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Michael Alexander Maxwell

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Avvo Rating9.6
  • Issaquah, WA
  • Licensed for 28 years
  • Free consultation
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About Michael

Mike Maxwell has delivered justice to his clients for nearly a decade and a half, having taken more than one hundred cases to jury. While at Northeastern University School of Law in Boston, he completed an internship for the Federal Defender in Alaska where he defended individuals accused of crime at trial. He assisted in a prisoners' federal class action litigation in Raleigh, North Carolina that forced the State of North Carolina to improve prison conditions. He also assisted with death penalty defense and investigation in Atlanta, Georgia.

Following law school, Mr. Maxwell attended the Georgetown University School of Law, where he was awarded an academic fellowship to complete a rare masters degree in law in the area of trial advocacy. While at Georgetown, he supervised third year law students as they defended the criminally accused at trial.

Mr. Maxwell worked as a criminal defense attorney for seven years in King County. There, he defended over a hundred criminal defendants at trial on charges ranging from DUI to murder in the first degree. One of his most notable wins was State v. Vigil, where his client was charged with two counts of assault in the first degree for shooting two unarmed people at close range. Mr. Maxwell's client was acquitted by invoking the defense of self defense and the jury awarded all attorney fees and costs to Mr. Maxwell.

Before joining the Bernard Law Group, Mr. Maxwell worked as a civil plaintiff and defense attorney at several offices, including Rohan Goldfarb Rafel and Shapiro in Seattle, Lucas & Lucas, PS in Bellevue, and the law office of Kenneth R.Scearce in Seattle, bringing several matters to trial. His appellate experience includes Thompson v. E. Pacific Enterprises, a product liability case where the plaintiff's allergies caused her to enter into anaphylactic shock and a coma and suffered subsequent brain damage. 115 Wn.App. 1042 (2003). He also argued Sjoegren v. Pacific Northwest Properties, a premises liability case. 118 Wn.App. 144 (2003).

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Practice areas

OtherMedical malpracticeBrain injuryAnimal and dog bitesCar accident
  1. Car accident: 40%

    I have litigated nearly every kind of automobile accident, including traffic pile ups, head on collisions, tbone collisions, vehicle rollovers, etc.

    17 years, 1,000 cases

  2. Animal and dog bites: 10%

    People have contacted me with dog bite cases that other lawyers cannot litigate. I have had success sometimes where others have failed.

    24 years

  3. Brain injury: 10%

    Traumatic brain injuries are the most contentious cases, and many lawyers do not know how to handle them effectively. We bring these case and pay close attention to the needs of our clients.

    24 years

  4. Medical malpractice: 10%

    One of my medical malpractices cases was featured in the April, 2013 edition of Outside Magazine. I represented a man who was made toxic by his Seattle on a planned trip to Mt. Everest.

    17 years, 25 cases

  1. Defective and dangerous products: 10%

    I have litigated against Ford Motor Company for designing a van that tips over easily, against Sears for a defective lawnmower, against pharmaceutical manufacturers for harmful medications, including the birth control patch.

    17 years, 25 cases

  2. Wrongful death: 10%

    Several of the severe motor vehicle collisions I have litigated have included death cases.

    17 years, 15 cases

  3. Motorcycle accident: 10%

    My motorcycle injury cases have been severe. Clients have lost their legs, hips, hands, spleens, and have broken multiple bones. I am well experienced in serious motorcycle injury cases, even those with contested liability.

    22 years, 100 cases

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Contact

535 East Sunset Way
address map

Maxwell Graham, PS

535 East Sunset Way
Issaquah, WA, 98027

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    AKInactive200912/27/2020
    WAActive199202/24/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers8
    Legal guides0
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    OwnerMaxwell Graham, PS2015 - Present
    Managing PartnerMaxwell Blair, PS2013 - Present
    Litigation AttorneyBernard Law Group2004 - Present
    OwnerMaxwell Graham, PS2015 - 2015
    Public DefenderSociety of Counsel Representing Accused Persons1997 - 2004
    County AttorneyKing County Criminal Defense1990 - 1997
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Washington State Association for JusticeMember2008 - Present
    Alaska Bar Associationinactive member2008 - Present
    Washington State Bar AssociationMember1992 - Present
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Washington State Association of JusticeStrategies to Defeat ERISA Reimbursement Claims2010
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    University of Washington School of LawBA - Bachelor of Arts1997
    Georgetown University Law CenterLL.M - Master of Laws1992
    Northeastern University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1990
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    KOMO TelevisionWoman Sues After Clinic Gives Flu Shot instead of Birth Control2015
    KIRO TVSeattle Woman Sues Clinic for Getting Flu Shot Instead of Birth Control Injection2015
    KEPR TVThird Patient Alleges Mistreatment by Ob/Gyn2015
    Huffington PostWoman Gets Pregnant after Clinic Mixes Up Birth Control and Flu Shot: Lawsuit2015
    The StrangerWhat We Know about Use of Force by Mall Cops2014
    Subrogation SeminarERISA - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly2014
    Seattle TimesCity Attorney won't Charge Westlake Center Guard in Pepper-Spray Incident2014
    Seattle Post Intelligencer On LineWomen Sue Rapist Attorney Danford Grant, His Wife2014
    KIRO My NorthwestMan Pepper Sprayed at Westlake Center Suing Security Guard2014
    NBI subrogation seminarERISA subrogation2013
    Auto Cases 2013: Looking Down the Road in Your Auto CaseMIST on the windshield2013
    WSAJ subrogation seminarStrategies to Defeat ERISA Reimbursement Claims2010
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    Easterling v. TangSettled for a confidential amount
    Easterling v. TangSettled for a confidential amount
    Thompson v. E Pacific Enterpriseswon settlement
    State v. Vigilawarded all attorneys fees and costs

    Reviews

    (13)
    5 Star
    		92%
    4 Star
    		8%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review Michael Maxwell

    Easy and smooth work!

    Posted by

    Mike Maxwell and team worked to maximize my payoff after a car accident that left me with lasting medical issues. They were easy to work with, friendly to talk with, and professional in every respect. I recommend him!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    The best

    Posted by

    My Husband and I want to personally thank Michael Maxwell for his wisdom and expertise in our injury case. Mr. Maxwell helped us to see our case through to the end with a favorable settlement and he did so with honesty and integrity. Not only was he the best pick to represent us, he lightened the load and made it easier to get through. He truly was a blessing to us.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Review Maxwell's legal service re: my case

    Posted by

    Mr. Maxwell represented me on a complicated personal injury case that other lawyers were hesitant to accept. Throughout the litigation, Mr. Maxwell’s patience helped settle my nerves and fears. Most importantly, he retained a medical expert in infection control who conveyed his opinion in a frank manner. After two years of pain and several surgeries, Mr. Maxwell and the expertise of the doctor helped me achieve a sizeable settlement. I definitely recommend the Maxwell Law Firm! Thank you.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    A1 100% worth your time

    Posted by

    First id like to really thank Mike Maxwell from the heart for changing my life he really showed me that people are still trustworthy. Thanks to him i can feel better about the fact that i been through so much he really helped me business was straight foward and he went above and beyond expectations if u need a lawyer that is still human and has a heart mike is your man. Thank you again to you and your office family and any one who helped, listened and understood my situation thank you
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Excellent Attorney for Tort Case

    Posted by

    Mr. Maxwell took my case, when two other attorneys before him, felt litigation wouldn’t be “worth their effort”. In preparation of Mr. Maxwell accepting my case, he listened very closely to me, studied the evidence, and promptly arranged the paperwork for litigation. We settled the case, and I was very happy with the outcome.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Car accident

    Posted by

    A driver of a car fell asleep and rammed our van. Mike Maxwell was assertive with the drivers insurance company who was reluctant to pay a fair amount. Mike was able to obtain a sizeable settlement. I would highly recommend MIKE as an attorney who listens and will do the best possible job for you.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Law Case

    Posted by

    Mike Maxwell did an excellent job of explaining, bringing things down to my level but at the same time not treating me stupid. He is well versed in medical malpractice law. He was able to assist in getting right to the facts in a hurry. He was able to take care of business without treating me like I did not know what was going on. He did an excellent job of hiring the right staff to support my case as well.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    A PLUS ATTORNEY

    Posted by

    I find Mike Maxwell to be a excellent attorney...He took my case where two other attorneys did not see where I had a legal stand and Mike did.. He was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure I understood what was going on...we had a very good settlement..so if anyone has attorneys that say "NO" just call Mike. If it can be done he will do it...He definitely will get things done for you and with respect towards you.

    Top notch lawyer

    Posted by

    Mr. Maxwell assisted us in a medical malpractice case and did a superb job. He kept in constant communication with us, and we received a settlement far beyond what we expected. He was professional and personable as was his firm and staff. I would highly recommend him.

    Pesonal Recommendation

    Posted by

    Michael and his associates handled my case with the utmost professionalism and expertise. They provided service above and beyond what friends told me to expect and I was totally satisfied with the outcome. I would recommend him for cases at any level as well as beyond the complexity of my own.
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (13)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Steven Lingenbrink, Wrongful death Attorney on Aug 27, 2020
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Michael and I have collaborated on several large cases over the years. He is both knowledgeable and creative when working up a case. Michael is a superb advocate for his clients. He is compassionate and a tenacious litigator, who works tirelessly to obtain the best possible results for his clients. I look forward to working together with Michael on many cases into the future. I highly recommend his legal services.

    Tom Mumford, Personal injury Attorney on May 7, 2020
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I have had the pleasure of associating with Mike on both personal injury and medical malpractice cases. He is incredibly articulate and knowledgeable about medicine and medical malpractice issues in addition to being a seasoned litigator. I do not hesitate to refer clients to Mike, and I enjoy associating with him as a collaborator on challenging cases.

    Edwardo Morfin, Medical malpractice Attorney on Jan 7, 2019
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I gladly endorse Mike Maxwell. He is an incredibly smart attorney and I frequently refer complex medical malpractice cases over to Mike because I know that he will do a great job.

    Chong Ye, Car accident Attorney on Jun 29, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Mike works tirelessly when it comes to representing his clients. He is experienced, compassionate, and professional with his work.

    J. Becker, Litigation Attorney on Mar 3, 2017
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. Mike's an experienced litigator who compassion for his clients and passion for their case. I first met him more than 20 years ago and still keep him in my contacts list for referrals. Top notch!

    Ray Brooks, Car accident Attorney on Aug 28, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Mike Maxwell. He has constantly shown a thorough knowledge of the law, and he truly cares about his clients. I would never hesitate to send him a client.

    Terence Traverso, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 8, 2014
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. I can vouch for Michael's determination and compassion on behalf of his clients, as well as his vast legal knowledge and experience, no doubt resulting in the great outcomes for his clients.

    Eric Hoort, Car accident Attorney on Jul 25, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mike is a fantastic attorney and I highly endorse him.

    George Tamblyn, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on Jan 12, 2013
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. Excellent mind and follow through. Substantial experience, really cares about his clients, gets very good results.

    Arthur Leritz, Personal injury Attorney on May 23, 2011
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I met Mike Maxwell several years ago when I was an insurance defense attorney. I had several cases against Mr. Maxwell and on every one of them I found him to be an extremely knowledgeable and hardworking attorney. He was always professional and his word was his bond. His clients were lucky to have him and I highly recommend him to anyone who has been injured.

    Diana Zottman, Defective and dangerous products Attorney on Feb 10, 2010
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer's work. I know Michael to be a strong advocate for his clients and a talented negotiator. His skills make him one of the most effective lawyers in the field. Mr. Maxwell communicates well with his clients, his staff and those from the opposing party. Michael is always well prepared and organized and his advice is practical. Unlike many in this area of practice, Michael is punctual and often ahead of schedule. In my experience, he gets results that I don't think other attorneys can ever hope for and his clients are always pleased with his work. I do not hesitate to refer clients to Michael.

    Rebeccah Graham, Personal injury Attorney on Nov 25, 2009
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer's work. Mike Maxwell is a highly experienced, concientious, hard-working lawyer. He has a passion for protecting the rights of the injured and will fight hard to make sure that your interests are protected. I highly recommend Mike.

    Mona Smith, Personal injury Attorney on Nov 19, 2009
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer's work. Mike and I worked together for approximately two years and he is a great advocate for his clients. Mike is compassionate yet is a tenacious litigator who fights hard for his clients. I would not hesitate to work with him in the future and I refer personal injury clients to him. In fact, when I had a personal injury claim, I immediately turned to Mike to represent me and was pleased with how he handled my case and the results we obtained.

    Cost

    RATES
      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs30 minutes
      OTHER BILLING TYPES
      • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.33%-40%
      PAYMENT METHODS

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