Elizabeth F Buie

Elizabeth F Buie

also known as Elise Buie, Elise Buie-Russell

4.1
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

Marriage and prenuptials Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Marriage & Prenuptials, Divorce & Separation, Child Custody

702 3rd Avenue, #2015, Seattle, WA

About Elizabeth

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 40%

At Elise Buie Family Law Group, our team of experienced attorneys takes a 360-degree approach to helping families. We understand that family law is not just about the immediate challenges—it’s about creating long-term solutions for you and your loved

40%
Marriage and Prenuptials 40%

Pre-nups are a great way to open the lines of communication around finances and many other very important topics prior to the "I do." A great way to protect the "I do."

40%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 395-650 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 13 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2012

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Louisiana for 31 years

State: Louisiana

Acquired: 1994

Eligible to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Licensed in Minnesota for 16 years

State: Minnesota

Acquired: 2009

Administrative Suspension

No misconduct found

Location

Elise Buie Family Law Group, PLLC

702 3rd Avenue, #2015, Seattle, WA, 98104

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Elizabeth F Buie's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.1 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (9) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews

Posted by Jon | March 13, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Costly and Frustrating Experience

I retained Elise Buie Family Law with a $10,000 retainer and unfortunately had a very disappointing experience. From the beginning there appeared to be internal confusion about who was handling different parts of my case, and I often had to follow up multiple times just to move basic items forward.... Communication was difficult at times, and many responses came back in legal jargon that required additional clarification, which increased billable time. When we went to court, the hearing did not go well and I felt my attorney was not as prepared as I expected. That process alone cost about $6,000. By the end of the case, roughly $20,000 had been billed and my situation was worse than when I started. Based on my experience, I would encourage others to ask very detailed questions about communication, preparation, and projected costs before hiring this firm.

Posted by Ryan | March 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Prior client

I had a very complicated divorce, and was in a situation that I had an immediate need to hire a lawyer and file for divorce in the middle of a busy summer weekend. Elise hit the ground running with me and worked through day and night that weekend on my behalf to make sure my rights were protected . ... She is well connected, an amazing advocate, dedicated, caring, with a personal approach. She is not afraid to give strong advice and fought hard for me and my goals while being ethical and respected by everyone involved. As a busy working father divorcing a stay-at-home mom, odds were against me to get equal custody of the children. However, in what could have been a very ugly custody battle, thanks to Elise's expertise I was able to get a settlement for 50% custody. Additionally she connected us with the right team of experts (coparenting counselor, financial expert, child psychologist) that were instrumental in making the process as conflict free as possible.

Posted by Kevin | January 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Marriage & Prenuptials

Very disappointed with Elise Buie Family Law

Very disappointed with Elise Buie Family Law. I prepaid $2,500 for a prenup, and I was forced to cancel due to emergency repairs on a property I own. I spoke with Kathryn Silk for 30 minutes (Elise and Kathryn were both late for their appointments) just to get things started and she told me she had j...ury duty and would not start my case for another week or so. I canceled the very next day and they hit me with a $690 bill and refunded $1810. It was in the contract that they charge $350 to set up a client, so thought I would get $2,150 back. They did absolutely nothing except for a 30 minute call and charged $690. Elise initially told me she would have one of the paralegals/assistants do most of the work to keep my costs down, then she has Kathryn do the work who charges $340/hr (assistants charge $150-215/hr). I am glad I did not proceed with them. There is no doubt in my mind now that they were going to hit me with another huge bill at the end saying something along the lines of "your case took a lot more time than expected. You owe another $2,000." They are dishonest, unethical people here at Elise Buie Family Law.

Posted by Jason | October 26, 2016 | Family

My go to Family Lawyer

I work as a professional in the dependency world. I frequently run into questions and need help with fathers who need help with a parenting plan. Because of my field of practice family law and dependency closely aligned. The level of care and compassion that I have seen her show her clients the dilig...ence in which she practices law. How she truly cares for her clients. She is highly organized very efficient extremely knowledgeable. I have referred many clients to her office. All of them have given rave reviews at the level of experience and knowledge she brings to practice. I would highly recommend anyone going through any kind of family law or needing a guardian ad litem to retain her services from her Law Firm.

Posted by Melissa | October 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Elise Buie Helped Me Get My Life Back!

I am a mother of two children who has suffered from drug addiction. When I was active in my addiction my children were taken from me. When I had finally obtained enough strength to go to Treatment and become clean and sober, I was referred to Elise by a friend in the Recovery community. Elise had met... with me for a consultation within days. After hearing my journey, she commended me for everything I had overcome. Elise and her Associates were exactly what I needed. They worked extreme hours on end and dedicated every minute my case. It wasn't just about the money with Elise, I knew she wanted to help to fight for what was right. My kids were taken by their father and I went months without seeing them even after getting my life back together. She knew a piece of my heart was missing. When I had met Elise, I had just a few months clean and sober. From 2 or 3 months to over 18 months in Recovery, Elise has stuck by my side the entire way. It was a long process, but she never gave up. Her office worked extremely hard to settle on my Divorce and did everything in her power to get my kids back into my life. I have never seen anyone so dedicated and focused on a case. She knew I had worked very hard to get where I was. She had compassion and a heart of understanding. Thanks to Elise, I no longer have fear. She has taught me that as long as I stay true to what is right and work very hard to obtain my goals, everything works out if you just have a little faith. Her willingness and generosity was more than I could have ever expected. As a mother in Recovery, I had a lot to prove to the courts. She not once made me feel like I wasn't worthy. She truly cared. She not only cared about me, she also cared about my children. She knew they wanted to be reunited with their mother. She didn't stop until that happened. If I called her with a question, she would answer. If I was worried about something, she would calm me. Her communication was exceptional. If I needed her, she was there. She has watched me grow as a mother, as a successful career woman, and as a woman of service in the Recovery community. She not only fought for my kids, but gave me strength to keep going at times when I wanted to give up. Elise Buie is a fierce advocate for her clients and won't stop until the job is done. I would recommend anyone and everyone to her. I am truly grateful for everything she has done. She made things possible again. Because of Elise Buie Family Law I got my life back. I get to kiss my little angels goodnight. I get to watch them grow up. I would refer Elise Buie to anyone in need of a Family Law or Divorce Attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Elizabeth F Buie's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Elizabeth
Elizabeth Wurdeman headshot
Elizabeth Wurdeman

Family lawyer | Aug 30

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Elise Buie is an excellent attorney and I highly recommend her. She is experienced, passionate and driven. Elise's passion is family, and she ensures that her client's well-being, and that of their families, is at the forefront of her representation."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Mar 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Chandra Melissa Lewnau headshot
Chandra Lewnau

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 10

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Elise truly cares about her clients and their long-term well-being and is always willing to go the extra mile."

Jill L Rogers headshot
Jill Rogers

Unknown lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Other

"Very determined and dedicated attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Ruth Emily Vogel headshot
Ruth Vogel

Family lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Kathryn M. Woods headshot
Kathryn Woods

Divorce and separation lawyer

Ruth Emily Vogel headshot
Ruth Vogel

Estate planning lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

N/A

Loyola Law Review, Loyola University

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Attorney, Elise Buie Family Law Group, PLLC

2012 - Present

Guardian ad Litem, King County Guardian ad Litem

2014 - 2015

Attorney, Main Street Law Group

2012 - 2014

Associate, Ivy Law Group, PLLC

2011 - 2012

Case Manager, Bertram Dispute Resolution

2009 - 2011

Guardian ad Litem, 10th Judicial District State Of Minnesota

1996 - 1999

Associate, Blue Williams

1994 - 1996

Federal Judicial Law Clerk, Judge Stanwood R. Duval Jr.

1993 - 1994

Intern, 4th Circuit Court of Appeals

Associations

2014 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, CLE Committee

Executive Committee Member

2014 - Present

Lakeside Football Parent Rep

Member

2013 - Present

American Bar Association, Family Law Section, CLE Committee

Executive Committee Member

2013 - Present

American Bar Association, General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division, Family Law Committee

Co-chair

2013 - Present

Roosevelt Athletic Boosters - Football

Treasurer

2013 - Present

Washington Women Lawyers

Member

2012 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2012 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, Alternative Dispute Resolution

Member

2012 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, Moderate Means Program

Volunteer Attorney

2012 - Present

King County Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2010 - 2011

Minnesota State Bar Association, Children and the Law Section

Treasurer

2009 - 2011

Minnesota State Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2009 - 2011

Minnesota State Bar Association, Domestic Violence Committee

Board Member

2009 - 2011

North Suburban Aquatic Club

President

1995 - 1997

Louisiana State Bar Association

Executive Committee Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Chamberlain v. Belle of Orleans

Class Certification

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

Loyola University

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

Louisiana State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

Take Care: Protecting your Health, Your Finances and Your Children in a Divorce Family Law

2014

Chat with Women - Radio Show Co-Parenting; Flat Fees

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution