Carena C. Mcilwain

I hired Carena for a mid-life/long term divorce. What won me over from the very first meeting was her promise to be handle the case first hand without handing it off to a junior mentor, her experience, her humor and compassion, and her commitment to fight for me. What I noticed right off the b...at is that she did not make promises like a couple of the other attorneys that I initially consulted. She explained the law and the landscape and what was possible from mediation. Carena walked me thru the process every step of the way. What is instrumental in Carena's approach is the sense of urgency and care that her staff handles the day-to-day tasks and asks. You realize that her team is looking a every detail from your side and the opposing side with the lens of experience. Given Carena's depth of experience in the Seattle area, she knows many of the other attorneys, mediators and judges in the area and positions your case with that insight. When you are older and go thru a divorce after a long marriage it can be very disorienting, Carena made me feel ok about the process, was there to answer a couple of panicked calls and helped me get thru the other side. I was satisfied that my outcome was the best I could ask for and didn't "burn down the house" to do so. Carena is smart, wise and a personality you look forward to talking to during a very challenging time.

I hired Carena for my case, who assisted me during a tough divorce with lots of details, involving properties abroad and various types of assets. I have been always surprised by her vast knowledge of various sub-areas and her very thorough preparation and attention to detail. She helped me protect my... assets with the right facts and documentation and to keep conversations very well-targeted. I would definitely have lost a lot of money unnecessarily if I did not have someone like Carena to help me out. I need to call out her team, especially her Paralegal, Anthony, who goes above and beyond. He is the best in class, all one can hope for. Carena and her team are absolutely responsive and will lead you seamlessly through your divorce case. Definitely recommended.

There is no smarter, kinder, hard-working attorney (who wields the law like a sword) than Carena! After a nearly 20 yr marriage I left an abusive, money-hungry loser who hadn't worked in 10 yrs. As the breadwinner (mom) of 3 kids, I had everything to lose. I began with a big Firm attorney chargin...g $420/hour and little was accomplished. Carena took over my case and wasn't ensnared by the litigious nature and manipulative tactics of my ex, if it didn't move the ball forward and protect my kids and financial future, we ignored it. Every communication had a purpose; we always had a clear path and a plan. Carena works smart, focuses on what matters, and goes deep into those issues. If it matters to you, it matters to her. I repeatedly watched her bury opposing counsel throughout the process with her extensive knowledge of the law and quick wit. When an abusive leach doesn't want to be left he does everything not to settle; he pursued me relentlessly, so we had to jump through all the hoops: mediation, motions, depositions, GAL and trial. Throughout this stressful process Carena was a beacon of strength and levity; walking right beside me every step, reminding me that 'She's got this'...she always did. And even during this dark time we laughed, we laughed a lot. At each decision-point, she presented me with options, potential outcomes and counseled me through to a decision. I always felt like I understood each move we made and why we made it (even if it was to benefit us ten steps down the road)...she's so tactical. I often counted my blessings that she was MY attorney, because going up against her would be terrifying. Carena is especially patient, kind, and adept at issues concerning children. I have 3 teenage kids: the eldest was emotionally abused by his father, and two younger teens who were actively being poisoned and manipulated against me by their father. Immediately she identified the need for protection of the children from their father, greater time in my care, and that all decisions relating to the children be mine solely. We meticulously crafted a Parenting Plan (adopted by the Court) which ensured all of these needs for my children were met. Carena so expertly conveyed the abuse and manipulation to the Court that the Judge included the details of my ex's abuse and manipulation in the Parenting Plan and a provision that should any of these situations arise, I have immediate recourse - protecting my children immediately and into the future. At trial she was nothing short of amazing, her preparation and hard-work were unmatched. Her command of the law, sharp-tongue and razor-quick mind was incredibly effective. She successfully had many contentious pieces of evidence (home surveillance videos, cell phone videos, letters) admitted by knowing the law (leaving his attorney flat-footed and slack-jawed), overturned the recommendation of the wildly incompetent Guardian ad Litem, achieved more custody of my children than requested, and achieved no ongoing spousal maintenance. Don't be fooled by her genuine kindness, it is disarming, and she uses it tactically to get her client's needs met. However, her teeth are equally sharp, her associate calls her an 'F'ing alligator' (which is true). She knows when to bring teeth, and always does so with the law alongside as her armor. There is NO ONE better in your foxhole than Carena! No review of this Firm is complete without including Anthony..the insanely responsive, organized, hard-working, smart, fantastically cynical, top-of-his game Paralegal who is part of the package. He is an absolute pleasure to work with, keeps a million balls in the air without dropping one, and will bring a smile to your face. If you are seeking legal guidance, you would be tremendously blessed to stumble upon this small Firm of incredibly smart, hard-working, experienced Legal professionals with hearts and minds of gold. She saved all that mattered most.

Getting a divorce has had to be one of the hardest things I have done, but it was so much better going through it with Carena guiding me. Her meticulous attention to detail all of the time blew me away. She works hard! At our trial she got information allowed in that was being objected to because ...she knows the law that well! She also made sure with every big decision she had educated me on the pro's and con's to help me make the best decision for myself. However, aside from being an excellent professional, she made me feel that all my questions and concerns had validity and never once made me feel a bother for asking. Going through a hard life change, her sincerity and kindness were welcomed and appreciated.