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PRO
also known as Jan P. Olson
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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.
4
Practice Areas
45 years | 3,500 cases
45 years | 3,500 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
State: Washington
Acquired: 1981
No misconduct found
Fax
1700 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1810, Seattle, WA, 98121
elmlaw.com/attorneys/jan-p-olson/
Other places you can find Jan online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 56 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Jingling | January 12, 2026 | Hired Attorney
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
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
He was always available to discuss questions and concerns. His comprehensive knowledge was evident.
Posted by anonymous | June 7, 2024 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by anonymous | May 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney
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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Jan has proven to be a very valuable resource for clients/referrals who need strong, effective and thorough representation. I heartily endorse him."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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. "
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Business lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
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
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
1984 - Present
Federal Bar Association (Western District of Washington chapter)Admitted to Practice
Member
Affirmed
1980
JD - Juris Doctor
1977
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2014
DUI CLE
2013
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Gets Involved with Family Law Issues
2012
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Gets Involved with Family Law Issues
2012
Child Abuse Reporting
2011
Child Abuse Reporting with Lennon and Miller
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
English
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Jan earned significant contribution points in 2018.
What happens if you steal Money?
16 Sep 2024
Possible underage girl scam?
19 Jul 2024
If my child's father and my sister are having sex does it make it incest since my child is both directly blood related to them?
11 Jul 2024