Washington Lawyers Laura Colberg to Laura Umetsu

Firm: Bugni,Michael W & Associates PLLC

11320 Roosevelt Way Northeast , Seattle , Washington 98125

Practice Areas: Family

My practice area is 100% Family Law (not sure when the updates/edits I've attempted will show on this site):  Dissolution, Legal Separation, Paternity, Parenting Plans, Child Support, Modifications, Stepparent Adoption, Enforcement, Contempt, Domestic Violence--all with an attempt to resolve matters amicably, but with a detailed, comprehensive approach to litigation when needed.

Firm: Mapes Law Firm PLLC

1030 N Center Pkwy , Kennewick , Washington 99336

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

Firm: Sutkus Law Firm, PLLC

4742 42nd Ave. SW , Seattle , Washington 98116

Practice Areas: Family

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1984, where I was the the Editor in Chief of the International Law Review.  After practicing general civil litigation, particularly plaintiff's personal injury work and family law, I moved to Seattle in 1987.  I worked as an associate attorney at Williams Kastner & Gibbs for two years, doing defense work in product liability cases.. I returned to a smaller office, missing personal client contact. Over the years, I specialized in family law, including a successful third party custody case that was upheld by the Washington Supreme Court in 2005.  I continued handling plaintiff's personal injury cases, along with some probate and other civil cases.  For many years, I was an arbitrator for the King County Mandatory Arbitration program.. I completed Mediation Training at the University of Washington in 1994.  I partipated as a co-mediator with Family Court Services in a one-year program.  I have been a volunteer mediator for the Family Law Volunteer Settlement Conference Program for many years, mediating three family law cases per year.  In addition to acting as a mediator, I represent clients in mediations or advise them as they mediate directly with their spouse, without lawyers participating.  I also draft final orders for one spouse, based upon mediation agreements or agreements made by spouses on their own.  I believe that parties should make their own informed decisions whenever possible.  I provide unbundled legal services to provide limited services as requested by my client.. Volunteering has been an ongoing part of my practice. My current volunteering is primarily through my church. I have worked in a neighborhood legal clinic, briefly at the King County Dispute Resolution Center, and on the Status Conference Calendar at the King County Courthouse.  I have twice received the Random Acts of Kindness Award from King County Superior Court.  When funding for King County Services was at risk, I testified before the King County Council. For many years, I have provided services at a reduced rate through the CLC program (offered by some employers) and at times for clients as I guide them to self-help methods.. Since completing Collaborative Law training in 2008, I have been interested in working collaboratively with other professionals in suitable cases.  I am a member of Compass Pod.  For several years, I was a volunteer presenter at the Second Saturday divorce workshops presented by the West Seattle Pod (later dissolved) at Highline College.  I am a member of King County Collaborative Law (KCCL), Collaborative Professionals of Washington (CPW), and the International Association of Colllaborative Professionals (IACP). I believe in the benefits of collaborative practice and also in cooperatively resolving cases when possible, but I go to court when that's the best option.. Two of my passions are outdoor exercise and yoga.  Giving up long distance and relay runs, which I loved, I enjoy biking and cross country skiing.  I like to camp and hike.  I also have fun singing in a choir.  Outlets for stress are important for lawyers and clients, alike.

Firm: Law Office of Laura Shaver

3120 Broadway , Everett , Washington 98201

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

Laura Shaver has been practicing law since 2011, focusing on criminal defense. She focuses her practice on the representation of juveniles and adults accused of misdemeanors and felonies.. Ms. Shaver began her legal career in the San Diego Public Defender’s Office where she worked closely on several homicide cases before transferring to the Major Felony Unit where the majority of her caseload consisted of three-strike cases. During this time, Ms. Shaver also dedicated her free time to the California Innocence Project where she assisted staff attorneys in proving factual innocence for the wrongfully accused and incarcerated.. Upon graduating law school, Ms. Shaver returned home, to the Pacific Northwest. After passing the Washington State Bar she continued to exclusively practice criminal defense representing people accused of misdemeanors and felonies.  She has served as lead counsel on cases ranging from murder to sexual assault to theft at the trial court level.. Ms. Shaver also handles post-conviction matters such as, relief from sex offender registration, modifying community custody conditions, DOC issues, vacating and sealing convictions, direct appeals to the Superior Court and the Court of Appeals, clemency and pardons petitions, and CrR 7.8 Motions.

Firm: McKinley Irvin

1501 Fourth Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98101

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Laura Sell is the Law Practice Managing Partner at McKinley Irvin. Laura leads the firm's attorneys in practice development, training and mentoring, as well as consulting on cases and ensuring the firm's high standards of quality. Laura recently co-authored the “Spousal Maintenance” chapter of the LexisNexis Washington Family Law Practice Guide, offering strategies to help practitioners identify and address legal and procedural issues. Laura also assists parties in resolving family law disputes by serving as a mediator. With extensive experience as a family law attorney and civil litigator, Laura is particularly skilled in mediating cases involving complex legal and financial issues.

Firm: Case by Case Legal Services PS

Post Office Box 7463 , Tacoma , Washington 98417

Practice Areas: Business

Quality litigation support.  Research, writing, drafting of pleadings.  Coverage of hearings, depositions, mediations, arbitrations.  First chair or assist in jury trials.  Contact me today to find out how I can assist your law practice become bigger and better!!

Firm: Gause Law Offices, PLLC

631 Strander Blvd. , Tukwila , Washington 98188

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

I decided to attend law school after working with children whose parents were incarcerated. I witnessed first-hand the devestating effects that criminal prosecution can have on children, families, and communities and I felt compelled to fight for systemic change.. I graduated with honors from University of Washington School of Law in 2019. While in law school, I served as a Managing Editor of the Washington Law Review and represented UW at the National Trial Competition, where I placed in the top 2% of competitors nationwide. After graduating, I worked as an associate attorney at Twyford Law Office, where I used my passion for legal writing and zealous courtroom advocacy to achieve excellent results for our clients, including multiple dismissals.. I joined the team at Gause Law Offices in 2020 in order to fully devote my career to my true passion: dogged defense of the criminally accused. Since that time, I have successfully handled a wide range of cases from simple misdemeanors to class A felonies. I have convinced prosecutors to dismiss cases, convinced courts to dismiss cases, negotiated lesser charges, and even achieved a dismissal of a serious violent felony during trial. I am honored and humbled that my clients trust me with their criminal matters and I do everything in my power to achieve excellent results in each and every case.

1226 State Avenue NE. , Olympia , Washington 98506

Practice Areas: Family

Laura Murphy began her career as a prosecutor in Pierce County and quickly transferred to the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in her home town, Olympia.  Here, she has practiced criminal and family law both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. This unique perspective provides Laura the ability to view all sides of an argument. She has found Family Law especially challenging because it requires a blend of sharp litigation skills and strong client advocacy. It became clear early on that her passion is well suited to this area of law.. Clients who are facing a criminal matter experience a similar set of emotions.  They often do not know the consequences of a criminal conviction and need an advocate to guide them through the process.. In the courtroom, Laura is serious about winning.  From case preparation, pretrial conferences, all the way to the actual trial, each matter is handled with professionalism.  “Every case is unique and important.  Litigation allows me the opportunity to be creative and think strategically.”. At the first consultation, Laura will begin to assess a case strategy to meet her client’s expectations.  However, her ultimate goal is that the next step forward will not only be the best for the client, but the best for their families too.  “The goal of my office and staff is that every client walks out feeling as though a weight has been lifted from their shoulders.  Isn’t that what advocacy is all about?”

Firm: Jensen Morse Baker PLLC

506 Second Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98104

Practice Areas: Appellate , Employment & Labor , Employment & Labor, Employment & Labor, Employment & Labor

I have an extensive litigation practice, with an emphasis on employment claims involving race, sex, religion and disability discrimination claims, wrongful discharge, and failure to accommodate. I have also handled a variety of wage and hour matters, including wage and hour class actions.  My practice also involves the business side of employment matters, and I have litigated trade secret and non-compete claims.. In addition to my litigation background, much of my practice is dedicated to advising clients on how to best train their managers and employees, and identifying and helping to resolve workplace concerns as they arise.  This includes but is not limited to helping clients navigate the ever changing landscape of federal, state and local leave laws.. I have presented on these and many other topics to clients individually and at legal seminars.  I have also authored articles on many of these topics.  I was previously the chair of the Labor and Employment Practice Group for a large Seattle law firm.  Additionally, I have my Yellow Belt certification in Legal Lean Sigma® and Project Management.  I am proud to have received accolades from Chambers USA’s Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, which listed me as a “Leading Lawyer,” and as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers® magazine.. All of this experience has equipped me to provide clients the very best in legal services.  I look forward to assisting you with your legal needs.

Firm: Media Law Group Inc

999 N Northlake Way , Seattle , Washington 98103

Practice Areas: Entertainment

For over 30 years, Lara and her team at Media Law Group Inc have provided top tier legal counsel and business advice to creatives in film, music, visual and literary arts , media and tech, entrepreneurs, startups, established businesses and individuals with specific legal needs. Lara has an integrated disciplinary approach to serve all her clients on both a national and international level. Her areas of expertise include:Entertainment LawContracts LawCorporate & Security Law & Merger/Acquisition/Asset PurchaseInvestor RelationsCompany Formations & RestructureIntellectual Property Law

Firm: Carney & Marchi Attorneys At Law

108 S. Washington St., Ste. 406 , Seattle , Washington 98104

Practice Areas: Immigration, Criminal Defense

Compassionate and knowledgeable advocate.

Firm: Betts, Patterson & Mines, P.S.

701 Pike Street, Suite 1400 , Seattle , Washington 98101

Practice Areas: Civil , Transportation, Transportation, Transportation, Transportation

Ms. Kruse is a Director at Betts Patterson & Mines, P.S. and is a member of the firm’s Complex Litigation Group.  She concentrates her practice on the defense of product liability claims against leading medical, pharmaceutical and chemical companies; the defense of corporate entities in commercial disputes involving complex contractual issues and the Uniform Commercial Code; the defense of insured and self-insured entities in employment related disputes, alleged copyright infringement and trademark disputes; and in the defense of real estate brokers in various real estate transactions.

Firm: Jorgensen Law Offices, P.S. Inc.

921 Austin Ave , Port Orchard , Washington 98366

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Firm: Helsell Fetterman LLP

800 5th Ave Ste 3200 , Seattle , Washington 98104

Practice Areas: Estate Planning

Laura's practice focuses on wills, trusts and estates. She works with individuals to help them establish foundational documents, such as tax saving wills and living trusts, financial and health care powers of attorneys, and health care directives. She addresses complex issues that may arise, including non-citizen status, retirement benefit planning and life insurance arrangements.

Firm: Integrative Family Law

901 5th Ave, Suite 2800 , Seattle , Washington 98164

Practice Areas: Juvenile

Prior to entering law school, I volunteered for the Seattle Public Defenders office assisting the office by conducting witness interviews and investigations.  During my third year of law school, I worked as a law clerk for a trust and probate litigation firm in Tacoma, Washington.. I am an advocate for early childhood education and have volunteered my time on the parent’s boards of the Denise Louse Education Center in Seattle, Washington and University PreSchool in Cheney, Washington.  I continue to volunteer in the community whenever possible; most recently having a foreign exchange student live with my family for the 2011 school year.. I spend a great deal of time with my family camping, hiking, bowling and practicing archery as well as other activities.  I also enjoy sewing, cross stitch and reading.. My legal practice is based on helping families through some of the most difficult times they are ever going to face.  My goal is to provide excellent legal representation, personal service, and understanding to each of my clients and never allow them to forget there will always be someone on their side.  I strive to craft the best possible outcome for each and every one of my clients, so they can move forward in the best manner possible.

Firm: Keller Rohrback Law Offices

1201 Third Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98101

Practice Areas: Class Action

Laura R. Gerber is a strong advocate for her clients.  From her early years in a whistleblower protection organization, to her current practice litigating against some of America’s largest corporations, Laura has built her career as an advocate on behalf of both employees and customers of large corporations. Laura represents her clients with skill, tact and diplomacy. As a result, Laura’s clients trust her to listen carefully, keep them informed, provide excellent legal advice, and to diligently pursue their interests in litigation against powerful defendants.. For over a decade, Laura has practiced in Keller Rohrback’s Complex Litigation Group where she has developed a diverse practice with a focus on holding banks and other institutions accountable to their customers and employees. She has experience litigating mutual fund excessive fee cases, Ponzi scheme cases, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty cases, Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) cases, and consumer protection class actions. Laura’s strategic persistence in complex cases has led to impressive results with certain of her clients receiving substantial individual recoveries.. While in law school, Laura concurrently received a Master’s degree in Public Administration and was a member of the Moot Court Honor Board.

Firm: Malone Legal PLLC

700 112th Ave NE , Bellevue , Washington 98004

Practice Areas: Family

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 trial and motions experience. During her time as a prosecutor, she was responsible for conducting trainings for law enforcement, conducting trials, making charging decisions, drafting warrants, and representing the public in the courtroom on a daily basis.. In seeking a new challenge, Laura began working in family law in 2019. She gained invaluable experience at Goldberg & Jones as well as Wakefield Legal before hanging her own shingle. Laura has conducted many family law trials and typically appears on family law motions calendars on a weekly basis.. Throughout her career, Laura has appeared in front of countless judges and commissioners to effectively advocate and sharpen her trial skills. By litigating before many judicial officers, she has gained invaluable insight into the judicial decision-making process, which is helpful in developing individual case strategies for clients. Laura has a strong reputation for success and is known amongst her peers for her diligent advoacy and her exemplary work product.. What sets Laura apart from other attorneys is her dedication and compassion for her clients. Laura is a recent mother to a very active toddler, so she understands the significance of child custody disputes. Laura is very communicative and strives to respond to emails and phone call within 24 business hours. Unlike many other practitioners, Laura limits her caseload in order to ensure optimal representation. She is currently accepting clients.

14205 Se 36th St Ste 325 , Bellevue , Washington 98006

Practice Areas: Employment & Labor

Firm: Foster Pepper PLLC

1111 Third Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98101

Practice Areas: Real Estate

Po Box 14123 , Seattle , Washington 98114

Practice Areas: Domestic Violence

I pride myself in keeping my clients informed in every step of the process.. -----. DISCLAIMER: NOTHING SAID HERE IS LEGAL ADVICE! Read this notice BEFORE you contact me! My posts on Avvo in response to the public's questions are never offered as legal advice. They are meant as general legal commentary. Also, because laws and the courts' interpretations change over time, posts that I make can soon become irrelevant given a change in statute or pivotal court case after I make them. Do not rely on any response posted by me as applicable to your specific problem or circumstances. Exchange of information through Avvo's Questions - Answers forum does not establish an attorney-client relationship with me or my law firm. Please do not call or email me with a “few questions.” I give advice, make recommendations, and answer specific questions only after reviewing the documentary record and other evidence applicable to a specific client, and only in the course of or following a conference with my client in which all of the relevant information can be identified and developed. AND I give legal advice ONLY in the course of an attorney-client relationship created and defined by a written contract for services, signed by my client and by me or a member of my firm, for which payment (or agreement for pro bono services in writing and and signed by both myself and the client) has been made.