Michael Schwartz

After starting out as a counselor in my home state of Michigan I moved to Seattle, decided a career path was in order, and enrolled in law school.  My first job as an intern lawyer was in a legal clinic in the inner city of Detroit.  After my second year of school I switched sides and interned at the King County Prosecutor's Office.  I accepted a job there in 1980 as a deputy prosecutor after graduating from law school and passing the bar.  After six years at the prosecutor's office I accepted a position with the Attorney General directing investigation and prosecutions of white collar, fraud and other, high impact, crimes occuring throughout Washington State.  In 1996 I began my private practice.  I have focused on criminal defense and civil actions against city, county and state agencies.  All tolled, I have handled over 200 jury trials.  Along the way, I taught a number of courses for 16 years at the University of Washington, including one involving forensic sciences that was a particular favorite.  

There are a number of means for measuring a lawyer's effectivness.  Client's typically don't understand the law, how it operates, or even what is about to happen to them.  Nor do client's normally have the knowledge necessary to make judgments on who to trust.  The one opportunity a client does have is to talk to a lawyer being considered for representation.  Does the lawyer take the time to talk; do they listen, can they explain in ways that make sense what is happening, why it is happening, and what is likely to happen.  Can the lawyer teach the client what the client needs to know before making decisions that will alter the course of their life.  

Working with juries, teaching them about the law and what they need to know to arrive at a just verdict in my client's favor, is the essence of a lawyer's work in trial.  In one way or another, from the time I practiced therapy to my work with victims, witnesses and clients, and on to my time teaching at UW, I have been a teacher.  

My job - either as a prosecutor, defense attorney or civil practioner representing people harmed by the government - has been to help people.  My job is not to ask my client's for their help - and I have resisted the requests of marketing gurus to solicit "testimonials" from my previous clients.  It simply strikes me as unprofessional and a line I won't cross.  The marketing gurus have advised that someone needs to vouch for me in my profile, so I have chosen to reach out to a few friends in the business to offer their opinions to you- the consumer.  

But don't take their word for anything.  Call me; talk to me about your case.  It's free - and it will give you the chance to make a decision for yourself if I am the attorney to help you through the crisis you now face.