Michael Spencer Chin

PRO

Michael Spencer Chin

4.8
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 16 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Lynnwood, WA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Probate ... +3 more

3500 188th Street SW, Suite 205, Lynnwood, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Michael

Biography

Trusted legal advisors and general counsel for the everyday individual.

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 35%

35%
Family 20%

20%
Probate 20%

20%
Estate Planning 15%

15%
Business 5%

5%
Child Custody 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2022
...
+ 5

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 16 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2009

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Chin Legal Group, PLLC

3500 188th Street SW, Suite 205, Lynnwood, WA, 98037

chinlegal.com

Michael Spencer Chin's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

99 Client Reviews

Showing 26 - 30 of 31 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Tommy | June 18, 2015 | Tax

Caring attorney that helped with tax issue

I was the victim of an IRS phishing scam a couple of months ago. Michael helped me out and went to bat for me against the scam artists and saved me from losing money. He advised me and helped me free of charge because I am a client of his for other matters. Michael is caring and will get back to you ...promptly. He is busy with many cases so sometimes it takes him a little longer to respond, but he will and will get the job done.

Posted by nam | August 21, 2013 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Professional with a personal touch

Mike was a referral from a friend of mine and I'm happy to say I'm a client for life. Mike assisted me with three different occasions and three different citations. He was upfront and straight forward with his advice and what I can expect as results as well. He didn't "fluff" any statements and tha...t's what made me choose Mike to represent me in my traffic citations. First case was due to a modified exhaust - second was no front plate and proof of insurance - both citations led to a violation of my probation of DUI. Mike kept in close contact with me and explained situations. He made sure he followed up and kept me in the loop in all cases and possible scenarios. He also did all the leg work and made sure I didn't have to miss any time off of work to deal with any and all court cases. He's a straight shooter, honest, and professional - yet he built good rapport and made me feel comfortable - as if he were a friend helping me not a lawyer out to get my money.

Posted by Kevin | June 06, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Great Client-Attorney Care

Michael took care of my case with great care and in great detail. He left nothing out and prepped me for my testimony very thoroughly. I felt confident after my meetings with him that he could take care of my case. He is very knowledgeable and takes the necessary time to explain any cloudy details th...at came up.

Posted by anonymous | June 05, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

I don't recommend Michael Chin

I hired Michael Chin since end of 2016. He helped me to go through my mediation and arbitration process. However, I am afraid of saying that I don’t recommend this lawyer if your case is complicated or hard to win, I think Michael is lack of strategy of sorting out your story if you are not detailed.... He also lack of responsibilities to quickly humanly respond to emails or phone calls. during my emergency I could only left messages on his cell phone. Many times he just brushed off my call with simply “busy” to hang up my calls. Michael Chin requested to give a good review with 5 stars from me on April 20 which I did. Because the reason I had to review him since I would still hire him as my continued lawyer for the school change issue with my ex husband. However, just on the July 30, 2018, he was failure to present me on the court, also failure to deliver my motion notice from Court! with below issues which caused me significantly loss of my case, not even spending more money for new lawyer hired but also paying more time to non-negotiate point. Therefore, due to this circumstance and unprofessional conduct, I request Chin Legal Group refund me back with my lawyer fees. My ex tried to change child school district on June 5, the opposing counsel indicated that the letter was well delivered by June 18 to Chin’s office in Lynnwood. However Michael didn’t notify me with the motion from Court. I personally didn’t receive the letter from Court either. I didn’t have Chin presented at Court that day. So the court granted the order to opposing counsel. When I looked for Michael Chin about this issue. He simply denied with whatever happened. I couldn’t accept his response and he kept denied that he didn’t receive the notification from opposing, but my new lawyer already forwarded that Michael Chin did receive the delivery on 6/18. My personal experience with working with Michael. I don’t suggest you use this lawyer if you want to win your case or if your case is more completed.

Michael Chin

Replied last October 25, 2018

To Client: I apologize if you were unsatisfied with our nearly two (2) year representation of you; during which time you were awarded nearly 100% of the community property (including an apartment and a house both of which were acquired during the marriage and were presumed community property) and obtained a parenting plan beyond what is normally granted in Snohomish County. Additionally, you were not required to pay child support. Throughout the entire process, I stayed late to speak with you, met with you on multiple occasions to go over your entire case, and answered 100s of phone calls from you. I would also note that many of these phone calls were on the weekend, away from normal business hours to address your immediate concerns. Overall, I am sorry that you were dissatisfied with my representation of you.

Posted by Sarah | June 05, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Family

Do not use Michael Chin

I got screwed in my adjusted support by Michael when he was suppose to be representing me. He did not pay attention to details (which I later figured out after talking to a different attorney) nor did he explain anything to me. My court was in August now in March I am still getting screwed by Micha...el’s lack of attention and knowledge on my case. DO NOT hire Michael Chin. Oh and he only wanted to make sure that I went on and gave him a review. So here is your review——Horrible!!!

See All Client Reviews

Michael Spencer Chin's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Jennifer Miller headshot
Jennifer Miller

Family lawyer | Aug 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Counsel and I had contested litigation that was complex including business valuation as part of a dissolution. He did a nice job, came to court prepared, was informed on the issues such that we could have intelligent conversations with the judge on contested issues. He was professional in court and out of court."

Tien Huu Nguyen headshot
Tien Nguyen

Family lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike is one of the most seasoned family and tax law attorneys in the area. I refer all my family law cases to him because he never lets my clients down."

Brent Patrick Bohan headshot
Brent Bohan

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Michael is an outstanding attorney. He has a good knowledge of the law and is highly capable. He is reasonable and capable of resolving cases efficiently. I would recommend Michael to anyone searching for a divorce attorney."

Lucas Daniel McWethy headshot
Lucas McWethy

Family lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Chin is a zealous advocate for his clients. He uses his extensive knowledge of the court system and legal rules to get the best results possible. I endorse Mr. Chin without reservation."

Charles P. Shane headshot
Charles Shane

Family lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Michael was opposing counsel on a divorce matter. Michael is a pleasure to work with. I saw him go the extra mile for his client. He was always professional and courteous."

Adam R. Teal headshot
Adam Teal

Unknown lawyer | Nov 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kevin Daniel Anderson headshot
Kevin Anderson

Unknown lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Friend

"I am happy to endorse Mike Chin as an attorney and counselor at law. Mike and I have been colleagues since law school. I have had the pleasure of working with him extensively, whether it was collaborating together on joint law school projects or calling each other up to bounce legal strategy off of one another regarding are respective practice areas. I have always been impressed with his insight and thoroughness in finding and taking the best path to achieve his clients' goals. When I am approached by a client who has a legal issue in Mike's practice area, I always send them to him and know that they are getting the best representation."

Jonathan M Chin headshot
Jonathan Chin

Unknown lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is a consummate professional who advocates tirelessly for his clients."

Jess Rawlings Monnette headshot
Jess Monnette

Unknown lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Other

"When one of my clients is in need of local counsel in the Seattle area, Mike is on the list of attorneys I will call."

Amy Elizabeth Pagano headshot
Amy Pagano

Estate planning lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Family Law, Estate Planning, Tax or Litigation needs, I endorse Michael Chin's work. He is a smart and hard working attorney who will effectively advocate on your behalf."

View All Endorsements
Shaza Eed Salameh headshot
Shaza Salameh

Guardianship lawyer

Tien Huu Nguyen headshot
Tien Nguyen

Personal injury lawyer

Lucas Daniel McWethy headshot
Lucas McWethy

Criminal defense lawyer

Amy Elizabeth Pagano headshot
Amy Pagano

Wills and living wills lawyer

Thomas Cornell Woodcock headshot
Thomas Woodcock

Securities offerings lawyer

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Kevin Anderson

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Client Satisfaction Top 10 Best Attorneys (Family Law), American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2017

2017 ten best attorney family law, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2016

2016 Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2006

WIlliam Lebfreve Best Thesis (History), Saint Mary's College

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Professor, O'Dea High School

2011 - Present

Attorney, Chin Legal Group, PLLC

2010 - 2011

Associate Attorney, Stahancyk Kent Johnson & Hook P C

Associations

2015 - Present

Snohomish County Bar Association

Member

2014 - Present

O'Dea High School

Teacher American Legal Systems and Mock Trial

Education

2010

University of Washington School of Law

LL.M - Master of Laws

2009

Gonzaga University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2006

Saint Mary's College of California

Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Cantonese

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution