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John Stocks has represented a lot of high profile clients and argued ground-breaking cases before the biggest courts (WA Supreme Court, 9th Circuit, and all 3 Courts of Appeals). He has been the lead trial attorney in several complex trials, including family law, criminal defense, and civil cases. He has also settled a lot of cases through mediation, which requires a thorough preparation of the case from the outset.
Although settlements often yield the best result for most clients, John is not afraid to get a case ready for trial, whether criminal, civil, or family law. He has been the lead trial attorney in numerous jury and bench verdicts, including obtaining the largest and first-ever jury verdict for negligent investigation against a law enforcement agency, which involved the Sheriff’s office. The case was held in Spokane County Superior Court ($3 Million). Also, John has settled multiple police & government misconduct cases for over seven figures. He has also taken numerous cases to trial for divorce clients where the spouse was offered next to nothing, and no one else would take the case. One case highlight was achieving a lifetime spousal support award for the wife of a local, semi-famous news anchor (Seattle); another was obtaining a $450,000 property award decision from a Judge (Tacoma) for a husband who was offered $30,000 in settlement!
John also has won many large, complex, and/or publicized criminal jury trials, especially including those falsely accused of a crime (yet already being convicted in the media), including over thirty (30) teachers, all resulting in a dismissal of all charges or not guilty , John heads the family law department with a strong legal team of excellent lawyers and paralegals to address the many legal issues facing individuals in relationship , John has successfully argued several cases before the Divisions I, II, and III of the Court of Appeals. John is admitted to practice in the State of Washington and the U.S. District Court, both the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington.
John was born and raised in Olympia, Washington, where his father was with the State Auditor’s office for many years. He graduated from the University of Washington and then went to law school at Seattle University (formerly University of Puget Sound School of Law). He maintains his residence in King County, and remains active in the community, including Auburn Eagles, Elks, Rotary, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, softball associations, and other volunteer organizations. He enjoys participating and/or being a spectator in local softball, basketball, baseball, and professional sports; John also writes and composes music.
4
Practice Areas
35 years | 1,500 cases
35 years | 1,100 cases
35 years | 5,000 cases
35 years | 200 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
$ 450-450 per hour
State: Washington
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Mobile
721 45th Street Ne, Auburn, WA, 98002
vansiclen.com/attorneys/john-s-stocks/Other places you can find John online.
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 29 reviews | Recommendation
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 Brenda | October 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Divorce case
I hired John Stocks for my divorce case that lasted 18 months. John was always friendly, courteous and pleasant with me. He is the type of lawyer who does his homework and is prepared for court and trials with the details. Nothing gets buy him; he checks and double checks his work and papers. John ad...
Posted by Carol | October 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
John Stocks
I hired John Stocks as my divorce attorney. I would hire him again in a heartbeat. I have recommended Mr. Stocks to several colleagues, and they have been just as happy with his services. Mr. Stocks was compassionate, supportive, helpful, aggressive, knowledgable, experienced and guided me throug...
Posted by Shannon | October 28, 2016 | Child Custody
Thorough and Detailed
I have a complex contentious custody situation that requires an attorney that can keep up with all the details and cut right to the core of the issues. I've had experience with several attorneys- John stands out from them in several ways. He kept up with me and all the details of my case. John thorou...
"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."
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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
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
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
Obtained substantial spousal maintenance
Custody and Child Support
$10,000 temporary attorney's fees
The Court of Appeals Reversed Trial Court
1991
Juris Doctor
1988
Bachelor's of Arts
1986
Associates
1984
High School Diploma
2013
Judge Trial
2008
Re-swearing after 40 years
2008
Judging Mock Trial
2007
Mock Trial
2007
Mock Trial Skills
2006
Moot Court Arguments
2005
ER 904: procedural and substantive pointers
1992
WSTLA Roundtable: The Physician Patient Privilege Re: Subsequent Treating Doctor
2015
2006
2006
2006
2005
1992
1989
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
How can I anonymously report a 13 year old driving in the state of Washington?
26 Feb 2023
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
How long can she be in jail since she keeps getting more prelims scheduled.
19 Oct 2021