Kenneth Wendell Masters

Kenneth Wendell Masters

also known as Ken Masters

4.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 33 years

Appeals Lawyer at Bainbridge Island, WA
Practice Areas: Appeals

241 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island, WA

About Kenneth

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Appeals 100%

Civil appeals in all state and federal appellate courts, in all areas of the law.

34 years

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 33 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1992

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Masters Law Group, PLLC

241 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island, WA, 98110-1811

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Kenneth Wendell Masters's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.0 /5.0

8 Client Reviews

5 star (6)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by Mark | July 26, 2021 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Ken Masters is simply the best

On my appeal, Ken Masters proved to be exactly what I’d been told he is – the best appellate attorney in Washington State. In just an hour of his time, he showed me exactly how to fix my brief, and he clarified several key procedural issues in the appeal. My brief would’ve been far weaker without his... insights from years of appellate practice. His efficient, expert help was the decisive factor in my winning appellate decision.

Posted by Mike | March 24, 2021 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

I was disappointed with this lawyer

I contacted Mr. Masters because I was told that he had a high reputation. We had a good conversation and he told me that I had a "very good case" and assured me that I will "get justice on appeal." He asked me questions about my jobs, which initially I did not realize the purpose of this conversation... until later - his purpose was to understand how much I earned. when I told him that my salary was not over 100k, he ceased the conversation and told me that he would send me a letter soon. I now had his letter, with one sentence that he declined to help me. This lawyer will not help you if you do not earn over 100k, you do not need to consider him.

Kenneth Masters

Replied last March 29, 2021

I am sorry that you are disgruntled by my inability to accept your appeal. I cannot recognize you from the name "Mike." In any event, ethics rules would prevent me from responding here regarding your specific situation. If you want a further explanation, please call me. You should not disclose any personal, confidential, or privileged information in this public forum. Beyond that, your stated assumptions about my motivations would be incorrect. While a potential client's income may be relevant to the merits of their potential appeal (for example, a trial court's property distribution, maintenance, and child support awards, all may depend upon the parties' incomes) I have never turned down any potential client on the basis of their income. On the contrary, I routinely handle pro bono (free-of-charge), low-bono, and flat-fee appeals, for those who cannot afford my services. Unfortunately, however, I do get many calls, so I must turn down many appeals, for many reasons, including everything from being too busy to handle another appeal, to being unable to find a way to win a particular appeal. I simply cannot take on every potential appeal. That is not, however, a fair basis for giving anyone a poor review.

Posted by Daniel | October 10, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Thank you !

I had a full time job as a fisherman and another full time job running 3 businesses by myself. When my wife left she assaulted me and I dropped the charges for 50/50 parenting plan. My attorney, her attorney and the judge decided I still had to maintain 2 full time jobs as well as have my 1 and 3 yea...r old kids 50% of the time in addition to taking on all the household duties that my stay at home wife had been responsible for. My income dropped to half of what it was but income was imputed to me at pre-divorce amounts. In addition to imputed income I got no deviation from my support based on my 50/50 parenting plan even though my wife had a $60,000 a year job and a live-in boyfriend who contributed to expenses. I was in agony because everything and everyone was trying to make my life impossible. Then I met Ken. Ken saw the egregious abuse of the legal system and actually cared. Four lawyers, a commissioner, a judge, a mediator and Ken was the first one to actually take my side and argue FOR me. Ken is considered a God in family law. He is not only more competent and knowledgeable of the law than ANY of the superior court attorneys, he is in an entirely different league. Ken won every aspect of my appeal and I was able to settle before going back to court. I can’t thank Ken Masters enough for being a light in a very, very dark time.

Kenneth Masters

Replied last October 11, 2018

While I deeply appreciate this very generous review, I must correct two things. Thing one: I am not "a GOD" of anything! Thing two: I am decidedly not "more competent and knowledgeable than ANY of the superior court attorneys"! It is my honor and privilege to work with many extremely competent and knowledgeable trial attorneys -- they are a big reason that I do what I do. But I am very happy that this client was so satisfied with my work. Justice was served.

Posted by Junhua | September 19, 2018 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Ken will not fight for you if he thinks that you might lose

I am very disappointed at Ken that he wouldn't take my case after I paid him $2,500. I was referred to him by another attorney and did some online research before contacting him. He seems had a good reputation as one of the best appellate lawyers in Seattle. However, now I don't think he is worth his... reputation at all. He would just give up your case when other party's legal errors are hidden in plain sight. I could not believe that the best appellate lawyer in Seattle couldn't even find 1 legal error from court orders after spending time evaluating the case, when the so many legal errors were just hidden in plain sight on paper practically everywhere. I paid him $2,500 the next day after discussing my case with him on the phone with all the details, under the impression that he would represent me. However, 2 days laters he just sent an cold email telling me that he won't take my case without even mentioning refunding me. I now have no lawyer, and the time and money which I spent on him yielded basically nothing for me. I should have talked with a much better lawyer who would fight for me to get justice served instead.

Kenneth Masters

Replied last September 24, 2018

I regret you are disgruntled I could not accept your case. As you may know, ethical duties preclude me from speaking publicly about it. If you desire a further explanation, please call me.

Posted by Don | March 12, 2018 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

A Lawyer's Lawyer

Kan Masters is not only a fabulous attorney, he is a fabulous human being willing to take time to listen, gather the facts, and understand the case, before deciding what should or shouldn't be done. He was able to sift through the non-details that as a layperson I inevitably brought to the table, and... provide pertinent and useful legal information that enormously helped my legal situation. I will never forget how much he helped me!

See All Client Reviews

Kenneth Wendell Masters's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kenneth
Stephen Louis Bulzomi headshot
Stephen Bulzomi

Appeals lawyer | Aug 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"have worked with Ken Masters for over 25 years. Ken always has taken time to listen to my questions and give me valuable advice regarding legal and appellate issues that frequently crop in my my complex case practice. Ken has helped me navigate thorny issues more times than I can count, and has helped me stay out of the appellate courts on countless occasions. When I need to retain counsel to handle an appeal for me, Ken is my "Go To" guy. He has capably handled numerous appeals for my clients, usually involving cutting edge issues involving reversals of trial court dismissals. He has skillfully helped me protect the rights of my injured clients with passion, vigor and a high level of resolve. Ken and Shelby present a powerful voice in the appellate courts for the cause of our clients. I give Ken my highest recommendation as a lawyer."

Gary Lee Raaen headshot
Gary Raaen

Appeals lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I wholeheartedly endorse Ken Masters. I have worked with Ken on a number of matters, and he is an excellent appellate lawyer. When a client needs someone to handle an appeal, Ken is always my first recommendation. In addition, Ken is very generous with his time and expertise in answering questions on appellate issues and procedures."

Jean E. Huffington headshot
Jean Huffington

Appeals lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I heartily endorse Ken Masters. Several times I have retained Ken's assistance in defending an appeal of a successful judgment . In each occasion, Ken's help and advice has been invaluable. He is supremely knowledgeable about his field of practice. His professionalism and responsiveness are excellent. Lastly, but perhaps most important, Ken is simply a lawyer with whom it is a pleasure to work."

View All Endorsements
Vernon W. Harkins headshot
Vernon Harkins

Personal injury lawyer

David P Horton headshot
David Horton

Litigation lawyer

Gary Lee Raaen headshot
Gary Raaen

Litigation lawyer

Michael Robert Caryl headshot
Michael Caryl

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Lawyer of the Year (Seattle appeals), Best Lawyers in America

2021

TOP 10 LAWYERS IN Washington State, Super Lawyers

2019

TOP 10 ("ranked #1), SUPER LAWYERS

2016

Lifetime Acheivement Award, America's Top 100 Attorneys

2016

Top 100 Attorneys, Law & Politics Media

2016

Best Lawyer, Appellate Practice, Best Lawyers in America

2015

Top Teir Metro., Appellate, Best Lawyers in America

2015

Best Lawyer, Appellate Practice, Best Lawyers in America

2015

Top 100 Washington Lawyers, Law & Politics Magazine

2014

Top 100 Washington Lawyers, Law & Politics Magazine

2014

Top Teir Metro -- Appellate, Best Lawyers in America

2014

Best Lawyer, Appellate Practice, Best Lawyers in America

2013

Appellate Practice, Best Lawyers in America

2013

Top 100 Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2013

Top Teir Appellate, Best Lawyers

2012

Top Lawyers in Washington, Seattle Business Monthly

2012

Top Teir Appellate, Best Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyers, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2012

Top 100 Super Lawyers, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2010

Fellow, American Academy of Appellate Lawyers

2009

Top 10 Appellate Lawyers, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2008

Top 100 Washington Lawyers, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2007

Super Lawyers, Washington Law & Policitcs Magazine

2006

Super Lawyers, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2005

Super Lawyers, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2004

Super Lawyers, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2003

Super Lawyers, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2002

Super Lawyers, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2001

Super Lawyers, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2000

Rising Stars, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

1999

Rising Stars, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

1992

Am. Jur. Awards (x3), Amercian Jurisprudence

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Founder, Masters Law Group, PLLC

1998 - 2010

Owner, Wiggins & Masters, PLLC

1995 - 1998

Attorney, Edwards, Sieh, Smith & Goodfriend, P.S.

1994 - 1995

Judicial Clerk to Judge Elaine Houghton, ret., Washington State Court of Appeals

1993 - 1994

Attorney, Burgess Fitzer, P.S.

1992 - 1993

Attorney, Albertson & Smith

Associations

2016 - Present

Washington State Bar Foundation

Trustee

2005 - Present

KCBA Appellate Law Section

Member

2003 - Present

Washington Appellate Lawyers Association

Member

1998 - Present

Washington State Association for Justice

Member

1998 - Present

Kitsap County Bar Association

Member

1995 - Present

King County Bar Association

Member

1992 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

1992 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2014 - 2015

Washington State Bar Association

Treasurer

2012 - 2015

Washington State Bar Association

Governor, 1st Dist.

2009 - 2012

Washington State Bar Association

Chair, Rules & Procedures Commitee

2008 - 2009

KCBA Appellate Law Section

President

2007 - 2013

Washington Appellate Lawyers Association

President

2004 - 2005

KCBA Judicial Screening

Co-Chair

2001 - 2003

Washington State Bar Association

Chair, Amicus Committee

2001 - 2015

American Judicature Society

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Jaimes v. NDTS Const., Inc., Washington State Court of Appeals No. 73148-3-I (June 6, 2016)

Won

In re Custody of S.F.-T.C., Washington State Court of Appeals No. 32367-6-III (Feb. 9, 2016)

Won

Arp v. Riley, Washington State Court of Appeals No. 72613-7-I (Dec. 28, 2015)

Won

In re Adoption of H.L.S., Washington State Court of Appeals No. 46807-7-II (Dec. 15, 2015)

Won

Dept. of Lab. & Indus. v. Rowley, Washington State Supreme Court No. 91357-9 (March 17, 2016)

Won

Gould v. North Kitsap Bus. Park, LLC, Washington State Court of Appeals No. 46358-0-II (Jan. 19, 2016)

Won

LIghtner v. Shoemaker

Reversed and remanded

ADA Motors v. Butler,

Reversal and remand.

Crews v. AVCO Corp., Washington State Court of Appeals No. 70756-6-I (2015)

affirmed

Tan v. Le, 177 Wn.2d 356 (2013), cert. denied (Jan. 13, 2014)

Win

In re Parentage of Infant Child F.

Win

PACCAR v. Lisby

Win

City of Seattle v. Jones

Win

Piel v. City of Federal Way

Win

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

University of Puget Sound School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1984

Metropolitan State College of Denver

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Advanced Appellate Seminar

Chair, and Moderator re: Settlement on Appeal

2016

AAAL Annual Meeting, Seattle

Brief Writing Moderator

2015

Judges and Lawyers in Conversation

Chair, Appellate Practice

2015

From Runnymede to the Temple of Justice – the Continued Relevance of Magna Carta and Tips on Appellate Advocacy

The Purpose of Each Brief on Appeal

2015

Family Law 101

Ethical Challenges in the Family Law Case

2014

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Convention

Appeals -- Everything You Wanted to Know

2014

SU Ready for Trial Siminar

Great Legal Writing

2014

Kitsap County Bar Convention

Appellate Update

2013

Advanced Appellate Seminar

E-Briefing & Court Rules

Publications

2016

WSBA Appellate Practice Deskbook Contributing Editor

2005

WSBA Appellate Practice Deskbook (3rd ed. & 2010 Suppl.) Contributing Editor

1998

Wash. Prac., Appeals Co-author

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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