James Vincent Sansone
also known as Jim
About James
Biography
Founder & Managing Attorney – Family Law Complex Litigation Advocacy PLLC
Seattle, Washington
James V. “Jim” Sansone is the founder and managing attorney of Family Law Complex Litigation Advocacy PLLC, a Washington-based firm focused on complex family law, civil litigation, and crossover matters where personal and financial issues intersect.
With over two decades of trial experience, Jim is recognized for his strategic, relentless, and compassionate approach to advocacy. His practice includes high-asset divorce, custody and parenting litigation, international family law, and disputes between unmarried partners, as well as related civil and business conflicts. He is also experienced in criminal defense involving family law intersections, such as DVPOs and false allegations.
Jim is licensed to practice in Washington and California, including the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Central Districts of California and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He has earned a Martindale-Hubbell rating of 4.7/5 and has been recognized as a Lawyer of Distinction in Litigation and Family Law.
Before establishing his current firm, Jim founded and led a successful family law and bankruptcy litigation practice in Santa Rosa, California and served as an adjunct professor of law at Santa Rosa Junior College, teaching Business Law and Introduction to Law for Paralegals. He also served as a Judge Pro Tem and a panel member of the Sonoma County Mandatory Settlement Conference Program.
Clients and colleagues describe Jim as a steady, strategic advocate who blends courtroom precision with human understanding — delivering results in even the most contentious and complex cases.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 4 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2021
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 19 years
State: California
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
FAMILY LAW COMPLEX LITIGATION ADVOCACY PLLC
600 Stewart St, Suite 400, Seattle, WA, 98101
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James Vincent Sansone's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Paul Jenkins | May 22, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
What a joke
Where did this clown get his education? He threatens opposing parties and honestly should be disbarred. If you want to waste money and time, he is your council. He knows nothing about court rules or immigration, don’t be foolish infact, hire a monkey before you consider wasting your money and time ...
James Sansone
Replied last November 2, 2025I do not know who “Paul Jenkins” is, nor have I ever provided immigration law advice or consultation. I am not an immigration attorney, and my practice does not include immigration matters. This review appears to be mistaken or misattributed. At Family Law Complex Litigation Advocacy PLLC, our focus is on complex family law, civil litigation, and related matters in Washington State. We take professionalism and client service seriously and encourage anyone with a legitimate concern to contact our office directly to discuss it. — James V. “Jim” Sansone, Esq. Family Law Complex Litigation Advocacy PLLC Seattle, Washington
Posted by anonymous | May 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Incompetent and unmotivated
Do not choose James Sansone, if you are looking for someone to represent you diligently; I feel I was better off without representation than have him as my attorney. He showed no motivation or competence. He has poor written and oral skills. He was consistently uninformed about my case. He was not aw...
James Sansone
Replied last November 2, 2025While I respect every client’s right to share their perspective, I strongly disagree with this account. Out of respect for confidentiality, I cannot discuss specific facts, but this matter involved a highly contested custody dispute in Sonoma County, California. My representation was guided by the law and the evidence presented, not by emotion or an effort to “take sides.” Family law cases can be intensely personal, and outcomes are determined by the court based on statutory standards — not on a party’s expectations. At Family Law Complex Litigation Advocacy PLLC we approach every case with diligence, professionalism, and strategy. I remain committed to representing all clients ethically and to achieving fair, lawful results consistent with the best interests of children and the realities of the evidence. — **James V. “Jim” Sansone, Esq.** Family Law Complex Litigation Advocacy PLLC Seattle, Washington
Posted by Lisatwo39 | November 16, 2013
Jim is a great lawyer
Jim helped me out in a family law matter. Ive worked with a lot of worthless lawyers and Jim is a good guy. He's honest and up front. He doesn't overcharge his clients. He works with you when you can't afford it. He was a life saver, and a blessing after my other lawyer took me for a ride.
Posted by anonymous | April 8, 2013
Knowledgeable Aggressive Legal Representative
My family law case in Mendocino County was very difficult from the start, and I went through a literal phone book trying to find a lawyer that would at least listen to my side before their outright refusal. I was at the end of my rope when I found James. He not only listened to me, but took my case w...
Posted by anonymous | March 7, 2011
Business Oriented, Solution Driven
Jim is a no nonsense, straight forward, bottom line attorney. He told me the truth, whether I wanted it or not. He was very logical and realistic in his advice on how best to proceed with our case. His fees were reasonable and he did not waste my money or time.
James Vincent Sansone's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Sansone provides thoughtful, educated and experienced answers to the questions provided herein. Attorney Sansone provides a needed service by providing voluntary and free legal assistance to the individuals herein who are in need of immediate legal answers."
"Outstanding attorney in other areas as well. You may regret not taking his advice."
"Mr. Sansone has shown great effort and skill with his clients. He is aggressive and gets the job done. He is knowledgeable in multiple areas of law. I would recommend him."
"I endorse Jim Sansone for his family law expertise. Jim is very knowledgeable and has a keen sense into litigating very difficult custody matters. I highly recommend Jim."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Sansone provides good, informative, well done responses to questions from those who need him. He is a professional."
"Jim and I worked together for a number of years at a firm. I've come to know him as hard-working, intelligent, and aggressive. He is not afraid of a challenge. Whether it's preparing legal briefs or arguing in court, Jim does a great job."
"I opposed Mr. Sansone on a recent case. I found him to be prepared and focused. He had a good handle on the facts of the case and appropriately applied the law to those facts. He was a vigorous advocate for his client, and a worthy opponent."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim Sansone is an aggressive and dedicated trial attorney, whether working in family law, bankruptcy, landlord-tenant or general civil litigation. He tells his clients how it is and fights hard for their rights and positions."
"Jim Sansone is a diligent, hardworking and well prepared attorney who I have referred many clients to. I have always been impressed with his integrity and forthrightness. I recommend him highly to defend your rights."
Criminal defense lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Landlord or tenant lawyer
Experience
Honors
2006
California Legislature Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award, State of California
2005
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Constitutional Law, Witkin Legal Institute
2005
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Prof. Responsibility, Witkin Legal Institute
2003
Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Criminal Law, Witkin Legal Institute
Work Experience
2020 - Present
Adjunct Professor of Law, Empire College Of Law
2019 - Present
Attorney, Carle, Mackie, Power & Ross LLP
2014 - Present
Adjunct Professor, Santa Rosa Junior College
2009 - 2019
Owner & Principal Attorney, Law Offices of James V. Sansone
2006 - 2009
Attorney, Beck Law, PC
1999 - 2006
Internal Auditor, Redwood Credit Union
Sample of Legal Cases
Judgment in favor of Plaintiff for all back due rent and treble damages in the amount of $49,635.96
Judgment in favor of Petitioner Father terminating Respondent Mother's parental rights.
Defended COL James Ketchum, (Ret.) in depositions and document demand that requested voluminous documents from the 1950s to current that related to the Edgewood Arsenal experiments
Dismissal of all charges in favor of Defendant
Defendant Debtor filed Motion for Summary Judgment and Plaintiff Creditor dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice two days before the hearing on Motion for Summary Judgment
Arbitration award in favor of Plaintiff for $100,000
Settlement of entire matter for $100,000.
Education
2006
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
BS - Bachelor of Science
1994
Assoicate of Science
Speaking Engagements
2009
Expungement
Publications
2006
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
If i submit my witness list one week prior to trial to the opposing attorney and court can I remove them at trial if necessary?
28 Jul 2012
Unlawful detainer: is a judgement and an eviction the same thing?
18 Jul 2012
How do you evict someone who is living in an illegal garage?
18 Apr 2011
Legal Guides
Divorce Basics
20 Jul 2011
How is Spousal Support Determined in CA
20 Apr 2011
How the Law Calculates a Child Support Payment
20 Apr 2011