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William Karl Kirk

DUI and DWI Attorney at Kirkland, WA

4.9   19 reviews

also known as Bill Kirk

Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 24 years
    State WA
    Acquired 1998
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About William

Learn William’s areas of practice.

IF YOU'VE BEEN ARRESTED FOR DUI OR BUI, WE CAN HELP YOU HERE AT COWAN KIRK KATTENHORN

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.

Contact William

Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn
4040 Lake Washington Boulevard NE
Suite 300
Kirkland, WA, 98033-7874

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  19 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Alma Serena | February 19, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dui
Excelent ! My DUI case was dismissed! And my situation was very complicated, definitely recommend his firm! They were always understanding and kind.
Posted by Dominic | August 17, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| 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 is very busy, and sometimes our conversations were brief because of this- however, I appreciated that. The good ones are always busy.
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Posted by anonymous | April 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
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, small business owner with employees who also depend on me. Very unnerving to consider how spending 30 days in jail would affect me and those that depend on me, not to mention the very significant monetary costs, driving restrictions, home monitoring, etc. I did a lot of research, and interviewed 3 attorneys to represent me in this DUI case. All 3 were very highly rated, with very positive reviews. I was impressed by all of them. I chose Bill Kirk to represent me based on his analysis of the circumstances of my case, the aggressive strategies he proposed to attack the case against me, his great familiarity with the Kirkland Municipal Court system and it's prosecutors and judges, and just the overall impression I got from meeting with him. He was clearly very intelligent, knowledgeable, experienced, and competent, as well as being warm and empathetic. He was very easy to talk to, took the time to explain all my options, outlined all the steps that I needed to take. He was not the least expensive of the 3 attorneys I interviewed, but he inspired the most confidence, and ultimately I decided that Bill Kirk was the attorney that I most wanted on MY side in the courtroom. Bill did a wonderful job representing me in the courtroom. He analyzed every detail of evidence, he was exceptionally well prepared for each pretrial hearing, he presented logical and organized arguments against all vulnerabilities in the prosecutors case against me. He was clearly well liked and well respected by all present in the courtroom. Ultimately Bill Kirk was able to get my case dismissed before going to trial. What a GREAT relief that has been for me! Bill and his staff always acted with great professionalism, and also with great sensitivity to how embarrassing and scary this situation is for his clients. I think it would be VERY hard to find any attorney anywhere who would be able to provide a better or more capable defense against a DUI charge. I give my very highest recommendation to William Kirk. Also my sincere gratitude.
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Posted by anonymous | March 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
DUI attorney referral
I put myself in the unpleasant situation of being arrested for a suspected DUI. I met with no less than 3 attorneys before meeting Attorney Kirk. I immediately felt comfortable with him. He was open and honest. His office is warm and comfortable. His staff is friendly and competent. This was an absolutely nerve wracking, scary experience and Attorney Kirk and his team did everything to walk me through every step of the process. He managed my case beautifully and the outcome was infinitely better than I could have hoped for. I sincerely appreciated working with him and his team and would highly recommend him.
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Posted by Doug | March 18, 2014
Highly effective lawyer!
No complaints with his professional judgement. It was a quick and clean process and he was able to help me fight this one time situation in my life. I've never got into trouble and for the first time, I felt vulnerable in the eyes of the law. Bill Kirk helped me regain control of my life! Thank you Bill, I will and have already sent recommendations to my family and friends.
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Posted by Brandon G | April 22, 2013
No Better Option
Bill is great, because, first, he knows EVERYBODY. He knows the judges, the prosecutors, etc. He also knows EVERYTHING, and everyone in his practice will be reviewing your case. He's very charismatic, and this really has an effect on everyone around him, including the judge that is sentencing you. Bill can usually give you a run down on the judge/prosecutor before you even show up to your first date, letting you know how they like to rule. This is an invaluable resource to have. In addition to handling my first case, he took on a reckless driving while suspended that I had gotten during my DUI case. Let just say that he walked into the court room, whispered to some people, who were resistant to what he was saying, but after a few more words, the case was dropped. And when I say he "took on" that case, he didn't charge me. He was also a great person to have a conversation with and would offer me up a ride somewhere after the court appearances. I saw some other lawyers in these court hearings, with their wrinkled suits, and I just felt sorry for their clients. Bill is the best.
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Posted by Satisfied Client | March 13, 2013
Best of the Best
There are attorneys and then there is Mr. William Karl Kirk, a real professional and expert in his field. I chose Mr. Kirk because of several factors. One being his knowledge in the field of which he commands respect and two his very nature as a person. His personality shines through all the way to the judge. I was in trouble and needed the best. In my profession I could not bear a negative outcome. Given all the facts he secured a settlement that was acceptable to all parties. Everyone won.
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Posted by Tim | June 19, 2012
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 levels. DUI law is a very complex area and all the intricacies and nuances are where Bill exceeds others. At my arraignment other attorneys with DUI clients were coming to him for last minute words of advice or direction in their matters. Once inside the courtroom you could see his reputation and candor on display with all parties. When Bill is your attorney you know that you have the advantage of being represented by someone who is known to and respected by everyone from the prosecutor and judge to the officer running the metal detector at the entrance to the court. This reputation alone will serve you in plea negotiations and may result in you never seeing a trial. If you are a professional who holds a license that may be affected by the outcome of your case in such a way that your income or job would be in jeopardy you owe it to yourself and family to use the Cowan Kirk Law Firm and Bill in particular. I can't tell you how grateful I am to him and how fortunate I was to have him as my attorney and I think you will be as well.
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Posted by anonymous | April 11, 2012
Brilliant and Unbelievable!
If you are looking for an Attorney you have found him! If you are fortunate enough to get him consider yourself lucky. You really just do not know how good Bill is until he is a part of your team. He will put your feelings at ease and make sure you are well taken care of. When you feel like nothing is happen during your case, just know he is consistently working behind the scenes to make sure you have the upper hand-working every angle. He is "The True Artist" in his field. His staff is wonderful and professional. He is a genuine person. And he is extremely knowledgeable. Just read all his other reviews if you need further convincing. If you want a great outcome with your case Bill is an MVP quarterback, the Joe Montana of Lawyers, and you will be his star receiver. He is worth your money! Thank you Bill for everything.
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Posted by Carlee | April 6, 2012
Changed my life
Mr. Kirk represented me close to 3 years ago, considering my circumstance I was looking at some heavy jail time. Mr. Kirk fought for me and it was obvious he was well respected in the court room. The outcome of my situation kick started a journey of sobriety and freedom I may have not endured had I completed my sentencing. I am grateful.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 90 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • 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

Education

  • Gonzaga University School of Law
  • Juris Doctorate
  • 1998
  • Washington State University
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • 1992

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
View all legal cases

Associations

  • 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
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Dean's Award
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • 2020
  • Super Lawyer
  • Seattle Met
  • 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
  • Board Certification
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • 2011
  • Super Lawyer
  • Washington Law & Politics Magazine
  • 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
  • Super Lawyer
  • 2003
  • Rising Star
  • Washington Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2003
  • Rising Star
  • Washington Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2002
View all awards

Publications

  • Lexis Nexis Publishing
  • Defending DUIs in Washington
  • 2020
  • Defending DUIs in Washington
  • Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
  • 2008
  • Defending DUI's in Washington
  • BUIs
  • 2007

Speaking Engagements

  • 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
  • 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
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (19)
Given (17)
Endorse William
DUI and DWI Attorney | Mar 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Absolutely one of the best of the best. On every level."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Bill is one of the best DUI lawyers in Washington."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 16
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 05
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | May 28
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 12
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 21
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 06
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | May 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 25
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 30
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!"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 04
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 21
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 18
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 04
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 05
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 11
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."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 11
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. "
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 10
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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