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Sarah Wessel Birkeland

5.0
Rating: 8.1

Licensed for 38 years

Family Lawyer at Bellevue, WA
Practice Areas: Family, Mediation

9 Lake Bellevue Drive, Suite 106, Bellevue, WA

About Sarah

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Family 60%

Family law, divorce, separation, custody, child support.

28 years

60%
Mediation 40%

24 years

40%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 38 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1987

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Sarah W. Birkeland

9 Lake Bellevue Drive, Suite 106, Bellevue, WA, 98005

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Sarah Wessel Birkeland's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

4 Client Reviews

5 star (4)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Ashley | March 10, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The best by far

Sarah is the smartest but attentive lawyer I’ve ever met. I’ve been around quite a few and none even come close to the way they handle cases, their knowledge of the law or their strong sense of fight. Sarah was always a step ahead of me and my ex husband, she knows past cases as precedent like the ba...ck of her hand and I couldn’t recommend her more.

Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2013

The Best Decision You Will Ever Make

If you need a Family Law attorney, the best decision you will ever make is to hire Sarah Birkeland. Sarah has been working with me for many, many years in just about the worst, messiest divorce you can ever imagine. Sarah is by far the MOST intelligent lawyer you will ever find...her knowledge of t...he law and law procedure is bar none, the best. She is TOUGH but ETHICAL and HONEST. Sarah is a straight shooter but she is kind and compassionate. Knowing that Sarah is on my side, defending, fighting and advocating for me and my children gives me great peace of mind. If you need an attorney, hire her...you will not regret it.

Posted by anonymous | February 8, 2012

Excellent Attorney

Divorce was by far the most traumatic life event I have ever been through and I felt extremely lost and overwhelmed upon separating. Sarah was recommended to me through a friend of a friend and I felt immediately at ease when I first consulted her and her paralegal, Olivia. It was as if a huge weig...ht had been lifted off my shoulder once I handed everything over to them. I was able to personally meet with them within days of first contacting the practice. My options were presented and I received effective and professional advise from both Sarah and Olivia. The other party was extremely difficult to work with and was being dishonest about many financials which made determining maintenance and child support challenging. I felt that Sarah went above and beyond what needed to be done in order to get accurate information. Our parenting plan was also a point of contention and ended up with many ugly accusations on both sides. Sarah and Olivia always took the time to "talk me down" if I was getting stressed out about any of the hoops that had to be jumped though in the process of determining the PP. They set me up with the very best resources available and ultimately I ended up with very close to what I had hoped for in the beginning of the whole process, despite the other party having unlimited funds to hire from the largest, most expensive firm in Seattle. Upon my separation, I had money and assets held from me by the other party in an attempt to force me into settling on his terms, so my financial situation was bleak at best. Sarah worked with me to create a workable retainer and payment plan the was mutually satisfactory for the both of us. I appreciated this so very much as I had very limited options. I received absolutely THE BEST representation and she worked her ass off to take the time to understand all of the aspects of my situation and fight for my rights and protection. I could not recommend Sarah any more highly. I don't wish the 'divorce' experience on anyone, but if I ever have anyone I know in need of legal help in the family law area I would not hesitate to refer Sarah. I have a great amount of respect and admiration for the work that Sarah and Olivia do, I can't imagine ever having to deal with all of this on an everyday basis. I am so grateful that I found her and firmly believe that the divorce ended up absolutely as best as it could have and that was mostly impart of Sarah's practice. Thank you!

Posted by Joe | March 16, 2010

Thorough, Professional and Caring

Sarah was recommended to me by a friend who had also dealt with custody and marital issues. I had interviewed 8 or 9 attorneys before meeting with Sarah. I would be surprised if there was a harder working attorney out there. Not only was she attentive to my needs and concerns but was more then wil...ling to go above and beyond to get the job done. Early morning meetings, late night follow-ups, it was more then just a 9-5 for her. I have since dealt with other attorneys and her thoroughness and professionalism are unmatched. Her focus is the client and she seems to really care about getting the job done, and accomplishing a satisfactory outcome for her client. I was always kept appraised of any changes, updates or new information and felt that Sarah made the process something that we were doing not something that was happening to me. Having worked with Sarah makes me grateful that she was on my side, as I would hate to walk into the courtroom and see her on the other side of the table. Sarah has been a wonderful attorney and I will recommend her in the future.

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Sarah Wessel Birkeland's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Sarah
Douglas Wilson Miller headshot
Douglas Miller

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Sarah is a fierce advocate and terrifying opponent. I can think of no greater compliment for a divorce lawyer. If you can get on her client list, you will be well served."

Mindy Michelle Carr headshot
Mindy Carr

Mediation lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Sarah as opposing counsel and with her as the family law mediator. She is practical, straightforward, and reasonable. I recommend her and will not hesitate to use her again for mediation."

Michael De Maar JR headshot
Michael De Maar

Unknown lawyer | Nov 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Sarah is a extremely formidable lawyer who knows our area of the law extremely well. I trust Sarah with any of my client referrals. She is an excellent attorney."

Natalie Rosenbaum De Maar headshot
Natalie De Maar

Unknown lawyer | Nov 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Sarah is a tough and knowledgeable advocate for her clients. I often consult Sarah for advice or use her skills to help solve difficult issues."

Neal Tully Feinerman headshot
Neal Feinerman

Family lawyer | Oct 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Sarah is professional in her manner, easy to work with, knowledgeable and energetic. I found her wiling to achieve practical solutions, while at the same time a strong and effective advocate for her client."

Robert Charles Kaufman headshot
Robert Kaufman

Family lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Sarah Birkeland is one of the finest attorneys with whom I have had the pleasure of working. I have practiced law for 35 years, and Sarah and I have been on opposing sides of a few matters over the past several years. She is always knowledgeable, tenacious when necessary, and an excellent advocate for her clients. Sarah is also one of the most honest and ethical lawyers with whom I have dealt, and her word is her bond. I wholeheartedly recommend Sarah to anyone facing a family law issue. She is effective, practical, and never loses sight of the big picture."

View All Endorsements
Neal Tully Feinerman headshot
Neal Feinerman

Family lawyer

Robert Charles Kaufman headshot
Robert Kaufman

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.1 (Excellent)

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