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David Brendan Starks

Divorce and separation Attorney at Seattle, WA

4.6   11 reviews
Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
(206) 745-0383
Website
  • State Years
    Washington - WA 25 years
    Oregon - OR 12 years
    Texas - TX 14 years
  • Licensed for 25 years
    State WA
    Acquired 1998
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 12 years
    State OR
    Acquired 2010
    Status
    Inactive No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 14 years
    State TX
    Acquired 2008
    Status
    Not Eligible to Practice - Administrative No misconduct found

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

World Class Advocacy!
Doug
Truly one of a kind
Filip
Read more reviews

About David

Learn David’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
EXCEPTIONAL DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW REPRESENTATION. I WILL HELP YOU GET RESULTS.

I enjoy practicing family law because of the personal connection that comes with getting to know my clients and then working to protect their rights and interests during one of the most challenging times of their lives.

Awards

Client's Choice 2013
Client's Choice
2013

Contact David

McKinley Irvin
1501 Fourth Avenue
Suite 1750
Seattle, WA, 98101-2334
mckinleyirvin.com/attorney-profiles/david-starks/
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McKinley Irvin
10900 NE 4th Street
Suite 2220
Bellevue, WA, 98004
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Reviews

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4.6 / 5.0
  11 customer reviews
5 Star
 
91%
4 Star
 
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3 Star
 
0%
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1 Star
 
9%
Client's Choice 2013
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Doug | February 28, 2014
World Class Advocacy!
David was a phenomenal advocate for me as I proceeded through my divorce. He considered my interests and preferences, informed me of the law and fought for what was best for me. On those occasions where the opposing party made threats and seemed poised to derail the process from a reasonable outcome, David successfully "talked me off the ledge" keeping me apprised of my rights and the law's view of the issues in my case. I most strongly recommend David Starks. I do not feel that I could have had better representation in my case or obtained a better outcome.
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Posted by Filip | February 18, 2014
Truly one of a kind
I have the displeasure of dealing with legal conflict in my regular professional activities. In the case where David assisted me, it was most personal in nature related to my family situation. I can therefore say, that David is an outstanding and experienced Lawyer as well as wonderful Human being. These characteristics makes him look at cases holistically, which is an extremely rare strength in the legal profession. I do not have strong enough words to describe how well he guided me both emotionally, tactically and strategically through the process, always with a foresight of what was coming next. The execution of the formal legal process was superb. In addition, he was most helpful when I asked all my pesky questions that were most likely annoying to him - and the dialogue was ongoing even during weekends and during his family obligations in a shockingly timely fashion - I have apologized to his family. I believe I have made a new friend Nobody wishes to be in a legal process, especially one related to one's near and dear. If I ever will be in ANY legal process again, I would do whatever was in my power to have David by my side.
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Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • McKinley Irvin
  • 2005 - Present

Education

  • Seattle University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • N/A

Legal Cases

  • Brosselin v. Harless
  • Muhlenkamp v. Blizzard

Associations

  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Washington chapter)
  • President
  • 2018 - Present
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Certified Mediator
  • 2016 - Present
  • American College of Family Trial Lawyers
  • Diplomate
  • 2014 - Present
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Professionalism Commitee
  • N/A
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • N/A
  • King County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • N/A
  • State Bar of Texas
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Fellow
  • N/A
  • International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Fellow
  • N/A
  • Drafting Committee on the Implementation of the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children
  • Section Advisor, ABA International Law Section
  • 2011 - 2014
  • American Bar Association, International Law and Practice Section
  • Co-chair
  • 2009 - 2012
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Best Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2024
  • Lawyer of the Year
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2024
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2023
  • Best Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2023
  • Top 100 in Washington
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2022
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2022
  • Lawyer of the Year
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2022
  • Best Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2022
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2021
  • Best Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2021
  • Super Lawyer
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2020
  • Best Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2020
  • Super Lawyer
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2019
  • Best Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2019
  • Top 100 Washington Super Lawyers
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2018
  • Best Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Family Law, Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Super Lawyer
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Family Law, Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Family Law, Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Family Law, Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Best Lawyer, Family Law
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2013
  • Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2012
  • Super Lawyer
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2012
  • Family Law, Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2012
  • Super Lawyer
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2011
  • Super Lawyer
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2010
  • Rising Star
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2008
  • Rising Star
  • Washington Super Lawyers
  • 2007
View all awards

Publications

  • Washington State Bar Association
  • International Family Law, Washington State Bar Association Family Law Desk Book
  • 2010
  • King County Bar Bulletin
  • Washington's Resolution to Equal Custody
  • 2008
  • King County Bar Bulletin
  • Family Law Takes on Global Perspective
  • 2007
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers chapter
  • Dealing With the UCCJEA
  • 2015
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Law Practice Management - Implementing Technology in Your Practice
  • 2015
  • AIJA / ABA (Brighton, UK)
  • Disputes Relating to Children on Separation of Parents/Carers
  • 2015
  • King County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Stock Grants, Awards and Options - Property or Income
  • 2014
  • American Bar Association (Seattle, Washington)
  • Finding Hidden Overseas Assets
  • 2014
  • American Bar Association (Seattle, Washington)
  • Primer on Asian Family Law
  • 2014
  • American Bar Association (Seattle, Washington)
  • Domestic Violence Allegations in International Family Cases
  • 2014
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Unusual Valuation Issues
  • 2014
  • University of Texas / AAML (Austin, Texas)
  • Innovations, Breaking Boundaries in Custody Litigation
  • 2013
  • National Business Institute
  • Equitable Distribution in Divorce
  • 2013
  • American Bar Association (Anchorage, Alaska)
  • Unconventional Issues in Child Custody and Abduction Cases
  • 2013
  • AIJA / ABA (Cannes, France)
  • Key Players in Cross Border Real Estate Investments
  • 2013
  • American Bar Association (Washington, DC)
  • Recognition of Foreign Court Orders and Conflicts of Laws
  • 2012
  • American Bar Association (New York, New York)
  • For Better or Worse: International Issues in Marriage and Divorce
  • 2012
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Marital Misbehavior, the Chronically Noncompliant Party: Remedies
  • 2012
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • US Hague Cases and the UCCJEA
  • 2012
  • Divorce Litigation: From Start to Finish
  • Commencing Divorce Action
  • 2011
  • American Bar Association (Las Vegas, Nevada)
  • Saving a Stolen Childhood: How to Prevent and Resolve International Kidnapping Cases
  • 2011
  • American Bar Association (Dublin, Ireland)
  • Family Enterprises in Distress: Issues to Consider
  • 2011
  • King County Bar Association CLE
  • Nuts and Bolts of Family Law
  • 2010
  • Washington State Bar Association CLE
  • Family Law Bootcamp
  • 2009
  • National Business Institute
  • Domestic Violence: A View from the Bench
  • 2009
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (20)
Given (26)
Endorse David
J. Mark Weiss headshot
J. Weiss
Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"David is a superb lawyer. What impresses me most about David is his integrity, his dedication to clients, his intellect, and his knowledge of family law. I highly recommend David."
Charles E. Hardy headshot
Charles Hardy
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer. Sharp, client serving and highly thought of in our profession."
Lianna Lia Urfalyan headshot
Lianna Urfalyan
Divorce and separation Attorney | Aug 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I reached out to David in order to get insight on Washington's approach on alimony/support. David was willing to provide detailed information and assist me in determining which jurisdiction is the proper venue to file my client's matter. He is knowledgeable and strives to help! I endorse David Starks."
Danielle Lynne LaBelle headshot
Danielle LaBelle
Unknown Attorney | Apr 24
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer."
Mindy S Stannard headshot
Mindy Stannard
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 24
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Collin C McKean headshot
Collin McKean
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 24
Relationship: Co-worker
"David is recognized for his expertise as an international family law litigator and a leader in his community. I endorse David as a family law / international family law lawyer."
Brien Galbraith headshot
Brien Galbraith
Child support Attorney | Jan 06
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Stacy Dyan Heard headshot
Stacy Heard
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 11
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"David is a fair and reasonable opposing attorney, as well as a respected colleague. I know that David will handle the case in the most efficient way possible, in both clients' best interests."
Ronald W. Nelson headshot
Ronald Nelson
International law Attorney | May 17
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Jessica Terese Moore headshot
Jessica Moore
Family Attorney | Apr 03
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Anthony J Zorich JR headshot
Anthony Zorich
Child custody Attorney | Feb 26
Relationship: Co-worker
"David's reputation precedes him. His knowledge and experience in complex family law and international custody issues are unparalleled. He is a great attorney, mentor, colleague, person and friend. With pleasure, I endorse this lawyer."
Jamie R Walker headshot
Jamie Walker
Family Attorney | Feb 13
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Elizabeth Anne Hoffman headshot
Elizabeth Hoffman
Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 05
Relationship: Co-worker
"David is an incredibly sharp, experienced, and talented attorney with whom I feel privileged to work."
Christina L. Smith headshot
Christina Smith
Family Attorney | Feb 05
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Jonathan Blake Hilty headshot
Jonathan Hilty
Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 02
Relationship: Co-worker
"David is a strong and effective advocate for his clients. His litigation experience and drive to exceed client expectations are the foundation of his continued success. I endorse this lawyer."
Lindsay Jean Noel headshot
Lindsay Noel
Unknown Attorney | Feb 01
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Lindsay Diane Camandona headshot
Lindsay Camandona
Unknown Attorney | Feb 01
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Michael Hallas headshot
Michael Hallas
International law Attorney | Feb 01
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"David is a leading expert in international custody disputes and a highly skilled litigator in all other areas of family law. I endorse this lawyer."
Laura Anne Carlsen headshot
Laura Carlsen
Family Attorney | Feb 01
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Bruce Clement headshot
Bruce Clement
Family Attorney | Dec 17
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"David Starks was my opposing attorney on a recent relocation case that went to trial. He was well organized, focused, and effective in his representation. His professional demeanor and courteous manner were greatly appreciated by me and my staff. He exhibited sensitivity and compassion toward the parties and their children. I would have no hesitation to recommend him to others for consultation or representation."
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Avvo Contributions

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Seattle Divorce and separation Lawyer David Brendan Starks
David Brendan Starks
Divorce and separation Attorney
Seattle, WA
Licensed for 25 years
Virtual consultation available
(206) 745-0383 Website