Jan is an accomplished and experienced criminal defense attorney who cares deeply for his clients. Specializing in sex crime cases, he combines compassion with a forthright manner to help his clients navigate through the complexities of the criminal justice system. A native of the Pacific Northwest, he earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Washington (Go Huskies!) and his law degree at the University of Idaho. A member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, he has been practicing law in Seattle for over 35 years.
Jan is a world travel junky, an avid music lover and trivia expert – with a legendary vinyl collection.
Practice areas
Experienced & Aggressive Defense - Child Molestation, Child Pornography, Rape, Sexual Assault, Prostitution
40 years, 3,500 cases
Experienced & Aggressive Defense - Assault, Harassment, Domestic Violence, Drug Offenses, Sex Offenses, DUI, DWI
40 years, 3,500 cases
Languages spoken
English
Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC
2025 First Avenue
Penthouse A
Seattle, WA, 98121
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 1981 | 02/24/2021 |
Legal answers | 815 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2018 |
BV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2015 |
SuperLawyer | Law & Politics Magazine | 2006 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Ellis, Li & McKinstry, PLLC | 1987 - Present |
Public Defender | City Of Kent | 1992 - 1994 |
Attorney | Attorney at Ogden Murphy Wallace | 1984 - 1986 |
Attorney | Attorney at Law Offices of Michael A. Frost | 1982 - 1984 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Federal Bar Association (Western District of Washington chapter) | Admitted to Practice | 1984 - Present |
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys | Member | N/A |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Asked & Answered: Sexual Deviancy Evaluations | 2016 | |
Seattle Sex Offense Lawyer | Buyer Beware – Undercover Sex Stings | 2016 |
Seattle Sex Offense Lawyer | Court Ordered Apology in Sexual Assault Case | 2016 |
Seattle Sex Offense Lawyer | Extreme Example of Criminal Sexting Case | 2016 |
Seattle Sex Offense Lawyer | Prosecutor Misconduct in Child Rape Case | 2016 |
Seattle Sex Offense Lawyer | Teacher’s Sexual Facebook Chats with Student | 2016 |
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School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Idaho | JD - Juris Doctor | 1980 |
University of Washington | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1977 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
CLE | DUI CLE | 2014 |
McKinley Irvin CLE | How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Gets Involved with Family Law Issues | 2013 |
Weschler Symposium | How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Gets Involved with Family Law Issues | 2012 |
Legal Issues for Churches | Child Abuse Reporting | 2012 |
Church Presentation | Child Abuse Reporting with Lennon and Miller | 2011 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
STATE v. SLIDER 38 Wn. App. 689 (1984) | Affirmed |
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Michelle Ahrens, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 28, 2016
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 Fitzpatrick, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 20, 2016
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 Wagnild, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 18, 2016
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, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 5, 2016
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 Beckmann, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 12, 2015
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 Ichinaga, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 15, 2013
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 Goldsmith, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 25, 2012
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 Mogren, Criminal defense Attorney on May 9, 2012
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 Peaquin, Criminal defense Attorney on May 7, 2012
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 Ejarque, Criminal defense Attorney on May 4, 2012
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 Glessner, Criminal defense Attorney on May 1, 2012
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 Pellegrini, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 18, 2012
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 Kiviat, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 14, 2012
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 Zaike, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 11, 2012
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 Kirk, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 10, 2012
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 Fulton, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 5, 2012
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 Feldman, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 30, 2012
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 Burg, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 29, 2012
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 McFarland, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 6, 2009
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 Bugni, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 16, 2007
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.