Jan Phillip Olson

PRO

Jan Phillip Olson

also known as Jan P. Olson

4.9
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 44 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Sex Crime, Family, Unknown

1700 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1810, Seattle, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Jan

Biography

A criminal defense attorney with over 35 years experience, Jan Olson fights hard for his clients.

Need an accomplished & experienced criminal defense lawyer? Call Jan Olson.

Have you been accused of a sex crime? Jan Olson is here to help!

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 33%

Experienced & Aggressive Defense - Assault, Harassment, Domestic Violence, Drug Offenses, Sex Offenses, DUI, DWI

45 years | 3,500 cases

33%
Family 33%

33%
Sex Crime 33%

Experienced & Aggressive Defense - Child Molestation, Child Pornography, Rape, Sexual Assault, Prostitution

45 years | 3,500 cases

33%
Other 1%

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2024 2017 2016
...
+ 1
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2018 2017 2016
Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 44 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1981

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC

1700 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1810, Seattle, WA, 98121

elmlaw.com/attorneys/jan-p-olson/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Jan online.

Jan Phillip Olson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

56 Client Reviews

5 star (54)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by Jingling | January 12, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Good laywyer

Good lawyer,idk how the other side used my name to create a fake review on him,that was not me,idk how can I delete it.

Posted by Ben Artzi | November 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Unprofessional and Disappointing

I regret hiring Jan P. Olson. He was unprepared to my police questioning and pressured me to testify without proper trial prep. His questioning on the stand felt more like an attack than a defense. Overall, the experience was unprofessional and disappointing.

Posted by anonymous | June 8, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Professional and Knowledgeable

He was always available to discuss questions and concerns. His comprehensive knowledge was evident.

Posted by anonymous | June 7, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

You will not be disappointed

With Jan I truly felt as if he left no stone unturned in regards to my case. It truly is encouraging knowing he and his staff have your back throughout the entire process. You can sleep well at night knowing Jan is working diligently on your behalf. I also appreciated the truthfulness from him and hi...s staff. He is extremely professional, experienced, and above all else reliable.

Posted by anonymous | May 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best in Seattle!

Jan is an amazing attorney. I could not more highly recommend. He is highly experienced, thoughtful, and very intelligent. In the game of the legal chess where you’re in potential jeopardy, you can sleep well knowing Jan has your back.

See All Client Reviews

Jan Phillip Olson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jan
Michelle Rose Ahrens headshot
Michelle Ahrens

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. He is the go to guy in criminal defense and when I have questions in my own practice I call him. He works hard for his clients, his knowledge of the law is stellar and his integrity is surpassed by none. When I am not available for a case, I refer people to Jan."

Margaret Doyle Fitzpatrick headshot
Margaret Fitzpatrick

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jan has been my “go to” criminal lawyer for years. Jan has helped many of my clients in extremely tough situations. I recommend him without reservation."

Zachary Charles Wagnild headshot
Zachary Wagnild

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Jan for many years both as an adversary (when I was a prosecutor) and now as a fellow criminal defense attorney. Jan is well-known and respected by both other attorneys and judges for his knowledge, experience, and professionalism. He is an asset to his clients as well as his colleagues. I would recommend Jan without reservation to anyone in need of outstanding legal representation on a criminal matter."

Linda Lillevik headshot
Linda Lillevik

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Jan is a knowledgeable and intelligent advocate for his clients. I have worked with him on a number of child abuse cases and have been astounded at the positive results he obtained."

Natalie M Beckmann headshot
Natalie Beckmann

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jan has proven to be a very valuable resource for clients/referrals who need strong, effective and thorough representation. I heartily endorse him."

Daniel John Ichinaga headshot
Daniel Ichinaga

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse Jan Olson. He is a skilled and compassionate advocate with over 30 years of experience. When any of my clients or friends need a criminal defense attorney, I refer them, without hesitation, to Jan."

Robert W. Goldsmith headshot
Robert Goldsmith

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is an energetic and humane lawyer. He works hard on his cases and is respected in the legal community. You can't go wrong with Jan Olson as your lawyer."

Peter William Mogren headshot
Peter Mogren

Criminal defense lawyer | May 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jan Olson is an outstanding criminal defense lawyer. When I have a client with a criminal issue, Jan is always at the top of my list of attorneys I refer to. Each of those clients have reported back with high praise of his excellent representation, going beyond their expectation. Jan does not just wait for charges to be filed, but works with the detectives and prosecutors behind the scenes to get them dismissed or reduced even before filing. I highly recomend Jan without any reservation."

Peter J. Peaquin headshot
Peter Peaquin

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jan has been an accomplished and well respected criminal defense attorney for well over twenty years. He successfully combines zealous advocacy with artful negotiation skills to effectively represent his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Raymond W. Ejarque headshot
Raymond Ejarque

Criminal defense lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jan is one of the most aggressive, effective, and well respected lawyers in the Seattle area. I first met Jan over fifteen years ago when I was a public defender in Wenatchee. He was the attorney for the opposing party. I was floored by his brilliant legal tactics and strategies. I knew that he was an attorney I could learn from. Since then I have seen Jan in action many times in Seattle. He is a very effective advocate for his cleints. He is smart and knows how to present a defense to obtain the best results. Jan is not afraid to take on very complex cases with high stakes. Over many years of practice, he has earned the the respect of Judges, prosecutors, other attorneys, and most importantly, his clients. If my family or friends ever need a high powered, very experienced defense attorney, Jan is the first person I would send them to."

Ronald E. Glessner headshot
Ronald Glessner

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jan since I commenced my practice in 1981. He is a competent, highly skilled and ethical member of the Washington State Bar. His skill and knowledge in criminal cases is exceptional. Even prior to any charges being filed against a cleint, on occasions where it is possible, I have observed his ability to communicate effectively with invesitgating detectives and/or the prosecutor's office to minimize the impact of charges if possible. I refer my criminal clients to him on a regular basis and endorse him as a professional beyond reproach."

Wayne Peter Pellegrini headshot
Wayne Pellegrini

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. For the past 20 years I have referred criminal cases to Jan with complete confidence. Jan has handled each matter with the utmost professionalism and expertise. I highly recommend him."

Aaron S Kiviat headshot
Aaron Kiviat

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mr. Olson for several years and consider Mr. Olson a mentor. I can confidently say that he is one of the most experienced, ethical and effective criminal defense attorneys in the Northwest. His clients should rest assured that Mr. Olson will achieve the best possible outcome in their matters."

Karma L Zaike headshot
Karma Zaike

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Jan Olson. I am a Family Law attorney, and I often refer clients to Jan. Jan is always professional, knowledgeable and straight forward. I continue to be impressed by his intelligence and expertise."

William Karl Kirk headshot
William Kirk

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have handled matters both against and with Mr. Olson. As a former prosecutor, I found him to be incredibly competent, ethical and tenacious. As a defense attorney, I have consulted with Mr. Olson on several matters due to his high level of expertise. Mr. Olson is highly repsected by the prosecution and the bench and for good reasons. He is extremely competent, very tenacious and ethical in his approach. I highly recommend his services to anyone."

Patricia A. Fulton headshot
Patricia Fulton

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the privilege of seeing Jan's work in court and brainstorming with him on cases and legal issues. Jan uses his intelligence, attention to detail, and creative thinking to get exceptional results for his clients. He approaches every client with compassion and works hard to protect them through a very difficult process. If I, or someone I loved, was accused of a serious crime, I would not hesitate to hire Jan."

James Aubrey Feldman headshot
James Feldman

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I first meet Mr. Olson more than 20 years ago when he was a prosecuting attorney. I was very happy when he changed sides so I did not have to have him opposes me. Since then I have watched him many times in court and have sought his advise on strategy and the law on many occasions. He has always been very insightful, knowledgeable and professional in his actions. Jan is a extremely strong and effective advocate for his clients."

Geoffrey L. Burg headshot
Geoffrey Burg

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jan is one of the best lawyers out there. He is smart, tough, ethical and hard working. He takes some of the hardest cases out there and finds a way to win. I know this from experience - I met Jan when he had to take over one of my cases - a case with a set of very challenging facts and personalities. Jan was able to take this case to trial and get a not guilty verdict. If you are looking for a lawyer with these characteristics, you should contact Jan."

Raymond Charles McFarland headshot
Raymond McFarland

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jan is a dedicated earnest defender of his clients and one of the hardest workers I know. He puts his clients' interests first and works hard to get the best result possible each time. He is an effective negotiator with prosecutors and a persuasive advocate in court."

Michael William Bugni headshot
Michael Bugni

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse the legal abilities and work ethic of Jan Olson. He is a strong advocate for his clients. He thoroughly understands criminal defense and works effectively with the Prosecutor's office. He has years of jury trial experience. "

View All Endorsements
Kevin James Trombold headshot
Kevin Trombold

Criminal defense lawyer

Michelle Rose Ahrens headshot
Michelle Ahrens

Family lawyer

Zachary Charles Wagnild headshot
Zachary Wagnild

Criminal defense lawyer

Linda Lillevik headshot
Linda Lillevik

Family lawyer

Natalie M Beckmann headshot
Natalie Beckmann

Family lawyer

Robert W. Goldsmith headshot
Robert Goldsmith

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel John Ichinaga headshot
Daniel Ichinaga

Business lawyer

Peter William Mogren headshot
Peter Mogren

Divorce and separation lawyer

Peter J. Peaquin headshot
Peter Peaquin

DUI and DWI lawyer

Raymond W. Ejarque headshot
Raymond Ejarque

DUI and DWI lawyer

Ronald E. Glessner headshot
Ronald Glessner

Family lawyer

Wayne Peter Pellegrini headshot
Wayne Pellegrini

Family lawyer

Aaron S Kiviat headshot
Aaron Kiviat

Criminal defense lawyer

Karma L Zaike headshot
Karma Zaike

Family lawyer

William Karl Kirk headshot
William Kirk

DUI and DWI lawyer

Patricia A. Fulton headshot
Patricia Fulton

Criminal defense lawyer

James Aubrey Feldman headshot
James Feldman

Criminal defense lawyer

Geoffrey L. Burg headshot
Geoffrey Burg

DUI and DWI lawyer

Raymond Charles McFarland headshot
Raymond McFarland

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

SuperLawyer, Law & Politics Magazine

2000

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

N/A

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1987 - Present

Partner, Ellis, Li & McKinstry, PLLC

1900 - Present

Member, Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC

1992 - 1994

Public Defender, City Of Kent

1984 - 1986

Attorney, Attorney at Ogden Murphy Wallace

1982 - 1984

Attorney, Attorney at Law Offices of Michael A. Frost

Associations

1984 - Present

Federal Bar Association (Western District of Washington chapter)

Admitted to Practice

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

STATE v. SLIDER 38 Wn. App. 689 (1984)

Affirmed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1980

University of Idaho

JD - Juris Doctor

1977

University of Washington

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

CLE

DUI CLE

2013

McKinley Irvin CLE

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Gets Involved with Family Law Issues

2012

Weschler Symposium

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Gets Involved with Family Law Issues

2012

Legal Issues for Churches

Child Abuse Reporting

2011

Church Presentation

Child Abuse Reporting with Lennon and Miller

Publications

2016

Seattle Sex Offense Lawyer Buyer Beware – Undercover Sex Stings

2016

2016

Seattle Sex Offense Lawyer Extreme Example of Criminal Sexting Case

2016

Seattle Sex Offense Lawyer Prosecutor Misconduct in Child Rape Case

2016

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Jan earned significant contribution points in 2018.

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