Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.8 /5.0
13 Client Reviews
PRO
David Brendan Starks
Virtual Consultation Available
About David
Biography
I enjoy practicing family law because of the personal connection that comes with getting to know my clients and then working to protect their rights and interests during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
Exceptional divorce and family law representation. I will help you get results.
Exceptional divorce and family law representation. I will help you get results.
Exceptional divorce and family law representation. I will help you get results.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
85%
International Law
10%
Child Custody
5%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2013
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 27 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Licensed in Oregon for 15 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Licensed in Texas for 17 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
McKinley Irvin
10220 NE Points Drive, Suite 330, Kirkland, WA, 98033
mckinleyirvin.com/attorney-profiles/david-starks/McKinley Irvin
601 Union Street, Suite 3030, Seattle, WA, 98101
mckinleyirvin.com/attorney-profiles/david-starks/McKinley Irvin
10900 NE 4th Street, Suite 2220, Bellevue, WA, 98004
mckinleyirvin.com/attorney-profiles/david-starks/Online Presence
Other places you can find David online.
David Brendan Starks's Reviews
David Brendan Starks's Lawyer Endorsements
"David is a superb lawyer. What impresses me most about David is his integrity, his dedication to clients, his intellect, and his knowledge of family law. I highly recommend David."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sharp, client serving and highly thought of in our profession."
"I highly recommend David Starks for complex family law matters, especially those involving business valuations, of which he is clearly very knowledgeable. He does an impressive job of advocating for his clients while also making sure that parties don’t unnecessarily escalate conflict or waste resources on issues that don’t matter. He also has a great sense of humor, which I imagine his clients greatly appreciate as he guides them through the divorce process."
"I reached out to David in order to get insight on Washington's approach on alimony/support. David was willing to provide detailed information and assist me in determining which jurisdiction is the proper venue to file my client's matter. He is knowledgeable and strives to help! I endorse David Starks."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"David is recognized for his expertise as an international family law litigator and a leader in his community. I endorse David as a family law / international family law lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"David is a fair and reasonable opposing attorney, as well as a respected colleague. I know that David will handle the case in the most efficient way possible, in both clients' best interests."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"David's reputation precedes him. His knowledge and experience in complex family law and international custody issues are unparalleled. He is a great attorney, mentor, colleague, person and friend. With pleasure, I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"David is an incredibly sharp, experienced, and talented attorney with whom I feel privileged to work."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"David is a strong and effective advocate for his clients. His litigation experience and drive to exceed client expectations are the foundation of his continued success. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"David is a leading expert in international custody disputes and a highly skilled litigator in all other areas of family law. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Elizabeth Michelson
Divorce and separation lawyer
Edmund Allen
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Brien Galbraith
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Rita Irvin
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Jessica Moore
Child support lawyer
Lindsay Camandona
Divorce and separation lawyer
Anthony Zorich
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Stacy Heard
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Ronald Nelson
Family lawyer
J. Weiss
Family lawyer
Annelisa Smith
Family lawyer
Michael Hallas
Family lawyer
Elizabeth Hoffman
Family lawyer
Jennifer Payseno
Family lawyer
Kim Schnuelle
Family lawyer
Krista Stipe
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Jonathan Hilty
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Jill Mullins
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2026
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2025
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2025
Band 1, Chambers High Net Worth Guide
2025
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2025
Top 500 Leading Lawyers in America, Lawdragon
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America
2024
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2024
Band 1, Chambers High Net Worth Guide
2024
Top 500 Leading Lawyers in America, Lawdragon
2023
Band 1, Chambers High Net Worth Guide
2023
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2023
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2022
Band 1, Chambers High Net Worth Guide
2022
Top 100 in Washington, Washington Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2022
Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers in America
2022
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2021
Band 1, Chambers High Net Worth Guide
2021
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2021
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2020
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2020
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2019
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2019
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Top 100 Washington Super Lawyers, Washington Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2018
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2017
Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State, Washington Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2017
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2016
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State, Washington Super Lawyers
2016
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2015
Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State, Washington Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State, Washington Super Lawyers
2014
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2013
Best Lawyer, Family Law, Best Lawyers in America
2012
Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State, Washington Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2012
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2011
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2010
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2008
Rising Star, Washington Super Lawyers
2007
Rising Star, Washington Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Partner, McKinley Irvin
Associations
2016 - Present
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersCertified Mediator
2014 - Present
American College of Family Trial LawyersDiplomate
Washington State Bar Association
Professionalism Commitee
American Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
King County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
State Bar of Texas
Member
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Fellow
International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Fellow
2017 - 2018
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Washington chapter)President
2011 - 2014
Drafting Committee on the Implementation of the Hague Convention on the Protection of ChildrenSection Advisor, ABA International Law Section
2009 - 2012
American Bar Association, International Law and Practice SectionCo-chair
Sample of Legal Cases
Brosselin v. Harless
Muhlenkamp v. Blizzard
Education
N/A
Seattle University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2024
Washington AFCC 9th Annual Conference
Family Assessments: From Errors to Excellence
2022
Top Challenges in Washington Family Law
Complex Assets: Finding, Valuing and Dividing
2017
King County Bar Association CLE
Conclusion of Case, Final Pleadings, Trial Preparation, Dissolution from A-Z
2015
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers chapter
Dealing With the UCCJEA
2015
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Law Practice Management - Implementing Technology in Your Practice
2015
AIJA / ABA (Brighton, UK)
Disputes Relating to Children on Separation of Parents/Carers
2014
King County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Stock Grants, Awards and Options - Property or Income
2014
American Bar Association (Seattle, Washington)
Finding Hidden Overseas Assets
2014
American Bar Association (Seattle, Washington)
Primer on Asian Family Law
2014
American Bar Association (Seattle, Washington)
Domestic Violence Allegations in International Family Cases
2014
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Unusual Valuation Issues
2013
University of Texas / AAML (Austin, Texas)
Innovations, Breaking Boundaries in Custody Litigation
2013
National Business Institute
Equitable Distribution in Divorce
2013
American Bar Association (Anchorage, Alaska)
Unconventional Issues in Child Custody and Abduction Cases
2013
AIJA / ABA (Cannes, France)
Key Players in Cross Border Real Estate Investments
2012
American Bar Association (Washington, DC)
Recognition of Foreign Court Orders and Conflicts of Laws
2012
American Bar Association (New York, New York)
For Better or Worse: International Issues in Marriage and Divorce
2012
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Marital Misbehavior, the Chronically Noncompliant Party: Remedies
2012
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
US Hague Cases and the UCCJEA
2011
Divorce Litigation: From Start to Finish
Commencing Divorce Action
2011
American Bar Association (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Saving a Stolen Childhood: How to Prevent and Resolve International Kidnapping Cases
2011
American Bar Association (Dublin, Ireland)
Family Enterprises in Distress: Issues to Consider
2010
King County Bar Association CLE
Nuts and Bolts of Family Law
2009
Washington State Bar Association CLE
Family Law Bootcamp
2009
National Business Institute
Domestic Violence: A View from the Bench
2008
King County Bar Association CLE
International Family Law: The Hague Convention
Publications
2010
Washington State Bar Association
International Family Law, Washington State Bar Association Family Law Desk Book
2008
King County Bar Bulletin
Washington's Resolution to Equal Custody
2007
King County Bar Bulletin
The Globalization of Family Law
2007
King County Bar Bulletin
Family Law Takes on Global Perspective
Languages
English