Whitman County Lawyers

We are a dedicated team of legal professionals who are here to help you in your time of need and crisis. Our Washington State lawyers have the resources, the knowledge, and the experience to assist you with your legal matter in our practice areas.

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...

Dan Samas has been an attorney since 1995, when he first began defending clients who received speeding and traffic tickets. The motorists Dan initially represented were mainly taxi drivers, whose livelihood was often at stake. He has successfully represented thousands of motorists in speeding/ traffic ticket cases. Dan believes that a contributing factor to his success as a traffic defense lawyer comes from understanding the prospective of the prosecution. On the prosecutor’s side, Dan Samas worked for both a Federal District Judge in Manhattan and the District Attorney’s office.

Unlike other speeding/ traffic defense attorneys who chose to focus on several...

Greg Colburn is a personal injury and wrongful death attorney. His mission is to achieve the best possible outcome for every client. Although Greg's plan was to become a physician, he decided to change his career path as a result of injuries that he suffered on the job. While Greg Colburn finished his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, he worked as a carpenter. On October 10, 2002, a roofing subcontractor's negligence caused Greg to fall approximately 20 feet, leaving him wheelchair bound for two years. Greg Colburn contacted approximately eighty...

Sandy Van is the managing partner and founder of Van Law Firm Injury and Accident Attorneys, a personal injury, mass tort, and sex abuse litigation law firm located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Lakewood, and Yakima, Washington, and Legal Support Help, a legal staffing company. She is a personal injury attorney licensed to practice law in Nevada state and federal courts and Washington state and federal courts. She also has co-counsel relationships with attorneys nationwide and accepts cases nationwide. The growth and development of both Van Law Firm and Ms.Van’s personal career have not gone unnoticed. Nevada Business Magazine named...

Tony Swartz is an experienced lawyer in Washington State focusing on DUI defense in Kittitas and Yakima Counties. He has handled an estimated 10,000+ criminal cases in his collective career. He has also dealt with various types of other cases, including administrative law hearings, Superior Court cases, District Court cases, and more. In addition to his legal practice, he is recognized as an expert in the field and routinely teaches classes at both Central Washington University and Yakima Valley College.

I grew up on Badger Mountain, in Eastern Washington, on a dry land dirt farm in an area the locals refer to as "Poverty Point." No TV. No electricity. No inside plumbing. But we did have books -- lots of books. I talked before I could walk, and carried a book everywhere, so my dad used to pat me on the head and say "This one's going to be a lawyer." He knew what kind of a lawyer I would be: a lawyer for real people, not a lawyer for big corporations -- a lawyer for the little guy...

Ray Pollari is a well-established family law attorney. He has over 27 years’ experience of litigation and mediation in numerous counties across Washington State. Ray has also served as a C.A.S.A Guardian ad Litem and a Family Law Guardian ad Litem in both Juvenile and Superior Courts. That experience has given him a unique perspective on custody disputes and how the courts view the “best interests” of children. Over the years, Ray has dealt primarily in divorce cases, parentage, and domestic violence. He also has experience with prenuptial contracts, restraining orders, military family law, and parenting modifications. Before Ray...

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;...

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...

Let me tell you a little about myself. I have been a personal injury lawyer for over 34 years representing only injured clients like you. In my entire legal career I have never represented an insurance company.

I graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. degree in History in 1969 and a post-B.A. degree in Psychology in 1971. I graduated from a four-year Bible College and then graduated from law school in 1979. I passed the California bar exam on the first try and was sworn in as a lawyer in 1980.

While in private practice, I have also volunteered...

Since 1997, David Marshall has been committed to providing the best possible defense to persons accused of child abuse, sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, and other special assaults. He does this in criminal cases, civil claims for compensation, Title IX disciplinary proceedings on college campuses, administrative hearings, dependency cases—any kind of case except family law. His commitment has shown in decades of victories, many in trial, and some without need for trial.

From his office in Seattle, David handles cases around Washington State and throughout the Northwest.

David began his career as a deputy prosecuting attorney. He decided to focus on child...

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...

Jennifer is well known for her knowledge and skill in matters involving parenting plans and non-parental custody issues. Prior to joining Envision Family Law, Jennifer was an established civil litigation attorney, family law attorney and had managed hundreds of dependency cases throughout her career. As an attorney managing dependency cases, she represented both parents and children, as well as being a court-appointed guardian ad litem for children in dependency actions. She finds that clients like talking to her, she is a good listener, and she enjoys helping others resolve problems. She is good at thinking outside the...

After being admitted to the Washington State Bar Association, Ms. Ramirez practiced law in the private sector with emphasis on family law, bankruptcy, estate planning and elder law matters. Ms. Ramirez compassionately advocates on behalf of her clients while she assists them in successfully resolving difficult disputes and navigating through litigation and complex legal issues.

Professional Memberships/Organizations
Ms. Ramirez is licensed to practice in the State of Washington and the United States District Court. She is also a member of the following professional associations:
Washington State Bar Association, Member
King County Bar Association, Member
Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, Member

Education
Seattle University School of Law,...

In his practice, Doug focuses on construction contract drafting, lien and UCC managment & litigation, green building & contracting, and public contracting. He serves clients in both litigation and transactional endeavors.

Brien Galbraith is an associate attorney with Integrative Family Law. Brien accomplishes his clients’ goals by way of positive communication. By speaking with his clients regularly and in detail, Brien is able to understand their goals and set out on a path to achieve them. Brien is experienced in a number of different areas of family law, including custody, support, divorce, relocation, LGBT family law, and more.

Jim has extensive federal and state trial and appellate experience in a wide range of civil litigation matters, having served as defense counsel in product liability claims involving asbestos, prescription medications, naturopathic compounds, medical devices, sports safety helmets, and other products. He also has considerable experience with building and construction defect claims on behalf of contractors, building owners, and occupants as well as fire loss and property damage claims, including business interruption, loss of use, and loss of access claims.

Attorney Shane McKinnie is a former criminal prosecutor, and has experience working for both large and small law firms in the Seattle area. Shane approaches his cases from a practical perpective and above all, seeks to help his clients solve their problems in the way that best suits their circumstances and desires.
Shane is a fourth-generation Washingtonian and military veteran. He grew up in Snohomish County and attended Washington State University where he was a member of the Honors College and president of a fraternity. Shortly after graduating from WSU, he attended Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned as...

For more than 30 years, Attorney Darrell Cochran has fought for individuals and families facing life-altering injuries and injustices. With hundreds of courtroom victories and millions recovered in settlements, Attorney Cochran has built a powerful reputation for delivering results in the most challenging legal battles. He has successfully taken on large corporations, religious organizations, public school districts, and government agencies—including a winning appearance before the U.S. Supreme Court. Attorney Cochran’s practice focuses on complex personal injury cases involving catastrophic harm, defective products, insurance bad faith, sexual abuse, and more. He is frequently called upon by fellow attorneys to co-counsel their most...

I've dedicated my life to helping injured people throughout Washington.

www.nwokikelawoffice.com

https://www.nwokikelawoffice.com/

Court was born and raised in Tacoma and has had an interest in the legal system ever since he can remember. While he always knew he would ultimately make his home in the Pacific Northwest, the draw of the sun and surf beckoned him to Southern California where he completed his undergraduate and law degree at Pepperdine University. Following internships at multiple Prosecutor’s offices, the FBI, and the United States Attorney’s Offices, Court initially decided to stay in Southern California after school and cut his teeth as a criminal defense attorney in the trenches of the most overburdened...

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...

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.

Brad Meryhew is a highly respected and dedicated advocate who specializes in defending individuals facing accusations of sexual misconduct in both state and federal criminal courts in Washington. With a proven track record of success in jury trials, negotiations, and case dismissals, Brad has established himself as a prominent trial attorney in this challenging practice area. Moreover, his commitment extends beyond the courtroom, as he has played a pivotal role in driving improvements within the statewide sex offender management system through his advocacy for policy changes spanning fifteen years. Throughout his career, Brad has handled numerous high-profile cases, demonstrating his proficiency...

Donna has been representing individuals in claims for personal injury and employment discrimination since 2001. After practicing with another firm for fifteen years, she joined Emerald Law Group in April 2016. Like her colleagues at Emerald Law Group, Donna is dedicated to working for justice for her clients, and is grateful for the opportunity to help individuals who have been wronged. Donna grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, but she has been a Seattle resident since 1989. She graduated with honors from the University of Washington Law School, where she was a Managing Editor of the Law Review. Following law school, she...

My practice is designed to be able to deal with the issues that all too often arise and keep people from being able to enjoy their lives

I graduated Seattle University School of law and immediately began working at the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office. After two years with the Prosecutor's Office, I joined Durflinger Oliver & Associates where I help those who have been accused of committing crimes. I have handled thousands of cases ranging from domestic violence to DUI's. I have helped hundreds of clients keep or restore their driving privileges by prevailing in administrative hearings with the the Department of Licensing. I have also helped many clients vacate felony and misdemeanor convictions and restore their firearm rights. My previous experience as a prosecutor...

I was born and raised in the Northwest. After graduating from the University of Washington with honors, I attended Gonzaga University School of Law where I was awarded a Thomas More Scholarship. As a Thomas More Scholar, I dedicated myself to helping others both in the local and international communities. My international work included a visit to Rome where I provided services for the homeless and co-leading a mission in Honduras where our group of students provided much needed repairs at local village schools, and distributed needed school supplies which our group had purchased through fundraising....

Susan E. Skelton
“A Lawyer you can talk to.”

Practicing Law in Everett and Snohomish, WA

I graduated law school in 2003 in St. Louis, MO and opened my own firm, where I focused on personal bankruptcy (Chapters 7 and 13), debtor defense/consumer law, and estate planning, including wills, trusts, durable power of attorneys and probate matters. I had a very successful law firm for over 10 years in St. Louis, prior to moving to Washington.

My family and I moved to Snohomish in September 2013. For several years, I stayed at home with my young children and was extremely active in non-profit work...

I started working on personal injury cases just before my last year of law school. I was fortunate to work as an intern for a solo-practitioner, and learned all that I could in my time there, assisting with personal injury cases from intake to completion. This crash course in personal injury was unlike any class in law school. I learned how to work with and advocate for my clients. I’m thankful for the guidance and collegiality I received early on in my career and will pay it forward. After graduating from Gonzaga School of Law in 1997, I continued handling personal...

I started my own firm over 15 years ago, after five years as a partner and associate attorney at a prominent boutique Family Law firm in Everett, Washington. For over 20 years, I have limited my Family Law practice to Snohomish County where I am uniquely acquainted with Family Law commissioners, attorneys, skilled mediators, and Snohomish County judges. I have maintained my commitment to the best resolution for my clients, whether in the courtroom or through mediation. I represent clients for divorce and separation, custody/parenting, spousal maintenance/alimony, alimony/spousal maintenance, and modification of court orders. In addition, I focus on what...

Matthew White is one of the founders of South Sound Law Group, along with his father, William White and his sister, Erin White. As a family owned and run law firm, South Sound Law Group does things a bit differently, and it shows, as they have a reputation in the community for caring, effective, and lasting advocacy.

Although the main office is located in Tacoma, WA, Matt and the rest of the team at South Sound Law Group regularly handle both criminal and civil matters all over western Washington.

Matt represents Washington residents, as well as visitors, tourists, and military members, on...

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...

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...

Since joining the firm in 1994, Stephanie has worked on a wide variety of cases representing clients in employment, business and injury litigation, as well as estate litigation and business disputes. She also represents clients in matters involving misappropriation of trade secrets, noncompetition contracts, Consumer Protection Act claims, unfair competition issues, contract disputes and consults on matters of legal ethics.

In her commercial litigation practice, Stephanie focuses on complex business disputes, disputes between members of closely held companies and trust and estate litigation. She represents corporations, closely held businesses, fiduciaries as well as individual parties involved in these types of...

Jonathan is a trial attorney who has practiced in virtually every area of personal injury litigation. Jonathan previously worked on behalf of insurance companies and now uses that knowledge to zealously represent individuals who have been injured and to collect money from those same insurance companies. In his years as a Plaintiff’s attorney, Jonathan has obtained millions of dollars for his clients in both state and federal court. Jonathan was raised near Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia before moving to Seattle upon admission to the Seattle University School of Law. Jonathan was an active and successful participant...