Seth Edward Millstein

PRO

Seth Edward Millstein

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 22 years

Construction and development Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Construction & Development

1601 Fifth Ave, Suite 1800, Seattle, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Seth

Biography

Celebrating Twenty Years of Construction Law Experience. Avvo Client's Choice. Thompson Reuters Super Lawyer, Construction Law (2020-Present). Judicial Evaluation Committee Member (Past Chair). WSBA Construction Council (Chair Elect).

Washington Construction Atty - Celebrating 20 years of Experience! (206-309-4959)

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Construction and Development 100%

22 years

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2023 2021
...
+ 1

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 22 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2004

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Oregon for 22 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 2003

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Pillar Law PLLC

1601 Fifth Ave, Suite 1800, Seattle, WA, 98101

pillar-law.com/profiles/seth-millstein/

Seth Edward Millstein's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

45 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (45) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Katie | April 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

An exceptional attorney

This is the review I worked on last night for Seth: Seth represented my case in a matter that affected not only myself, but with greater impact the normalcy of childhood for my two very young munchkins. Although my case affected day-to-day life for us, it was not one with staggering damages, yet S...eth committed to seeking justice for my family. Seth’s intellect and expertise make him adept at navigating his field of practice, however it is his emotional intelligence that is truly exceptional. He is mindful of the stress and anxiety a client endures, of which his communication which is clear, concise, and prompt helps mitigate. His honesty coupled with wittiness provided a sense of relief. I also had complete confidence in Seth had things escalated to the courtroom, that it would have not posed any degree of difficulty for him whatsoever. Seth is not just an amazing attorney, but a wonderful person. I was not solicited for my review, nor compensated in any way for what I have chosen to express.

Posted by Russ | December 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney

SETH IS AWESOME!

Finding a knowledgeable, professional lawyer willing to take on a small case can be challenging. Seth is one of those rare professionals who genuinely cares about his clients and the law, regardless of the size of their case. Despite his busy workload, he took on our case and guided us with exception...al advice and professionalism—and he delivered. His precision and dedication are remarkable. From the moment Seth took our case, we felt confident and protected by his expertise and knowledge. Seth truly delivers. Seriously, not enough stars to give Seth an appropriate rating.

Posted by Jay | October 28, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Consumer Protection

Outstanding Attorney, Pleasure to Deal With, Great Results, A+++, Highly Recommended

I had leaks and water damage from improperly installed replacement windows. The company who did the bad work gave my wife and I 'the run-around' for years. I was getting nowhere trying to negotiate with them myself. I'm so glad I found and hired Seth. I was immediately impressed with his knowledge o...f the applicable laws. Seth rapidly put a stop to the BS the contractor had been telling me. He was able to negotiate a fair settlement. The whole process was relatively painless (for me), and went pretty much like he said it would at our initial consultation. Seth responded to my calls/emails quickly and kept me in the loop with the negotiations. He always took the time to educate me so I could make informed decisions. Beyond being a great lawyer, I give Seth high marks for how he handles the human/emotional side of things. I can't say enough good things about him and how he handled my case.

Posted by H. H. | October 14, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Contracts & Agreements

Highly recommended - Personable, Knowledgeable, Adept

Seth took up my case regarding a breach of contract with a contractor. It was a seemingly obvious case but turned tricky since it pulled in multiple parties and had a non-responsive "other side". Seth went deep and used his experience, knowledge, and connections to help me drive to a positive outco...me in a reasonable amount of time. Specifically Seth structured my claim in a compelling manner, made sure my legitimate grievances were not covered up, negotiated for me with earnest, pulled in vetted experts to build the case, and provided rational, realistic balance when the hard decisions came. His guidance was not only instrumental but comforting for me as an uninitiated in a tricky and unforgiving legal space (i.e. read that Seattle area construction law needs reform). First, the number one lesson I learned from this is if you are hiring a contractor in the Seattle area "watch out" and do not demur because you want to be a good player and expect the contractor to be also. There are many bad actors in Seattle and it is unfortunate that Seattle and the industry here does not do anything about it. It is important to note this since what follows will not make things right. Second, if you are here already then it is too late for number one to be much help so Seth is going to be a good recommendation since you will get integrity at a time when you probably could use it. His services come at a premium though but he understands that and will be honest with what can/should be done. Hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck.

Posted by Gina | July 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

I am so very pleased with this guy! 10 Stars!

Seth goes out of his way to help his clients. He is not afraid to go above and beyond to get the job done. Seth is a nice guy with a great sense of humor. I had a roofing problem, many told me you will not get anywhere trying to go after a roofing company. Not that I wanted a long drawn cour...t battle for my very small roof (wasn't exactly worth it especially for Seth, small potatoes here), but I was very much decided to not let these guys (roofing company) get away with the wrong they did me. It is like they used me as an experiment that miserably failed and they were not willing to fix it. Seth took this "small potato" on, We won without going to court. I got my money back plus attorney's fee. Now I can re-roof my house properly. I know Attorneys of his caliber would not have given me a second thought, that's just the guy he is. He knew I would get no help from anywhere with this so he helped. I am so very pleased with this guy! Thank you Seth and everyone at Pillar Law.

See All Client Reviews

Seth Edward Millstein's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Seth
Inge Andrea Fordham headshot
Inge Fordham

Construction and development lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Seth was opposing counsel on a construction dispute. He was responsive, knowledgable, and a strong advocate for his client."

Brian Duffy headshot
Brian Duffy

Construction and development lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Chris Jackman headshot
Chris Jackman

Construction and development lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Seth is a fantastic lawyer, one of the best I've come across. Uncommonly smart, dedicated, and knowledgeable, I send all of my construction law referrals to him and seek his advice on matters frequently."

Bart Roberts Parsley headshot
Bart Parsley

Construction and development lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer, Seth is a talented and dedicated professional who cares about getting fine outcomes for his clients."

Heather Laura Carter headshot
Heather Carter

Construction and development lawyer | May 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Seth Millstein is the total package as an attorney. His knowledge of construction law is top notch, and he does a great job of handling tough legal issues creatively and cost effectively. He does all of this with a great sense of humor and an easy demeanor that cuts through the stress and confusion that often comes with litigation. I endorse Seth without hesitation."

Douglas Edward Wilson headshot
Douglas Wilson

Litigation lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Mr. Millstein and have referred matters to him. He is an outstanding attorney who can be counted on and trusted. When I have a legal question or need a second opinion I call Seth. He is honest, knows the law and is easy to work with."

Robert Clayton Matthews headshot
Robert Matthews

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Seth. He is extraordinarily caring towards his clients, and an exceptional problem solver. When I need a second option he is among the first I ask."

Lawrence Lee Longfelder headshot
Lawrence Longfelder

Construction and development lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.He is very hardworking and intelligent with great skills."

Lars Anderson headshot
Lars Anderson

Construction and development lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Seth does an excellent job balancing the legal rights of his clients against the practical, business decisions a client must make."

Sean Adam Russel headshot
Sean Russel

Litigation lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Seth is a sharp lawyer that provides superior services for his clients. I strongly endorse his work."

Jason T Leehan headshot
Jason Leehan

Construction and development lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Seth is a very talented attorney. Whenever I have a question that I need a second opinion about, I make sure that I call Seth. He is well versed in legal and procedural areas of the law at every level. I would recommend Seth to any client."

David N. Mark headshot
David Mark

Construction and development lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Seth was opposing counsel on 3 construction lien cases I had this past winter. He knows the field inside/out. These were all small laborer liens on behalf of my Latino clilents. Seth knew how to cut to the chase and resolve the cases quickly. Unlike other counsel -- from small firms and large firms -- he did not drag the case on. This benefitted his clients because they did not have to pay him for unnecessary work, and they ended up paying a very small amount for my time -- these are fee shifting cases. In the interest of complete disclosure, he recently endorsed me. I would not have thought of doing an AVVO endorsement -- I never have done one before. But every word is the truth. I'd sign a declaration on that."

Hamilton H Gardiner headshot
Hamilton Gardiner

Construction and development lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

View All Endorsements
James Pierson Grifo headshot
James Grifo

Real estate lawyer

Inge Andrea Fordham headshot
Inge Fordham

Construction and development lawyer

Timothy E Allen headshot
Timothy Allen

Construction and development lawyer

Chris Jackman headshot
Chris Jackman

Criminal defense lawyer

Lu Jiang headshot
Lu Jiang

Litigation lawyer

Bart Roberts Parsley headshot
Bart Parsley

Employment and labor lawyer

Robert Clayton Matthews headshot
Robert Matthews

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Lawrence Lee Longfelder headshot
Lawrence Longfelder

Litigation lawyer

Douglas Edward Wilson headshot
Douglas Wilson

Personal injury lawyer

Dennis M Strasser headshot
Dennis Strasser

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Aaron Shawn Hicks headshot
Aaron Hicks

Construction and development lawyer

Sean Adam Russel headshot
Sean Russel

Litigation lawyer

Jason T Leehan headshot
Jason Leehan

Real estate lawyer

Dean Standish Perkins headshot
Dean Perkins

Personal injury lawyer

Ryan Richard Montecucco headshot
Ryan Montecucco

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Matthew Deck Hartman headshot
Matthew Hartman

Personal injury lawyer

Jonah Harrison headshot
Jonah Harrison

Construction and development lawyer

Lars Anderson headshot
Lars Anderson

Contracts and agreements lawyer

David N. Mark headshot
David Mark

Employment and labor lawyer

Hamilton H Gardiner headshot
Hamilton Gardiner

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer (Construction Litigation), Thomson Reuters

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Client's Choice, Avvo

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

Client's Choice, Avvo

2008

Approved CLE Speaker, Washington State Bar Association

2007

Approved CES Provider, American Institute of Architects

2007

Certified Trainer, National Association of Homebuilders

2007

Certified Real Estate Instructor, Washington State Department of Licensing

2005

AIA Practice & Ethics Group/ Contributing member/ Editor, American Institue of Architects

2002

Law & Entrepreneurship Student of the Year , University of Oregon School of Law

1996

Magna Cum Laude, Tufts University

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Partner, Pillar Law PLLC

2004 - 2010

Partner, Linville Law Firm PLLC

Associations

2024 - Present

WSBA Construction Counsel

Chair Elect

2017 - Present

King County Bar Association

Judicial Screening Committee

2011 - Present

Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau

Member

2010 - Present

King County Bar Association

Member

2004 - Present

Master Builders Association of King-Snohomish County

Member/Instructor

2004 - Present

Building Industry Association of Washington

Member/Instructor

2004 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Employee Painters' Trust v. Omega et al

Individual defendants dismissed with prejudice on summary judgment

Rims v. Northwest Window and Door

Full recovery of fees for the contractor

Joseph J. Jefferson v. Cobra Construction

Received 100%, including attorney fees

See More Legal Cases

Education

2003

University of Washington School of Law

LL.M - Master of Laws

2002

University of Oregon School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

Tufts University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2023

Washington State L&I Seminar (Seattle)

Liens and Contracts

2011

Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau Jan Meeting Getting Paid...Sooner rather than Later

2010

Pella Pro Expo Contracts and Liens

2008

Washington State L&I Seminar (Columbia Basin CC)

Protecting Your Assets

2008

Washington State L&I Semianr

Construction Contracts, Subcontracts and Protecting Your Assets

2008

Pacific Legal Seminars (Portland)

Washington & Oregon Lien Law & Contract Law

2007

Washington State L&I Seminar (Vancouver)

Noncompetition and Nondisclosure Agreements

2007

Washington State L&I Seminar (Tumwater)

Asset Protection and Proper Entity Formation

2007

Washington State L&I Seminar (Seattle)

Compliance with Washington State Administrative Regulations

2007

Washington State L&I Seminar (Seattle)

Risk Avoidance and Personal Liabilities

2007

PLS Business Law Seminar

Business Law for Architects and Engineers

2007

PLS A/E Business Law Seminar

Covenants Not to Compete

2007

Painting and Decorating Contractors of America Conference

Creditor - Debtor Law

2007

MBA Conference

Contract Terms and Enforcement

2006

Washington State L&I Seminar (Vancouver)

Choices of Subchapter S Corportation or LLC

2006

Washington State L&I Seminar (Olympia)

The Uniform Trade Secret Act

2006

Pacific Legal Seminars

Protection of Intellectual Property Rights

2006

American Institute of Architects

Copyright Law

Publications

2020

2013

Daily Journal Plain English Initiative

2013

2013

2013

Daily Journal of Commerce Consumer Protection Act

2011

Daily Journal of Commerce What's in your construction contract?

2011

Daily Journal of Commerce Pay-if-Paid Clauses

2011

2010

Daily Journal of Commerce Why Change Orders Are Often a Good Thing

2009

PLS Business Law Seminar For Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Designers, & Consultants Professional Services Agreements, Liens, Employment Agreements and Protection of Intellectual Property

2009

Pacific Legal Seminars Preparation and Recording of Liens in Oregon

2009

Department of Labor and Industry Contractors Workshop Protection of Assets

2009

Department of Labor and Industry Contractors Workshop Preparing a Form Contract

2009

Pacific Legal Seminars Subcontracting in Washington State

Activity

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