Brian Patrick Edwards

PRO

Brian Patrick Edwards

4.7
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 13 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Custody, Child Support

601 Union Street, Suite 3030, Seattle, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Brian

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 60%

60%
Family 20%

14 years

20%
Child Custody 10%

10%
Child Support 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2018 2015 2014

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 13 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2012

Active

No misconduct found

Location

McKinley Irvin

601 Union Street, Suite 3030, Seattle, WA, 98101

mckinleyirvin.com/locations/seattle/

McKinley Irvin

2825 Colby Avenue, Suite 306, Everett, WA, 98201

mckinleyirvin.com/locations/seattle/

McKinley Irvin

10900 NE 4th Street, Suite 2220, Bellevue, WA, 98004

mckinleyirvin.com/locations/seattle/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Brian online.

Brian Patrick Edwards's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

31 Client Reviews

Posted by anonymous | October 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Expert legal defense when safety was at stake

I cannot thank Brian and his team enough for being my advocates during the most challenging period of my life. This was a complex divorce complicated by domestic violence. However, from our first consultation, Brian demonstrated not just legal expertise but genuine understanding of the gravity of my ...situation. What set Brian apart was his strategic approach and unwavering persistence. Despite having substantial evidence indicating abuse, my initial DVPO request was denied. While most attorneys might have accepted the ruling, Brian immediately pursued an appeal in the higher courts and successfully overturned the decision—a testament to both his legal acumen and dedication to client safety. His expertise truly shone when my ex-husband attempted to force a mutual restraining order, bringing six character witnesses against me in retaliation. Brian masterfully dismantled their arguments and crafted an airtight defense that resulted in the dismissal of this request. For anyone facing similar circumstances, Brian and his team are invaluable advocates in complex domestic cases. As someone without family and with very little support on the West Coast, I felt incredibly vulnerable and, at times, completely hopeless. Thanks to their relentless advocacy and experience, I now have proper legal protection and, most importantly, peace of mind.

Posted by Surya | April 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Kind and Competent

These are two things you are looking for in a lawyer when you are going through emotionally and financially exhausting processes like divorce, dvpo, custody and other family law matters. Court systems are hard to navigate when you have enough to take care as a single parent and while you are adjustin...g to your new reality. Brian helps take this burden off of you. He is highly knowledgeable and knows how to navigate these issues and address them appropriately. He is mindful of your finances and does a great job representing you, which is all you can ask for and expect. He listens, unlike a lot of other lawyers out there, he takes your input and advises on what the law dictates and advises accordingly. He is not brash but rather the kindest lawyer I've worked with, and I have worked with for almost 4 years. I must add that his para legal Jeff Welling has also been present to answer when Brian is attending to other clients; they are both highly responsive. I pray for continued success and well-being to Brian and his team and thank them for their time and efforts.

Posted by Mariko | March 22, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The real deal.

I have worked with Brian P. Edwards and his team closely over the past 14 months. I am writing this fresh out of an arduous, complex circumstance and trial. While results are pending, I am compelled to share my experience. What I needed: Due to having several friends who are attorneys, I’m very... discerning and had my own matrix for assessing potential counsel. I needed someone who could keep the things I most cared about center to their work. This person also needed to be highly competent in every facet of representation. Due to my circumstance, I needed someone who could tame conflict, not induce it. I found that person in Mr. Edwards. My experience with Brian P. Edwards: Brian’s vast experience in the court system makes him incredibly grounded. He has seen everything and cuts through the chaos, providing clarity. His approach is pragmatic and he’s highly intentional about how he works my case, saving me time and money. Through his actions, he demonstrates that my best interests are what he’s most interested in. Highly insightful, he connected the dots in areas that I, myself, have professional experience in and didn’t notice. In the face of significant adversity, Brian demonstrated every effort to get my case settled. At trial, I had the opportunity to witness him effortlessly excavate the truth in ways that only someone who is an expert in the art and science of litigation could do. Finally, it’s evident Mr. Edwards strives to enable families to live freely in peace. With over a year working together, I can say he’s a person of substantial character and a highly talented attorney. Brian is the real deal. For those embarking on this journey: I encourage you to get an understanding of the basic elements of the process - filings/motions, mediation etc. so you know what to expect. While I know Brian would happily detail out every step if asked, his time on your case will be best spent working your case. Create a support system around you, such as a therapist, other parents going through it, work out partners, etc. Engage the right people for the right things. Good luck.

Posted by anonymous | March 31, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent, Honest. Professional, and Ethical

Brian helped through a very tough divorce with custody at stake. Throughout the difficult process Brian was always upfront and honest about what he thought in terms of key decisions and what I wanted. If he did not think it was a sound path, he would say so and explain why. Brian was always prof...essional in dealing with myself, the court, and opposing counsel. In dealing with opposing counsel he was balanced in advocating for me within the law with a difficult spouse that caused many problems. I would not hesitate a second in hiring Brian.

Posted by Stan | November 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Helped with a QDRO

We had a QDRO that needed to be completed several years after a divorce. Mr Edwards was recommended to us by another attorney and we couldn't be happier. He handled all the filings and paperwork in a timely manner and kept us up-to-date by email with the process. I would highly recommend him.

See All Client Reviews

Brian Patrick Edwards's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Brian
Steven Michael Clark headshot
Steven Clark

Unknown lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is a dedicated and effective advocate for his clients. He is incredibly knowledgeable in his field, and I would never hesitate to refer a client to him. His tenacity and professionalism are second to none."

Lisa Ann Sharpe headshot
Lisa Sharpe

Family lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse Brian Edward for family law representation. He is confident and capable. I had a difficult case against him, and he was professional and tenacious."

Vicki L Oslund headshot
Vicki Oslund

Family lawyer | Oct 29

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Great family law attorney and good Snohomish County experience as well."

Christopher R. Rao headshot
Christopher Rao

Family lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Danielle Lynne LaBelle headshot
Danielle LaBelle

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Rita Herrera Irvin headshot
Rita Irvin

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sands McKinley headshot
Sands McKinley

Family lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Paul Francis Eagle headshot
Paul Eagle

Family lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I proudly endorse this lawyer. Mr. Edwards is a superb lawyer, tireless advocate and bright light in our legal community. I wholeheartedly and readily endorse this lawyer."

McKean J. Evans headshot
McKean Evans

Family lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Co-worker

"Brian is a consummate family law attorney. He's emphatic, practical and dedicated. I've observed him vigorously and persuasively advocate for his clients in court and in settlement negotiations. In an area of law that can be intimidating, emotional and intensely personal, Brian shows his clients the utmost understanding and respect. I don't hesitate to endorse him."

Jonathan Blake Hilty headshot
Jonathan Hilty

Family lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Brian Edwards. Brian is a strong advocate, and he achieves great results for his clients. I have referred clients to Brian with full confidence he will successfully address their legal needs."

Christopher Lee Thayer headshot
Christopher Thayer

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Brian on several matters and have found him to be very bright, knowledgeable and hard working. I believe he brings a unique perspective to a challenging field of practice and would recommend him to anyone who is dealing with a dissolution or other family-law related matter."

Shannon Faith Story headshot
Shannon Story

Family lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. His attention to the needs of his client and helping them meet those needs is top notch! Brian is an attorney I look forward to working with in the future and his clients should rest assured knowing they can depend on his integrity, and competency in handling their case."

Kim Sandher headshot
Kim Sandher

Family lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Co-worker

"Brian is a highly competent attorney that is empathetic, sharp, and dedicated to advocating for his clients. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."

Elizabeth Anne Hoffman headshot
Elizabeth Hoffman

Unknown lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is an effective advocate with very impressive courtroom skills. He takes a practical but also creative approach to serving clients in a diverse range of practice areas. I am happy to endorse him."

View All Endorsements
Caitlin Royse headshot
Caitlin Royse

Divorce and separation lawyer

Steven Michael Clark headshot
Steven Clark

Criminal defense lawyer

Lisa Ann Sharpe headshot
Lisa Sharpe

Family lawyer

Christopher R. Rao headshot
Christopher Rao

Family lawyer

McKean J. Evans headshot
McKean Evans

Business lawyer

Christopher Lee Thayer headshot
Christopher Thayer

Litigation lawyer

Brien Galbraith headshot
Brien Galbraith

Family lawyer

Jonathan Blake Hilty headshot
Jonathan Hilty

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jessica S. Martin headshot
Jessica Martin

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2026

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America

2025

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2023

Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2022

The One to Watch, Best Lawyers

2022

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2021

The One To Watch, Best Lawyers

2021

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2019

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2014

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2012

Order of the Barristers, Order of the Barristers

Work Experience

2024 - Present

Partner, McKinley Irvin

2022 - 2022

Adjunct Professor, Seattle University School Of Law

2019 - 2024

Senior Attorney, McKinley Irvin

2018 - 2019

Attorney, McKinley Irvin, PLLC

2017 - 2018

Attorney at Law, Brian Edwards Family Law PC

2015 - 2017

Of Counsel, Pivotal Law Group

2013 - 2015

Partner, Rao & Pierce, PLLC

2012 - 2013

Associate, Rao & Pierce, PLLC

Associations

2024 - Present

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Member

2015 - Present

CASA of King County

Court Appointed Special Advocate

2012 - 2014

King County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division

Liaison to the Family Law Section of the WSBA

2012 - 2012

Order of Barristers

Sample of Legal Cases

Faris v. Faris

Decision for my client, Respondent

In re: the Custody of LMS

Ruling for Respondents

See More Legal Cases

Education

2012

Seattle University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2009

Argosy University

MA - Masters

2004

University of California - Santa Barbara

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

Civil Procedure Course

Family Law Motion Practice - Civil Procedue

2012

Seattle University Mock Trial

Mock Trial Preparation

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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