$ 450-450 per hour
James Whittingham Spencer
also known as James Spencer, James W. Spencer
About James
Biography
James Spencer’s practice focuses on trust and estate litigation, community property issues, and vulnerable adult protection. Before joining Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S. in 2016, James was a Founding Partner of the firm Spencer Anderson & Buhr, PLLC, Principal at The Spencer Law Group PS, and Principal at Spectra Law PS. Committed to nonprofit service, he most recently served as secretary of the board of directors of the nonprofit Three Dollar Bill Cinema and chaired the board of directors of Washington Association of Future Business Leaders of America. James formerly served on the board of directors of the QLaw Foundation and the Tacoma Rainbow Center, and on the Washington State Bar Association Professionalism Committee.
For twelve years, James taught courses in Community Property and Trusts and Estates as adjunct faculty at Seattle University School of Law, and he’s taught property courses in the Paralegal Studies program at Edmonds College.
When not devoting time to his clients, students, and community organizations, you’ll find James and his husband exploring their passions for hiking and backpacking with their mutt Brandy, collecting vintage vinyl records, and travel.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 20 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S.
936 N 34th St, Ste 200, Seattle, WA, 98103
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James Whittingham Spencer's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | January 4, 2018 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Very Responsive
Mr. Spencer responded in a very timely manner. He is professional and kind and would advocate well for any client.
Posted by Seth Rosenberg | October 31, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
My go to attorney for Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning
I have known James Spencer for as long as I have practiced law. He is the attorney I always recommend whenever someone asks me for an attorney who handles wills, trusts and estates. In fact, I have used him myself. He is smart, very honest, and a wealth of knowledge. On top of that, he is a skilled...
Posted by anonymous | June 1, 2014
Big recommendation for James Spencer!
My wife and I were lucky enough to be referred to James Spencer for our legal needs (will, power of attorney, health directive, etc.). He was very professional, thorough, and knowledgeable about LGBT issues. He is also affordable, and INCREDIBLY patient with us, given that we would often delay in get...
Posted by Stuart jay | April 2, 2014
Helpful and clear estate advice
James is great about making sure we are aware of current legal issues that may effect our estate. He's easy to work with, flexible, and keeps projects moving forward.
Posted by Marilyn | March 19, 2013
A very professional and knowledgeable lawyer!
James provided me with excellent services and advice on two different occasions. Most recently to help me and my husband with estate planning services and documents. Several years ago, James came to my aid when I needed to deal with my brother's estate when no will could be found. On both occasion...
James Whittingham Spencer's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have worked on several prenuptial agreements opposite James, and he is always well-prepared, prompt, and a pleasure to work with."
"Besides bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to his practice, James also teaches law. I was fortunate to have taken two of his classes in law school. His intelligence and deep interest in his practice area remarkably stood out among the other professors. I highly recommend James."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. James is an excellent attorney who is very knowledgeable about his areas of the law. He is compassionate and very communicative with his clients."
"I had the privilege of interning for James during my 2L year of law school. I found him to be a knowledgeable and professional estate planning attorney with a strong passion for mentoring. And even after I moved on to other opportunities, including establishing my own practice, James has continued to be an active mentor and "sounding board" for me. I would highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"James has a remarkable ablity to relate to his clients. I worked for him for almost three years and witnessed first hand his compassionate and thorough approach in addressing his client's legal issues."
"James is a great lawyer and a tireless advocate. He is able to make solid personal connections with his clients, and his work product is excellent."
"James is a self-starter with a great personality. He is genuine, well-rounded, smart, positive and experienced. Additionally, he understands how to deliver outstanding customer service and excellent work quality."
"James is an exceptionally smart and capable lawyer. I refer business and probate matters to him routinely."
"James is very well respected in the community. He is fearless without being reckless, which is an immensely powerful combination for an attorney. I endorse him without reservation."
"James is a tenacious and thoughtful advocate, who leaves no stone unturned in the representation of his clients."
"James and I attended law school together. James is dedicated, hard working, and an excellent attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"James is warm and affable and helps clients be at ease during the sometimes stressful estate planning process."
"James is an excellent estate planning attorney who combines humor and wit to develop a rapport with his clients."
"James is an incredibly detail-oriented and effective counsel who can help clients navigate difficult to understand documents with ease."
"James really knows his way around estate planning and has a great rapport with his clients. I have been lucky enough to "borrower" his clients for matters outside of his practice area, but in mine. They have nothing but praise for his work. I recommended him to my own parents. "
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Experience
Honors
2015
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2014
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2013
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2013
Nomination - Faculty Graduation Speaker, Seattle University School of Law
2012
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2011
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2010
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2009
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2008
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2007
Nominee - 2006 New Business of the Year, Greater Seattle Business Association
2005
Graduation with Honors - cum laude, Seattle University School of Law
2003
CALI Award for Excellence in Legal Writing, Seattle University School of Law
2003
Dean's List, Seattle University School of Law
2001
Seattle University School of Law Presidential Scholar, Seattle University School of Law
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Attorney, Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S.
2016 - 2016
Adjunct Professor, Edmonds Community College
2012 - 2016
Principal, Spectra Law PS
2012 - 2024
Adjunct Professor, Seattle University School Of Law
2010 - 2012
Principal, The Spencer Law Group PS
2005 - 2010
Managing Partner, Spencer Anderson & Buhr, PLLC
2004 - 2005
Rule 9 Litigation Legal Intern, Ronald Peterson Law Clinic
2004 - 2004
Trusts & Estates Legal Intern, Ronald Peterson Law Clinic
2003 - 2005
Property Law Teaching Assistant, Seattle University School of Law
1999 - 2004
Assistant Director of Admissions, Bastyr University
1997 - 1999
Director of Community College Relations, The Evergreen State College
1996 - 1997
Director of Volunteer Services, Pierce County AIDS Foundation
Associations
2009 - Present
United States District Court for the Western District of WashingtonMember
2006 - Present
Greater Seattle Business AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
WSBA Real Property, Probate and Trust SectionMember
2015 - 2016
Washington Future Business Leaders of AmericaBoard of Directors
2013 - 2017
Three Dollar Bill CinemaBoard of Directors
2010 - 2010
QLaw FoundationGrant Committee Chair
2009 - 2011
QLaw FoundationBoard of Directors
2009 - 2009
QLaw FoundationFalltacular Committee Chair
2009 - 2010
QLaw FoundationEducation Committee Member
2009 - 2010
Washington State Bar Association, Professionalism CommitteeMember
2008 - 2009
The Municipal League of King CountyMember
2008 - 2009
Leadership TomorrowTeam Coach
2008 - 2010
City Year of Seattle/King CountyMentor
2007 - 2008
Leadership TomorrowGraduate
2007 - 2008
King County Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust SectionMember
2005 - 2016
WSBA Solo and Small Practice SectionMember
2005 - 2008
King County Bar AssociationMember
2005 - 2008
American Bar AssociationMember
Education
2005
Seattle University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
Evergreen State College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Just Enough to Be Dangerous: Bridging the Gaps between Trust & Estate Clients, Practitioners, and Practice
The Dialog Gap: Helping Clients Understand the Creative Process that is Estate Planning
2015
Personal Estate Planning for the 99%
Estate Planning for Blended Families
2015
Advanced Guardianship Issues: New Paradigms for Your Guardianship Practice
Community Property Considerations in Guardianship
2014
Admission to Practice Rule 8(g) Training Program
Legal Considerations for Gay and Lesbian Servicemembers
2013
Admission to Practice Rule 8(g) Training Program
Legal Considerations for Gay and Lesbian Servicemembers
2012
Admission to Practice Rule 8(g) Training Program
Washington State Domestic Partnership Law and Other Legal Considerations for Gay & Lesbian Servicemembers
2010
GLBT Law from A to Z: Issue Spotting for Pro Se Legal Clinic Clients
The Ethics of the Half-Hour Consultation: A Discussion of the Rules of Professional Conduct in the Context of Community Legal Clinics
2010
BECU Trust Company Seminar
Estate Planning for Domestic Partners
2009
The Past, Present & Future of Domestic Partnerships in Washington
Estate Planning, Probate & Tax Implications of Domestic Partnerships
2009
National LGBT Bar Association Career Fair & Conference
Starting Your Own (LGBT) Law Firm
2008
Gay City University
'Til Death Do Us Part - Washington's Domestic Partnership Registry
2008
By Invitation
Washington's Enhanced Domestic Partnership Registry
2007
CAMP 2007
Estate Planning Basics for Same-Sex Couples
2007
CAMP 2007
Are You DPed Yet? - Washington's Domestic Partnership Registry and What it Means for You
Publications
2011
Legal Voice
Basic Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples
2005
Unpublished
The Survey on Legal Pedagogy and Sexual Minority Law Students
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What are the procedures for filing a community property agreement in WA state
03 Jul 2008
Q&A
Bills received after father's death
07 Nov 2007