Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.8 /5.0
66 Client Reviews
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John Stocks
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About John
Biography
As I look back on almost 30 years of practice, I have loved being a lawyer. I have experience and success in a variety of fields, which has made me more well-rounded compared to those who emphasize only 1 or 2 areas of law.
I have obtained several rewarding and high settlements for clients in employment law, divorces, personal injury, civil rights and police misconduct cases. I obtained the highest jury verdict in Spokane County ($3 million) against a Sheriff's office for misconduct against my clients. I am a well-rounded trial attorney who has litigated a wide range of cases, including taking cases through mediation, arbitration, and if needed, trial and appeals courts. I have done thousands of both bench and jury trials.
In law school, they told us in orientation that a high percentage of lawyers wish they did not go to law school and become a lawyer, so I am in the minority - I would not change a thing. The law is for me. I am a "lifer", which means I will practice law until they drag me away.
I decided to become a lawyer after the Major League Baseball peoples did not draft me in the first few rounds when I was 18. I pitched several "1 hitters" (yes, 1 hitters, not "no hitters") in high school and for American Legion at ages 16-18, however, I lacked a 4th pitch (slider, curve, and knuckle-curve was all I had). Anyway, I also loved playing basketball and football, but when old age set in (age 24+), I began playing softball and have really enjoyed that over the years, until really old age set in (age 40+), and now I don't play as much. Trying to pick up golf cuz I see a lot of older people out there swinging the clubs, but the last few years I have focused on Tennis. I like martial arts, sports on t.v., great movies, great food, and being happy. I had not traveled around the world much, until I met my wife, Hong, who has taken me to China many times now (wow, it is really cool). My focus outside of work is my daughter, JoJo and her life! Anyway, I still spend a lot of time doing work because I am obsessed with deadlines, client problems and being the best lawyer I possibly can.
Calm, experienced, and tenacious on your side. For a Free Consultation call 253-766-4890
Calm, experienced, and tenacious on your side. For a Free Consultation call 253-766-4890
Calm, experienced, and tenacious on your side. For a Free Consultation call 253-766-4890
Calm, experienced, and tenacious on your side. For a Free Consultation call 253-766-4890
Calm, experienced, and tenacious on your side. For a Free Consultation call 253-766-4890
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
75%
35 years | 1,500 cases
Child Custody
10%
35 years | 1,100 cases
Child Support
10%
35 years | 5,000 cases
Criminal Defense
5%
35 years | 200 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 450-450 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2016 2015 2014
...
+
2
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 34 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Online Presence
Other places you can find John online.
John Stocks's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Recommendation (29)
Professionalism (28)
Advocacy (25)
Case Results (24)
Character & Conduct (17)
Responsiveness (16)
General Knowledge (15)
Communication Style (13)
Cost of Services (13)
Trustworthiness (11)
Practice Area Knowledge (9)
Compassion (8)
Staff & Support (6)
Payment Plans (2)
Punctuality (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Botir | December 03, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Outstanding attorney and great person.
Mr. Stocks represented me in a Parenting Plan and Child Support case. I felt confident and calm with him on my side. He really loves his work, and truly cares about his clients. We could exchange emails and texts or even meet at the weekend if needed to discuss case issues. He is honest, very experie...
Posted by Kevin Kangara | February 20, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Family
Outstanding Attorney and Person.
I hired John Stocks to represent me when I wanted to protect the best interest of my kids. He met and exceeded my expectations and was very resourceful and creative during the process. I had looked up family law attorney's online and after contacting a few attorneys who were not able to help me for...
Posted by anonymous | October 31, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Excellent Choice
I personally used Mr. Stocks in my divorce. In a divorce, you need an attorney that has a solid understanding of case law. When you’re in court with John he will stand by you and fight for you and your case till the bitter end. I had two attorneys before finding him and would not trade him for anyone...
Posted by Dawn | August 19, 2014 | Divorce & Separation
Satisfied Client!!
John Stocks is an excellent attorney. He recently handled my divorce after a 23 year marriage. I was very happy with the outcome. This was my second divorce and hands down he is the best! John continues to stay in contact with his clients, sending reminders to update your wills, beneficiaries, and...
Posted by Larry King | August 05, 2014 | Child Custody
Top notch attorney and litigator
John represented us in a custody dispute and I found him to be very knowledgeable and articulate. He is very skilled at litigation. I was pleasantly surprised at the communication that took place before and during the trial, on weekends and well into the night. I would not hesitate to recommend Jo...
John Stocks's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. John is a hardworking and excellent attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable and obtains good outcomes for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. John Stocks in an aggressive advocate with a common sense approach to his cases that is both refreshing and effective. I would recommend him to anyone dealing with family law issues."
"A very knowledge and competent attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"John is professional and knowledgeable. I am confident that the clients I refer to him will receive good, competent representation and strong advocacy."
"John is a fantastic attorney and a good man. Any client would be well-served to have John help them with their family law issues."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. John has an excellent reputation in the legal community and is known for high quality client representation."
"With over 20 years of experience working on Family Law (and other) legal issues, John Stocks is one of the most respected Family Lawyers in Washington."
"John is a great lawyer. He is great in the courtroom and works long hours to serve his clients well. He does his homework, including legal research, and makes strong arguments even when the facts appear to be against him."
"I endorse this lawyer. John has been a opposing counsel on several cases. He is strong advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer's work. John Stocks and his firm, Van Siclen, Stocks, and Firkins, a full service firm in Auburn, WA, do excellent work. He would be a good choice for a matter anywhere from Tacoma to Seattle, especially the Maleng Justice Center in Kent. His firm combines hard-hitting, effective representation of their clients with the highest standards of courtesy and professionalism. Here's just one example of something you should know about him: John did something absolutely amazing -- he argued a case before the Supreme Court of the United States . . . when he was only 25 years old -- that's not a misprint; he was twenty-five, not long out of law school. You would expect to see an attorney like John practicing law on a high floor of a big building in downtown Seattle; Auburn is lucky to have him."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. John is very bright and tenacious in protecting his client's interests."
"I recommend John Stocks because he is a persuasive advocate for all of his clients. He is knowledgeable and works hard to effectively and efficiently meet his clients' goals."
"I strongly endorse John Stocks. He is a thoughtful, compassionate, yet aggressive attorney whose years of experience make him one of the most well-respected and admired attorneys in South King County."
"John is a bright, caring, charismatic attorney who gets results. Period. I would recommend him every day of the week and twice on Sunday."
"I strongly endorse this lawyer. John is an exceptional attorney who builds strong rapport with his clients while vigorously representing them."
Matthew Yetter
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Estate planning lawyer
Vivian Lee
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Thomas Baldwin
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Janet Watson
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Stephanie Messplay
Litigation lawyer
Patricia Steele
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Karen Koehler
Personal injury lawyer
Kenlynn Gallinger
Criminal defense lawyer
Norman Margullis
Family lawyer
Nicole Bolan
Family lawyer
Leslie Olson
Appeals lawyer
Molly Kenny
Family lawyer
Andrekita Silva
Family lawyer
Kevin Richardson
Divorce and separation lawyer
Jeffrey Caffee
Car accident lawyer
Deborah Gordon
Divorce and separation lawyer
Daniel Cook
Child support lawyer
Katrina Glogowski
General practice lawyer
Tara Roberts
Probate lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Best Attorney, Auburn Reporter
2013
Best Attorney - finalist, Auburn Reporter
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2011
Best Attorney - finalist (top 2), Auburn Voters - Auburn Reporter
2010
Best Attorney - finalist (top 2), Auburn Voters - Auburn Reporter
2009
Best Attorney - finalists (top 2), Auburn Voters - Auburn Reporter
2008
Best Attorney - 1st Place, Auburn Voters - Best of Auburn
2007
Who's Who in Family Law,
2006
VIP Member, Continental Who's Who National Business Leaders
2006
Employee and Lawyer of the Year,
2005
Rising Star Nominee,
2004
Marketing Director,
2003
Acknowledgement, The Pacific Institute
2001
Recruiting Partner,
2000
Certificate Re: GAL and Title 13 OAC Training,
1996
Managing Partner,
1991
Juris Doctor,
1989
American Jurisprudence Award,
1989
Law Review Top 5% in Law School,
1988
Full Scholarship, International Business Food Clinic
1988
University of Washington Dean's List,
1988
Bachelor of Arts Business - Magna Cum Laude,
1987
Award, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International
1987
Full Tuition Scholarship, University of Washington Alumnae
1986
University of Washington Dean's List,
1986
National Honor Fraternity Award, Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Fraternity
1986
National Honor Society, Centralia Community College
1985
President's List of Honored Students,
1984
President's List of Honor Students, Centralia Commuity College
1984
Scholarship, Western International Band Clinic
1984
State Champion - Percussion/Piano, Washington State
1983
Beta Gamma Sigma, Bega Gamma Sigma University of Washington
1982
State Champion, All-Star Baseball Fastpitch Colt League
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Member, Auburn Elks
2007 - Present
Member, Eagles
2006 - Present
Member, Auburn Noon Lions
1998 - Present
Partner, Van Siclen, Stocks & Firkins
1995 - 1998
Partner, Van Siclen & Stocks
1991 - 1994
Associate, Smythe & Van Siclen
1990 - 1991
Law Clerk, Burgess Fitzer
1988 - 1989
Law Clerk, Swanson Parr Cordes Younglove Peoples and Wycoff
Associations
2014 - Present
Auburn Area Chamber of CommerceBoard Member
2007 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar AssociationMember
2003 - Present
Selective Service SystemLocal Board Member
1991 - Present
King County Bar AssociationMember
1987 - Present
USSSA Softball World PlayerMember
2002 - 2002
Oregon State BarMember
1999 - 2007
Auburn Chamber of CommerceMember
1994 - 1999
American Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
1992 - 2007
Washington State Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
1992 - 1999
American Civil Liberties UnionMember
1991 - 2007
American Bar AssociationMember
1991 - 2007
Washington State Bar AssociationLawyer
1991 - 2007
South King County Bar AssociationMember
1991 - 1999
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1989 - 1991
Seattle University Law ReviewEditor
1989 - 1991
University of Puget Sound Law ReviewEditor
1987 - 1988
Professional organizations and associationsMember
1987 - 1988
Phi Alpha Delta Law FraternityMember
1986 - 1988
University of WashingtonDean's List
1985 - 1986
Phi Theta Kappa National Honor FraternityMember
1984 - 1988
National Honor SocietyMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Jane Doe v. John Doe
Obtained substantial spousal maintenance
Wife of 11 years versus Husband
Custody and Child Support
Puyallup Couple - Attorney's Fees Request
$10,000 temporary attorney's fees
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) and Contempt Against Husband
The Court of Appeals Reversed Trial Court
Education
1991
Seattle University School of Law
Juris Doctor
1988
University of Washington
Bachelor's of Arts
1986
Centralia Community College
Associates
1984
Olympia High School
High School Diploma
Speaking Engagements
2013
UW and Seattle U
Judge Trial
2008
Van Siclen, 40 years
Re-swearing after 40 years
2008
Mock Trial
Judging Mock Trial
2007
Mock Trial
Mock Trial
2007
Mock Trial
Mock Trial Skills
2006
Moot Court
Moot Court Arguments
2005
VS & F Conference
ER 904: procedural and substantive pointers
1992
The Physician Patient Privilege Visited
WSTLA Roundtable: The Physician Patient Privilege Re: Subsequent Treating Doctor
Publications
2015
4 Options (Relationships)
4 Options to a Family in Turmoil - VSSF
2006
Auburn Reporter
Family Law Questions and Answers
2006
King County Journal
Family Law
2006
Van Siclen, Stocks and Firkins Newsletter
Mediation - The Process
2005
Van Siclen, Stocks & Firkins Publication
Family Law Litigation Disclosure
1992
Washington Business Association
How to obtain a Mechanic's Lien
1989
Juvenile Cases Reporter
Summary of Juvenile Court Cases
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How can I anonymously report a 13 year old driving in the state of Washington?
26 Feb 2023
Q&A
Father of my 14 yr old moved to another state suddenly.Don't agree on visitation. Never gone through court. What are my rights?
26 Jan 2023
Q&A
How long can she be in jail since she keeps getting more prelims scheduled.
19 Oct 2021