If you've been arrested for DUI or BUI, we can help you here at Cowan Kirk KattenhornOur practice focuses exclusively on defending those accused of impaired driving or boating.
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
Languages spoken
English
Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn
4040 Lake Washington Boulevard NE
Suite 300
Kirkland, WA, 98033-7874
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 1998 | 05/07/2022 |
Legal answers | 34 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | Seattle Met | 2020 |
Dean's Award | National College for DUI Defense | 2020 |
Super Lawyer | Seattle Metropolitan Magazine | 2019 |
Super Lawyer | Seattle Metropolitan Magazine | 2018 |
Super Lawyer | Seattle Metropolitan Magazine | 2017 |
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics 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 |
Board Certification | National College for DUI Defense | 2011 |
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 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 | 2007 | |
Top 25 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Washington State | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2007 |
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2006 |
Top 25 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Washington State | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2006 |
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2005 |
Rising Star | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2003 |
Super Lawyer | 2003 | |
Rising Star | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2002 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn | 2000 - Present |
Dean | National College For Dui Defense, Inc. | 2018 - 2019 |
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office | 1998 - 2000 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
National College for DUI Defense | Fellow | 2019 - Present |
Northwest Academy for DUI Defense | Founding Member | 2001 - Present |
Washington State Bar Association | Member | 1998 - Present |
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys | Member | N/A |
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association | Member | N/A |
American Bar Association | Member | N/A |
National College for DUI Defense | Dean | 2018 - 2019 |
Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | President | 2013 - 2018 |
National College of DUI Defense | Regent | 2009 - 2020 |
Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | Vice President | 2008 - 2013 |
National College of DUI Defense | State Delegate | 2005 - 2009 |
Northwest Academy for DUI Defense | President | 2003 - 2003 |
Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | Secretary | 2002 - 2008 |
National College of DUI Defense | Sustaining Member | 2000 - 2019 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Lexis Nexis Publishing | Defending DUIs in Washington | 2020 |
Defending DUIs in Washington | Standardized Field Sobriety Testing | 2008 |
Defending DUI's in Washington | BUIs | 2007 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Gonzaga University School of Law | Juris Doctorate | 1998 |
Washington State University | Bachelor of Arts | 1992 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Defense of Impaired Driving Institute | The ABCs of DUIs: IIDs, UAs and SCRAM | 2019 |
Mastering Scientific Evidence | The ABCs of DUIs: IIDs, UAs and SCRAM | 2019 |
Mastering Scientific Evidence | The Ethics of Fighting for Each Other | 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 ABCs of DUIs: IIDs, UAs and SCRAM | 2019 |
Oklahoma DUI Defense Conference | The Ethics of Trying to Cure an Incurable Disease: Other Ways of Dealing With Addicted Clients | 2019 |
Las Vegas Forensic Evidence Seminar | The ABCs of DUIs: IIDs, UAs and SCRAM | 2019 |
Summer Session | Dean's Address | 2018 |
DWI Means Defend with Ingenuity | Pinch Hitting: Cross Examination That Works | 2018 |
The Big Apple | Closing Arguments: Getting the Jurors to Feel Doubt | 2017 |
DWI Means Defend with Ingenuity | The ABC's of DUI: EtG, UAs, IID and SCRAM | 2017 |
DWI Means Defend with Ingenuity | Closing Arguments: Getting the Jurors to Feel Doubt | 2017 |
NCDD Summer Session | Closing Arguments: Getting the Jurors to Feel Doubt | 2016 |
GACDL Impaired Driving Conference | Cross Examination: The Lawyer's Opportunity to Testify | 2015 |
The Big Apple | Cross Examination: The Lawyer's Opportunity to Testify | 2014 |
I-502: Assess its Impact, Advise Your Clients | I-502 and Impaired Driving | 2013 |
Defending DUIs | Cross Examination of the Arresting Officer | 2013 |
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 | 2012 |
Defending DUIs | Ethics and Professionalism in DUI Defense | 2011 |
NACDL DWI Conference | Cross Examination on SFSTs | 2011 |
Big Apple Conference | The Big Apple Myth of SFSTs | 2010 |
National College for DUI Defense: Winter Session | Sentencing | 2010 |
Discovery: Its Elementary | Use of a Defense Investigator | 2010 |
DWI Means Defending with Integrity | Standardized Field Sobriety Testing | 2010 |
Defending DUIs | Scientific Myths of Field Sobriety Testing | 2009 |
National College for DUI Defense: Winter Session | 4th and 5th Amendment Suppression Motions | 2009 |
Mastering Scientific Evidece | Mock Trial | 2009 |
Defending DUIs | Ignition Interlock License and the 2:00 am Phone Call | 2008 |
Defending DUIs | Cross Examination of Officer Regarding Field Sobriety Testing | 2007 |
Defending DUIs | Case Law Update | 2006 |
ATLA National Summer Conference | Field Sobriety Testing | 2006 |
National Criminal Investigators Association | Use of Technology in the Courtroom | 2006 |
Defending DUIs | Case Law Update | 2005 |
National College of DUI Defense Winter Session | Proper Investigation for DUI cases | 2004 |
Defending DUIs | DOL Hearings | 2004 |
WACDL Defending Misdemeanors | DUI Investigations | 2003 |
Washington Interpreters Association | Sample Cross Examination | 2000 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
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 |
Posted by Alma Serena
February 19, 2020
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August 17, 2016
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April 27, 2016
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March 8, 2016
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March 18, 2014
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April 22, 2013
Posted by Satisfied Client
March 13, 2013
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June 19, 2012
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April 11, 2012
Posted by Carlee
April 6, 2012
David Ryder, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 3, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Absolutely one of the best of the best. On every level.
Mark Blair, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Bill is one of the best DUI lawyers in Washington.
David Ryder, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 3, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Absolutely one of the best of the best. On every level.
Mark Blair, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Bill is one of the best DUI lawyers in Washington.
David Katz, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 16, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Brett Schandelson, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 5, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Jason Cerbone, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 28, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Jan Olson, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 12, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Zaki Ali, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 21, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Howard Stein, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 6, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Okorie Okorocha, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 29, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Harley Wagner, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 25, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Donald Ramsell, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 30, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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!
Andrew Mishlove, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 4, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Justin McShane, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 21, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Karyn Missimer, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 18, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Peter Carini, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 4, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Timothy Leary, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 5, 2009
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
John Brangwin, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 11, 2007
Relationship: Friend
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.
Aaron Wolff, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 11, 2007
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
David Phelan, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 10, 2007
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
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