$ 320-400 per hour
About Bruce
Biography
My busy family law and personal injury practice includes many cases which involve multiple states or foreign countries. I have dedicated my career to providing the highest quality legal representation for my clients. My professional goal has always been to protect the best interests of my clients and their families.
In 2007 I was interviewed on both ABC News and Good Morning America. Fox News interviewed me in 2013. I am top rated on www.AVVO.com. On www.Martindale-Hubbell.com, the oldest and most prestigious attorney rating service in the world, I have had the highest possible rating for both skill and ethics for over 20 years. I was listed as a "Top Lawyer" in the July 2010 issue of Seattle Metro Magazine.
Over the years I have represented clients in thousands of court cases, mediations, administrative hearings, and appeals. Our firm has a supurb reputation with Judges, Commissioners, and attorneys. I know how to fight for my clients. I have also successfully mediated many cases to successful settlements, and have acted on a collaborative basis when requested by the client. I have written numerous articles, news columns, AVVO Answers, and AVVO Legal Guides on a wide variety of legal subjects.
I am admitted to practice in Washington and New York States, the Eastern and Western Washington Federal District Courts, the 6th and 9th U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, the U.S. Court of Military Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
Contact my law office, Clement Law Center, today for a free 1/2 hour consultation to discuss your legal matter. More information, articles, and client reviews are at .
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Family
30%
37 years
Child Custody
20%
37 years
Divorce and Separation
20%
37 years
Personal Injury
20%
37 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
33%-33%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 16 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Licensed in Washington for 55 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1970
No misconduct found
Location
Clement Law Center
31919 1st Avenue South Suite 103, Federal Way, WA, 98003-5258
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Bruce Clement's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
56 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Practice Area Knowledge (26)
Professionalism (23)
Recommendation (22)
Advocacy (21)
Case Results (21)
General Knowledge (17)
Communication Style (13)
Character & Conduct (11)
Staff & Support (11)
Trustworthiness (11)
Cost of Services (10)
Compassion (5)
Free Consultations (5)
Responsiveness (4)
Punctuality (2)
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | Family
Posted by anonymous | January 02, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Family
Highly recommend
Bruce Clement is an excellent family law attorney and a wonderful person. Everyone in his office is highly professional, responsive and very supportive. You can entrust the happiness of your family to them. Our case was very complicated and lengthy, but every moment of communication with Bruce Cle...
Posted by anonymous | May 29, 2016 | Family
Bruce and team extend legal matters and optimze for money for the lawfirm
Bruce and his law firm are professional and courteous. The main issue I had with them during our three month proceedings was that they tend to instigate matters versus trying to resolve things amicably. Throughout the case, I got the impression that Bruce and team were trying to optimize for the mo...
Bruce Clement
Replied last May 29, 2016This review may not have been written by the client. The client was seeking better visitation with his children after his ex moved with the children to another state. During the proceedings the client's current wife wanted me to seek more visitation time than the client wanted. The case was finally settled on terms acceptable to the client, but not his wife. After the settlement the client seemed to be satisfied, but his current wife was not.
Posted by anonymous | December 01, 2015 | Family
Very expensive, not necessary
Bruce is old and has the experience in family law. However, I think that there are other lawyers who will do what he will do for cheaper. First, he is trying to extend the case as much as possible so that he can charge you for anything. They even charge you 10 minutes spending time for reading yo...
Bruce Clement
Replied last December 01, 2015My firm worked hard on this interstate custody case, and were close to a satisfactory result when the client decided to retain another attorney. I shared my files & thoughts with the new attorney, who benefitted significantly from the work and trial preparation my firm had done.
Posted by Second Opinion Client | June 03, 2015 | Family
Good Advise
Mr Clement met with me over a weekend so I could get second opinion on my matter. His advise was great. I believe his experience will help a lot of people out there. I have also seen his work (another friends parenting plan) and he covers a lot of things well, such that in the future his client or ...
Posted by Brett | June 27, 2014 | Family
Extremely pleased
I needed a family law attorney to handle a divorce for me. I chose to give Bruce a try, based upon reviews I'd seen on the internet. I was extremely pleased not just with Bruce, but with his entire staff, as well. The entire team was upfront with me about expectations and fees and they kept me ver...
Bruce Clement's Lawyer Endorsements
"Bruce has appeared before me for mediation and arbitration work in family matters. His knowledge of the issues and skill in presentation has always been first class. He works well with his clients. He has a grasp of the nuances required to deal with personal issues and has handled complicated matters with skill and finesse. Highly rated."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Bruce is a tireless worker on behalf of his personal injury clients. He is willing to take on the tough cases and is excellent in cross-examining the other side. If you have a personal injury claim I would recommend Bruce Clement to get to the heart of the case and advocate for you in obtaining the best settlement possible."
"I am a MA Family Law Attorney who needed assistance with the WA piece of a current case. I called a number of WA attorneys who were were unable to speak to me. Then...there was Bruce Clement. Not only did Bruce take my call with no reservations at all, but he diligently and patiently walked me through the issues I needed to address in order to assist my client. He and I had never met or had any contact before, but at the end of our hour long conversation, I had no doubt that I was speaking with one of the best and most knowledgable attorneys around. The only bummer - he doesn't practice in MA. WA is absolutely fortunate to have such a wonderful attorney as part of their Bar. Thank you again Attorney Clement for all the help you gave me, and ultimately my client. Very much appreciated. Brandy S. Bustamante, Esq. (MA)"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I recently mediated a quite complex dissolution case in which Mr. Clement represented one of the parties. Mr. Clement was fully prepared and, even more importantly, had fully prepared his client for what can be a very stressful and difficult process. Mr. Clement is a strong advocate and assisted his client to achieve an equitable result. He was organized and professional throughout the process. I endorse Bruce Clement."
"A very knowledge and competent attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"Bruce has a deep understanding of the law and truly understands the needs of each specific client. He is highly respected in the legal community and brings a common sense approach where conflict thrives. I endorse this attorney without reservation."
"In my experience, Mr. Clement provides thoughtful and helpful answers here on AVVO. He has taken the time to prepare helpful guides for pro se litigants and is someone whose advice I would take myself if I were in need."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse Mr. Clement because of his sound preparation and strong advocacy offered in a very complex and challenging Family Law matter. He was outstanding and his client was well-represented."
"When it comes to ethics and concern for clients, this attorney goes above and beyond, I highly endorse this attorney for legal representation. Not only are they a well respected member of their community but a respected member in the legal field."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Bruce. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. It is clear by reading the answers in the AVVO community that this lawyer is a top notch attorney who is highly respected in the legal community."
"After reading many of Mr. Clement's answers here on Avvo it is obvious this attorney has the knowledge and skill to serve clients. Without hesitation, I recommend this attorney as a knowledgeable practitioner and advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Bruce is an excellent Attorney I highly recommend him! Bruce has been the opposing counsel on several family law cases. Bruce has the highest level of professional ethics!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
Lynn Pollock
Mediation lawyer
Peter Maguddayao
Family lawyer
James Saulsbury
Family lawyer
David Starks
Family lawyer
Daniel Cook
Family lawyer
Robert Millsap
Estate planning lawyer
Mark Sullivan
Military law lawyer
Rebecca Reeder
Family lawyer
Larry Couture
Family lawyer
Debra Morse
Family lawyer
Alison VanDerVolgen
Family lawyer
Charles Szurszewski
Family lawyer
Donald Cobb
Family lawyer
Edward Harper
Personal injury lawyer
Marguerite Smith
Family lawyer
Michael Scholl
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2015
Highest Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Superb/10.0, AVVO
2015
Top Contributor, AVVO
2015
Clients' Choice, AVVO
2014
Superb/10.0, AVVO
2014
Top Contributor, AVVO
2014
Highest rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Highest Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Top Contributor, AVVO
2013
Superb/10.0, AVVO
2012
Clients'Choice, AVVO
2012
Highest Rating (21 years), Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Superb/10.0, AVVO
2011
Superb/10.0, AVVO
2011
Highest Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Highest rating since 1991, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Superb/10.0, AVVO
2010
Top Lawyers, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
1989
Lt. Col., US Army
1978
Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
1970
Distinguished Military Student, US Army ROTC (UW)
1969
Casenote Editor, Washington Law Review
1968
BA with Honors, University of Washington
Work Experience
1995 - Present
Managing Partner, Private practice
1990 - 1994
Associate, Private practice
1980 - 1990
Assistant Attorney General, Washington State
1975 - 1980
Assisgant Attorney General, Washington State Attorney General's Office
1973 - 1995
JAG Attorney, Us Army Reserves (Jag Corps)
1970 - 1973
Signal Corps Officer, Us Army Reserves
Associations
2010 - Present
International Academy of Collaborative ProfessionalsMember
2010 - Present
King County Collaborative LawMember
2009 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
American Bar Association, International Law Section, Family Law Committee Steering CommitteeMember
2005 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar AssociationMember
2000 - Present
US Court of Appeals 6th CircuitMember
1998 - Present
Lawyer Assistance ProgramPeer Counselor
1998 - Present
King County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
1990 - Present
King County Bar AssociationMember
1984 - Present
Eastern District of WashingtonMember
1973 - Present
US Supreme CourtMember
1972 - Present
US Court of Appeals 9th CircuitMember
1971 - Present
Western District of WashingtonMember
1970 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2009 - 2010
King County Bar Association, International Law SectionVice-Chair
1995 - 1997
Lawyer Assistance ProgramBoard Member
1991 - 1992
Lawyer Assistance ProgramChairman
1962 - 1964
Peace Corps (Philippines VIII)Volunteer
Sample of Legal Cases
In re Marriage of O.
Successful in dividing multi-million dollar marital estate
Helgeson v. Marysville
Injured worker case
Nghiem v. Wash. Med. Disc. Bd. (trial only)
Won a complicated medical disciplinary trial.
Haley v. Wash. Med. Disc. Board (1989)
Won very complicated Medical Discipline case.
Johnson v. Wash. Dept of Lab. and Inds.
Won a Washington State Supreme Court Case.
MSM v. Wash. Dept. of Lab. and Inds.
Won a Washington State Supreme Court case.
In re Marriage of Johnson
Won a State Supreme Court appeal.
Neah Bay v. Wash. Dept. of Fisheries
Won a State Supreme Court case.
In re Kier, 21 Wash. App. 836 (1978)
Won the appeal
In re Marriage of C.
Successfully obtained return of children kidnapped by husband from another country.
In re Marriage of J.
Client father got custody of two daughters by modifying a prior parenting plan giving custody to mother
Education
1989
US Army Command and General Staff College
Command and General Staff Course
1984
Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army
Officer Advanced Course
1970
University of Washington School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor-Casenote Editor
1970
University of Washington
ROTC (Distinguished Military Student)
1967
University of Washington
BA - Bachelor of Arts (with Honors)
Speaking Engagements
2008
Good Morning America
Military Child Custody
2008
ABC News
Military child custody
Publications
1999
Federal Way News
"Juris Doctor" Columnist
1998
Federal Way News
"Juris Doctor" Columnist
1994
Washington Police Officer
Two LEOFF II articles on L & I claims
1991
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
Practice and Procedure Before the Medical Disciplinary Board
1981
Wn. St. Criminal Justice Trng. Comm.
Washington Child Abuse and Neglect Workbook
1970
Washington Law Review
Comment on regional land use planning
1969
Washington Law Review
Casenote on exculpatory clauses in residential leases
Languages
English
Japanese
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What exactly does joint decision making with regard to medical care mean?
30 Mar 2017
Q&A
Not exercising visitations will give an opportunity to another parent to modify Parenting Plan order ?
28 Mar 2017
Q&A
Reunification and child custody in Washington bit I live in Beaverton Oregon the case was filed in Spokane Washington 4 years
30 Mar 2017
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Decree of Validity for a Marriage Occurring Prior to Divorce in Another Marriage (© Bruce Clement)
18 Apr 2014
Legal Guide
RELOCATING WITH THE CHILDREN (3): CASELAW AND LEGISLATIVE HISTORY ©Bruce Clement
27 Aug 2013
Legal Guide
College Support ("Post Secondary Education Support") - One Example ©Bruce Clement
25 Jan 2012