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William Karl Kirk
also known as Bill Kirk
About William
Biography
As a partner at Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn, Mr. Kirk is one of only two attorneys in the State of Washington to pass the Board Certification Exam by the National College for DUI Defense. Bill was named a "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics in 2002 and 2003. Moreover, Bill has also been named a "Super Lawyer" by Washington Law and Politics in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. In 2006, 2007 and 2008 Bill was named one of the 25 Top Defense Attorneys in the State of Washington by the same publication.
Bill is a member of the Board of Regents to the National College for DUI Defense, one of only 12 attorneys in the country to serve in this capacity. Additionally, Bill is the current President of the Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, a private organization comprised of this State's best DUI Defense Attorneys. Bill has spoken in several states (Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, New York and Massachusetts as well as the Bahamas and the Carribean) in various areas of DUI and BUI defense.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 27 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn
4040 Lake Washington Boulevard NE, Suite 300, Kirkland, WA, 98033-7874
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William Karl Kirk's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
19 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Dominic | August 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Excellent Experience
Mr. Kirk handled my case with knowledge and care. He is well informed, he kept me informed, but at every point in my case I felt like I could just "let go" - feeling comfortable that I hired a professional who is respected as an "elite" in his field. I did understand, before hiring Mr. Kirk, that he ...
Posted by anonymous | April 27, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Outstanding DUI Representation by William Kirk
I was arrested for DUI in Kirkland, and it was my 2nd DUI arrest in less than 7 years. The seriousness of a second offense is greatly increased over a 1st offense, the mandatory penalties, the monetary fines, mandatory jail time (Minimum 30 days). I am a professional, a father of 3 young children, ...
Posted by Tim | June 19, 2012 | DUI & DWI
Your best option.
Bill is an excellent attorney who will take the time to explain all of your options clearly and in a manner that will decrease the stress felt after being charged with DUI. I left his office feeling as though there was someone in my corner upon whom I could rely and this greatly reduced my stress lev...
Posted by anonymous | April 02, 2012
True Professional
Bill Kirk is absolutely EXCELLENT!!! He did a great job from start to finish. He is very ptofessional, yet genuinely down to earth. He and his staff kept me very well informed. I always knew exactly what to expect. Their customer service was great and most importantly he's a damn good attorney. He r...
William Karl Kirk's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Absolutely one of the best of the best. On every level."
"I endorse this lawyer. Bill is one of the best DUI lawyers in Washington."
"It is my pleasure to endorse Bill Kirk as a great DUI Lawyer. I have gotten to know Bill through the National College For DUI Defense. His willingness to share his knowledge and skill with other DUI lawyers is inspirational. I have learned a lot from Bill and look forward to hearing him speak again soon. Bill's clients are lucky to have such a knowledgeable advocate fighting for them."
"My experience with William Kirk is through the National College for DUI Defense, where he is a highly respected member. I have also met and seen William present at numerous DUI related CLEs around the country. I highly recommend him as DUI attorney."
"William Kirk is a great man. DUI Defense is his passion. I have learned many things about killing the field sobriety tests from him. You will be happy after you pay him and watch him work your DUI."
"Bill was a noble adversary when he started in the King County Prosecutor's office. A true zealous advocate, but extremely professional inside the courtroom, and colleagial outside. I often call him for second opinions, and he is ALWAYS on the cutting edge of new developments in the law and improving law practice.Whenever I see Bill in Court, he is the same: aggressive & zealous for his Clients, but able to be professional and colleagial to his legal adversary. Anyone working with him, or being represented by him, should be absolutely confident in his ability to get the best possible result.I have seen Bill as a seminar speaker, and I am particularly impressed with his sense of ethics for the legal profession."
"Bill Kirk is well respected on both sides of the courtroom. As a former prosecutor he knows how to approach even the most difficult cases. He has an excellent demeanor and is approachable and easy to talk to. Just a top notch attorney and great guy."
"Bill Kirk is a tenacious, highly educated and experienced DUI defense attorney. Bill is extremely well informed on the legal scientific and political issues that are important to DUI cases. He is a down-to -earth, practical attorney who can handle any DUI case."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Having been a member of the National College for DUI Defense for over 10 years now, and as an annual attendee of two to three national DUI defense seminars, I have been privileged to get to know many of our nation's finest DUI defense attorneys. Bill Kirk is undoubtedly amongst this select group. His reputation for professional excellence far exceeds the borders of Washington. His reputation as a well trained, experienced, ultra talented yet deeply compassionate, DUI defense attorney is not only national but matched by very few. I proudly and loudly endorse Bill Kirk. The citizen accused could be in no better hands. Period. The fact that he is a personal friend is but a bonus."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Bill is highly respected by fellow attorneys as a successful DUI/DWI attorney. If arrested for DUI/DWI, call him first!"
"Bill Kirk is, indeed, a rising star. Recently appointed as a Regent of the National College for DUI Defense, he is recognized as one of the best DUI defense lawyers in America. Other lawyers seek him out for advice and flock to his legal presentations. In Washington, Bill Kirk is one of the tops."
"Attorney Kirk is a very skilled and artful litigator of the highest order. His ability to advocate effectively for his position is remarkable. His reputation for achieving great results for the citizen accused by the government of a crime is well known. His reputation for excellence in all matters is a hard earned national one. This reputation far exceeds the bounds of his state as evidenced by this lawyer from Central Pennsylvania not only knowing of him but in that I can personally attest through first hand observation his high level of proficiency in litigation and in the defense of the citizen accused. Superior, fantastic and skilled. He is the one I would put in my corner every time."
"Bill has been one of my teachers at the National College of DUI Defense for years. He is passionate and focused, and he cares about his clients. Recommending Bill is a no-brainer."
"Mr. Kirk's national reputation as a superbly gifted DUI/DWI trial attorney is unquestionable. I endorse him without question. You cannot go wrong having this man in your corner."
"I endorse Bill Kirk's work without any hesitation. Bill is widely regarded as one of the top DUI attorneys in the State of Washington. I had cases against Bill when I was a King County Prosecutor. He was professional, effective and well respected by judges and juries."
"Bill is a superb attorney. Bill and his partner, Eric Gaston, are innovators in their field. Together their work has led to suppression of breath tests in literally thousands of criminal cases. Bill is repeatedly called upon by his colleagues for advice or insight."
"Bill Kirk is one of Washington's top DUI lawyers. Early in practice Bill was a prosecutor. The firm I worked at in Spokane went up against Bill when he was a prosecutor--Bill was tough. Bill's skills have only improved over time. Bill has what it takes to win a DUI case. "
"Bill Kirk is courteous, professional, and really sharp with legal strategy. I never went against him in trial, although I had many cases against him. As a former prosecutor, Bill knows how we analyze cases and didn't waste MY time on losing issues. Because of that, when he came to me and told me a problem with my case, I looked twice. "
Douglas Wacker
Criminal defense lawyer
Jason Cerbone
DUI and DWI lawyer
Justin Campbell
Criminal defense lawyer
Jan Olson
Criminal defense lawyer
Kenneth Fornabai
DUI and DWI lawyer
Howard Stein
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Kattenhorn
DUI and DWI lawyer
Harley Wagner
DUI and DWI lawyer
Lance Miyatovich
Criminal defense lawyer
Andrew Mishlove
DUI and DWI lawyer
Justin McShane
DUI and DWI lawyer
Peter Carini
DUI and DWI lawyer
Matthew Knauss
DUI and DWI lawyer
Timothy Leary
Litigation lawyer
John Brangwin
DUI and DWI lawyer
Aaron Wolff
DUI and DWI lawyer
David Phelan
State, local, and municipal law lawyer
Experience
Honors
2020
Dean's Award, National College for DUI Defense
2020
Super Lawyer, Seattle Met
2019
Super Lawyer, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
2018
Super Lawyer, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
2017
Super Lawyer, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
2016
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2015
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2014
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2013
Dean's Award, National College for DUI Defense
2013
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2012
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2011
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2011
Board Certification, National College for DUI Defense
2010
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2009
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2008
Top 25 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Washington State, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2008
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2007
Top 25 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Washington State, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2007
Super Lawyer,
2006
Top 25 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Washington State, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2006
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2005
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2003
Super Lawyer,
2003
Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2002
Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
Work Experience
2000 - Present
Partner, Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn
2018 - 2019
Dean, National College For Dui Defense, Inc.
1998 - 2000
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Associations
2019 - Present
National College for DUI DefenseFellow
2001 - Present
Northwest Academy for DUI DefenseFounding Member
1998 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Member
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
Member
American Bar Association
Member
2018 - 2019
National College for DUI DefenseDean
2013 - 2018
Washington Foundation for Criminal JusticePresident
2009 - 2020
National College of DUI DefenseRegent
2008 - 2013
Washington Foundation for Criminal JusticeVice President
2005 - 2009
National College of DUI DefenseState Delegate
2003 - 2003
Northwest Academy for DUI DefensePresident
2002 - 2008
Washington Foundation for Criminal JusticeSecretary
2000 - 2019
National College of DUI DefenseSustaining Member
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Washington v. Reagan Dunn
Charges reduced
City of Seattle v. Austin Seferian-Jenkins
Case reduced to lower DUI charge
State of Washington v. Sharon Santos
Case reduced to Negligent Driving 1st Degree and client was victorious before Department of Licensing
City of Kirkland v. Carlos Guillen
Criminal charge reduced to Reckless Driving. Won Department of Licensing on appeal.
State of Washington v. Jane Hague
Reduced to Reckless Driving. Client prevailed before Department of Licensing
Education
1998
Gonzaga University School of Law
Juris Doctorate
1992
Washington State University
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2019
The Big Apple
The Ethics of Trying to Cure an Incurable Disease: Other Ways of Dealing With Addicted Clients
2019
Oklahoma DUI Defense Conference
The Ethics of Trying to Cure an Incurable Disease: Other Ways of Dealing With Addicted Clients
2019
Oklahoma DUI Defense Conference
The ABCs of DUIs: IIDs, UAs and SCRAM
2019
Mastering Scientific Evidence
The Ethics of Fighting for Each Other
2019
Mastering Scientific Evidence
The ABCs of DUIs: IIDs, UAs and SCRAM
2019
Las Vegas Forensic Evidence Seminar
The ABCs of DUIs: IIDs, UAs and SCRAM
2019
Defense of Impaired Driving Institute
The ABCs of DUIs: IIDs, UAs and SCRAM
2018
Summer Session
Dean's Address
2018
DWI Means Defend with Ingenuity
Pinch Hitting: Cross Examination That Works
2017
The Big Apple
Closing Arguments: Getting the Jurors to Feel Doubt
2017
DWI Means Defend with Ingenuity
Closing Arguments: Getting the Jurors to Feel Doubt
2017
DWI Means Defend with Ingenuity
The ABC's of DUI: EtG, UAs, IID and SCRAM
2016
NCDD Summer Session
Closing Arguments: Getting the Jurors to Feel Doubt
2015
GACDL Impaired Driving Conference
Cross Examination: The Lawyer's Opportunity to Testify
2014
The Big Apple
Cross Examination: The Lawyer's Opportunity to Testify
2013
I-502: Assess its Impact, Advise Your Clients
I-502 and Impaired Driving
2013
Defending DUIs
Cross Examination of the Arresting Officer
2012
NACDL DWI Conference
Ethics and Professionalism in DUI Defense
2012
Drinking and Driving Institute
Dealing with Field Sobriety Tests
2012
Defending DUIs
Cross Examination: The Lawyers Opporunity to Testify
2011
NACDL DWI Conference
Cross Examination on SFSTs
2011
Defending DUIs
Ethics and Professionalism in DUI Defense
2010
National College for DUI Defense: Winter Session
Sentencing
2010
DWI Means Defending with Integrity
Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
2010
Discovery: Its Elementary
Use of a Defense Investigator
2010
Big Apple Conference
The Big Apple Myth of SFSTs
2009
National College for DUI Defense: Winter Session
4th and 5th Amendment Suppression Motions
2009
Mastering Scientific Evidece
Mock Trial
2009
Defending DUIs
Scientific Myths of Field Sobriety Testing
2008
Defending DUIs
Ignition Interlock License and the 2:00 am Phone Call
2007
Defending DUIs
Cross Examination of Officer Regarding Field Sobriety Testing
2006
National Criminal Investigators Association
Use of Technology in the Courtroom
2006
Defending DUIs
Case Law Update
2006
ATLA National Summer Conference
Field Sobriety Testing
2005
Defending DUIs
Case Law Update
2004
National College of DUI Defense Winter Session
Proper Investigation for DUI cases
2004
Defending DUIs
DOL Hearings
2003
WACDL Defending Misdemeanors
DUI Investigations
2000
Washington Interpreters Association
Sample Cross Examination
Publications
2020
Lexis Nexis Publishing
Defending DUIs in Washington
2008
Defending DUIs in Washington
Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
2007
Defending DUI's in Washington
BUIs
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I got my 1st DUI in 99 2nd in 04& my 3rd 3mo ago. I'm expecting work release. Do you think hiring an attorney could keep me out?
31 Mar 2012
Q&A
Will a dui in Oregon affect my deferred prosecution in Washington?
01 Apr 2012
Q&A
If u run from a felony dwi how long do u have to stay away in the state of new york
30 Mar 2012