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Awards and Distinctions

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MI Ranked #5 in Puget Sound Business Journal’s 100 Best Workplaces in Washington for 2023

McKinley Irvin ranked #5 on PSBJ's list for large companies. This recognition is driven by employee feedback. Each year, PSBJ surveys employees from hundreds of businesses across Washington about their workplaces. Survey results are then graded and ranked to create a list of finalists.

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Best Law Firms®

McKinley Irvin has been named a Tier 1 firm in the Seattle Metro area for Family Law in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms. This is our thirteenth year receiving this honor. The annual rankings denote the nation’s highest-performing law firms based on a rigorous evaluation process, including client and peer evaluations addressing expertise, responsiveness, and civility.

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The Best Lawyers In America©

Twenty-nine McKinley Irvin attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in 2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Family Law and Partner David Starks has been named the 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” for family law in the Seattle Metro Area. Four McKinley Irvin attorneys have been previously named as the Best Lawyers family law "Lawyer of the Year" in Washington: Gordon Wilcox in 2012, Marc Christianson in 2015, and Elizabeth Michelson in 2017, and David Starks in 2022 and 2024.

Super Lawyers & Rising Stars

Super Lawyers & Rising Stars

Attorneys selected as Super Lawyers represent the top five percent of lawyers practicing in the state. As of 2023, twenty-six attorneys from the firm's Seattle, Kirkland, Everett, Tacoma, Vancouver and Portland offices have been recognized as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. Selection to Super Lawyers is based on peer reviews, independent research, and committee reviews.

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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)

Five McKinley Irvin attorneys have received the distinguished honor of being named a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML): Marc Christianson, Janet George, Elizabeth Michelson, David Starks, and Gordon W. Wilcox. AAML Fellows are considered the nation’s leading practitioners of Family Law.

Avvo.Com Ratings

Avvo.com Ratings

All McKinley Irvin family law attorneys are listed and rated on Avvo.com, a mathematical score that rates lawyers based on experience, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition. Currently, over half of McKinley Irvin attorneys maintain a 10.0 "Superb" rating on Avvo.

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Martindale-Hubbell Rated AV Preeminent®

The Martindale-Hubbell peer review ratings are determined by peer reviews of lawyers based on their ethical standards and legal ability. The AV Preeminent rating signifies that a lawyer's peers rank him or her at the "highest level of professional excellence." A law firm is rated AV Preeminent when the aggregate ratings of its partners qualifies as AV Preeminent. McKinley Irvin is rated AV Preeminent.


The Best Lawyers in America© Copyright by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, SC

*AV®, BV®, AV Preeminent® and BV Distinguished® are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.

  • Best Law Firms
    Best Law Firms
  • Best Lawyers
    Best Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers
    Super Lawyers
  • AV Preeminent
    AV Preeminent
  • Avvo 10.0 Superb Family Law
    Avvo 10.0 Superb Family Law
  • AAML
    AAML
  • Washington's Best Places to Work
    Washington's Best Places to Work
  • Best Lawyers
    Best Lawyers

Client testimonials

    "I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest."
    My daughter is the sunshine of my life. I felt despair and a sense of helplessness on the day I was served. On the first appointment day when I arrived at the office and sat down with my lawyer, I knew I had made the right decision. From the beginning of my case to conclusion, I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest (and the best interest of my child). Thank you McKinley Irvin!
    - Christine P.
    "Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year."
    Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year. We’re really glad you are on our side.
    - P.O.
    "I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser."
    David remained very level headed and family focused throughout our proceedings. That said, I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser during an otherwise difficult time.
    - T.M.
    "We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services."
    In our search for a reputable law firm to handle my sister’s divorce case, we explored our options until we found the McKinley Irvin law firm. McKinley Irvin has, through our experience, proven to be compassionate, understanding and patient during the long term process of my sister’s case. Due to her disabilities she needed more than the legalities and McKinley Irvin was able to provide their knowledge as well as the assurance to my sister that her case would be handled in her best interest. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for all that the McKinley Irvin law firm has done for us. We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services.
    - P.M.
    "I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me."
    Without David and Sam, there is no way I could have made it through this exceptionally difficult time in my life. I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me, nor a better firm to handle my affairs. You all have been wonderful!
    - M.L.
    "My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up."
    My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up and was very knowledgeable on custody issues.
    - R.R.
    "You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this."
    I would like to give my sincere appreciation to Jennifer Payseno and staff. You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this most difficult time. Thank you for not only being my attorney but becoming part of our extended family.
    - M.F.
    "Thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you."
    Dave, thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you.
    - R.C.