Michelle Marie Scudder

PRO

Michelle Marie Scudder

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, Sex Crime ... +2 more

705 Second Avenue, Suite 1111, Seattle, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Michelle

Biography

COVID-19: VIDEO AND PHONE CONFERENCING AVAILABLE.    WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS! WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! We have secure systems in place to offer a strong remote working environment. The number one goal of Scudder Law Firm is client satisfaction and case success. Call Us at 206-472-1305

The number one goal of Scudder Law Firm is client satisfaction and case success.

The number one goal of Scudder Law Firm is client satisfaction and case success.

The number one goal of Scudder Law Firm is client satisfaction and case success.

The number one goal of Scudder Law Firm is client satisfaction and case success.

The number one goal of Scudder Law Firm is client satisfaction and case success.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 30%

30%
DUI and DWI 20%

20%
Domestic Violence 20%

20%
Sex Crime 20%

20%
Personal Injury 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2020

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 18 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Michelle M. Scudder, PLLC

705 Second Avenue, Suite 1111, Seattle, WA, 98104

scudderlawfirm.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Michelle online.

Michelle Marie Scudder's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

5 star (22)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Bob | April 4, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Relentless

After trying for many years to get a warrant quashed in King County I hired Michelle after a consultation. Yesterday the 26 year old warrant was quashed. Michelle's relentless work on getting the necessary documentation made the difference. She told me upfront the cost, which was a lot less than I ha...d thought it would be, and never asked for more money and she got the accomplished the outcome I had hoped for.

Posted by Mahn | July 5, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Best Attorney!

Michelle is brilliant and sees through the core of the problem and highly strategic. Beyond her professional prowess, she is also very approachable and genuinely good-hearted. I was falsely accused and my case had been staggering for a couple of months with another attorney, who assessed my chances ...of winning at only 50%. Upon hearing this, I sought new representation and got very lucky and found Michelle. After retaining Michelle, she was able to get my case dismissed within a matter of days. Michelle is truly exceptional and embodies everything one could hope for in an attorney. I wholeheartedly recommend her. Thank you, Michelle.

Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Michelle is a compassionate, professional and effective attorney

We had a very positive experience with attorney Michelle Scudder, who I hired to help my adult son with his case. She was recommended by a friend. Michelle was very responsive from the beginning. She met with me and my son to discuss his case and really listened to our concerns. Our son struggles w...ith ADHD and communication skills, and asked me to help him communicate with his attorney. Michelle understood the situation and was supportive. She cared to get to know him and his parents. Michelle is very professional and knowledgeable about the law, the courts, and about people. She treated my son and me with respect and was sensitive to what we were going through. She explained the important issues and what to expect during the process .Her compassionate and confident approach was reassuring during a very difficult time. Michelle's skills helped my son get a fair result, with his dignity intact and a path forward too. We know she was also busy with other clients, but she was responsive and focused on our son and his case over several months. We highly recommend Michelle as an attorney.

Posted by anonymous | November 27, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great Experience

Michelle did a great job for us by communicating effectively and essentially handling everything so that we didn't have to worry about any of the details. Her experience and competence resulted in an excellent outcome.

Posted by anonymous | February 1, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Michelle is Brilliant, Kind and an Absolute Expert Attorney

Michelle not only analyzed, strategized and navigated my complex case, she also sympathized and eased my anxiety along the way. She detailed out every realistic possibility and astonishingly predicted many curveballs affirming not only her years of experience but her gifted intuition. I expected to g...et a temporary solution from the court but Michelle was able to construct a lifelong legal solution to protect myself and my family. If you've read this far, I recommend you immediately email or call her. She doesn't push or attempt to sell you on overconfident outcomes. She listens and honestly wants what's best for you.

See All Client Reviews

Michelle Marie Scudder's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michelle
Matthew A Leyba headshot
Matthew Leyba

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Michelle for several years and have seen in court countless times. I have always come away impressed with her knowledge of the law, courtroom presence, and legal skills. To put it simply she is an excellent trial attorney that gets great results for her clients. I would highly and gladly recommend her in any criminal matter."

Timothy John Leary headshot
Timothy Leary

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 18

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Michelle Scudder goes above and beyond for her clients. In drawing on her experience as a King County Prosecutor, she is able to effectively identify and expose a case's weak point. She is comfortable in a courtroom and well respected by judges, attorneys and jurors."

Aimee Marie Sutton headshot
Aimee Sutton

Immigration lawyer | Mar 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michelle is a dedicated and creative attorney. She is liked and well respected by her colleagues and her adversaries. You will not go wrong if you hire her."

Aaron S Kiviat headshot
Aaron Kiviat

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michelle is a very experienced trial attorney with all the right skills to zealously defend her client's constitutional rights. Michelle possesses the rare talent of being both an aggressive advocate in the courtroom, while remaining highly respected by the judges and the prosecutors for her ethical and thoughtful handling of her cases. If you are looking to retain a criminal defense attorney, rest assured that you would be in great hands with Michelle!"

David Hammerstad headshot
David Hammerstad

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I worked with Michelle on several matters while she worked for the King County Prosecutor's Office and found her to be a formidable adversary. She distinguished herself by her thoughtfulness, independence, and skill in the courtroom. Michelle has an excellent sense of the strengths and weaknesses of her cases and a strategic vision that exceeds her peers. She now brings her considerable talents to bear in defense of those accused. It is my pleasure to endorse Michelle."

David William Gross headshot
David Gross

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"I worked with Michelle in the Prosecutor's office, and know her to be a dligent and extremely trustworthy lawyer. I have no doubt that her clients will be in excellent hands."

Enrico Salvatore Leo headshot
Enrico Leo

Unknown lawyer | Dec 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have handled many cases with Michelle, first when she was a deputy prosecutor in King County District Court and then as a supervisor for the same office. I believe that Michelle will make a seemless transition from the prosecutor's office to criminal defense and immigration law. She has many years of knowledge under her belt of how the prosecutor's office manages their office and how they look at cases which she will be able to now apply to her own practice in defending clients. Combining this experience with her knowledge of the law and her personality makes Michelle someone I would recommend without hesitation."

Zachary Charles Wagnild headshot
Zachary Wagnild

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've had first hand experience working alongside Michelle both at the prosecutor's office and now as a criminal defense attorney. Michelle is a smart, talented attorney who approaches each case carefully and methodically, leaving no stone unturned in her effort to achieve the best results possible for her clients. If the case ends up going to trial, one cannot be in better hands than Michelle's. Her trial experience and abilities are well-known in the legal community and she has no shortage of fans in the defense bar, the prosecutor's office, and on the bench due to her hard work, careful preparation, and outstanding litigation skills. In short, you can't go wrong choosing Michelle to represent you."

Christopher A Swaby headshot
Christopher Swaby

Litigation lawyer | Aug 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Michelle has been both firm and fair as an opponent. She is smart, talented, hardworking and advocates tirelessly for her clients."

View All Endorsements
Kristen V Murray headshot
Kristen Murray

Criminal defense lawyer

Teymur Gasanovich Askerov headshot
Teymur Askerov

Criminal defense lawyer

Michelle Ida Will headshot
Michelle Will

Criminal defense lawyer

David William Gross headshot
David Gross

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew A Leyba headshot
Matthew Leyba

DUI and DWI lawyer

David Hammerstad headshot
David Hammerstad

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher A Swaby headshot
Christopher Swaby

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Client's Choice, Avvo

2015

10 Best Criminal Law Attorneys in Washington, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2013

Supreme Court Pro Bono Honor Roll, WSBA

2012

Certificate of Completion Defending DUI cases in Washington, WSBA

2008

Certificate of Completion, Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys Annual Conference

2005

CALI Award in Torts, Seattle University

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Attorney, The Law Office of Michelle M. Scudder, PLLC

2012 - 2013

Pro Bono Attorney, Northwest Immigrant's Rights Project

2011 - 2012

Supervising Attorney, King County Prosecutor's Office

2007 - 2011

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, King County Prosecutor's Office

2006 - 2006

Intern, Seattle University Human Rights and Immigration Clinic

2006 - 2007

Rule 9, King County Prosecutor's Office

2001 - 2003

Faculty Member, Criminal Justice Training Commission

Associations

2014 - Present

National Association of Professional Women

Member

2007 - Present

Washington Women Lawyers

2007 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

2005 - 2007

Seattle University Women's Law Caucus

Board Member

2005 - 2006

Immigrant Family Advocacy Project

Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. J.P.

One count was dismissed mid-trial after a motion hearing and jury acquitted client on all remaining counts after less than 2 hours of deliberation.

State. V. J.H.

Client acquitted after jury trial finding that he acted in self-defense. State was ordered to pay attorney fees for the case based on the jury's findings.

State v. L. G.

At trial, the jury acquitted on all counts.

City of Bellevue v. N.S.

Dismissed

King County v. W.L.

Dismissed

City of Lynnwood v. S.M.

Dismissed

In re: H.C.H

Client granted cancellation of removal and legal permanent status

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

Seattle University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2001

University of Washington

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2004

Team 3

Working with Battered Immigrant Victims

2003

Team 3

Domestic Violence Cases

Publications

2009

Seattle PI Article Seattle PI

Languages

Spanish

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