Pierce County Lawyers

Cristine Beckwith is a compassionate defender that will give you an honest assessment of your case. She can almost always uncover evidence that works in her client's favor, resulting in a case dismissal or significantly reduced charges.

Even if incriminating statements or an admission of guilt has been made to law enforcement, hope is not lost. A strong defense combined with a positive history in the community can still result in a favorable outcome.

Cristine is rated 10/10 by the Avvo lawyer rating service. She offers a reasonable flat fee pricing structure as well as a free consultation.

Angela Horwath is the owner of a 8 attorney firm that represents the criminally accused. She has successfully represented 1000s of clients throughout Washington state and has a 10/10 rating on avvo. She is well liked by her clients and has over 350 5 star reviews. She routinely obtains dismissals or significant reductions.

Tara Jayne Reck is the owner and managing attorney of Reck Law, PLLC. Based in Port Orchard, Washington, with several law offices throughout the Puget Sound region, Ms. Reck focuses her practice exclusively on workers' compensation law and helping injured employees across the state recover the full amount of finances they deserve so that they can cover their medical bills and lost wages and provide for themselves and their families.

A 2003 graduate of Seattle University, Ms. Reck returned to her alma mater and obtained her Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law in 2006. While in law school, she...

Get your case dismissed with a motion or because the government is unable to proceed. On a recent dismissal the Judge said she had not dismissed a case in 20 years but she was dismissing mine.

99%+ client satisfaction. All of our clients give us positive reviews.

Where I grew up in the mountainous Redwoods people prided themselves on their common sense. Common sense is not something frequently associated with the law. But there is a lot of common sense behind the ideas of the law. Re-introducing...

Picking the wrong maritime lawyer can be like drowning in a bath tub of salt water.But salt water runs through my veins. Being born in Seattle, My first salt water job as a longshoreman and ILWU membership starting at age 16. This was long before containerization and when longshoreman carried steel hooks for grabbing boxes, and the entire waterfront was controlled by the ILWU. I walked picket lines during strikes and learned what living without a wage means.I beame a lawyer after seeing what employer union busting looked like and how marine employers out-gunned and out lawyerd workers in...

My philosophy in all cases is that there can be no fair resolution without a thorough review of each and every detail in a case. You can learn more about how I dissect a criminal case on my blog (located on our website) where I detail some of the methods I use to analyze how your defense will take shape. In my 16 years of trial experience as a felony-level prosecutor and a defense attorney, it is rare that the court documents accurately provide the Judge and the Prosecutor the true account of the situation. For me, every client must...

Jordan Couch is a dedicated advocate for those in need. His commitment to helping people both in and out of the courtroom is what brought him to Palace Law.

Jordan grew up in the prairie land of eastern Montana. After high school he moved to Maryland where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College. From there he travelled to Indiana and graduated from Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law where he was awarded membership in the Order of Barristers. While in law school Jordan worked for NASA and clerked for judges in the Maryland Court of...

Christina Sherman, J.D. is dedicating her law practice, Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, to helping families grow through adoption. Christina is licensed to practice law in Washington, and has been practicing law for over 15 years. Christina represents adoptive families and birth parents both locally and from other parts of the country in all aspects of adoption.

While most adoptions are collaborative, Christina has the skills and experience to represent you even in the most complicated and complex cases. Christina will work with you through the process that works best for your situation, including informal negotiations, mediation, collaborative...

Since starting my practice in 2003, I have emphasized the provision of competent legal services at a cost which is adjusted for the client's particular situation. Hiring a lawyer is expensive for many reasons, but to the extent possible, I have tried to right size the fees we charge the client with the client's household income.

I focus my practice primarily in the family law area and have a great deal of experience in divorces, annulments, legal separations, child support modifications, parenting plan modifications and non parental custody cases.

A brief bit about me...

I am the first person in my...

My career as an elite criminal trial lawyer has focused on defending good people. When facing allegations of sexual crimes, domestic violence and felonies and misdemeanors. These types of cases are high-stakes and emotional. Of course, these allegations have a devastating impact on the accused if not handled correctly.

I understand that being charged with a crime is beyond stressful. As such, I strive to explain each step of the case. More importantly, I give each client a road map to getting their life back.

Without exception, I promise that when you hire me, I...

Over the course of his career, Mark Arend has filled the shoes of a businessman, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, and an attorney. Using his diverse vocational background, he helps clients facing high-tension, complex, and adversarial family law matters. Some of his practice areas include child custody, domestic violence, child support, relocation, high net worth divorce, and military family law.

Mark’s approach to family law is based on common sense, strong ethical standards, and the highest level of professionalism. His goal is simple: to “do better” for his clients than any other legal representative would do. Mark is...

My practice is focused is focused on resolving debt issues, protecting assets, and litigation regarding the same for individuals and small to mid size businesses. Prior to founding Washington Debt Law, PLLC, I worked at one of the largest creditor side law firms, representing financial institutions in bankruptcy, eviction, foreclosure, and litigation matters. Having both creditor and debtor side experience brings a nuanced approach in dealing with creditors as I am familiar with their tactics, budgets, resources, and how best to find an effective approach. Our major solutions focus on litigation, settlement, bankruptcy, and out of court...

Born and raised in the Oklahoma City, the heart of America. Academically trained at Oklahoma State University receiving BS in Business Administration. Mr. Armstrong obtained his law degree at Washburn University School of Law in Kansas, the “Land of Oz.” There he studied International Business Law. International influences landed him in London, England for the summer studying Administrative Law and the start of the European Union. Since then Mr. Armstrong has become a pseudo-ambassador-at-large hosting several conferences in Kansas with foreign ambassadors from U.S.S.R, France, Japan, Denmark, Hungary and Sweden.

Mr. Armstrong moved to...

I have been a local resident of Pierce County for over 40 years and have strong ties with the local community. I am the proud father of two daughters and maintain active ties with my local church and community. Upon graduation from Seattle University in 1993, I decided to become a trial attorney. At the age of 25 years, I graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law and have been a successful trial attorney ever since. My experiences include being a former prosecutor with King County and the City of Auburn. I have successfully...

When you are facing the most difficult time in your life--being accused, you need skilled advocates who have spent their whole lives preparing for the fight of your life.

Mr. Healy and our lawyers at Vindicate Law have a reputation for being the most prepared people in the courtroom. When literally everything you care about: family, freedom, livelihood and reputation are all on the line, you need a lawyer who will go to the ends of the earth and leave no stone unturned while preparing a defense that will convince the Jury to vindicate you and your life.

Police officers,...

For over 20 years I have represented individuals and businesses with debt issues. Chapter 7, 11, 13 and now the Small Business Subchapter 5. My passion for helping people will turn the burden of financial uncertainty into relief by taking that burden and finding solutions to a better financial future.

David has been practicing law since 2000 following a career as a computer consultant and manager of a computer department for an insurance company. He has a high rating on avvo.com and is a respected professional among his peers.

He and his office also volunteer and participate in pro-bono work...

Rainer Frank is a Senior Attorney at McKinley Irvin who handles family law cases related to divorce, child custody, child support, relocation, and unmarried couples. With more than 15 years of experience, Rainer represents clients with a variety of legal issues, including domestic partnerships, child support and parenting plan modifications, contempt proceedings, enforcement actions, and QDROs. He believes that the first priority in any family law matter is to get to know his client and understand their unique situation and needs. He works hard to avoid unnecessary adversity, but still treats each case as if he were preparing it for...

Tony is an energetic attorney whose approach to the practice of law is extremely client focused. He prides himself on communicating with clients openly and often, being extremely responsive to their needs, anticipating issues that may arise, and providing appropriate advice and counsel. Currently, he focuses his attention on the representation of clients in both civil and criminal traffic matters.

Tony was born and raised in Bremerton, Washington. He earned his B.S. in Economics from the University of Washington. After earning his B.S., Tony headed east to Spokane, where he earned his J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law. He was...

Blake Harris is a member of the Washington State Bar Association. He primarily focuses in all areas surrounding criminal defense, including pre-charging, pre-trial and trial practice.

Mr. Harris has a wide-range case history where he has consistently displayed the motives and tactics that is equivalent of even the most experienced attorneys. He has represented over 300 clients during all facets of trial, including but not limited to first appearances, sentencing hearings and plea negotiations. Among his credible practice, he has drafted successful motions for suppression of evidence, material witness warrants and subpoenas. In addition, Mr. Harris has even carefully analyzed...

Lindsay D. Camandona is a Senior Attorney with McKinley Irvin, a divorce and family law firm with offices throughout the Pacific Northwest. Lindsay practices out of the firm’s Puyallup and Tacoma office locations. As a family-oriented person herself, Lindsay is able to identify with her clients and treat their cases as if they were her own. In Lindsay’s own words, “It is my priority to achieve a successful resolution my clients can live and be happy with.”

Kelly LeBlanc has been practicing law for over 33 years (21 in Washington). She has been admitted to practice in 5 jurisdictions and appeared on behalf of litigants at the state and federal level. She served as an Administrative Health Law Judge with the Department of Health and worked as a Guardian ad Litem in Pierce County many years before joining Envision Family Law Group as Senior Counsel. When the Court was faced with particularly difficult cases, Kelly was often designated to investigate and provide recommendations on how best to protect the interests of the child(ren) involved.

As a GAL, Kelly...

Ashton Dennis is a litigation and trial attorney focusing on representation individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injury or wrongful death. Ashton handles a wide range of cases often holding corporations, the government and individuals accountable for their actions. Ashton has litigated cases across the United States in both State and Federal Courts.

Ashton earned a dual degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science from Washington State University. He went on to obtain his law degree from Seattle University.

In 2014 and 2015, Ashton was named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers in Washington State, which is reserved for just...

I was a prosecutor for 15 years for the cities of Kent and Seattle. I serve or have served as a pro tem judge for the cities of Kent, Federal Way, Des Moines, Algona/Pacific and Issaquah. Since 2011 I have practiced as a defense attorney doing criminal defense, civil rights restoration, and protection order litigation. I represent individuals on cases from murder in the first degree to traffic infractions.

Sonny Nguyen is a Vietnamese American, the first generation of South Vietnamese immigrants in the United States. His father, Thu-Ba Nguyen, was one of the early refugees known as "boat people", who served and was loyal to South Vietnam. After many years of political imprisonment, Thu-Ba took his two-year-old son and fled from their beloved homeland.

Sonny is bilingual, he speaks and writes Vietnamese and English fluently. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 2015 and continued to Willamette University where he received his Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) with Mediation and Arbitration.

Growing up in Seattle, Sonny...

I enjoy helping people out, and my career as a divorce, custody, and personal injury attorney allows me to do just that. Clients need someone who they are comfortable around and who they can trust. I understand that family matters are deeply personal and that you are a real life person and not just another case.

I am the owner and lead attorney at Seacoma Law, PLLC with offices in Tacoma and Seattle. If you are looking for compassionate, candid, and personalized advice, you have come to the right place.

I have represented hundreds of clients...

Kenneth Gorton is a litigation attorney in Washington. He has dedicated his career to advocating for injured and disabled people. He has recovered tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, and represented hundreds of clients in personal injury, consumer protection, and other types of cases. Mr. Gorton received the highest possible rating by AVVO, one of the best-known ranking services for lawyers, which rates him as 10 out of 10 (superb). He is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which only admits trial attorneys who have demonstrated “superior results in...

PROTECTING YOUR MILITARY CAREER, YOUR ROAD TO RETIREMENT AND YOUR FAMILY'S FUTURE FINANCIAL SECURITY

Whatever your rank, worldwide location, charged offense or circumstance, your military career deserves more than just a competent legal defense. We "exclusively" defend active-duty members facing courts-martial around the world.

Stephen has published several articles on military justice, including: Federal Criminal Practice: A Military Justice Primer; A PTSD Primer: When Good Soldiers Do Bad Things; Resolving the Torture Memo Conundrum by Court-Martial; Guantanamo 101: Rejecting Cruel, Unusual and Degrading Justice; Military Commissions: Justice Guantanamo Style; Defending Gay Soldiers Who Defend America; and Blessed are the Peacemakers: Remembering...

Jason Benjamin has spent the past 23 years immersing himself in the intricacies of family law and particularly child custody cases. He has personally handled more than 1000 cases where child custody is at issue.

He particularly welcomes families who have emergency custody, domestic violence or restraining order issues, as he can typically obtain appropriate orders within hours to protect you and the children.

From the beginning of his legal career, Jason has aggressively advocated on behalf of victims of domestic violence (even when domestic violence was not treated seriously by the courts). He understands the complexities of...

After earning two master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Administration, Janice Langbehn started her career as a social worker for the State of Washington. Upon retiring from social work, Janice became an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, seeking equal rights and treatment for families regarding hospital visitations. In 2011 her work as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community was recognized by President Barack Obama who awarded her the second highest civilian honor in the country: the Presidential Citizen's Medal. That same year, she was presented with the National Liberty Award for securing hospital visitation for same-sex couples...

Eric represents victims of wrongful termination, unfair wage and hour practices, workplace harassment, and discrimination; whistleblowers who suffer retaliation after standing up for themselves or others; and entrepreneurs crossed by former business partners. As a civil litigator and class action attorney, he routinely assists individuals and entities in employment litigation, consumer protection actions, and complex business and contract lawsuits. Eric has prevailed in numerous appellate cases supporting worker rights, including before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Washington Supreme Court.

Mindful that most people seldom interact with the legal system, Eric uses his knowledge and experience to guide his...

Sandy Van is a personal injury attorney licensed to practice in Nevada state and federal courts as well as Washington state courts. In 2012, she founded Van Law Firm, a personal injury and mass tort firm. In the years since its inception, the firm has expanded to two locations and a combined staff of over 100. Currently, Ms. Van focuses her practice on auto accidents, slip and falls, premises liability and other personal injury matters. The growth and development of both Van Law Firm and Ms.Van’s personal career have not gone unnoticed. Nevada Business Magazine named her one of the...

There are few attorneys in the Pacific Northwest who possess as much knowledge and experience in the field of elder law as Eileen Peterson. In fact, she is the only attorney in Pierce County certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation since the program began in 1994.

Eileen has also served as Chair of the Guardianship Task Force for WSBA Elder Law Section from 2007-2013 and was the recipient of the WSBA Elder Law Exceptional Service Award in 2009. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on a wide range of topics including elder law, guardianship,...

Joe Gordon, Jr. joined GTH in 1968 and has been a pillar of the firm and of the legal community in the Pacific Northwest for many years. He has tried superior court cases involving a wide range of civil litigation matters in 26 of Washington’s 39 counties. As a Washington State Assistant Attorney General, he served as a trial attorney for the Department of Labor & Industries in both the Olympia and Seattle offices.

In private practice, Joe has regularly represented rental property owners and management companies on landlord-tenant matters. He has also represented both employers and injured workers on industrial...

Sal practices in state and federal courts throughout the state of Washington and has litigated most of the Western states as well. One focus of Sal’s practice is medical negligence, wrongful death, and serious injury cases. Sal has represented patients who have been injured as a result of doctors, nurses, and emergency room physicians making mistakes resulting in death, paralysis, brain injuries and loss of life or harm to babies. Sal has brought actions against Multicare, CHI Franciscan, Harborview, Children’s Hospital, and Swedish Medical center among others. Sal’s cases have involved surgeons, OBGYN doctors, Emergency Department...

Lindsay Noel is an attorney at McKinley Irvin’s Puyallup and Tacoma offices. As a divorce and family law attorney, Lindsay is experienced in a wide range of legal issues, such as custody, support, relocation, military family law, LGBT family law, and more. In her own words, “I approach family law cases with an open mind and learn as much about the client as possible.” Lindsay serves as Trustee for the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section and is a court appointed special advocate with the Family Law CASA of King County.

John Guadnola is a seasoned attorney with an extensive background and impressive record of success in his practice areas, which include antitrust litigation, alcohol regulation, copyright and trademark litigation, and complex litigation. As Executive Director and General Counsel of the Association of Washington Spirits & Wine Distributors, John is also actively involved in alcohol regulation issues on the legislative level and enforcement levels.

As co-lead counsel in a case of national significance (Costco v. Hoen), John represented distributor intervenors in a successful effort to defend Washington State laws governing distribution and sale of beer and wine against an antitrust claim brought...

Attorney Moses has been defending juvenile and Family Law Clients in the courtroom since 1999. Whether your case is a divorce, legal separation, child custody and support, spousal support, domestic violence, or guardianship, he has the experience and resources necessary to achieve a successful outcome of your case. He has a strong background in defending the rights of individuals, and is competent to handle your case from beginning to end, with thoughtful attention to detail, whether it be at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.

Jordan K. Foster, Criminal Defense Attorney I started my career doing real estate, business, and construction law. A few years back, I decided a change of pace was in order and began practicing criminal defense law. Since entering the criminal defense arena, I have been voted a Rising Star in Criminal Defense Law by Washington Super Lawyers in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Today I focus primarily on criminal defense. I assist people facing misdemeanors, felonies, and traffic infractions. I am an active member of the Washington State Bar Association, the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, and...

Attorney Cheryl Van Ackeren is passionate about protecting the rights of service members and ensuring that veterans get the benefits they deserve.
Long before graduating from Seattle University’s School of Law, Cheryl knew she wanted to be a lawyer. Cheryl enlisted in the Army at 18 to achieve her goal and hoped to take advantage of the “green to gold” program to become an officer, and eventually, a Judge Advocate General. Cheryl’s military career began in the signal corps with the 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood, Tx. Her enlistment included a 15 month deployment to Iraq during the early days of...