Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
27 Client Reviews
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Shira J. Stefanik
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About Shira
Biography
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, you need a fierce advocate.
When the government is using their power to threaten to take your freedom, your property, and your voice, don't panic. Call me. Allow me apply my fierce work ethic and years of experience to protect you from the government's reach. Let's push back.
Shira Stefanik is not originally from Washington State, but she has lived in this region for much of her adult life. It is beneficial to bring a multitude of perspectives when approaching a conflict. Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Shira transplanted herself on the west coast to attend The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. Evergreen's culture of social activism led Shira to the World Trade Organization (WTO) protests in 1999, where she and hundreds of other peaceful protesters were booked in the King County Jail for several days. That was not the last time Shira saw her peers get profiled, arrested and charged with criminal conduct. These experiences ultimately led Shira to pursue a legal education in San Diego, California, where she earned her law degree in 2008. Game on. Shira returned to the Pacific Northwest and was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 2009.
Despite earning her law license in the midst of a crippling recession that prevented many young lawyers from launching their careers, Shira began working with other defense attorneys in the Seattle and greater Puget Sound area on a contract basis, assisting with court appearances, legal briefing, case negotiations, and trials. Always one to champion the underdog, she opened the Law Office of Shira J. Stefanik in 2010, where she has steadfastly committed to defending those accused of criminal misconduct.
Shira has attended the National Criminal Defense College, an intensive two-week program focused solely on criminal defense trial work. She is an active member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the national DUI Defense Lawyers Association, where she regularly participates in continuing legal education seminars to ensure that she is current on changes in the law and emerging defense strategies.
In her free time, Shira enjoys spending time on the water during sunny days and seeing live music, especially Phish and Grateful Dead projects.
My ApproachMy work begins with a personal consultation, followed by extensive investigation. If you have not yet been charged with a crime, there are steps I can take to attempt to prevent that criminal charge, or to mitigate the effect of the charge once you are summoned into court.
When criminal charges are filed, I understand that the consequences of a criminal conviction can be life-changing. I examine every piece of evidence the government plans to use against you to determine whether it is accurate, authentic or even admissible in court.
I utilize my extensive network of the most qualified consultants, colleagues, investigators, providers and expert witnesses to address legal, factual, and scientific issues to prepare the most effective defense. With an understanding of your individualized needs and concerns, I extensively explore every tactical scenario to accomplish the best possible result in your case. I keep in regular contact with you to ensure that you are updated, involved and informed. I give you your voice back.
Whether we reach an agreed resolution or go to trial, I stand by you and I fight for you the entire way.
You will not have to go through this alone.
Unmatched commitment to fight for you.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
35%
Criminal Defense
20%
Domestic Violence
20%
Drug Crime
20%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 16 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Shira J. Stefanik
(206) 922-5665
Fax
119 1st Ave S, ste 500, Seattle, WA, 98104
stefanikdefense.com/Shira J. Stefanik's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Renee | January 19, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Got me my car back and felony dismissed
In February of 21 the police took my car and charged me with a misdemeanor and several felonies. Due to my attorney's knowledge and work she got my car back and they had to refund my fees that I had paid my attorney through the courts because of their air. She got the car back and my misdemeanor dism...
Posted by anonymous | August 30, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence
Excellent representation when you need it most
Shira represented me during a crisis. The man who stalked and who I had a protective order against was seeking a retaliatory protective order against me. Although it was baseless, it was terrifying to now have to defend myself against these accusations. Luckily I didn’t have to do it alone. Shira was...
Posted by Elizabeth | February 24, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Litigation
Intelligent, caring, professional and passionate attorney!
Shira was amazing! From the intital consultation up till my final court date she made me feel confident with my decision to have her represent me. Shira really knows the law and helped me to understand what was happening throughout the entire process. She was always available to answer my questions o...
Shira J. Stefanik's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Shira Stefanik for over two years. I have seen her advocate for her clients in the courtroom and outside. Her commitment to her clients is amazing and she is one of the very attorneys who I would call for assistance."
"Shira is an extremely knowledgeable attorney. I've seen her obtain amazing outcomes for her clients due to her tenacity and creativity. She's absolutely willing and able to go to bat for her clients and I recommend her without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Experienced. Aggressive. Compassionate. The Law Office of Shira J. Stefanik in Seattle WA specializes in DUI, criminal defense, domestic violence, drug cases, asset forfeiture, marijuana/cannabis and much more. Leveraging every legal defense to ensure her clients get the best results."
"Shira is one of the toughest, most tenacious and brilliant lawyers I know. I am in awe of her ability to dig in her heels and never stop fighting. In addition to being an awesome lawyer and litigator, with great instincts and a fierce reputation, she is an amazing human being. She is compassionate and caring and really fights for the underdog. There are few lawyers who can do what she does and I refer clients to her without hesitation. She has my utmost respect and my heartiest endorsement."
"Shira is resourceful and quick thinking. There are no challenges she would be afraid of accepting. I am luck to know such a talented attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Shira Stefanik knows criminal law and knows how to get results. She treats her clients with respect. As a contemporary, I know she is a wonderful resource on criminal issues. She is often one of the first people I think of when an interesting legal issue comes up. She's very smart and has great follow through."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I strongly recommend this attorney. Shira is driven, intelligent and puts her clients needs first. She is highly skilled in matters involving criminal defense and has proven herself to be an exceptional attorney. Shira is a valued asset to the legal community."
"I've seen Ms. Stefanik in court before, and have to say she's professional, highly motivated, intelligent, and classy. I'd refer criminal clients to her without hesitation."
"Shira is a relentless advocate for her clients. She fears nothing and no one. The innovative strategies that have resulted in Shira's great outcomes in very difficult cases would never have occurred to most lawyers. For this reason I strongly endorse her work."
"I endorse this lawyer. Shira is one tough cookie. She does not let anyone intimidate her. She does not back down. Ever. And she usually gets what she wants because of it."
"Diligent. Thorough. Unassailable. Hire her."
"Shira is a brilliant, tenacious, and zealous advocate for her clients. I fully endorse this attorney."
"Ms. Stefanik is an intelligent, conscientious, and reliable attorney. I have seen her in the courtroom and I know first-hand how competent and effective she is. There have been times when I needed the help of another attorney and I am grateful that Ms. Stefanik was there to offer her assistance and expertise. After having the opportunity to work with her, I have the utmost confidence in her ability. She is an easy recommendation to anyone who needs a brilliant attorney."
"I attended law school with Ms. Stefanik and have had the opportunity to work on a couple of legal matters with her since then as well. Shira is analytical, has great courtroom presence, has the ability to connect with her clients on a personal level and is a no-nonsense attorney. These attributes will serve her clients well."
"Shira is a fighter in the courtroom and always represents her clients well. I absolutely recommend her."
"Shira is a great lawyer that fights hard for her clients. She is knowledgeable, caring and dedicated. She is a skillful negotiator and someone who is not afraid to take cases to trial. She obtains great results for her clients. I highly recommend her."
"Shira is an excellent attorney who fights hard for her clients. Not only does she fight hard, but she gets great results. If you are searching for a defense attorney who will get the job done, go to Shira."
"Shira tirelessly advocates for the rights of her clients. She is hard-working and goes the extra mile to get the best result possible. Her intellect and personality make working with Shira something I have truly enjoyed."
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Experience
Honors
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Pro Bono Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Pro Bono Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2010
Trial Practice Institute scholarship, National Criminal Defense College
2009
Pro Bono Public Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorney, Law Office of Shira J. Stefanik
2012 - 2012
Contract Attorney, Callahan Law
2009 - 2009
Volunteer Attorney, Associated Counsel For The Accused
2008 - 2008
Law Clerk, Law Office of William C. Mathews
2006 - 2007
Legal Intern, Legal Aid Society of San Diego
Associations
2018 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2017 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersSustaining Member
2015 - Present
Cardozo Society of Washington StateCommittee member
2013 - Present
United States District Court for the Western District of WashingtonAdmitted to Practice
2010 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member
2010 - Present
Washington Defender AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member
2009 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationAdmitted to Practice
2009 - Present
King County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2012 - 2014
Citizens for Judicial ExcellenceAttorney Member
2012 - 2015
Washington Women Lawyers (King County chapter)Co-chair, Criminal Law section
2009 - 2016
Washington Women Lawyers (King County chapter)Board Member
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Washington v. Client
Case dismissed
City of Renton v. Client
charge reduced to Reckless Driving
City of Lynnwood v. Client
Case dismissed
City of Mercer Island v. Client
Reduced to traffic infraction
Education
2010
National Criminal Defense College
Trial Practice Institute
2008
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
Evergreen State College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English