About Michael
Biography
As a trial lawyer, Mr. Pfau has tried in excess of 50 cases to juries, the bench and arbitration panels. He has obtained multiple verdicts in excess of $1 million and has recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlements for his clients in a variety of cases. He has represented both individuals and businesses in disputes.
Mr. Pfau specializes in representing victims of childhood sexual abuse against perpetrators and the institutions that employ and protect sexual predators. Mr. Pfau has represented hundreds of victims of childhood sexual abuse and as lead counsel has recovered in excess of $85 million in cases against the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Latter Day Saints (a.k.a. the Mormon Church), the State of Washington, the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, and a variety of schools, religious organizations and other corporations and employers.
Mr. Pfau has represented victims in sexual abuse cases in Washington, California, Idaho, Illinois, New Jersey, Alaska and Louisiana.
Representative Cases
- Catholic Diocese of Spokane
Mr. Pfau was co-lead counsel representing 75 victims of childhood sexual abuse in multiple lawsuits against the Catholic Diocese of Spokane. Mr. Pfau and his clients were instrumental in negotiating a $48 million settlement for more than 100 sex-abuse victims from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane who were molested by priests and other church officials. The settlement incorporates concessions requested by victims, including a written apology from the church, places for victims to speak and write about their ordeals, and a promise from Catholic officials to stop calling them "alleged" victims. - Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle and other Catholic entities
Mr. Pfau has represented hundreds of victims of childhood sexual abuse by priests and employees of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle and other Catholic entities in Seattle, including the Society of Jesus, the Christian Brothers of Ireland, and the Benedictines. Mr. Pfau has recovered over $45 million in settlements for victims of childhood sexual abuse perpetrated by the employees of these entities.
Giving a Voice to Victims of Sexual Abuse
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
33%-40%
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 30 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Licensed in Illinois for 34 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC
Fax
403 Columbia St, Ste 500, Seattle, WA, 98104
pcvalaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michael online.
Michael Thomas Pfau's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
Not Yet Reviewed
Michael Thomas Pfau's Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly endorse this lawyer. I have worked for and with numerous attorneys in Washington for over 20 years and Mike is among the very best of the best."
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2014
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2013
Alvin A. Anderson Award, Washington State Association for Justice
2013
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2012
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2011
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2010
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2006
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2005
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2004
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2003
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Partner, Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC
1996 - 2008
Partner, Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Malanca, Peterson & Daheim
1991 - 1994
Attorney, Baker & McKenzie
Associations
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Eagle
Sample of Legal Cases
Settlement
Settled
Settled
Verdict
Settled
Settled
Settlements
Settled
Education
1991
JD - Juris Doctor
1987
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English