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Christopher Kattenhorn
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About Christopher
Biography
Christopher Kattenhorn, founder of Chris K Law, is a leading DUI defense attorney in Washington with 17 years of experience and more than 2,200 criminal cases handled statewide. Before opening his boutique firm, Christopher established himself as a trusted authority in Washington DUI practice when he served as a Partner at the Northwest’s largest criminal defense firm, where he led DUI defense strategy and training, and personally managed hundreds of DOL administrative hearings.
Christopher’s career began as a public defender in King and Snohomish Counties, including the cities of Kirkland, Bellevue and Kent, where he handled hundreds of cases through every stage of the criminal process and gained high marks for being a strong courtroom advocate. He then spent over a decade at the respected DUI firm Cowan Kirk Gaston, becoming Partner in 2015 and emerging as one of the region’s most visible DUI defense attorneys.
His practice today focuses primarily on DUI defense and select misdemeanor criminal cases. He is a NHTSA-Qualified SFST Administrator, a graduate of the National College for DUI Defense Summer Session at Harvard Law School, and has been recognized as a Rising Star by Washington Law & Politics. He maintains a 10.0 Avvo rating alongside numerous five-star client reviews.
Christopher is a member of the National College for DUI Defense, the Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Washington State Bar Association, and the King County Bar Associaiton. He served as member of the Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice and continues to represent the private defense bar on multiple court committes throughout the region. He presents CLEs statewide on DUI litigation, DOL hearing preparation, the Public Records Act, and the evolving use of AI in criminal defense.
Christopher graduated from Juanita High School, earned his B.A. from Seattle Pacific University and his Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law, where he has volunteered in the legal writing and mock trial programs.
Respected Leader in DUI and Criminal Defense
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
65%
17 years
Criminal Defense
25%
17 years
Personal Injury
10%
17 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2016 2015
...
+
4
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 16 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Online Presence
Other places you can find Christopher online.
Christopher Kattenhorn's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
73 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (73)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (49)
Advocacy (38)
Recommendation (38)
Professionalism (25)
Practice Area Knowledge (24)
Responsiveness (24)
Communication Style (20)
Character & Conduct (16)
General Knowledge (12)
Trustworthiness (11)
Compassion (10)
Cost of Services (9)
Punctuality (5)
Staff & Support (5)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 11 - 15 of 20 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by RJ | October 07, 2014 | DUI & DWI
The reviews tell you the story, but to put in two words- simply superb!
Had to overcome the worst nightmare of my life [ARRESTED for a DUI - for the first time in life!!] but found the best person to help me get out of the situation. Was clueless what to do, the moment i was arrested and for the following next few days until i realized i was running out of time to hire a...
Posted by anonymous | May 06, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Great DUI attorney!
Mr. Kattenhorn has proved to be a very good lawyer to me. From his quick response when I needed to deal with urgent things with my case to his thorough explanations of how the court works he has shown to be on my side every time. It helps very much that he and his firm have a good working relationshi...
Posted by anonymous | February 25, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Highly Recommended!
I hired Chris after a rather unfortunate event in September. I got a DUI (it being my second), court was the Thursday following. I need a lawyer fast. After researching and making a couple of phone calls, I met with Chris. Two seconds after meeting him, you feel comfortable and like you will be take...
Posted by Julie | January 31, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Definite recommendation
It was my first offense if any kind and I was scared and nervous about my future. I spoke with several lawyers before selecting Chris Kattenhorn. I chose Chris because he seemed like he cared about me and also about doing whatever he could for my case. I didn't feel like I was just another client, or...
Posted by Randy | May 24, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Thankful
I was arrested for a physical control vioation in January of 2012. My vehicle was impounded. When I picked up my vehicle at the towing company the next day they had business cards for the law firm of Cowan, Kirk and Gaston. I took one and asked the manager about them. He recommended them highly. I th...
Christopher Kattenhorn's Lawyer Endorsements
"Chris's creative approach to criminal defense and his ability to think on his feet are just some of the qualities that make him a powerful advocate for his clients."
"In only a short period of time, Mr. Kattenhorn has unquestionably shown a remarkable level of competence and dedication in all aspects of his work, which encompasses several areas of practice that require high levels of both traits. I sincerely believe that it is only a matter of time before Mr. Kattenhorn is in the elite category of lawyers in his field. I endorse Chris Kattenhorn."
"I endorse Christopher. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Christopher is an aggressive and compassionate advocate for his clients. He understands the complicated nuances of DUI defense and is able to focus in on the relevant legal issues and facts to get the best possible results for his clients."
"I have seen Mr. Kattenhorn practicing law in King County over the last several years. He is a bright, practical and effective attorney who demonstrates great skills and maturity. I know that he is hard working. His clients always seem well advised which is so important in our area of law. Chris is knowledgeable and not afraid of a good fight. He has all of the tools of a great attorney."
"Chris is a strong advocate to his clients. I have seen him advocating for his clients in numerous cases and he is always prepared, knowledgable and gets great results. His clients can rest assured that they are in good hands."
"I've been very impressed with Chris for years, ever since I watched him passionately advocate for his clients as a public defender. As the years have passed, I have watched him continue to strive to achieve the best possible results. He doesn't give up or give in. He's now working with a highly respected group of attorneys, and has continued to increase his skills and his presence in the defense community. He is an excellent attorney and you would be in extremely good hands if you hired him to defend you!"
"Mr. Kattenhorn is extremely knowledgeable in the DUI practice area, as well as other areas of criminal defense. Along with his skill and experience, Mr. Kattenhorn brings dedication and passion to his representation of clients."
"Chris is a great advocate for his clients. He has a passionate court room presence!"
"Chris is an excellent attorney. What he may lack in experience, he more than makes up for in his tenacity and creativity. His quick mastering of applicable case law and techniques is remarkable to say the least. Most of all, Chris has what it truly takes to be successful in this business, integrity and passion. I highly recommend Mr. Kattenhorn, you won't be dissapointed."
"Chris is a determined and dedicated advocate. His vibrant personality wins over his opponents and juries, making him both an effective negotiator and trial attorney."
"Chris is a young aggressive lawyer who can help you obtain a great result in your case."
"Chris Kattenhorn is an exceptional lawyer who is rapidly building a solid reputation among the criminal defense bar. He has a very sharp legal mind and a strong courtroom presence. In addition, he's clearly developed very good relationships with his clients and his peers. I would recommend Chris to anyone in need of an excellent criminal defense lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. His clients are in good hands."
"Chris is a zealous advocate for his clients."
"I have known Chris for the past several months and am very impressed with his character, knowledge of the law and ability to achieve fantastic results for his clients. He has an excellent presence in the courtroom as an advocate for those accused. In addition to witnessing Chris in action, I have employed his services for coverage assistance. Every time he has appeared on my behalf, my clients have been very impressed with his abilities in the courtroom. He is truly a zealous and compassionate attorney."
"Chris has a huge personality and heart. He truly cares for his clients and is the ultimate professional. Chris has a genuine demeanor which allows open communication between he and his clients."
"Christopher is a tireless advocate who goes above and beyond his duties as an attorney to zealously defend the rights of our clients. Not only does Chris have extensive criminal defense experience, he also has a great attitude and tremendous enthusiasm for his practice. He exhibits all the qualities of a great attorney, and I am proud to be his colleague."
Jeannie Mucklestone
DUI and DWI lawyer
Melinda Drogseth
Litigation lawyer
David Norman
Litigation lawyer
Matthew Knauss
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2017
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Founding Partner, Chris K Law
2022 - 2025
Partner, Puget Law Group
2014 - 2014
Attorney-at-Law, Cowan Kirk Gaston Wolff
2014 - 2022
Partner, Cowan Kirk Kattenhorn
2010 - 2014
Attorney-at-Law, Cowan Kirk Gaston
2010 - 2010
Contract Attorney, Stein, Lotzkar and Starr PS
2009 - 2009
Non-Profit Merger Coordinator, Loveall Price & Associates
2007 - 2009
Practicing Legal Intern- Rule 9, Stewart, Beall, MacNichols, & Harmell
Associations
King County Bar Association
Member
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
American Bar Association
Member
National College of DUI Defense
Member
American Bar Association Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee
Committee Member
American Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section
Member
Education
2011
National College of DUI Defense
Summer Session
2010
La Pier & Associates
Qualified Administrator of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
2008
Seattle University School of Law
Juris Doctor
2003
Seattle Pacific University
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
N/A
Oh Behave! Etiquette for Young Professionals
Ettiquette in personal and professional life
Languages
English