Scott Patrick Semrau

PRO

Scott Patrick Semrau

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 30 years

Alimony Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Alimony, Child Custody, Divorce & Separation, Child Support

5325 Ballard Ave, Suite 214, Seattle, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Scott

Biography

Family Law for those planning for a happier future!

Family Law for those planning for a happier future!

Family Law for those planning for a happier future!

Family Law for those planning for a happier future!

Family Law for those planning for a happier future!

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Alimony 25%

Men and Women alike are being awarded spousal maintenance to help plan for a better and brighter future. Unlike child support, Alimony is not determined by a formula. Spousal support is limited by need and ability to pay.

30 years | 1,000 cases

25%
Child Custody 25%

New child support schedules take effect January 1, 2026. We'll help you develop a winning plan of action and a solution for moving forward to happiness and stability with your children.

30 years | 1,000 cases

25%
Child Support 25%

Getting a fair child support settlement is the first step to stability and planning for the future. A good agreement prepares for tomorrow so you can take control of your future!

25%
Divorce and Separation 25%

Property division is where a great lawyer shines! We help married and unmarried couples protect their rights and dreams for a better future. Over 50 divorce, committed intimate relationships and prenups are more common than ever.

30 years | 1,000 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2019 2016 2015
...
+ 5
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 8 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2017

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Georgia for 30 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1995

Resigned

No misconduct found

Location

Seattle Family Law Partners

5325 Ballard Ave, Suite 214, Seattle, WA, 98107

seattlefamilylawpartners.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Scott online.

Scott Patrick Semrau's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

91 Client Reviews

Showing 16 - 19 of 19 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Aiasha | August 21, 2009 | Expungement

Trying to get a longtime issue resolved.

I called Scott in regards to taking my husband's case because we have been trying to get this case resolved on our own for some time now by calling and going to the court house he advise me that he would go to the court house and review his case and call me back with the status and the fees. The nex...t day he called me back and advise he had great news my husband's case. He said that the case has been dismissed he advise me what the next step would be and told me that my husband doesnt need a lawyer for that he also told me that I can come to his office and get the paperwork that he had pulled from the courthouse plus the application for the expungement he didnt charge me a dime for his time or service his receptionist was very helpful too with going threw the steps with me so that I understood. If there is ever an issue again I will make sure I contact Scott. Thanks for all of your help.

Posted by Claire | January 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

I Had a Bad Experience with Scott

I hired Scott for my divorce in the middle of a disaster. I really appreciate him taking my case at the time and being flexible about trial dates. However, I have been winning every temp order every DVPO petitions until Scott comes in. In the beginning I really enjoy working with Scott because he i...s patient and willing to listen to me. But soon enough, I realize that his listening skill does not compensate for his lack of prefessionalism and inability to communicate his point of view through legal documents. Not only deadlines are missed and guess who's going to pay for that? But also pretty much all reply to temp orders, mediation are prepared in last minute, one day or even in last hour before deadline. And due to lack of communication and preparation before submission, I start to lose every temp order, and there is no preparation for custody argument in mediation and in the end, I lost the trial and the judge is in favor of the opposing party's proposal. I feel that his value is mainly 1. understand you and show compassion 2. forwarding emails and showing up. However, those two things do not justify the $300 per hour fee I am paying for and he is not hired that just doing that. When I asked Scott how come we lost the trial, he simple say he is sorry and he believe that our proposal is reasonable. If our proposal is truly reasonable and we lost the trial, that means his work is not good. If our proposal is not reasonable, I think he should not lead me all the way to the trial after couple of thousands of lawyer fee. I am very unhappy about the quality of his work, the lack of preparation and unprofessional working style that Scott did. I wish I represented myself and I think even with that, I can potentially have better result than this.

Scott Semrau

Replied last July 17, 2024

Hi Claire, thank you for your comments. I know you did not get the result you wanted and I sincerely wish the final result had gone in your favor. Call anytime to discuss and let us know if you have questions.

Posted by Kayla | July 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Lack of communication

I hired Mr. Semrau in May of 2014 and haven't heard from him since August of 2014. I have left numerous voicemails and emails and have never received a response.

Scott Semrau

Replied last July 15, 2016

I respectfully disagree with this former client's statement. It is difficult to respond without revealing confidences, but I can confirm that this client and I were unable to agree on how to best resolve her case. Even though we spent considerable time on her case, I offered her a full refund of her fee so that another attorney might have better success with her case.

Posted by anonymous | December 06, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Was a terrible lawyer for me

When I had this lawyer for a criminal case, he would not inform me of what was going on with my case, and several times he showed up late to court making me look bad. I personally would never hire this lawyer again.

Scott Semrau

Replied last December 06, 2013

We failed to meet your expectations and I apologize that you had a bad experience with our firm. Please know that we work hard to keep our client's well-informed by copying them on every document from their case including videos, police reports and court notices. We give our clients our cell phone #s and invite them to call us nights and weekends. And truthfully, it is not uncommon, that we are delayed and appear late to court. It is unavoidable that we often have multiple cases scheduled simultaneously in different courts. But we ALWAYS inform the judges and prosecutors ahead of time if we expect a delay. We also enjoy a reputation among the judiciary as a law firm that is professional and reliable and I am proud to say that when our firm name is spoken in Court, you will be respected for having hired a top quality law firm. Nevertheless, I appreciate that you felt uncomfortable being in court when we were not there and I apologize and also I hope you will give us another opportunity to assist you or someone you know. Scott Semrau

See All Client Reviews

Scott Patrick Semrau's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Scott
Kimberly Elizabeth Loges headshot
Kimberly Loges

Child custody lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Scott Semrau is a great attorney to work with on matters. He is patient, thorough, and hard working."

Bridgett Dion Bray headshot
Bridgett Bray

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Very knowledgeable and always fights for his clients. You are in good hands with Scott."

C. Ross Durrence headshot
C. Durrence

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Scott is very well respected in the community and knows how to get the best results for his clients."

Kathleen Marie Flynn headshot
Kathleen Flynn

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Scott for years. He is a very professional and capable attorney. I have referred Scott DUI and traffic infraction cases, because I am 100 percent confident that he will get the client the best outcome possible. Anyone in Cobb County where the law firm is located, should particularly give Scott a call for these types of cases, as well as expungements."

Andrew Lawrence Schwartz headshot
Andrew Schwartz

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Scott is a well respected lawyer in the community. He knows the law and has a sharp mind. I endorse and recommend this lawyer."

Caryn S. Fennell headshot
Caryn Fennell

Unknown lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure of working with Scott in the Cherokee County circuit and have always found him to be a competent and consummate professional. I would highly recommend his services to my closed friends and family."

Alan Jeffrey Levine headshot
Alan Levine

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Scott is a lawyer for all the right reasons. He's knowledgeable about the law, cares about his clients, and fights hard for them. I first got to know Scott while I was a prosecutor and learned to respect his dedication to his craft. I endorse Scott."

Melvin Samuel Nash headshot
Melvin Nash

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

R. Wesley Starrett headshot
R. Starrett

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Scott is an experienced trial lawyer with a great reputation in the legal community. I have seen Scott in court and his knowledge of the law and professionalism make him an excellent choice. I highly recommend him."

Robert Frank Schnatmeier Jr. headshot
Robert Schnatmeier

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Scott is highly respected in the Cobb legal community. I highly recommend Scott for anyone that needs criminal representation."

James L. Paisley headshot
James Paisley

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Scott Semrau is a great Georgia lawyer. If I had a family member that has serious criminal charges in the Cobb/Cherokee/Bartow county area, I get Scott on the phone immediately. His dedication to his clients is exceptional and his connections in those areas make sure his clients get the best results. I endorse Scott!"

J. Guy Sharpe Jr. headshot
J. Sharpe

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Scott is smart, creative and determined to get the best results for his clients. I've seen him in action and found him to be a very effective advocate for his clients. I recommend him without reservation."

Ashley L. Schiavone headshot
Ashley Schiavone

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Scott is a very impressive and effective attorney in the surrounding Atlanta communities. I've had the pleasure of knowing him for a few years now and there is no doubt in my mind that he is a master of his craft. Any client would be lucky to experience the benefit of his legal services."

Anthony A. Hallmark headshot
Anthony Hallmark

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Over the years I have watched Scott Semrau repeatedly win case after case for his clients. He is an excellent attorney that really cares about his clients. I fully endorse Scott Semrau."

Benjamin David Goldberg headshot
Benjamin Goldberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Scott is a top-notch criminal defense and DUI defense attorney. I frequently see him in court, where he has the total respect of his colleagues, judges and prosecutors. This, combined with his experience and legal knowledge, lead to great results for his clients. I endorse Scott without hesitation."

Matthew Gilbert Nasrallah headshot
Matthew Nasrallah

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am a local civil trial lawyer in Marietta, Georgia. Scott is a local criminal defense lawyer that I have been referring clients to for 10+ years. I have been very impressed with the results he achieves. I have been so impressed that I have referred friends and family to him. Scott is unfraid to take on any case, but is also understanding, thoughtful and compassionate. Perhaps most importantly, Scott is a family man with a stable personal life. This is critical because it provides a lawyer, like Scott, a firm foundation from which to help those who have fallen on tough times. I strongly recommend Scott Semrau for any type of criminal defense work."

Parag Yogesh Shah headshot
Parag Shah

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Scott is a brilliant, articulate, and caring attorney. I highly endorse his work."

Elizabeth V. Lane headshot
Elizabeth Lane

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Scott works extremely hard for each and every one of his clients. He is always well prepared and is well respected among his peers."

Stacy Levy headshot
Stacy Levy

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Scott Semrau for many years and have always admired the passion and dedication that he brings to his work. He is always prepared and ready to fight for his clients. He is well respected by the legal community as an ethical and extremely talented lawyer."

Justin B. O'Dell headshot
Justin O'Dell

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Scott is of the highest character and integrity. He works hard to achieve the best possible results for his clients."

View All Endorsements
Kimberly Elizabeth Loges headshot
Kimberly Loges

Family lawyer

Oliver Spencer headshot
Oliver Spencer

Estate planning lawyer

Kathleen Marie Flynn headshot
Kathleen Flynn

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Andrew Lawrence Schwartz headshot
Andrew Schwartz

Criminal defense lawyer

Sanford Allen Wallack headshot
Sanford Wallack

Criminal defense lawyer

Melvin Samuel Nash headshot
Melvin Nash

Criminal defense lawyer

Alan Jeffrey Levine headshot
Alan Levine

Probate lawyer

R. Wesley Starrett headshot
R. Starrett

Litigation lawyer

Robert Frank Schnatmeier Jr. headshot
Robert Schnatmeier

Litigation lawyer

J. Guy Sharpe Jr. headshot
J. Sharpe

Criminal defense lawyer

Ashley L. Schiavone headshot
Ashley Schiavone

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Nolan Blevins Jr. headshot
Richard Blevins

Criminal defense lawyer

J Thomas Salata headshot
J Salata

Criminal defense lawyer

John William Rife headshot
John Rife

Criminal defense lawyer

Anthony A. Hallmark headshot
Anthony Hallmark

Litigation lawyer

Benjamin David Goldberg headshot
Benjamin Goldberg

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Gilbert Nasrallah headshot
Matthew Nasrallah

Personal injury lawyer

Parag Yogesh Shah headshot
Parag Shah

Criminal defense lawyer

Elizabeth V. Lane headshot
Elizabeth Lane

Criminal defense lawyer

Justin B. O'Dell headshot
Justin O'Dell

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

AV® Preeminent™ 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

1995

Phelps Dunbar Outstanding Trial Advocate, Tulane Law School

Work Experience

2009 - 2016

Professor, Chattahoochee Tech

1998 - 2017

Principal, The Semrau Law Firm

1996 - 1998

Assistant Public Defender, Douglas County Public Defender

Associations

2011 - 2015

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2011 - 2013

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Legislative Committe Chair

2009 - 2010

Cobb County Criminal Defense Lawyers

President

1998 - 2016

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1998 - 2016

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Vice President

1996 - 2018

Cobb County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State of Georgia vs. J.H.

Not guilty

The State of Georgia v. A.R.F.

Not guilty

DUI 3 Not Guilty Verdicts

Not guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

1996

National Criminal Defense College

1992

Tulane University Law School

Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude

1990

Georgia State University

BIS, Cum Laude

Speaking Engagements

2005

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Defending Probation Revocation Cases

2005

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Defending Probation Revocation Cases

N/A

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Defending Probation Revocation Cases

N/A

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Defending Probation Revocation Cases

N/A

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Defending Probation Revocation Cases

Publications

2006

Cobb County Bar Journal Invalid Warrants

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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