Melissa D Carter

PRO

Melissa D Carter

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 26 years

Personal injury Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Insurance

333 Taylor Avenue North, Seattle, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Melissa

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Personal Injury 75%

14 years

75%
Insurance 25%

25%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 10

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 20 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Massachusetts for 26 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1999

Administrative Suspension

No misconduct found

Location

Adler Giersch, PS

333 Taylor Avenue North, Seattle, WA, 98109

adlergiersch.com

Adler Giersch, PS

14710 SE 36th Street, Bellevue, WA, 98006

adlergiersch.com

Adler Giersch PS

4207 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA, 98203

adlergiersch.com

Adler Giersch PS

1111 West Meeker Street, Kent, WA, 98032

adlergiersch.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Melissa online.

Melissa D Carter's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

112 Client Reviews

5 star (111) 4 star (1)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Cindy | January 16, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

MOST AMAZING ATTORNEY EVER!!!!!!!!

I had a very difficult time getting through to the other party's insurance company after my accident and was feeling overwhelmed, so I decide to contact Melissa Carter at the Adler Giersch law firm in Kent. At first, on my own, I only planned to have Allstate pay for my totaled car but I quickly rea...lized (Allstate not returning my calls) I needed help and left this headache in their hands. Melissa and Maria were absolutely wonderful-personal, caring, and highly professional. They took the time to explain everything, handled all communications, and truly advocated for me. In the end I received a settlement far beyond anything I ever imagined. I am incredibly grateful for Melissa and Maria and their excellent work. I highly recommend them and the Adler Giersch firm to anyone needing legal support after an accident.

Posted by anonymous | December 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Professionalism and Expertise from Start to Finish

It is with heartfelt gratitude that I recommend Adler & Giersch for their outstanding legal representation, integrity, and profound compassion. After interviewing three reputable firms, we selected the team led by Richard Adler, a brilliant legal authority around traumatic brain injury (TBI). From ou...r first meeting, their exceptional knowledge and demeanor provided us with much-needed confidence and reassurance during a most challenging period of our lives. Our case involved injury to a minor child, complicated by denying all responsibility by the opposing party. The team’s professionalism and resourcefulness were unmatched; they were prompt to uncover critical evidence and locate witnesses with incredible precision. Armed with detailed analysis from experts in pediatric neurology and other areas, our case became unshakable. Throughout the process, the legal team—principal attorneys Richard Adler and Melissa Carter with excellent support from Mary Ellen and Sabrina—kept us informed, explained our options with clarity. What truly sets them apart is their humanity. They prepared diligently, all while reminding us of the greater importance of healing and recovery. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, we achieved a resolution that provided our family with closure and relief. I give Melissa Carter of Adler & Giersch my highest recommendation to anyone in need of skilled, ethical, and compassionate representation.

Posted by Tammy | August 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Tammy

When my underage daughter was injured in a serious accident, we were referred to Adler Giersch. Melissa kindly met with us in the comfort of our home, immediately showing compassion and empathy for my daughter’s injuries. Over the next three years, Melissa’s confidence, legal knowledge, expertise ...in working with insurance companies, and professionalism stood out. She and her paralegal, Kody, kept us informed every step of the way with timely, friendly communication and genuine care. They made us feel like family. Melissa guided us through the settlement process, taking the time to clearly explain our options and working tirelessly to secure the maximum settlement possible. This was a life-changing event for my daughter, and while she will live with her injuries forever, I am deeply grateful for Melissa and Kody's support, kindness, and dedication. They are truly a top-notch team who combine warmth with exceptional legal skill. Melissa and Kody, my daughter thanks you, and I thank you.

Posted by anonymous | July 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Incredible expertise on dog bite

Melissa and Kody at Adler Giersch were incredible to work with. I was bit by a dog and had excruciating pain for years. They took over the lawsuit towards the dog owners home insurance at a time when I was not able to emotionally separate my pain from the incident. Through their expertise and dili...gence, I barely had to do a thing which allowed me to focus on healing and getting better. Melissa was compassionate and understanding through the whole process. All of which has helped me to heal and I don't know how I could have gotten through that period without her help!

Posted by Leslie | June 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Competent and caring

Melissa handled my son’s lawsuit and on our own, we got nowhere. He had $1000’s of dollars in medical bills that were not being paid. She worked her magic and made sure they were paid . She under promised a settlement and over delivered! We will be eternally grateful and highly recommend Melissa!

See All Client Reviews

Melissa D Carter's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Melissa
Stacia R Hofmann headshot
Stacia Hofmann

Personal injury lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Melissa Carter, a former colleague, is razor sharp at all stages of litigation. She is at home in a courtroom, presenting her cases in compelling, persuasive, and logical terms. Add Melissa’s skills as a trial attorney to her passion for helping her clients, and you get a dedicated, top-notch personal injury attorney. I endorse Melissa Carter."

Martin W. Judnich headshot
Martin Judnich

Personal injury lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Carter is a very experienced attorney that often contributes to complex areas of the law."

Jacob W Gent headshot
Jacob Gent

Unknown lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"Melissa is a tenacious advocate. She is committed to obtaining excellent results and truly cares for her clients and their needs. Melissa is knowledgeable, creative, accessible and compassionate."

Michael Graham headshot
Michael Graham

Unknown lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Melissa as a friend and fellow attorney for many years. She is dedicated to her work and her clients. Indeed, she taught me many things over the years as I started litigating. Her creativity, insight, and experience guarantee good results. I highly endorse Melissa. She's exactly the type of lawyer I would want if I ever needed one."

Gregory T Hixson headshot
Gregory Hixson

Personal injury lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have known Melissa for many years as a colleague and mentor. Melissa is an intelligent, quick witted and clever trial attorney that is passionate about advocating for her clients. I honestly believe Melissa is one of, if not the best, trial attorneys in the Seattle area. I strongly endorse Ms. Carter."

Angela R. Bagby headshot
Angela Bagby

Litigation lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"I worked with Melissa for several years and observed her consistently obtain excellent results for her clients. Her knowledge of the legal issues is exceptional, and, more importantly, she is very skilled at advising clients, negotiating with opponents, and advocating for her clients in the courtroom. I recommend Melissa without hesitation."

Jeffrey Joseph Donchez headshot
Jeffrey Donchez

Personal injury lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Melissa Carter is an honorable lawyer and a worthy opponent. I am happy she is now doing plaintiff personal injury work. I would highly recommend her."

Scott Carness headshot
Scott Carness

Personal injury lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Melissa as a fellow-attorney for several years. She and I have worked together on a number of cases, and we have spoken at seminars together. Melissa is without question one of the most able, talented lawyers with whom I've had the pleasure of working, and would recommend her to anyone in need of legal counsel."

View All Endorsements
Elisabeth Ruff headshot
Elisabeth Ruff

Personal injury lawyer

Stacia R Hofmann headshot
Stacia Hofmann

Litigation lawyer

Jacob W Gent headshot
Jacob Gent

Personal injury lawyer

Raymond J Dearie JR headshot
Raymond Dearie

Personal injury lawyer

Gregory T Hixson headshot
Gregory Hixson

Construction and development lawyer

Angela R. Bagby headshot
Angela Bagby

Litigation lawyer

Jeffrey Joseph Donchez headshot
Jeffrey Donchez

Car accident lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Laywer, SuperLawyers

2019

Super Laywer, SuperLawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

100 Best Companies to Work For, Seattle Business Magazine

2015

Super Lawyer Honoree, Washington Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer Honoree, Washington Super Lawyers

2013

Peer Review Rated AV, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Millon Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum

1999

Public Interest Law Grant Fellow: JRI Health Law Institute, Suffolk University Public Interest Law Grant Fellow

1998

Public Interest Law Grant Fellow: JRI Health Law Institute, Suffolk University Public Interest Law Grant Fellow

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Managing Partner, Adler Giersch, PS

2009 - 2011

Senior Trial Attorney, Nationwide Insurance Trial Dvision (Seattle)

2004 - 2009

Attorney, Preg O'Donnell & Gillett, PLLC

2001 - 2004

Attorney, Zizik Powers O'Connell Spaulding & Lamontagne

Associations

2020 - Present

American Board of Trial Advocates

Member

2018 - Present

American Association for Justice, Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group

Member

2012 - Present

Washington State Association for Justice

Eagle Member

2012 - Present

Brain Injury Association of Washington

Member

2005 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2004 - Present

King County Bar Association

Member

2005 - 2011

Washington Defense Trial Lawyers

Member

2001 - 2004

Massachusetts Women's Bar Association

1999 - 2005

Massachusetts Bar Association

1999 - 2005

Boston Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

PTSD and Employment Disability

$350,000.00

Passenger in Drunk Driving Roll Over Collision

$1,700,000.00

Brain Injury from Trip and Fall Near Construction Site

$850,000.00

Car Surfing Fatality

$1,500,000.00 Settlement with Driver

Student vs. Seattle Private School

Confidential Settlement

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Following Rear End Collision

$1,100,000.00

See More Legal Cases

Education

2012

Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College

Certificate

2012

Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College

Certificate

1999

Suffolk University Law School

Juris Doctor

1996

University of Washington

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

Washington State Association for Justice Brain Injury Conference

Co-Chair Washington State Association for Justice Brain Injury Conference

2017

Washington State Association of Justice Brain Injury Conference

Multiple Traumatic Brain Injuries

2013

Whiplash, Spinal Trauma and the Personal Injury Case How Insurers Control All Aspects of the Personal Injury Case

2013

Navigating the Personal Injury Claim for Health Care Providers Personal Injury Claim Management for Health Care Providers

2013

Effectively Managing Your Personal Injury Cases from Start to Finish Managing Personal Injury Cases for Health Care Professionals

2012

Whiplash, Spinal Trauma, and the Personal Injury Case

Live Demonstration on Effectively Preparing and Presenting Chiropractic Testimony at Deposition

2012

Washington State Chiropractic Association Fall Conference

Documentation and Medical Records

2012

Handling the Traumatic Brain Injury Case

Common Mistakes Plaintiff's Attorneys Make in the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Case

2012

Effectively Managing Your Personal Injury Cases, Insurers and Attorneys

How Insurers Attack Health Care Records and Deny Patient Claims

2011

ADR

Alternative Dispute Resolution: Arbitrations

2008

Pacific Claims Executive Association Annual Conference

Legal Implications and Electronic Data Recorders

2007

Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases

Put Your Best Foot Forward in Trial

2007

Fourth Annual Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases

Avoid Trial With Settlement Negotiations and Methods

2006

Third Annual Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases

Cover All the Bases in Pre-Trial Preparation

2006

Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases

Avoid Trial With Settlement Negotiations and Methods

Publications

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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