Ask those in the know to name the finest family law attorneys in the state and one thing is certain: Janet George will appear on every list. It’s been that way for more than four decades—and counting.
With typical modesty, this gifted lawyer who one prominent Seattle attorney calls “the most empathetic person I know,” shrugs off the public accolades, including a 19-year, pace-setting appearance on the pages of Best Lawyers in America.
"My success in the practice stems in large part from my intuitive ability to accept people just as they are,” notes the psychiatric nurse-turned-lawyer. “I meet interesting, accomplished individuals in a state of crisis—people with a lot on the line who can be difficult, angry, and upset."
"With my background as a therapist, I’m able to help them work through their anger and begin to build a foundation for moving on with their lives. I don’t consider divorce a failure. It’s not right or wrong; there are no absolutes. But there is always hope for a better tomorrow."
While she dedicates her days to marital dissolutions for high-net-worth clients, Janet’s after-hours avocations reflect her eclectic interests and love of life: pilot, avid golfer, ski enthusiast, and lifelong equestrian who, as a part-owner of four racehorses, delights in her days at Emerald Downs.
Of counsel with McKinley Irvin, Janet continues to take on a select number of high-profile cases (“The more challenging, the better!”) and routinely shares her considerable expertise and experience with younger attorneys.
"I could have retired years ago,” she quips. “But I treasure the opportunity to give back to this great profession. It’s been exceedingly good to me."
