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Scott Frederick Leist
About Scott
Biography
As a former Seattle Police officer and long time prosecutor, I bring a unique perspective and set of skills to criminal cases, particularly DUI matters and traffic infractions. There is simply no substitute for the experience of handling thousands of investigations and trials, from initial police involvement all the way through appeal.
I pride myself in providing zealous yet personalized and caring representation for all of my clients. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you, your friends and family.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
45%
26 years | 1,200 cases
Speeding and Traffic Ticket
30%
26 years | 3,000 cases
DUI and DWI
25%
26 years | 2,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 25 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
Leist Law Office / Washington Traffic Defense
PO Box 1856, Issaquah, WA, 98027
Leist Law Office / Washington Traffic Defense
705 2nd Av. #1111, Seattle, WA, 98104
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Scott Frederick Leist's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
388 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (388)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (326)
Advocacy (148)
Recommendation (121)
Practice Area Knowledge (111)
Professionalism (78)
Responsiveness (73)
Communication Style (64)
Staff & Support (62)
Cost of Services (46)
General Knowledge (26)
Character & Conduct (22)
Trustworthiness (20)
Compassion (12)
Punctuality (7)
Free Consultations (3)
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Compassion
Posted by Holly | March 30, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Outstanding Result – Ticket Dismissed and Record Cleared
I had a very good experience working with Scott Leist’s office. Scott helped get my traffic infraction dismissed in full, and my driving record remained clear. I am very grateful for the result and for the professional representation throughout the process. Barbara was especially helpful, kind, respo...
Posted by Dani | February 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence
Professional & Caring
I had to hire Scott due to an uncomfortable situation involving a restraining order. Through this difficult and emotional time for me, Scott was there to rest my nerves at ease while he seamlessly took over the situation and helped get an extremely successful result. He was there every step of the wa...
Posted by Robert | February 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
case dismissed
I found Scott Leist on AVVO. It was his review history that prompted me to meet with him. After a phone call and through in-person consultation, I retained him for my case. We kept in touch via phone and email and he quickly got my case dismissed, without ever getting to the first court hearing. ...
Posted by Heather | July 14, 2015 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
More than attorney, but one heck of an advocate
Scott represented me in a traffic offense. I was so scared because I have never been in this situation before. I searched through many attorneys in the Seattle area and I met with three face to face. Scott told me he used to be in the police force and now as an attorney he has a lot of knowledge. ...
Posted by Mary | October 22, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Couldn't have asked for a better experience!
Great office to work with - Scott and his staff communicated clearly to me as the case progressed and made the entire process as painless for me as possible. Excellent resolution as well - I don't feel like it could have progressed and resolved any better! If I find myself in need of a lawyer agai...
Scott Frederick Leist's Lawyer Endorsements
"I've known Scott for several years. Put simply, he is a fantastic attorney. Scott is extremely intelligent, hard-working, and motivated. And his knowledge of criminal law, including traffic infractions, is second to none in the State of Washington. I would strongly recommend Scott to anyone looking for a criminal attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. It goes without saying that he is one of our best attorneys in this State. A consummate leader and attorney in the community, he knows the law inside out and commands the respect of the court, prosecutors, and the defense bar. Most importantly he really fights for his clients. I recommend him without reservation."
"I have been familiar with Scott and his work for many years, and have consulted with him on innumerable occasions when issues have arisen in my own cases. Scott has vast experience with criminal law, having been both a police officer and a prosecutor prior to becoming a defense attorney. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the law, especially in regard to traffic-related crimes and infractions, and has helped me immeasurably on many occasions. I also know that gets great results for his clients, whether by acquittal, dismissal, or or negotiation. Last but not least, he's a heck of a nice guy. I endorse him wholeheartedly."
"I enthusiastically endorse Scott. He is an excellent attorney and knows all there is to know about DUI and traffic defense. His experience as a police officer and prosecutor gives him a unique perspective of the justice system and he puts his experience to work for his clients. I have recommended Scott to my closest friends and family members, knowing that with Scott they would be in good hands."
"In my previous job as a prosecutor, I had numerous cases against Scott. He is an extremely experienced DUI attorney and does an excellent job negotiating cases and getting the best possible results for his clients."
"I have known Scott for years as our paths frequently cross in court. He is never less than well prepared, and always very knowledgeable about the area of law in question. He is a zealous advocate on behalf of his clients. I heartily endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Scott is really good at what he does. It seems like he knows almost everything about traffic infractions and traffic offenses. I would not hesitate to recommend him to someone who needed help in this area."
"I endorse Scott. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I have worked opposite of Scott Leist before and was impressed with his tough negotiating style while maintaining civility."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse Scott's work. He a compassionate advocate who is extremely well versed in DUI practice."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Scott for many years now. Scott is an excellent attorney who has the trial experience and years of working with the courts and prosecutors to get good results."
"Scott was kind enough to come down all the way from Seattle on a weekday night to speak to some college students in Olympia about their rights as students and citizens and how best to avoid turning a contact with law enforcement into a criminal case. His demeanor and professionalism came through. Whenever I have asked for his advice on case via email he's always brought to bear his extensive experience as a defense lawyer, former prosecutor, and former police officer. I highly endorse his work."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Leist's strong commitment to criminal law is evident from his participation in this community."
"Scott is an excellent attorney who always fights hard for his clients. I highly endorse his work."
"When Scott was a prosecutor he prepared and tried cases like his life depended on every case. I have seen him working as a tireless advocate for the defense and have been impressed by his complete devotion to hard work and fearless advocacy. I believe that anyone who hires Scott Leist is going to get pragmatic advice and stellar representation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Scott Leist is a very sharp, savvy defense lawyer. Since his experience is vast as a former supervising prosecutor with King County, he knows the players, judges and procedures. My firm has dealt with him in numerous matters when he was a prosecutor and always found him personable and respectful. Hiring Scott Leist on a DUI or other criminal matter leaves nothing to chance, and is as close as possible to a guarantee of a stellar outcome!"
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I had the pleasure of working with Scott at the King County Prosecutor's Office and am also aware of the excellent work he has done since opening his private practice. Scott is a superior trial lawyer whose experience provides his clients with outstanding advocacy."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Pro Bono Award, Washington State Bar Association
2017
Client's Choice, Avvo
2016
Pro Bono Award, Washington State Bar Association
2015
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2014
Pro Bono Publico Award, Washington State Bar Association
2013
Pro Bono Publico Award, Washington State Bar Association
2012
Pro Bono Publico Award, Washington State Bar Association
2011
Pro Bono Publico Award, Washington State Bar Association
2010
Pro Bono Publico Award, Washington State Bar Association
2009
Pro Bono Publico Award, Washington State Bar Association
2007
Rising Star, Washington Super Lawyers
2004
Rising Star, Washington Super Lawyers
1999
Cum Laude Graduate, Seattle University School of Law
1999
Trustee Law Scholar, Seattle University School of Law
1998
Trustee Law Scholar, Seattle University School of Law
1997
Trustee Law Scholar, Seattle University School of Law
1996
Trustee Law Scholar, Seattle University School of Law
1996
West Precinct Officer of the Year Nominee, Seattle Police Department
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Attorney, Leist Law Office / Washington Traffic Defense
2008 - 2009
Field Office Director - Kenya, International Justice Mission
2003 - 2008
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, King County Prosecutor's Office
2000 - 2003
Attorney, Stoel Rives. LLP
1993 - 2000
Police Officer, Seattle Police Department
Associations
2009 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2005 - Present
Issaquah/Sammamish Young LifeArea Committee Member
2000 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2007 - 2008
FEAR ProjectBoard Member
2006 - 2008
King County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney's AssocationPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Washington v. Jermaine Watkins
Prevailed - Conviction Affirmed
State of Washington v. Gary Wolf
Prevailed - Conviction Affirmed
State of Washington v. Antwoine Parmer
Successfully prosecuted a high-profile rape case.
State of Washington vs. Tuan Tran
Prevailed - Conviction Affirmed
State of Washington vs. Ismael Armedariz
Prevailed - Conviction Affirmed
Education
1999
Seattle University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
University of Washington -Seattle
BA
Speaking Engagements
2010
NDA In-House Training
Cross Examination of Police Officer Witnesses
2009
You "Gant" Do That - Search & Seizure CLE
Enhancing Your Defense Through an Understanding of Police Procedures and Use of Force
2009
Provincial Kenya Police Investigator and State Counsel Training
Investigation and Prosecution of Sexual Offenses
2009
"Seek Justice" Challenge
The Role of Lawyers in Social Justice
2008
Provincial Kenya Police Investigator and State Counsel Training
Investigation and Prosecution of Child Sexual Assault
2008
IJM Kenya Champion for Justice Award Ceremony
Award Presentation
2007
Midyear Prosecution CLE
Recent Developments in Criminal Sentencing
2003
Midyear Trusts and Estates Litigation CLE
Litigating Ownership of Non-Testamentary Property
Publications
2009
Washington State Bar News
Coming to Kenya
2009
SU Magazine
Legal Ease
2007
Washington State Supreme Court Opinion
State of Washington vs. Ismael Armedariz
2006
Washington State Court of Appeals Decision
State of Washington vs. Jermaine Watkins
2002
Washington Association of Wine & Grape Growers Newsletter
California ADA Litigation Epidemic Less Likely To Hit Washington
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
If I get my license reinstated in WA by getting SR 22 insurance and then move to CA, do I still need SR22 insurance?
15 Jun 2014
Q&A
In Wa State what are the abbreviations NO NR R I F Mean under accident?
08 Feb 2010
Q&A
RE wa speeding ticket--radar "case report" has computer generated signature - no authentic signature from officer. Is it signed?
14 Nov 2009