Benton City Lawyers

Kim Schnuelle is a Senior Attorney at McKinley Irvin, one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier divorce and family law firms. Kim has a 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.com and has also been selected for the honor of Washington Super Lawyers®. Kim has a reputation for putting her clients’ needs first and protecting what matters most to them.

Maria Hajar is the founder and principal attorney of the Law Office of Maria Hajar. She is a licensed attorney in the U.S. and a French legal counsel. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Her practice focuses on Immigration Law. Ms. Hajar has extensive experience representing clients in family-based immigration cases before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. consulates abroad. Ms. Hajar also represents clients in removal and deportation proceedings before the immigration courts in both non detained and detained dockets. Ms....

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...

My name is Lisa S. Tse and I was born and raised in Moses Lake, WA. I moved to Bellevue, WA for high school and attended the University of Washington at Seattle, WA. I went to Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, KS. This was the same alma mater that my father went to as an undergraduate. My father was an art professor at the local community college for 30 plus years. Growing up in a small town, living in a growing mid-size town, and then moving to the midwest, I have seen how Americans live and lead their...

Ronald L. Cohen is a Seattle native and practices law in Bellevue, Washington. He has more than 30 years experience and has an engaging and friendly manner in guiding individuals and families through their legal matters.

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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,...

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...

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...

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.

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,...

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.

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...

A naturalized U.S. citizen who emigrated from India, Akshat has lived on four continents and speaks five languages: English, Gujarati, Hindi, Spanish, and Catalan. His professional involvement includes the Rotary Club of Bellevue, the South Asian Bar Association of Washington, and the Eastside Legal Assistance Program. Akshat is committed to providing diligent advocacy and streamlined immigration solutions for entrepreneurs, established businesses, and growing families. He represents clients in a wide range of nonimmigrant and immigrant visa matters, including visas for trainees, interns, investors, specialty occupation workers, intracompany transferees, athletes, entertainment groups, and religious workers. He also assists companies and self-petitioners with immigrant...

Justin Mishkin received his undergraduate degree from University of Washington, with certificates in Political Science and Economics. After undergraduate school, Justin attended law school at University of La Verne College of Law, a small private law school in Southern California. While in law school Justin spent two years at a family law clinic donating his time to helping those who could not afford to pay for legal representation. While at the legal clinic, Justin helped to prepare hundreds of family law petitions. After law school, Justin served as general counsel for a company that...

Born and raised in the Northwest of Washington State, James always had a passion for helping others and fighting for justice. However, it wasn’t until a life-altering event occurred that James found his true calling. As a teenager, James was involved in a severe car accident that left him with physical and emotional scars. Despite the overwhelming challenges he faced, James was determined to not let the accident define his life. Instead, he channeled his energy into finding ways to help others in similar situations. After completing his education and gaining valuable life experience, James decided to become a personal injury lawyer...

Lance did not begin his legal career expecting to be a bankruptcy attorney. But along the way, working for a general practitioner, he found that the trade most rewarding. Consumer bankruptcy was a fast-moving process that could offer people real relief very quickly. The many legal concepts in bankruptcy come naturally to Lance, and he finds fulfillment not only in devising the best strategies for clients, but also fully advising and explaining the procedures and decisions along the way. He structures his practice to provide maximum direct communication with his clients. Lance has called the Great Northwest...

My practice focuses on probate, guardianships, estate planning, TEDRA (Trusts and Estate Dispute Resolution Act of Washington) litigation and alternate dispute resolution.

I've been working in residential real estate since 2005. Since then, I've worked tirelessly to provide consumers with a better professional experience at a cost less than what a traditional agent charges. The 6% commission? It's past its expiration date...

Attorney Mike Allen focuses on U.S. immigration law, with an emphasis on business immigration. He assists multinational corporations, as well as public and private growth companies and entrepreneurs with relocation strategies for bringing talented workers to the United States on a temporary and permanent basis. He also represents individuals in sponsoring family members and obtaining U.S. citizenship through naturalization. @ Mike "I love collaborating with international professionals, investors, experts, and families as they pursue their dreams in America. I also understand the immigrant experience on a personal level. My wife is a naturalized U.S. citizen, and I have lived...

Joseph P. Corr is one of the founding members of Corr Downs. Joe is recognized as a leader in his field and has handled complex litigation matters and commercial disputes for local, regional and national businesses. He has been named as a "Washington Rising Star" by Super Lawyers magazine. He has a wide range of litigation experience in both state and federal courts that includes catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death litigation, consumer protection claims, wrongful death claims, and product and premises liability. Joe also has extensive experience in complex insurance coverage litigation and insurance bad faith claims, as well...

Patrick Cook is a trial lawyer with extensive litigation experience. He is a lifelong Washington resident and a member of the King, Snohomish and Washington State Bar Associations. After passing the bar, he served as a Deputy Prosecutor in King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. While there, he honed his trial and negotiation skills. I also learned to manage complex, difficult cases. Patrick joined The Walthew Law Firm in March of 2007. Since joining The Walthew Law Firm, he has focused his practice on only representing injured and disabled workers in Washington State's Workers' Compensation system and in personal injury cases....

Debra Synovec, founder of Whole Mediation, Inc., provides skillful mediation services in Seattle, Washington. Whole Mediation offers clients a progressive, productive, and peaceful process to resolve family challenges and create a more balanced, empowering approach to conflict resolution. Debra ‘s mediation and divorce consulting practice primarily concentrates in: divorce, premarital and post-marital agreements, parenting plans, cohabitation and LGBT dissolutions, estate planning, estate administration and small business disputes.?? Debra combines her unique skills acquired as an attorney, CPA and social worker to pragmatically and compassionately help clients address the legal, financial and emotional...

Travis Moeller is an associate attorney at Blair & Kim and a recent graduate of Seattle University School of Law. Travis practices criminal defense, family law, and personal injury law. Travis previously worked as a Rule 9 intern at Blair & Kim during his second and third year of law school.

Travis graduated from Seattle University Cum Laude and achieved CALI awards in Legal Writing and Professional Responsibility during his time in law school, which are given to the student who earns the top grade in a class. During law school, Travis was a student fellow at the Fred T. Korematsu...

Sara's focus includes Family Law and Civil Litigation. Sara Kim is a passionate advocate who, in every case, is driven to seek justice for her clients. In private practice since 1995, Sara is a highly experienced family law attorney; she also has a thriving practice in the areas of personal injury and civil litigation.

Keeping a client-centered focus has been fundamental to her success. As Sara explains, “The people who come to me are under a lot of emotional pressure. The point is to make myself accessible: I believe that being there to listen is the only way to truly know...

I was born in Washington and have always called Thurston County my home. I completed my undergraduate studies at Willamette University in Salem, where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and French. I then went on to earn my Juris Doctorate from the prestigious Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. During my time there, I honed my courtroom advocacy skills while externing with a Circuit Court Judge. As an attorney, I possess the legal knowledge and tenacity required to represent my clients effectively in court. My professional practice is primarily focused on family law, where I...

I have dedicated my entire career to defending the rights of people facing criminal charges. In my nearly 20 years as a criminal defense lawyer I have defended adult and juvenile clients against every kind of felony and misdemeanor allegation. I am committed to vigorously representing my clients' interests. My breadth of experience as a criminal defense attorney, my depth of knowledge of the law, my skill as a negotiator and a litigator, and my compassion for people caught up in the criminal justice system are the considerable strengths I bring to my representation of every client....

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Jamie founded Phinney Estate Law in 2007 as a way of addressing a need she saw in the community for affordable, values-based estate planning and as a way to develop a legal practice that was consistent with her own values and legal philosophy. Before founding Phinney Estate Law Jamie worked as a litigation associate at Cozen O'Connor, as an attorney advisor for the U.S. Department of Justice, and as legal intern for Northwest Immigration Rights Project and Northwest Justice Project. Jamie began her work in estate law in 2005 as a pro bono attorney with King County...

Mr. Chung is the senior partner at Chung, Malhas, Mantel & Robinson, PLLC. Mr. Chung’s primary practice is comprised of Civil and Criminal Litigation, Immigration and Business Transactions. Mr. Chung has represented clients in complex litigations before the Washington Court of Appeals and the Washington State Supreme Court. Mr. Chung has argued numerous cases before Washington State District and Superior Courts. Mr. Chung has counseled and represented clients throughout King County, Pierce County, Island County, Kitsap County, and Snohomish County. In Civil Litigation, Mr. Chung has represented various individuals and entities in Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Vulnerable Adult Protection Act (VAPA), Employment...