$ 335-500 per hour
Eric J Engel
About Eric
Biography
I am a Dallas-based family law attorney with more than 20 years of experience representing clients in divorce, child custody, and complex family law matters throughout North Texas. I focus on contested and high-conflict cases, providing strong, strategic advocacy when the stakes are highest.
With extensive courtroom experience, I have handled over 30 contested trials and more than 1,000 contested family law motions, giving me the background necessary to navigate even the most challenging disputes.
Practice Focus
I focus on contested family law matters, including:
Complex property division
High-conflict custody disputes
Divorce involving significant financial issues and debt
Litigation requiring discovery, motions, and trial strategy
I guide clients through every stage of litigation—from initial case evaluation through trial—ensuring they are prepared for each step of the process.
Experience & Approach
I bring a direct, results-oriented approach to my practice. I believe clients benefit from clear, honest guidance and practical legal strategies.
I work closely with clients to:
Understand their legal and financial position
Develop effective litigation strategies
Navigate complex, contested cases with confidence
Appellate & Advanced Experience
In addition to trial work, I have handled appellate matters, including successfully defending a case on appeal. This experience allows me to address legal issues that extend beyond the trial court level.
Broad Legal Background
My experience extends beyond family law and includes:
Bankruptcy and creditor-debtor matters
Probate and estate issues
Financial and business-related disputes
This broader background helps me identify risks and opportunities that can impact family law cases in significant ways.
Professional Background
I operated my own law firm for over 20 years, building a high-volume litigation practice and representing clients across multiple jurisdictions.
I am also a U.S. military veteran with a background in technology, which informs my analytical, detail-oriented, and problem-solving approach to complex legal matters.
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 13 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Licensed in Washington for 21 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Bryan Fagan
12700 Hillcrest Rd, #201, Dallas, TX, 75230
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Eric J Engel's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
15 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (15)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 6 - 6 of 6 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | February 20, 2009 | Child Custody
Great lawyer, strong advocate
Eric handled my contested divorce with my x-wife alleging alcohol and drug abuse. He stayed with my every step of the way. My ex sought restrictions in the parenting plan against me, but thanks to him I got a parenting plan with no parental restrictions and an almost fifty fifty parenting plan.
Eric J Engel's Lawyer Endorsements
"Eric is a very detail oriented attorney. I would feel confident in referring a friend or family member to him that needed his services. Truly a STAR in his area!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Eric. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Eric is at the top of his game and is widely respected by those in the legal community including myself. We represented the same client at one point for different reasons and she could not say enough about the excellent work Eric did for her."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Dedicated to providing the best legal outcome for his clients."
"I have worked with Eric on numerous highly contested cases. Eric is passionate in his courtroom delivery and a strong advocate for his clients. Despite the contentiousness of our cases, Eric has always been very professional and pleasant to work with."
"I endorse this lawyer. Eric does excellent work."
"Eric does excellent work."
"Eric is an extremely good advocate for his clients. He has an excellent work ethic and is very conscious of trying to keep client's costs and legal fees as reasonable as possible in a practice area where opposing parties are often difficult and fight about minutiae."
Russell Atkatsh
Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer
Scott Stewart
Divorce and separation lawyer
Hal Browne
Sex crime lawyer
George Mccranie
DUI and DWI lawyer
Paul Eagle
Family lawyer
Kirk Davis
DUI and DWI lawyer
Andrew Huff
DUI and DWI lawyer
Nicole Wagner
Family lawyer
Jason Gaber
Divorce and separation lawyer
Stacey Swenhaugen
Family lawyer
C. Phil Su
Criminal defense lawyer
Todd DeVallance
Divorce and separation lawyer
Rebecca White
Immigration lawyer
Frank Prohaska
Personal injury lawyer
Dean D'Mellow
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Experience
Honors
2012
Pro Bono Award, WSBA
2011
Pro Bono Award for 2010, WSBA
2002
Saul Lefowitz, Moot Court
2001
Cali Award in Torts, Cali
2001
Gonzaga Law Review Appointment, Gonzaga Law Review
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of Bryan Fagan
2014 - Present
Managing Attorney, Seattle Debt Relief Center
2014 - Present
Managing Attorney, Engel Law Group & Company, PS
2003 - 2015
Managing Partner, Engel Law Group, P.S.
2002 - 2003
Intern for Judge, Spokane County Superior Court
2001 - 2002
Legal Internn, Spokane County Prosecutor's Office
Associations
2009 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
WSBA - Family LawMember
2005 - Present
King County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2004 - Present
WSBA
2004 - Present
King County Bar AssociationMember
2004 - Present
Snohomish County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Hickok v. Hickok
Successful won custody
Education
2009
University of Washington
Bachelor in Arts
2003
Gonzaga University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1999
University of Washington
Bachelor in Arts
N/A
Seattle University School of Law
Speaking Engagements
2014
Family Law Advanced Issues
Equitable Distributions of Pensions and Retirement Plans
2010
Divorce Seminar
Pro Se Divorces
2009
Pro Se Divorces
Pro Se Divorces
2008
Divorce Seminar
Pro-se Divorces
Publications
2015
Create Space
Truth About Bankruptcy In Washington, Second Edition
2015
Amazon Publication
Student Loan Secrets They Don't Want You To Know
2012
Book
The Truth About Bankruptcy in Washsington
2012
Book
The Complete Guide to Washington State Divorce
2010
Findlaw
Marijuana in Family Law
2009
2003
Gonzaga Law Review
Driving While Distracted (Editor)
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers