Clark County Lawyers

I am a resident of Gig Harbor, WA, and have lived in the community for over 20 years. I focus my practice on estate planning, including: wills, trusts, and probate administration.

I am a seasoned criminal defense attorney from Tacoma, Washington, with more than 26 years of experience in the field. My practice is primarily centered around criminal defense, where I have built a distinguished reputation for advocating for my clients and providing thorough legal guidance. In addition to my work in criminal defense, I have been a pioneer in cannabis law. I played a pivotal role in the legalization of medical and adult-use cannabis in Washington State. Currently, I am working to influence the state’s efforts to legalize and regulate psilocybin.

I am a criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of experience, deeply committed to justice and protecting the rights of the accused. Throughout my career, I have defended clients against a broad spectrum of charges, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, ensuring they receive fair treatment under the law. My approach to criminal defense is uniquely strategic, informed by my extensive understanding of both sides of the courtroom. Having previously served as a prosecuting attorney in King County, I gained invaluable insights into how the state constructs cases against defendants. Now, in my role as a criminal defense attorney, I...

Welcome. My goal is to listen to clients and deliver effective and cost efficient high quality legal services, focusing on maximizing results either through negotiation or litigation, whichever is appropriate for the circumstance. Many cases can be resolved amicably through settlement. This office offers a free initial telephone with a lawyer to discuss your legal issue: (253) 272-1434. With over 20 years of experience in Tacoma in Pierce County, Washington, I represent clients in many other cities and states who are civilians, military servicemembers, and veterans. Because there is often so much...

Chris Van Vechten moved to Tacoma from Portland in 2004 to attend the University of Puget Sound. He studied history, volunteered in the community, worked as a legislative staff member for a state representative and later a state senator, and even personally ran for school board before enrolling in Seattle University School of Law. Prior to launching the Law Office of Chris Van Vechten, Chris worked as a Rule 9 prosecuting attorney with the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office and later with the Lakewood City Attorney’s Office. In addition, he interned with the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Civil Division...

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,...

Before becoming an attorney, Reuben worked in the construction and building trade. He puts his prior life experience to good use in his practice areas of environmental and land use law. In addition to being a skilled attorney, Reuben is a compassionate advocate who loves working with his clients to solve problems and keep goals and objectives on track.

Reuben began his career at the Washington Supreme Court where he served as law clerk to Justice Charles W. Johnson. Prior to that, he served as an extern to Judge James L. Robart at the Federal District Court in Seattle.

Rita is a founding partner and CEO of McKinley Irvin. With an eye toward the future, Rita works with the firm's leadership team to maintain McKinley Irvin’s commitment to excellence in law practice, client service, professionalism, and firm management. In addition to her work at McKinley Irvin, Rita is deeply involved in the Tacoma community and has served as a director on several local and professional boards. She currently serves on the Legal Pathways Community Advisory Board and as a Dressel Scholars Mentor at the University of Washington Tacoma. Additionally, Rita founded MI’s Black Law Student Mentorship Program where she...

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.

James joined GTH after completing a clerkship for the former Chief Justice of the Washington Supreme Court. He focuses his practice pursuing trials in the areas of personal injury, catastrophic accidents, employment law, and insurance coverage.

He has briefed and argued multiple appeals, including cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Washington Supreme Court. In his practice he has represented families in wrongful death cases, victims in sexual abuse cases, and many returning U.S. service members who face discrimination or retaliation in the workplace.

When he’s not working, he’s blazing trails, scaling peaks, and skiing with his...

Warren’s primary area of practice is labor and employment law. In this capacity, he represents employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, including discrimination, harassment, termination, wage-and-hour litigation, collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, and day-to-day advice.

If client loyalty and satisfaction are any measure of an attorney’s success, then Warren has a lot to proud of. After 30 years, he continues to represent his first legal client, a chain of locally owned grocery stores. In fact, he has worked for many of his clients for several decades. Some of his other long-term clients include Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma Housing Authority,...

James B. Feldman is an experienced trial and criminal defense attorney in Pierce, King, Kitsap and Thurston counties Tacoma and other areas of Western Washington. He is a graduate of the College of the University of Chicago and the University of Puget Sound School of Law. For twenty-eight years, he has been fighting to protect the rights of people accused of crimes both misdemeanors and felonies including DUI, domestic violence, property crimes, fraud and murder. He is a member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association, The Federal Bar of the Western District of Washington, the...

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,...

A Seattle native, Amanda O’Halloran joined the firm in 1995, after graduating from Seattle University School of Law. She focuses her practice primarily on providing employment law advice to a diverse group of businesses, ranging from car dealerships and other retail establishments to healthcare providers, financial services companies, non-profits, and private membership associations. She is frequently called upon to provide advice on difficult employment terminations, conducting internal harassment and discrimination investigations, drafting employment agreements and other contracts, and developing anti-harassment policies and conducting training. Amanda works closely with Human Resource personnel, executive management, and business owners to resolve...

Immigration attorney with a focus on family-based immigration law. I'm passionate about helping people of different backgrounds acquire legal status and pursue the American dream. As an immigrant myself, I understand how complex and intimidating the U.S. immigration system can be. I enjoy helping people resolve their immigration issues so they can focus on building their future. I live in Tacoma, Washington with my wife and two daughters. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, spending time with my family, and working on house remodeling projects.

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...

I have been helping clients with DUI defense & traffic infractions for over 25 years! My understanding and knowledge of your situation with your case is what sets me apart. I work directly with you one-on-one to see your case through and get you the best possible outcome!

EXCLUSIVE PRACTICE - My practice is concentrated on Criminal, DUI, and Traffic defense cases. I am not a general practitioner who handles many different types of law. Criminal law has been my focus area since I became a lawyer over 25 years ago.

CUSTOMER SERVICE - I treat clients the way I would...

Trial practice, real estate.

Casey got his start as a lawyer with the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office where he won his first several jury trials. After working briefly with the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office, he was hired by the Hester Law Group where he worked for ten years – trying numerous misdemeanor, felony and civil trials – before joining Puget Law Group in February 2019 as a Partner. In January 2022, Casey became Managing Partner. Casey fights vigorously for his clients. He has been recognized for his fervent representation of his civil clients – having a 100% success rate at trial – and he has...

Jonathan "Jonny" Baner focuses his practice on debt collection and personal injury. ?Jonny represents creditors that are individuals, businesses, and debt collection companies. The bulk of his practice involves discovering and garnishing or otherwise seizing assets of debtors for sale to the benefit of creditor clients. He represents creditors across all of Washington State including in Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Spokane. He has had cases in almost every county in Washington. Growing up in St. Louis, Jonny was surrounded by the hard-working values of his parents. His father was a union autoworker and his mother worked in hospitality, instilling in Jonny a deep...

I aggressively pursue legal remedies on behalf of my clients to the fullest extent of the law by providing forceful, commanding, and bold attorney representation; as a result, I GET results! At the end of the day, I hope to make meaningful connections with honest hard-working people. Ultimately, my goal is to form lifelong relationships with my clients--I'll work on your case as if I were a member of your family; I invite you to consider becoming a member of ours. My practice areas include the following: (1) Employment Discrimination; (2) Disparate Treatment; (3) Disparate Impact;...

Lindsay Noel is a family law attorney at McKinley Irvin, serving clients in Tacoma, Seattle, and Puyallup. She represents clients in a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, relocation, military family law, and LGBTQ+ family law. Known for her compassionate approach and strategic advocacy, Lindsay helps clients navigate complex and emotionally challenging situations with clarity and confidence.

I grew up in Enumclaw, Washington, with a close-knit family who instilled in me the values of family, faith, and hard work. Growing up, I enjoyed fishing, skiing, and being outdoors. I have wanted to be a lawyer from my youth. The allure of fighting for the little guy,speaking up for the vulnerable, and seeking justice led me to a career as a personal injury attorney. To this end, I attended the University of San Diego and graduated Cum Laude from Seattle University School of Law. After earning my degree, I served as an extern for the Seattle...

Robert V. Boeshaar is a sole-practitioner focusing on tax controversy work in Seattle, Washington. He helps individuals and small businesses find the best resolution of their disputes with the IRS and stay out of trouble. Prior to opening his own practice, he was an attorney for the Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel for over fourteen years. He is Past President of the Washington State Bar Association Tax Section.

Chong H. Ye is a Federal Way, WA personal injury trial lawyer who understands that when clients come to him with legal concerns, they need his experience and his readiness to fight the insurance companies on their behalf. Chong spent the first ten years out of college in ministry leading youth, college, and adults. His ministry experience is advantageous in ensuring his clients receive individualized attention with their cases. Furthermore, he advises his clients to continue receiving the necessary medical treatments and allow him to concentrate on preventing the insurance companies from taking advantage of them. Ultimately, his goal is...

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Bill Holt moved gradually westward—with a 7-year stop in Iowa City to pick up his undergraduate and law degrees—until he got to Tacoma in 1970. He has lived and worked here in the Northwest ever since, joining GTH in 1971 after clerking for Judge William T. Beeks in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington.

His primary areas of practice include the purchase and sale of businesses and large commercial real estate projects, as well as intellectual property law, privacy and publicity law, public records law, and finance.

Campos Avelar Law is committed to fighting for immigrant rights. Our goal is to gain justice and equality for immigrants through the victory of each case we take on. Our dedication is reflected in the energy and time that we commit to your particular legal matter. If you are looking for a passionate and experienced team, Campos Avelar Law is where your searching ends

Active personal injury and criminal defense practice. Read for the bar exam through the Washington State Bar Association’s Rule 6 Law Clerk Program under attorney Dean Standish Perkins in Seattle, Washington. Former special assistant to Representative Thomas S. Foley, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Taught English in Viet Nam. Member of Tribal Court Bars. Member of Phi Delta Theta.

Brent Bohan is a family law and divorce attorney with high energy and a powerful drive to obtain the best possible outcomes for his clients. While running a private practice, Brent discovered his talent for family law. He loves helping people solve problems, and family law provided a challenging and rewarding way to do so. Brent now focuses his practice on family law and divorce, including high asset divorce and LGBT family law. Known for being a tough litigator, Brent combines a talent in the courtroom with his ability to develop productive and friendly relationships with the...

Christopher Morales grew up a military brat, whose family was stationed all over the western United States, including Phoenix, AZ, Albuquerque, NM, Denver, CO, and Corpus Christi, TX. While he enjoyed each place for its own unique charm, upon landing in King County, it was love at first sight. Christopher kept his higher education local for as long as possible, attending the University of Washington where he earned a degree in political science. He did leave Western Washington for a short period of time to attend law school at Creighton University in Nebraska but pined for the cloudy skies and...

Janet George is widely recognized as one of the top family law attorneys in the state of Washington. She limits her practice to complex, high asset and high income cases, including those involving property characterization, business valuations, and the distribution of multi-million dollar estates. She has represented high net worth individuals across different fields, including business owners, corporate executives, legal and medical professionals, and professional athletes. Janet has received the top honors of her field. She has been a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) since 1992, serving as President of the Washington AAML chapter from 1997 to...

Elizabeth A. Hoffman-Graff is an Senior Attorney at McKinley Irvin’s Kirkland office. She practices in all areas of family law, including divorce, domestic violence, unmarried couples, LGBT family law, and more. Elizabeth has been distinguished as a Super Lawyer by Washington Super Lawyers due to her experience, reputation, and consistently exceptional client service.

Sarah is a person (who happens to also be an attorney) fueled by compassion, curiosity, and the desire to see justice prevail. She started her path towards the legal profession at age 7 when she negotiated her first deal: to stay up past her bedtime. She did not win. Several decades later, she applied this and many other life lessons to the practice of law. In her spare time, you can find Sarah at the local dog park trying and failing to get her dog to fetch a tennis ball, playing on the water, listening to music, traveling around this...

Kim Schnuelle is a seasoned family law attorney at McKinley Irvin with decades of experience in negotiation, litigation, and client advocacy. She helps clients navigate divorce, custody, and other family law matters with compassion, clear communication, and well-prepared strategies. Before joining McKinley Irvin in 2011, Kim served 17 years with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Family Support Division, resolving thousands of cases. Dedicated to fairness, respect, and continual improvement, she brings both legal skill and a personal touch to every case. Outside of work, Kim enjoys travel, hiking, skiing, yoga, and time with animals at her Brewster, WA cabin.

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...