Robert W. Goldsmith

Robert W. Goldsmith

also known as Bob

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 44 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

705 2nd Ave Ste 1300, Seattle, WA

About Robert

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

A public defender for 9 years I have tried over 140 jury trials in state, city and federal courts. I have won murder, assault, drug & DUI trials in state, local and federal courts as well as motions to suppress, resulting in dismissals..

48 years | 2,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 250-250 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 44 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1982

Voluntarily Resigned

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Robert Goldsmith

705 2nd Ave Ste 1300, Seattle, WA, 98104-1797

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Robert W. Goldsmith's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

32 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (32) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Danny | December 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Helped me through an immensely difficult time

Don't expect Bob to sugar coat things. Right from the get go, he told me my charge (felony) was serious, and he was right. He definitely explains all the possible outcomes, including the ones you don't want to hear, but after it was all said and done, this is what I needed. The main thing I apprec...iated is that Bob helped me through the nerve wracking experiences in court by keeping me at ease. He is an experienced trial lawyer with a lot of time put in the various courtrooms of this area, and that is apparent right off the bat. That's what you want - someone who is confident in what they're doing in your corner, when you are at your weakest, most stressed and most vulnerable. Bob also had a rapport with a lot of the judges, prosecutors and other courtroom figures that I encountered during the court proceedings for my case. Also, he has a good, but subtle sense of humor, which reminded me that my lawyer was a real person, and helped keep my anxiety down during the whole process. All in all, Bob even said himself that I possibly could've achieved the same outcome (no jail time ultimately) with a public defender, but I'm definitely glad he was representing my interests. He knows what he's doing and I didn't want to take any chances.

Posted by Abby | September 05, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Incredibly smart and experienced

I was being represented by another lawyer in Bob's office who died suddenly a few months before we were to go to trial. Bob took over the case and represented me. He was able to sort though the other attorney's papers and get up to speed quickly. Our case had multiple defendants each with their own ...lawyer. The other lawyers had limited trial experience. Bob took the lead and guided our group. I was a challenging client with very unconventional ideas and also very emotional and Bob was able to work with me. Our group decided to try a risky defense - necessity. Bob let us know the risks (about a 5% chance or less of getting it - due to our circumstances). Against his advice - we went for it. His brief that he submitted to the court were very well written and persuasive and we got the chance to go to trial using this defense. Our trial was a week long. When I took the stand I was an emotional mess. I couldn't think - I was having a panic attack. Bob was able to request and unscheduled recess and calmed me down (a very difficult thin to do at that time). He got me back on the stand and was able to get me to focused enough to answer the questions. After the entire case was presented, the judge made a ruling in which instructions that were given to the jury were somewhat limiting ( the risk of the necessity defense coming onto play). Bob had to rewrite his closing argument over lunch - in very short time. Nevertheless his closing argument was brilliant! We were pleased with the outcome and after the trial when we spoke to the jurors they admitted that they would have acquitted us on all counts had they been allowed to consider all of the expert witnesses that we called. In summary, Bob's experience was crucial and showed up in many ways. He understands the needs of the court and is able to convey the facts clearly and simply. He is a great writer, compassionate, organized, patient and incredibly smart. If you hire Bob Goldsmith to represent you - you are lucky to have him in your corner.

See All Client Reviews

Robert W. Goldsmith's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Robert
Michael Rothwell headshot
Michael Rothwell

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bob gets my highest endorsement. I know Bob as a former professor of mine from law school and also from his sterling reputation and substantial achievements (such as winning a Federal jury trial this year). I’ve never heard a single negative thing about Bob and the best legal minds I know all speak so highly of him. As a professor, Bob was obviously brilliant but also his class was fun and truly prepared you for actual courtroom practice. There are only a handful of classes I wish I could take again now that I’m practicing law, and Bob’s Criminal Motions class is number one on the list. I refer people to Bob all the time as well. He’s sharp, experienced, ethical, and an ardent advocate. Doesn’t get any better than Bob."

Travis David Stearns headshot
Travis Stearns

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Bob was trial counsel in a matter where our mutual client was found not guilty of all of the charged felonies. I was able to file a fantastic appeal on the remaining misdemeanor because of Bob's remarkable work. He is a client's lawyer who worked tirelessly to expose the weaknesses in the government's case and secure a victory for his client."

Thomas David Coe headshot
Thomas Coe

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Mr. Goldsmith for many reasons, all of which are what make a great defense lawyer. He is a smart, savvy and dedicated advocate. In addition to these attributes, Bob draws on vast experience to make him a true pro. We just won a difficult jury trial with the best part being his cross examination of a witness, which was truly courtroom excellence to behold!"

Bridge Charles Joyce headshot
Bridge Joyce

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Bob is as experienced as it gets, and I would highly recommend him. He's a tireless fighter, and has a thorough knowledge of criminal law. His court demeanor is both calm and confident, and that is a great benefit to clients facing the serious consequences of a criminal conviction. Working with him on a complex criminal case was both a fantastic learning experience and a lot of fun."

Mary Joyce McCallum headshot
Mary McCallum

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I strongly endorse this lawyer. Bob is an amazing advocate. His tireless dedication to protecting the rights of the individual in criminal cases is inspiring. He is truly a man of vision. I have learned so much from Bob and I am truly fortunate to have benefited from his wisdom and experience as I forge my own path as an advocate."

Sean P Cecil headshot
Sean Cecil

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Bob is a great defense attorney who has been a very important source of advice for me over the years. I refer clients to him without hesitation."

Jan Phillip Olson headshot
Jan Olson

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Bob Goldsmith without reservation. Whenever I have a federal practice question about the Western Dist. of WA., I ask Bob. He is a very hard worker, cares about his Client's, and has the respect of the judges. He always knows what will work in a particular judge's court. He is excellent to consult for court strategy, because he is not afraid to take tough cases to trial. No wonder he has taught trial practice classes before. After I have brainstormed with him, I always feel like I have covered critical issues well, and will provide better service to my Client."

Rafael Schwimmer headshot
Rafael Schwimmer

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stefanie Marie Dorn headshot
Stefanie Dorn

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Goldsmith taught pre-trial advocacy at Seattle University and was the best law school teacher I've had. All of his students very much appreciate the knowledge he passed on and especially how he helped us developed our own in court presentations."

Michael F. Morgan headshot
Michael Morgan

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Kurt Edward Boehl headshot
Kurt Boehl

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Without hesitation, I would recommend Bob to clients and friends in need of Federal and State criminal defense. He is compassionate, tough, respected, creative, intelligent. He is an exceptional attorney with a tremendous base of knowledge. "

View All Endorsements
Thomas David Coe headshot
Thomas Coe

Criminal defense lawyer

Mary Joyce McCallum headshot
Mary McCallum

Criminal defense lawyer

Allen A. Glass headshot
Allen Glass

Family lawyer

Jan Phillip Olson headshot
Jan Olson

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

President's Award, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2010

Best Lawyers in 2010, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine

2000

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

1997

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Work Experience

1990 - Present

Attorney, Law Offices of Robert Goldsmith

2000 - 2019

Adjunct Professor, Seattle University Law School

1982 - 1990

Attorney & training coordinator, The Public Defender Association

1978 - 1981

Attorney, Citizens for a Better Environment

Associations

1991 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1987 - 2018

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Chair of CLE Committee 1991-2004

Sample of Legal Cases

Seattle v. C.W.

Law criminalizing traffic tickets invalidated.

State v. K.L.

Motion: to suppress search, case dismissed.

State v. K.R.

ACQUITTAL OF MURDER ONE

See More Legal Cases

Education

1978

University of Wisconsin Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1973

University of Wisconsin, Madison

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2018

Organize Don't Agonize: How to Prepare a Criminal Defense

Search Warrants

2017

THE CLIENT, THE DISCOVERY, THE INVESTIGATION AND THE NEGOTIATON

Negotiating a federal case

2010

Energize Your Felony Defense

Sentencing: The Agony & the Ecstasy

2008

High Profile Cases

Defending High Profile Aggravated Murder

Publications

2009

Washington Criminal Defense “A Radical Experiment.”

1993

Washington State Bar News, Vol. 49, No. 9 "Conflicts: A True Love/Hate Story"

Languages

English

Activity

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