Island County Lawyers

CAREER: Before becoming an attorney, Emily worked in a church nursery; at Taco Bell (for just one day, ask her about it sometime); as a library paraprofessional at the Bellingham and Fairhaven Public Libraries; and as an office administrator. In 2007, Emily joined the law firm of Britain, Gallery & Vis in Bellingham as a paralegal. Over seven years BGV, Emily not only learned everything she knows about estate planning, probate, business and bankruptcy law but also completed the Washington State Law Clerk Program and passed the Bar Exam to become an attorney. Emily launched Limitless Law PLLC in 2014. EDUCATION:...

As a founder and principle of the Schwarz~Garrison Law Firm I am committed to providing the highest quality representation to our clients. We listen to our clients and we pursue their goals tenaciously. Recent Verdicts: State v. Gipson: Assault Charge: Not Guilty, Self Defense: $256,000 in fees and costs reimbursed to client by the court following verdict. Dunakin v. Ronngren: Dog Bite: $229,015.73 jury verdict for plaintiff. Rollins and Hendershot v. King County Metro: Assault on Metro Bus: $250,000 Jury Verdict for plaintiffs, On appeal, plaintiffs were able...

Steven J. Peiffle is a seasoned lawyer with over 40 years of experience. His primary practice areas are municipal law, estate planning and probate, business and corporate law, and real estate law. Steve has been named a "Super Lawyer" by Washington Law & Politics magazine and has also received the AV* Preeminent Peer Review rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He is a former president of the Snohomish County Bar Association and has been involved in numerous community organizations in Arlington and Snohomish County.

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.

I represent individuals with claims for injury or damage against insurance companies and other entities. I have practiced personal injury and insurance misconduct law since November of 2002. I reject marginal claims, and try to focus on serious personal injury or significant property damage.

For over 30 years, Patty Rose has primarily dedicated her practice to assisting individuals in identifying, evaluating, and negotiating claims arising in the workplace. She also provides litigation support to other attorneys including research, writing, and investigation and appellate briefs and other projects. Patty has lived in Seattle for over 40 years and has been involved in legal advocacy for individuals her entire career. She is committed to collaborative negotiation and exploring all methods for resolving employment disputes without resorting to litigation. She obtained her JD from University of Puget Sound School of Law in 1989 where she...

For several years, Michael Malk aggressively litigated cases for a plaintiff's firm in Los Angeles, obtaining exemplary results for his clients in cases against some of the biggest companies in California who were represented by some of the biggest law firms in the nation. Since founding his own law firm in 2007, Mr. Malk continues to zealously represent his clients' interests. He understands that each client and each case is different. Some cases are amenable to early resolution so that the parties can obtain a sure result and move on with their lives without the stress of litigation, while other...

I was born and raised in Seattle and graduated from Roosevelt High and the University of Washington, but I chose Kitsap as the best place to raise a family and practice law. My first job at age 14 was washing dishes at the UW. I moved up to potato peeler at Spud Fish and Chips and, while in high school, landed a job as an apprentice scenery builder at the Seattle Repertory Theater. This led to a journeyman membership in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local #15. Rather than being drafted, I chose to serve in the Navy...

Attorney Heather Forrler is the Managing Attorney at Compass Legal Services, P.S., a Kitsap County based law firm located in Silverdale and serving all of the county’s local communities, including Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, Seabeck, Kingston, Hansville, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island and surrounding areas. She provides legal advice, consulting and full legal representation as an Estate Planning Attorney, Family Law Attorney, Divorce Lawyer as well as supporting new business startup and incorporation, including serving as Registered Agent for domestic corporations registered with the Secretary of State in Washington State.
Attorney Forrler started in the legal field as a legal assistant in...

Ms. Cline has been serving clients on the Kitsap Penninsula since 2010. She has provided compassionate legal advice and service to individuals struggling financially through her bankruptcy and distressed real estate practice. Additionally, Ms. Cline enjoys a diverse practice including estate planning, business transactions, real estate and contract law.

Insight Law is a local tax law firm with 4 offices in the greater Seattle area. We handle all tax matters, including those related to Income, Employment, Property, B&O, and Estate and Gift taxes. We pride ourselves on providing the best service, value, and knowing our areas of law inside and out. Whether you have a tax problem or need estate planning or small business services, we can provide efficient, knowledgeable and compassionate representation. QUALITY: At Insight Law, we provide top-notch representation from experienced attorneys in the Seattle Area. VALUE: At Insight Law, we use a...

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...

A Pacific Northwest native, I grew up on Whidbey Island before moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. I received my law degree magna cum laude from Vermont Law School and was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 2011. Prior to joining Gillin Law Group, I was of counsel at Genesis Law Firm for three years and an associate at Purcell Legal & Mediation Services for two years. Prior to that, I was an Assistant City Attorney with the Seattle City Attorney’s Office for three years.

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...

Geoff founded Seamark Law Group after 14 years at one of Seattle's premier mid-sized law firms. He has successfully tried multiple cases in federal and state courts, and he has represented municipalities at more than a dozen inquests into deaths arising from officer-involved shootings or other law-enforcement activities. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the University of Virginia's School of Law. Prior to attending law school, Geoff was a Navy pilot who managed safety, flight-training, and aircraft-maintenance programs. He is particularly proud of his work defending police officers and also enjoys cases that involve scientific,...

Jim Jacobsen is a partner at Stacey and Jacobsen, PLLC in Seattle, Washington. As a Washington native, it was his work in the maritime trades that sparked his interest in maritime law. Jim worked as a merchant seaman and Alaska fisherman from 1979 to 1984. He has worked as a deckhand and mate in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and Puget Sound. He is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. Jim is a former member of the Inland-boatmen's Union of the Pacific as well as the Alaska Fishermen's Union.

Jim graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law...

Joe is a founding member of Stacey & Jacobsen, PLLC. His practice concentrates on the representation of injured maritime workers, fishermen, blue water seamen, tug and barge seamen, tankermen, longshoremen, repairmen, maritime construction workers and pilebucks.

Joe was born and raised on the Maine coast. He attended the University of Maine in Orono, then traveled west to attend law school at Seattle University.

Joe has been married to Elizabeth since 1986. They have four children, three boys (in a row) and a girl. Joe has always been involved in his kids’ education, sports, and other activities. Joe has coached Little League...

Scott Ellerby is a partner in the firm. His main areas of practice are real estate litigation, probate, trusts and estates litigation, municipal law, creditor-debtor law, commercial transactions and commercial litigation. He has lectured at numerous legal seminars over the past 25 years on topics in his practice areas, and has represented a wide range of private clients and public entities in negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and bench and jury trials. Scott was a contributing author of the Washington Lawyers Practice Manual, and was chair of the King County Bar Association Real Property, Probate and Trust Section. He earned his B.A....

Stacey Romberg focuses her practice on estate planning, probate and business law. She earned her B.A. in 1985 from Idaho State University, graduating with High Honors; a J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1987, graduating cum laude; and an LL.M from Georgetown University Law Center in 1991, graduating with distinction. Prior to opening her own law firm in 1999, Ms. Romberg drafted legislation for the U.S. Senate’s Office of Legislative Counsel and worked in private practice both in Washington, D.C. and Seattle. Ms. Romberg enjoys writing, and has published many articles in a variety of publications...

Jason Murphy is a distinguished trial attorney with over a decade of experience litigating personal injury cases in New York City and now in Washington State. His practice focuses on complex personal injury litigation, specifically cases involving general negligence, wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, products liability, and construction accidents. Over the years, Jason has built a reputation as a steadfast litigator who never wavers from his goal of achieving justice for his clients and for their families.

In recognition of his superior litigation skills, Jason was named a Rising Star for New York’s Greater Metropolitan Area by the esteemed legal rating...

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...

Anthony was raised in Kodiak, Alaska and began commercial fishing at age 10. He received a USCG Captains license in 1979, held it for 40 years, and continues to fish Bristol Bay and Crab on the West Coast, serving as captain. Anthony has seen almost every imaginable maritime situation from sinking to serious injuries, recovering damages for the victims, including representation of fisherman in major oil spills. Consultations are free, and you can call 206-859-3400 24/7 Contingent Fee Basis for most cases Case Example: $10,000,000.00 (ten million dollars) Bond/Letter of Undertaking, for commercial fisherman and their families,...

I was born in an army hospital in Fort Knox, Kentucky. My father was in the army, and before I was a year old and my older brother two years old, my father had died in Vietnam. A widow at 24 years of age with two babies in diapers, my mother felt that the best education she could give my brother and me was real world experience. So for a year, when I was a junior in high school, we backpacked around the world. I traveled through numerous countries and regions (China, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia,...

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

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 will work with you to get the best result possible for your situation. I begin all my work with an intake which I do at reduced rate to assess your situation. I start by seeing what you would like to resolve and work to bring a result as close to this as possible. I am a creative, out of the box thinker and am often able to obtain the solution my clients are looking for quickly and simply. I have worked on smaller simpler cases, as well as those that impact policy on local, state and federal levels. While...

I am an experienced trial lawyer who focuses my practice primarily on serious personal injury and wrongful death cases.

The Law Offices of Patrick M. Trivett, PLLC is a boutique criminal defense and civil litigation firm serving King, Snohomish and Skagit Counties dedicated to zealous client representation and expeditious and creative resolutions.

I have helped over 600 Adult Family Home providers throughout WA state - in all manner of issues. Whether it is a weekend, evening, or holiday, I am available for any emergency call. I help providers with severe troubles that threaten their license. I quickly respond to calls and emails to help providers feel at ease. I give providers their options with potential outcomes. Issues involving: investigations, employment, lease and negotiations, Medicaid conversion, discharge or transfers, preventing potential complaints, caregiver problems, dealing with difficult POAs, removing citations, appealing revocations and summary suspensions, writing quality admission agreements. Informal...

Lanning M. Trueb has spent almost 30 years representing seamen in plaintiff maritime cases arising throughout the North Pacific; including waters off Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California and Russia. In addition to practicing maritime law, Lanning owned and operated his own commercial fishing vessel in the Alaska commercial salmon fishery. Lanning has been involved in over a thousand maritime matters covering a wide range of maritime issues - from commercial fishing injury and death claims, to serious injury and death claims involving oil spill response, tug and barge, SERVS, off-shore supply, tankers, and cargo vessels. He's represented crew and family members...

Derek W. Jensen, JD, LLM, is a tax attorney in the North Seattle law frim, Jensen Law Office, primarily assisting individuals and their families with their income tax, estate, business, elder law, and asset protection planning issues. A 1994 graduate from the University of Montana School of Law, and a recipient of a Masters of Law in Taxation from the University of Washington School of Law, Derek has 14 years of experience practicing law in Washington State. He enjoys helping people achieve their planning goals. He resides in Seattle with his wife and three daughters.

At Cornerpoint Law, attorney Stacia Hofmann, JD, ARM, focuses on helping Washington and Idaho businesses and individuals draft, revise, interpret, implement, negotiate, manage, and enforce contracts. Stacia primarily spends her days helping new and established small business owners use the power of contracts, the rules of law, and concepts of risk management for more effective operations and enhanced legal protection. This typically involves drafting and revising business, employee, and customer agreements, and answering related legal questions. Stacia also assists individuals with business ownership offers, exits, LLC disputes, and employment contracts. Cornerpoint Law is a solo, mobile law practice, so clients work...

I have been practicing bankruptcy and personal injury law in Seattle for over 31 years. I have helped over 5000 individuals get debt free or receive fair compensation for their personal injuries.

Maritime Injury Lawyer James Beard has a unique understanding and compassion for the clients he represents. For 30 years his legal career has been devoted to representing crewmen and commercial fishermen who have been injured while working at sea. He is widely recognized as one of the most experienced maritime injury lawyers in the Pacific Northwest in handling maritime wrongful death and personal injury cases. He has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for his clients located throughout the United States.

Beard begins each maritime injury case by making sure that his clients are getting the proper medical treatment and care...

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...

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.

Maki Imakura is a Registered USPTO Patent Attorney who is excited to work with entrepreneurs and business working on cutting-edge technology. She received a B.S. in Cellular & Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Washington. Maki received her J.D. from the Seattle University School of Law. Maki draws on her technical background in life sciences research and experiences with drug discovery involving large data sets and collaboration to provide a unique perspective for clients on their technology and intellectual property needs. During her scientific career, Maki worked in the fields of cancer research and drug discovery....

Paul is the founding attorney of North City Law. Paul offers business, estate planning, probate, dispute resolution and litigation advocacy. Paul is curious in his clients, as he has built businesses himself, including North City Law. Based on his understanding of his client’s position, Paul gives strategic options to empower choices. During client intake and interviews, Paul listens for key gaps in a story to root out hidden issues. In disputes and litigation, Paul helps clients reframe the situation to conform to the applicable legal theory. When clients trust Paul with their business, Paul ensures money is spent wisely on...

I am an experienced and knowledgeable Immigration Law Attorney. My practice areas include Family Sponsored Immigration, Naturalization/US Citizenship Applications, Nonimmigrant Visas and Employment Based Immigration. I am committed to providing exceptional service and representation for your immigration law needs.

I earned by B.A. in Political Science and Government from the University of Washington. In 1990, I received my J.D. from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. I am admitted to practice law in the State of Washington and am a member of the Washington State Bar Association.

I am fluent in German, and Japanese interpretation is available.