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Michael McKinstry
About Michael
Biography
I’m here to help. I’ve been a champion for the underdogs for 40 years. As a trial lawyer, I have handled tough cases and won huge victories for my clients, including a record setting jury verdict of $30.2 million in the defective highway design case, Hu v. WSDOT - . You’ll find me forthright and compassionate at every step, from the first phone call to the follow-up after you’ve received your check. Give me a call for a free consultation.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
80%
11 years
Litigation
20%
11 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 50 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1975
No misconduct found
Location
Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC
1700 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1810, Seattle, WA, 98101
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Michael McKinstry's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
11 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (11)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by James | November 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Wrongful Death
Compassionate Attorney
Mike was professional and compassionate as he guided us through the tragedy of the wrongful death of our son that we faced. We would recommend Mike to any person facing litigation with an insurance company.
Posted by May | March 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Car Accident Claim
Mike did an awesome job representing me and took care of every details! His office was great always in communication with me and letting me know what’s going and if there’s any updates or changes in the case. The Law Firm itself isn’t well known to me and my husband cause they’ve helped us before in ...
Posted by David Smallwood | December 18, 2013 | Business
Great Lawyer, Great Firm,
As a small business owner, I have called on Michael McKinstry on several occasions for both legal advice, as well as to help work through mediating the dissolution of an extremely difficult business partnership. Michael, and his team, have handled every situation with professionalism, and a personal ...
Michael McKinstry's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mike is a warm hearted person who truly cares about his clients. He is skilled, dedicated and enjoys fighting for his clients' rights. Even when the battles are tough, he manages to maintain a great positive attitude. He is dedicated to providing his clients with the very best legal representation and to bringing them justice."
"Mike McKinstry is the kind of attorney you want and need at your side: preeminent skills, excellent judgment, wisdom informed by experience, a temperament and desire to fight for a wronged client (he says he's best when he's pissed off), and a caring spirit that keeps him up at night worrying about this clients. I wholeheartedly endorse Mike."
"Mike represents clients who have suffered traumatic injuries or the devastating loss of a loved one. Mike is compassionate and cares about his clients, but he also brings 40 years of experience to the courtroom. He's the guy you want in your corner when things get tough."
"Mike McKinstry is a passionate and dedicated advocate, whose care for his clients cannot be matched. For 20 years, I have seen him give everything he has to ensure people with serious injuries obtain the very best outcome possible. I highly recommend Mike - He's a true professional."
"When it comes to complex personal injury matters, Mike McKinstry is first on my list. I've referred multiple matters to Mike and his firm, but most recently, he represented a dear friend who was severely injured and permanently disabled in an automobile accident. The defendant was aggressive and uncompromising, but at trial, Mike's skillful advocacy resulted in a verdict large enough to shock the defendants and make the newspaper headlines. While Mike is aggressive, I appreciate is that his advocacy is tempered by reason and professionalism. And when it comes to clients, Mike has a gift for helping people understand complex issues and putting them at ease in difficult circumstances. I'd never want to go up against Mike in court, but if ever I need a seasoned litigator, I'll try my best to get him on my team."
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Experience
Honors
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2011
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2010
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Gold Award, Aurora Awards
2010
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2008
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2006
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2006
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2005
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2005
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2004
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2004
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2003
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2003
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2003
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2002
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2002
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2002
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2001
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2001
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2001
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2000
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1999
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1998
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1990
Justice Award, Center for Law and Religious Freedom
Work Experience
1990 - Present
Partner and Litigation Chair, Ellis, Li & McKinstry, PLLC
1990 - 2003
Managing Partner, Ellis, Li & McKinstry, PLLC
1982 - 1989
Pro Tem Judge, Kitsap County District Court
1980 - 1990
Partner, Sherrard, McGonagle & McKinstry
1975 - 1979
Associate, Schweppe Krug & Tausend
Associations
2006 - Present
Washington State Association for JusticeEagle Member
1998 - Present
East West OutreachBoard Member
Washington State Bar Association
Litigation Section Member
C.L.E. presenter
1992 - 2005
International Mercy NetworkBoard Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Hu v. WSDOT, et. al.
$30.2 million dollar Plaintiff verdict
Education
1975
Seattle University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1971
University of Washington
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English
Spanish