David Brendan Starks
- Seattle, WA
- Licensed for 21 years
About David
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."
Languages spoken
English
Contact
McKinley Irvin
1501 Fourth Avenue
Suite 1750
Seattle, WA, 98101-2334
McKinley Irvin
601 108th Ave NE
Suite 1900
Bellevue, WA, 98004
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| OR | Inactive | 2010 | 01/05/2020 |
| TX | Not Eligible to Practice - Administrative | 2008 | 12/22/2019 |
| WA | Active | 1998 | 12/29/2019 |
| Legal answers | 0 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Best Lawyer | Best Lawyers in America | 2020 |
| Super Lawyer | SuperLawyers | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State | Washington Super Lawyers | 2017 |
| Super Lawyer | Washington Super Lawyers | 2017 |
| Family Law, Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers | 2017 |
| Family Law, Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers | 2016 |
| Super Lawyer | Washington Super Lawyers | 2016 |
| Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State | Washington Super Lawyers | 2016 |
| Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State | Washington Super Lawyers | 2015 |
| Family Law, Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers | 2015 |
| Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State | Washington Super Lawyers | 2014 |
| Super Lawyer | Washington Super Lawyers | 2014 |
| Family Law, Best Lawyers in America | Best 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 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Partner | McKinley Irvin | 2005 - Present |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| King County Bar Bulletin | The Globalization of Family Law | 2007 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | N/A |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| King County Bar Association CLE | Conclusion of Case, Final Pleadings, Trial Preparation, Dissolution from A-Z | 2017 |
| 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 |
| King County Bar Association CLE | International Family Law: The Hague Convention | 2008 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Brosselin v. Harless | |
| Muhlenkamp v. Blizzard |
World Class Advocacy!
Posted by Doug
Sat Mar 01 2014
Truly one of a kind
Posted by Filip
Tue Feb 18 2014
Attorney endorsements
(20)J. Weiss, Mediation Attorney on Mar 14, 2013
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 Hardy, Child custody Attorney on Jan 13, 2013
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. Sharp, client serving and highly thought of in our profession.
Lianna Urfalyan, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 8, 2018
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 LaBelle, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 24, 2015
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Mindy Stannard, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 24, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Collin McKean, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 24, 2014
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, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 6, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Stacy Heard, Child custody Attorney on Jun 11, 2013
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 Nelson, Family Attorney on May 17, 2013
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Jessica Moore, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 4, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
J. Weiss, Mediation Attorney on Mar 14, 2013
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.
Anthony Zorich, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 27, 2013
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 Walker, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 13, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Elizabeth Hoffman, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 6, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
David is an incredibly sharp, experienced, and talented attorney with whom I feel privileged to work.
Christina Smith, Family Attorney on Feb 5, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Jonathan Hilty, Family Attorney on Feb 3, 2013
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 Noel, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 2, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Lindsay Camandona, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 1, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Hallas, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 1, 2013
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 Carlsen, Child custody Attorney on Feb 1, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Charles Hardy, Child custody Attorney on Jan 13, 2013
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer. Sharp, client serving and highly thought of in our profession.
Bruce Clement, Family Attorney on Dec 17, 2012
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.