Dawn Sydney

Dawn Sydney

3.6
Rating: 7.4

Licensed for 14 years

Family Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Family, Domestic Violence

1417 NW 54th Street, Suite 200, Seattle, WA

About Dawn

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 300-300 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 14 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2011

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Dawn Sydney, PLLC

1417 NW 54th Street, Suite 200, Seattle, WA, 98107

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Dawn Sydney's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.6 /5.0

13 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (13) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Professionalism

Posted by Kevin | November 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

DO NOT USE DAWN SYDNEY!

Engaging this “law firm” to assist with my divorce was the worst professional mistake I have ever made. The paralegal was awful and seemed too busy to answer basic questions. Identifying the sorts of documents they wanted was needlessly complicated, and they lacked the ability to communicate in a cle...ar and timely manner. They then screwed up basic details in the filing, turning what should have been an amicable divorce into anything but, as my estranged wife feels disrespected, hurt and angry. They need more employees, better employees, and/or fewer clients. AVOID!

Posted by Calletano | August 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Ethics & Professional Responsibility

Child Custody Case

Devastating, she broke attorney client privlage with her paralegal angela berg, making false assertions about me as her client. Told me to sign documents that were not in my best interest.

Posted by Carrie Hite | November 28, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Amazing, amazing, amazing!

Dawn was very knowledgeable, effective and a go getter. She took on my case with a fierce drive and was able to navigate a very complex situation bringing amazing results. She is a true advocate for the vulnerable and stands up for what is just! She is an amazing attorney!

Posted by anonymous | May 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Above and beyond

Ms. Sydney handled my divorce case exceptionally well. My young son and I left an unsafe environment and Ms. Sydney worked with me to ensure I was doing everything I needed to to be safe and also protect myself legally. I have actually never met Ms. Sydney as I relocated to another state within day...s of retaining her. We have done my complete divorce through emails and phone and I would not want anyone else fighting for my rights and my son's rights. Ms. Sydney cares for her clients in a way I have not seen many attorneys care. (I work in the accounting department of a law firm and work with attorneys everyday). Ms. Sydney always took the time to explain the next process and let me know my options at each step. There were numerous times where she went above and beyond and listened to what I wanted even when I wasn't sure what was best. She always had my well being and my son's well being in mind. Ms. Sydney never pushed me with a decision but would explain how the decision would affect my life going forward. She never over promised and always told me divorce is a marathon. There were many times I was exhausted in the process and we would just focus on the next step. Ms. Sydney gave me sound advice and helped me to fight for sole decision making and sole custody of my son. I would recommend Dawn Sydney to anyone. Divorce is one of the hardest things to go through but having someone by your side makes it much easier. Ms. Sydney is someone I would want in the ring with me!.

Posted by anonymous | March 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Dissolution Divorce.

Dawn has great integrity. I was represented for close to two years and Dawn never lost traction and focus. Dawn was determined to get fair resolution for me.

See All Client Reviews

Dawn Sydney's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Dawn
Christina L Corwin headshot
Christina Corwin

Family lawyer | Mar 16

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Dawn is a highly professional, hard working, and well respected member of our community. She is a creative problem solver and looks for solutions rather than perpetuating discord. It is always a pleasure working with her on matters."

Elizabeth M Carney headshot
Elizabeth Carney

Family lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Dawn is efficient, experienced and knowledgeable in this area. She is able to quickly see how to manage the smallest of details to best impact the bigger issues at stake. I highly recommend her."

Michael William Bugni headshot
Michael Bugni

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse Dawn Sydney. She worked for me from 2009 - 2012. Dawn is passionate about obtaining justice for her clients and she's a tireless advocate. It's rewarding to work with someone who loves what they do."

View All Endorsements
Sarah Rae Elerson headshot
Sarah Elerson

Family lawyer

Christina L Corwin headshot
Christina Corwin

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.4 (Very Good)

Honors

1991

Pro Bono Public Interest Law Gold Medal, Washington University School of Law

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Principal, Law Offices of Dawn Sydney

2013 - 2017

Attorney, Bucklin Evens, PLLC

2009 - 2012

Family Law Attorney, Law Offices of Michael Bugni & Associates

2005 - 2009

Family Law Paralegal, Skellenger Bender

1996 - 1998

Director of Policy and Communications, Traveler's Aid International

1992 - 1996

Policy Analyst, National Coalition for the Homeless

1991 - 1992

Program Associate, Citizen's for Missouri's Children

Associations

2011 - Present

King County Bar Association, Family Law Section, Legislative Committee

Member

2011 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2011 - Present

King County Bar Association Public Policy Committee

Member

2011 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Dissolution/DVPO Case

Court entered 2 yr DVPO. Father ordered to: 1) have supervised visits only; 2) complete siginficant substance abuse and DV treatment; 3) take multiple, random monthly drug tests; and 4) pay $40,000 in attorney's fees for excessive intransigence.

Relocation Trial

Relocation with children was denied. My client became the primary parent.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2012

Seattle University

MPA

1991

Washington University School of Law

J.D

1987

Miami University of Ohio

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2015

Family Law Practice for Paralegals

Enforcing and Modifying Family Law Orders and Decrees

2012

King County Bar Association, Family Law Mentor/Mentee Program

Pretrial preparation

Publications

1995

Travelers Aid International Helping Battered Women and Children Out of Homelessness: The Role of Homeless Shelters and Other Service Providers

1993

National Coalition for the Homeless Life and Death on the Streets: Health Care Reform and Homelessness.

1993

National Coalition for the Homeless Shredding the Safety Net: The Contract With America’s Impact on Poor and Homeless People

1991

Encyclopedia of Childbearing (Oryx) Violence Against Pregnant Women

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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