Kirkland Lawyers

I, David Starks, am honored to hold distinctions such as Diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, recognition among the Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State, inclusion in *The Best Lawyers in America*, and acknowledgment as a Washington Super Lawyer. While public accolades are meaningful, I focus on being a strategic thinker, a dedicated advocate, and someone who values personal connections. I firmly believe that “law, even as an imperfect human creation, is capable of great things.” I strive to demonstrate that belief daily by representing clients in a variety of...

Laura is a Family Law Mediator. She has over 20 years of experience helping family law clients resolve their cases through litigation and negotiation. She is an accomplished lawyer, leader, mediator and mentor. Laura is dedicated to assisting clients and their attorneys resolve family law disputes with creativity and respect.

Brian Edwards started his career in clinical psychology, where he often served as a court-appointed counselor for mentally ill patients. With his listening and conflict resolution skills, honed through his years as a therapist, and because he’s driven by a desire to help people who are going through difficult transitions, he chose to become a family law attorney. "This is the area of law that really matters the most. It touches on the most fundamental pieces of peoples’ lives: their family, their children, and their financial security." He has significant trial experience and is particularly knowledgeable in non-parental custody matters. He...

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...

Personal injury attorney Max Meyers has been the voice of the individuals in Washington State who have been seriously harmed physically or mentally by the negligence or wrongdoing of another person or entity. Max has devoted his career to fighting for the rights of those who have been seriously or fatally injured in motor vehicle accidents, and helping them recover the compensation to which they're entitled.

Darcia C. Tudor JD, MHP, CWM is an experienced attorney, and mediator working with a practice focus on mediation of family law matters, Discernment Therapy, Forensic reconciliation and Parent Coordination therapy. She has served as a Title 4, 11, and 26 Guardian ad Litem appointed by the court in these matters, and as a Parent Coordination, Child Specialist, Re-unification Therapist, and Co-parent Conflict Reduction specialist.

She graduated from the University of Puget Sound Law School in 1981.

She obtained her certification in Family Law Mediation in 1995, completed the King County Dispute Resolution Training in...

I opened my private law practice Parnell Defense in 2006. However, before then I worked as one of WA’s leading criminal defense lawyers. After graduating law school in 1998 I started practicing criminal justice first as a public defender. Eventually I was hired as the former lead jury trial attorney for one of the busiest DUI defense law firms in Washington. I have extensive knowledge of the DUI process and am never afraid to go to trial. Over the last 22 years, I’ve tried hundreds of cases and spoken at numerous DUI seminars for WA attorneys. I am an active member...

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...

Erin Blower is a dedicated family law attorney who helps clients navigate divorce, custody, and other family matters with empathy and skill. She understands the emotional challenges of family law cases and works to guide clients toward resolution through alternative dispute resolution whenever possible, while effectively representing them in court when needed. Erin has extensive experience in domestic violence cases and serves as secretary of the DOVE Project, a nonprofit focused on prevention through education. She is committed to helping clients regain security, peace of mind, and stability during times of transition. Based on Vashon Island, Erin enjoys cheering on...

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.

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.

John Rosecrans is an accomplished family law attorney with considerable experience litigating complex, high net-worth dissolutions. His calm demeanor and steady, logical approach serve to make the divorce process easier for his clients. Counseling his clients with candor and consideration, John believes in setting reasonable and accurate expectations from the onset of a case. He believes that clients deserve full transparency, which he provides. “I am most gratified when my clients tell me that I communicated well throughout the case, and that it all happened as I said it would.” John is highly regarded in the legal community for his integrity, legal knowledge,...

Behind Jennifer Payseno’s calm and deliberate demeanor are the intellect and ability of one of Seattle’s finest family law attorneys. Affiliated with McKinley Irvin since 1999, Jennifer is highly regarded throughout the legal community for her integrity, courtroom skills, and unwavering commitment to every family she serves.

Theresa Lorella is a skilled family law attorney and mediator dedicated to helping clients navigate divorce, child custody, parenting plan modifications, and property division with compassion and clarity. She became an attorney to help people find their voices during life-changing and often emotional transitions, prioritizing her clients’ need to be heard, understood, and supported. Theresa listens deeply to each client’s perspective, concerns, and goals, using that insight to craft effective, tailored strategies. While she is a strong advocate in litigation, she is specially trained in collaborative law and serves as a neutral mediator in settlement conferences—giving her unique tools to minimize...

With considerable experience as an attorney, mediator, and pro tempore Superior Court commissioner, Cameron Fleury has a comprehensive understanding of the complex legal and financial issues involved in divorce. His well-rounded perspective allows him to assess each client’s situation accurately and obtain favorable results.

Clients learn quickly that Cameron is fully committed to their cases. It is not uncommon for him to receive notes of gratitude, even years after a matter has been resolved.

"I have substantial empathy for what my clients are going through, as I have had many of the same life experiences. My goal is to get my clients...

Attorney Maxim Lissak has over 18 years in banking and finance. His commercial banking, finance and real estate experience give him the edge his clients need when tackling complex transactions and disputes.

As an attorney who has personally experienced the pain, anxiety, and distress of a personal injury (see Rob’s story), I assure you that I understand the challenges you and your family may now face. For more than 30 years I have been helping people just like you navigate the legal system to recover the compensation you deserve and to recover reimbursement of medical bills, lost wages and other compensation.

Protect the rights of those who have been injured by the negligence of another.

Caitlin Royse is a compassionate family law attorney known for her empathetic listening and ability to guide clients through divorce with dignity. She is especially passionate about domestic violence advocacy, creating safety plans in high-risk situations, and developing creative parenting plans for co-parents with strained relationships. A skilled negotiator and strong litigator, Caitlin works to resolve cases outside of court whenever possible. Based in the Pacific Northwest, she enjoys hiking, theater, and performing as a jazz singer.

Jessica Moore's keen intellect and ability to narrow volumes of information into the most salient points makes her a highly persuasive and effective attorney. Her dedication to the practice of family law comes from a passion to connect with the lives of people who need help and provide them with capable and considerate representation.

Laura Fitzgibbon is the owner and managing attorney of Malone Legal, PLLC. Originally born in Ireland, Laura has grown up in the Seattle area and considers herself a Seattleite. She received her bachelor's degree in political science and philosophy from Gonzaga University and her law degree from Seattle University School of Law. Laura has a background in litigation and has spent the majority of her career directly in the courtroom. After graduating from law school, she became a public defender in Island County before switching sides to prosecution. Laura practiced as a criminal prosecutor for several years, which provided her extensive...

Devoted. Prepared. Accessible. Compassionate. Michelle Dellino is the managing attorney at Dellino Family Law Group. At Dellino Family Law Group our practice is results oriented and heavily focused on client communication. We excel at providing aggressive representation when needed or solutions borne of a cooperative approach when appropriate. We provide non-judgmental and efficient representation with an emphasis on achieving client goals through immediate problem solving. The firm was founded by Michelle and on her belief that there is, very simply, a solution to every problem. Her personal practice focuses on complex family law matters including high conflict cases, domestic...

Transitioning from a known past to an uncertain future can be daunting, both emotionally and legally. That's where I step in! My name is Mei (pronounced may), and I am an attorney focusing on family law, guardianship, and estate planning. Consider me your guide and advisor, here to assist you in navigating the complexities with a blend of legal knowledge and a coaching approach. My aim is to create a supportive, educational environment where you feel empowered and informed at every stage. Together, we'll handle the legal aspects and ensure you're prepared for whatever lies ahead! Having grown up as a...

Mr. Lewis has been litigating family and Indian law matters since 2003. He tries up to six cases per year and represents three times that many at settlement conferences and meditations. He has been appointed a special master and sometimes conducts meditations. He also handles appeals. Mr. Lewis appears regularly in King County Superior Court and less frequently in other counties throughout the State. He is a member of the bar of most of the tribal courts in the State of Washington. He also practices in the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts. He is also a...

Growing up in New York and Pennsylvania, Rick attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating with a degree in Oceanography in 1978. Figuring he should put his knowledge of the oceans to some practical use, Rick became a nuclear-trained officer and served aboard the USS Patrick Henry, a nuclear submarine, until 1983. At that point, realizing that a continued career in submarines might let him see the light of day for one of every ten years or so, Rick elected to head off to law school. As he explained to the squadron commodore, "Perry Mason always surprises; L.A. Law is intense;...

Home-grown in the Seattle area, Josh was raised in his dad's law firm. Soon enough Josh realized that he wanted nothing more than to follow in his father's footsteps. Josh and his high school sweetheart went off to the University of Washington, both with the desire to attend law school. They both graduated the UW in three years and headed off to Seattle University to complete their legal training. With his girlfriend now his wife, Josh was pushed to his best and made easy-work of law school.

With their law degrees under their belt, Josh and his wife, Sarah, began their...

Leavitt Legal Group is a full-service law firm founded to accomplish a single goal: deliver unmatched results to our clients regardless of their legal needs. At Leavitt Legal Group we understand that when our clients come to us with their legal problems they are trusting us to help them navigate a complex and often confusing legal system. For this reason, Leavitt Legal Group focuses on providing straightforward, common-sense counsel to our clients in order to help them understand their legal options as well as more fully understand the legal process they are facing. Counseling with our...

In addition to a college degree in Labor Relations and a Law degree, Donna has specialized in labor, employment and discrimination law throughout her career. She has adjudicated 150+ arbitration cases in the public and private sectors, mediated 100+ workplace disputes, served as a lead in contract negotiations, served as a factfinder, and co-chaired labor-management committees on numerous issues. Donna has served as a Hearing Officer, Arbitrator, Mediator, Factfinder, and organizational development consultant since 2012. She has developed job classification systems, evaluation protocols, and employee handbooks for nonprofit organizations and public agencies. Donna was recently elected to the College of...

At Dearbonn Law, we are committed to delivering personalized legal services in various areas such as immigration, personal injury, and family law. Our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to guiding clients through some of life’s most challenging legal situations with integrity, compassion, and a high level of knowledge. Whether you are dealing with the complexities of immigration law, seeking justice for a personal injury, or handling family disputes, we are here to provide the support and legal representation you need. Navigating immigration law can be daunting due to ever-changing regulations and a complex legal system. At Dearbonn Law, I am...

Born in Texas, Sarah and her family moved to Washington when she was 7 years old to be closer to their family. Growing up in Woodinville, she attended Woodinville High School where she met her high school sweetheart, Josh. They graduated high school and attended the University of Washington together. After three short years, both headed straight to Seattle University School of Law.

Throughout law school, Sarah worked at the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in the Sexually Violent Predators unit and Special Assault unit. She also worked as a Rule 9 intern in the Juvenile Division for a summer and...

Aaron began his career as a city prosecutor and then transferred to prosecuting felony crimes for the government. Aaron then went into private practice continuing to work on criminal matters including DUIs, Sex Crimes, White Collar Crimes, Drug Distribution, and more. He expanded his practice by becoming licensed in Utah and Washington and operating offices in both states. The firm expanded from just handling criminal matters to including bankruptcy, wills & estates, family law including divorce, child custody, and parental rights with all areas of criminal law. Aaron held many contracts working with the government including as a public...

Doug Weinmaster has taken numerous cases to trial in state and federal courts in counties across Washington state in his 25 year career as a trial lawyer. His trial-team record includes multiple verdicts and settlements in excess of $1,000,000 in courts throughout Washington State. Doug has represented clients in personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, products liability, and other types of legal matters. While no reasonable person wants to experience the risk and added stress of a trial, the Insurance Industry knows what lawyers are experienced and capable of taking a case to trial, if a fair settlement...

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.

Bruce Pruitt-Hamm is an attorney who can litigate, mediate or collaborate.
Litigation- As an attorney with over 20 years experience, Bruce Pruitt-Hamm has been awarded the highest rating by the national lawyer-rating service, Avvo.com. Since graduating in 1994 from the University of Washington School of Law near the top of his class, he has litigated over one thousand cases in a wide variety of areas of the law. Bruce volunteers for the Washington State Bar Association’s “Moderate Means Program“, offering reduced rates to people of moderate means. Bruce’s standard rate is $280/hr.; but he offers discounts for those on legal insurance...

Blaine L. Tamaki is the founding partner of Tamaki Law and an accomplished trial lawyer with over 35 years of experience. He has earned national recognition for achieving record-breaking settlements and verdicts in personal injury, sexual abuse, and negligence cases across the Northwest. A recipient of the “Trial Lawyer of the Year” award from the Washington State Association for Justice, Blaine is also a dedicated community leader and serves as Chairman of the University of Washington Board of Regents.

National stature, practicing in Redmond, WA. One of the nation's premier federal tax litigators. Senior tax-dispute lawyer, practicing federal tax law since 1982. Formerly represented the IRS in court while with the Tax Division of the United States Department of Justice, in DC; formerly a federal prosecutor; formerly a partner with a DC tax boutique and two ultra-large law firms in Chicago. Has litigated perhaps three or four billion dollars worth of federal tax cases; led the successful effort to recover about two billion dollars for the nation's teaching hospitals. Successfully persuaded DOJ...

I have been practicing law since 1990 when I graduated from a top-ranked Canadian law school, Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. After 3 years as a trial lawyer in Canada I moved to California where I gained admission to the California State Bar. I practiced law in West Hollywood California for 13 years until my relocation to Redmond, Washington in 2007. Since 2008 I have practiced family law in the Seattle area, and I have extensive trial experience in King County. While I love being able to fight for my clients in the courtroom I also recognize that fair settlements...