I am a Public Defender with the King County Department of Public Defense - Associated Counsel For the Accused Division. I currently supervise a trial unit of 9 attorneys and 2 paralegals in our Seattle Municipal Court unit. I am responsible for managing this team, managing caseloads, training new attorneys in client skills, trial skills, and research/motions practice, implementing policy from our Director's Office, appearing in court to handle cases, or appearing as second chair in trial matters with new lawyers. I reguarly staff cases and matters with the lawyers in our unit and help issue spot and identify angles for litigation. I also carry a small number of complex felony matters including mental health cases, homicides, and property cases.
Prior to becoming a supervisor, I practiced in King County Superior Court - Kent and handled felony matters ranging from drug possession, violent crimes, sex offenses, to homicides. Before joining the felony unit, I practiced in King County District Court where I handled a wide range of misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors stemming from driving offenses to domestic violence allegations. I firmly believe that all people accused of a crime deserve the best possible representation, and I strive to provide the best defense and representation to all of my clients.
Prior to joining Associated Counsel for the Accused, I spent 18 months as a Public Defender with the Cowlitz County Office of Public Defense. In that office I worked in district court, juvenile court, superior court, and handled appeals. I tried multiple cases, including felonies, to jury verdict. I also worked on multiple murder and aggravated murder cases, handling briefing on complex issues. Before I became a licensed attorney, I spent a year and a half working in criminal defense as a law student attorney with various felony public defenders in King County and a clinic at Seattle University. In these positions I wrote briefing on a range of serious felonies ranging from fraud to aggravated homicide and also co-tried a felony case to jury verdict. I also have written appeals to every level of Washington courts including misdemeanor appeals, a motion for discretionary review to the Court of Appeals and the Washington Supreme Court.
Practice areas
I only handle adult felony matters in King County Superior Court. All of my cases are court appointed.
8 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 2014 | 06/28/2022 |
Legal answers | 13 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Cum Laude | Seattle University School of Law | 2014 |
Pro Bono Pledge - Outstanding Service Recognition | Seattle University School of Law | 2014 |
Dean's List | Seattle University School of Law | 2014 |
CALI (Highest grade in class - Criminal Law Externship) | CALI Awards | 2013 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Public Defender | Associated Counsel For The Accused | 2016 - Present |
Public Defender | Cowlitz County Office Of Public Defense | 2014 - 2016 |
Rule 9 Legal Intern | Associated Counsel For The Accused | 2013 - 2013 |
Rule 9 Legal Intern | The Defender Association | 2013 - 2013 |
Rule 9 Legal Intern | Right to Counsel Clinic | 2013 - 2014 |
Student Fellow | Washington State Bar Associaiton Moderate Means Program | 2012 - 2013 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
National Lawyers Guild (Seattle chapter) | Vice President | 2019 - Present |
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member - Public Defense Committee Member | 2015 - Present |
Washington Defender Association | Member | 2014 - Present |
National Lawyers Guild | Member | 2013 - Present |
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Co-chair Publications Committee | 2018 - 2019 |
Cowlitz/Wahkiakum Legal Aid Program | President | 2015 - 2016 |
National DUI College | Member | 2015 - 2017 |
DUI Defense Lawyers Association | Member | 2015 - 2017 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Seattle Journal of Environmental Law | A Sinking Feeling: The Problem of Abandoned Boats in Washington Waterways | 2014 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Seattle University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2014 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
2019 WDA Defender Conference - Game Changing Strategies for Public Defenders | Better than Batson GR 37 - Where We Go From Here | 2019 |
2019 Kitsap County Bar Association Annual Confernce | Better than Batson GR 37 - Where We Go From Here | 2019 |
Social Justice Monday | State v. Erickson: Revised Batson Standard in Washington | 2018 |
King County Department of Public Defense Harmony Conference | Better than Batson GR 37 - Where We Go From Here | 2018 |
On Call Attorney Training | The 3AM DUI Call | 2017 |
Know Your Rights Training | Know Your Rights | 2017 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
State v. Defendant | Case Dismissed |
State v. Defendant | Dismissed |
State v. Defendant | Not Guilty |
State v. Defendant | Case Dismissed |
State v. Defendant | Not Guilty |
Posted by anonymous
August 17, 2021
Posted by Eric
January 26, 2017
Posted by JEREMY
November 8, 2016
Posted by Beau
April 22, 2016
Daniel Sheed, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 24, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Michael Schueler has a passion for criminal defense that is simply said, impressive. He knows the system well enough to advise his clients effectively as they navigate through the criminal justice system and has the necessary skills to ensure that they are represented as best as they can be. If there is an issue to be argued, Michael Schueler will argue it. He will give you a fighting chance. I endorse this attorney with no hesitation.
Soroosh Abdi, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 20, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Michael Schueler is a winner. In working with Michael in the past, I was always impressed by his knowledge and preparedness. He's an honest attorney that will fight for his clients' at every stage of defense representation.
Daniel Sheed, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 24, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Michael Schueler has a passion for criminal defense that is simply said, impressive. He knows the system well enough to advise his clients effectively as they navigate through the criminal justice system and has the necessary skills to ensure that they are represented as best as they can be. If there is an issue to be argued, Michael Schueler will argue it. He will give you a fighting chance. I endorse this attorney with no hesitation.
Soroosh Abdi, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 20, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Michael Schueler is a winner. In working with Michael in the past, I was always impressed by his knowledge and preparedness. He's an honest attorney that will fight for his clients' at every stage of defense representation.
Holly Pederson, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 15, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Michael is a skilled, knowledgeable, and talented criminal defense attorney. I highly recommend him for any case.
Fatima Dilek, Criminal defense Attorney on May 12, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
One of the most passionate and driven criminal defense attorneys I have met. Michael is truly passionate about making a difference in his clients' cases every single day! I endorse and highly recommend Michael.
Gustavo Cueva, Criminal defense Attorney on May 5, 2015
Relationship: Friend
I had the pleasure of getting to know Michael while we attended law school. Michael is a dedicated and passionate public defender. From our very first days in law school, he knew he wanted to become a public defender and worked very hard to achieve his goals. Additionally, I had the pleasure to assist Michael on a project where he taught a practical law class to high school students. Collaborating with Michael on this project was further proof of his passion and knowledge in the practice of law.
Sean Cecil, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 28, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have had the pleasure of working with Michael in a complex criminal case, and endorse him without reservation. Michael is thorough, bright, and dedicated to his craft. The public defenders office and the accused of Cowlitz County are lucky to have him!
Denis Globa, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 22, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
If there is an attorney who is genuinely passionate about criminal defense work, it's Michael. I've known Michael for about 4 years now. Throughout my encounters with him, he always showed a tremendous zeal for criminal defense work. He always talked about legal issues with radiating passion and enthusiasm. I confidently recommend and endorse Michael.
Daniel Mellen, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 30, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
Michael Schueler knows criminal defense. He really does. If I was ever in trouble, he is who I would ask to represent me. Of course, then I would have to pick somebody else because his contract only allows him to take cases assigned to him by the OPD, but my sentiment is still valid.
Bret Woody, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 15, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Michael is a tireless worker. His commitment to public defense and his clients is unparalleled. Rarely have I met an attorney who will put all of his energy into his work. Mr. Schueler is that, plus more. His knowledge of the law is vast and impressive. I happily endorse Michael Schueler. Any criminal defendant will be lucky to have Mr. Schueler as their attorney, advocate, and counselor.
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