and litigation. While his practice emphasizes civil and commercial litigation, Babak also has significant experience with corporate counseling, work-outs, and real estate transactions. Having represented a diverse array of clients including financial institutions, community associations, and commercial creditors, Babak provides clients with nuanced and effective counseling to help them reach their goals efficiently. Babak was born and raised in the Seattle metropolitan area, and his personal interests include playing guitar and piano.

Seattle Divorce Services is dedicated to conflict resolution in complex cases. Our Seattle divorce attorneys believe that our clients are best served by an approach that reduces fighting and allows for agreement building. In high-conflict cases, our Seattle divorce mediation lawyers work to avoid escalating hostility. This approach is designed to reduce the trauma of the divorce experience and prepare clients to move forward in life, also setting the stage for more successful co-parenting.

I am a business and real estate attorney with a focus on commercial real estate transactions, including the acquisition and disposition of land, commercial and investment property, commercial development, industrial, office and retail leasing, and financing. I also handle related business transactions including formation of entities including for the purchase of real estate, membership interest purchase and sales, and business acquisitions and dispositions.

Conor McCarthy is an experienced Real Estate and Estate Planning attorney, and has spent nearly 15 years helping his clients navigate and resolve complex transactions and disputes. Serving clients large and small, private and public, Conor prides himself on taking the time to listen and fully understand a client’s challenges and goals.

Conor began his career as a civil litigator zealously advocating in contract, construction, real estate, land use and commercial disputes. He then transitioned to become a skilled municipal and transactional attorney negotiating and closing complex commercial and real estate deals, and resolving difficult land use challenges. After managing...

Christon Skinner is the founding member of the Law Offices of Christon C. Skinner, P.S. The firm was established in 1996, when Mr. Skinner opened his own office after being a partner in the law office of Zylstra, Beeksma, Waller & Skinner, which he joined in 1979. Chris expanded his practice to San Juan County when he acquired John Linde’s law office in Friday Harbor in January of 2008. Chris has been actively engaged in the practice of law in Island, Skagit and San Juan Counties for over 32 years with a primary emphasis on business,...

David enjoys developing relationships with clients and helping them achieve their goals. David's civil practice is focused on three primary areas of law: (1) estate and elder law, including wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, and probate; (2) real estate, including the purchase and sale of property, the creation of easements and covenants, and some real estate litigation; and (3) business law, including incorporation or LLC formation, contract drafting, and business purchases and sales. In addition to his legal practice, David serves on the the Port Townsend City Council and is a board member of the Boiler Room...

About Bob Schroeter
Bob Schroeter has provided management, legal and government relations services to clients in Oregon and Washington State for over 25 years. Bob has experience as an Assistant Attorney General, Municipal Counsel, Corporate Director of Government Affairs, Division Director at a State Agency, CEO and Government Relations professional and County Bar Association President, as well as Presiding officer and director for non-profit organizations.

Bob has handled cases before State Superior, Appellate and Supreme Courts & State and Federal District Courts for two decades, and has worked with legislators at the Federal level, and State Legislative, County...