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Talis Merle Abolins
About Talis
Biography
Talis Abolins is a lifelong Washingtonian with over 30 years of experience as an attorney in the Evergreen State. His family hails from Puyallup/Summer Valley.
Talis graduated with his B.A. from the University of Washington (the third of four generations of Husky grads!) and earned his law degree at Seattle University School of Law. A guiding principle in Talis’ personal and professional life has been the pursuit of justice for those harmed by neglect or the abuse of power by corporations, the government, or individuals.
In addition to wrongful death and personal injury matters, Talis represents families across the nation in high profile wrongful death lawsuits against those who profit from adulterated supplements like kratom. He also represents those who have been poisoned by defective metal on metal hip products like those manufactured by Zimmer Biomet and Johnson & Johnson.
Talis began his legal career in the Washington State Attorney General’s office and served as Assistant Attorney General for the State for 14 years. As an AAG, Talis’ work included authoring multiple briefs involving civil rights before the United States Supreme Court, including a successful petition for certiorari and an amicus brief that was joined by 16 other states.
Over the years, Talis has successfully helped many Washington families find peace after tragedy. He represents survivors struggling with the wrongful death of a loved one, and he works tirelessly to get his personal injury clients the highest amount of compensation possible. In their spare time, Talis and Marla enjoy time with family, and adventuring on the mountains and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
33%-40%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 34 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Maglio Christopher & Toale
1325 4th Avenue, Suite 1730, Seattle, WA, 98101
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Talis Merle Abolins's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 14 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Danielle | June 13, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent service
I went to Talis after a string of bad experiences with other firms. Talis handled my case quickly, effectively and I feel that I received the absolute best settlement because of his attention to detail. After my prior experiences I thought I could never trust an attorney - he changed my mind. High...
Posted by Keith | July 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great to work with & very professional
Talis and his legal aid Christina were awesome to work with. I got into my first auto accident ever and from the very start Talis made it a very comfortable experience. He was confident about making sure my claims/case would be handled to my satisfaction and not only did he follow through, he was abl...
Posted by Naveen | August 2, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Trustworthy, Highly Recommended
We are very much pleased with the way Talis has handled our case. He was very patient and was keen to answers our queries right from the beginning to throughout the case. Talis has been very professional, honest & trustworthy - he has very good knowledge, keeps us updated of whatever is relevant for ...
Posted by anonymous | October 15, 2015 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulting
I was recently involved in a car accident with significant sustained injuries. I was referred to Talis to consider whether I would need an attorney. Talis was very helpful, clear, and understanding; asking questions and giving simple and knowledgeable suggestions. This advice even directing me to ...
Posted by anonymous | September 9, 2015 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Prompt Communication
Talis contacted me right away after my initial inquiry, and even though I was slow to respond he followed up to make sure I was still interested and then quickly got back to me when I contacted him again. I would speak with him again if I ever need future legal services.
Talis Merle Abolins's Lawyer Endorsements
Parker Reich
Defective and dangerous products lawyer | Apr 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"It is my pleasure to endorse Talis. He and I worked together on a dispute that was quite emotional for each of our clients. I found him to be very professional, fair and competent through the successful resolution of the dispute. I don't know that would have happened with another attorney. I will be pleased to refer legal matters to him in the future."
"Talis is a very talented attorney with a deep compassion for his clients. He is very thorough and thoughtful in his representation and analysis. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for quality representation and straightforward, no non-sense advice."
"Talis possesses a keen intellect and a strong desire to do the right thing for his clients. He provides intelligent, creative and diligent representation to all of his clients. Moreover, he is an active participant in local and community issues and offers a great perspective on social issues affecting our neighborhoods. Highly recommended."
"I met first Talis at an extensive trial workshop. He is personable, kind, and his life experiences allow him to relate to clients who are going through a difficult time in their life. He once saved a child from drowning! I highly endorse Talis for complex legal matters and litigation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Talis and I worked on a contractor dispute, and he did a good job of advocating for his client."
"Talis and I worked on a very complex personal injury wrongful death case together. We were able to successfully resolve the case in large part due to Talis compassion with the clients and knowledge of the law. I look forward to working with Talis in other complex personal injury cases."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Parker Reich
Personal injury lawyer
Michael Gustafson
Personal injury lawyer
Jonathan Nolley
Personal injury lawyer
Mark Jordan
Business lawyer
Kenneth Selander
Personal injury lawyer
George Kelley
General practice lawyer
Sarah Cho
Personal injury lawyer
Deborah Purcell
Personal injury lawyer
Jeremy Swann
Family lawyer
John Christensen
Wrongful death lawyer
Experience
Honors
2009
Certificate of Appreciation for Professionalism, Honorable Vicki L. Hogan, Pierce County Superior Court
2000
Life Saving Award, Mountain Rescue Association
1999
Real Hero, Wilderness Rescue Category, American Red Cross
Work Experience
2020 - Present
Of Counsel, Maglio Christopher & Toale Law Firm
2015 - 2020
Partner, Advocates Law Group, PLLC
2007 - 2015
Partner, Campbell Dille Barnett & Smith, PLLC
2005 - 2007
Associate, Campbell Dille Barnett & Smith, PLLC
2003 - 2003
AGO Contracts Work Group, Approval as to Form Subcommittee, Washington Attorney General's Office
2001 - 2004
Assistant Attorney General, Torts Division, Washington Attorney General's Office
1998 - 2001
Assistant Attorney General, Transp & Public Construction, Washington Attorney General's Office
1991 - 1998
Assistant Attorney General, Washington State Attorney General's Office, Criminal Justice Division
Associations
2014 - Present
Washington State Association of JusticeBoard Member, Trial News
2013 - Present
King County Bar Association
2011 - Present
Washington State Association for JusticeMember
2005 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar AssociationMember
1991 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2008 - 2013
Professional Activities Committee, Good Sam MulticareCommunity Member
2007 - 2011
Youth Investment Center Advisory CouncilMember
2007 - 2010
Fred Oldfield CenterBoard Member
2006 - 2011
Puyallup Main Street AssociationExecutive Board Member
2005 - 2006
Valley Football and Cheer AssociationBoard Member
2005 - 2006
Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, CLE CommitteeMember
1998 - 2004
Tacoma Mountain RescueMember
1997 - 1998
Corrections CommitteeChairman
1995 - 1996
Civil Rights CommitteeMember
1994 - 1999
Northwest Trek Advisory CouncilMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Leroy vs. State, 124 Wn. App. 65 (2004)
Won in Court of Appeals
Brosseau v. Haugen, 543 U.S. 194 (2004)
Victory in United States Supreme Court
Hudson v. Craven, 403 F.3d 691, (9th Cir. 2005)
Won in Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Northwest Properties Inc. vs. Glacier Water Products, LLC (2006)
$226,994 judgment after trial, plus attorney's fees
Education
1991
Seattle University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1988
University of Washington
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2012
Advanced Personal Injury
Preserving Issues for the Appeal
2005
Employment Law
Employment Law, CLE Chair
2004
Paralegal Education Seminar
Making Your Record / Preservation of Error for Appeal
1995
Federal Practice Made Perfect
Federal Practice, CLE Chair
1995
Corrections Seminar
Civil Rights Litigation
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
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