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Ada Ko Wong
also known as Ada Smoke, Ada Wong
Virtual Consultation Available
About Ada
Biography
Ada Smoke (f/k/a Ada K. Wong) is the founder and Managing Partner of AKW LAW, a preeminent employment law firm. She is a well-respected employment law attorney known for her sharp advocacy and deep commitment to protecting employee rights. With extensive experience litigating complex workplace matters, Ada represents employees in cases involving sexual harassment, retaliation, disability discrimination, age discrimination, sex/gender discrimination, race discrimination, FMLA violations, wage and hour violations, severance negotiations, and wrongful termination.
She is recognized for her strategic approach, meticulous preparation, and ability to translate complex legal issues into compelling narratives for judges, juries, and clients alike. Through her practice, Ada has built a reputation as a trusted advocate and thoughtful leader in the employment law community. There is no stopping her until justice is reached, whether through early resolution, mediation, or trial.
Ada is the Dean of the Keenan Trial Institute, overseeing nearly 6000 students and 100 faculty members. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the Seattle University School of Law teaching Employment Discrimination. She serves as an Arbitrator in King and Snohomish Counties and mentors law students and lawyers across the nation.
Over the course of her career, Mrs. Wong has provided representation to both employees and employers. She draws on this experience to help her passionately fight to make sure her clients' rights are upheld. Regardless of the obstacles that may exist, Mrs. Wong believes that justice should be achieved and maintained - no matter the cost. She has an AVVO "Superb" rating and was awarded the "Client's Choice Award." AKW Law was voted The Seattle Times 2025 BEST IN THE PNW GOLD WINNER.
Understanding that employment law issues are often of a personal nature, Ada takes a compassionate approach. She believes in providing her clients with individual attention and personalized advice. Throughout the legal process, she remains accessible to her clients, keeping them informed about their options and the status of their cases.
During her spare time, you can find Ada on the yoga or Taekwondo mat or hanging out with her husband, daughters, and four cats.
Relentless advocate for you--EMPLOYMENT, DISCRIMINATION, RETALIATION, SEXUAL HARASSMENT, WRONGFUL TERMINATION
We fight to protect your civil rights, including excessive force, and wrongful death.
Top Discrimination Lawyer in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane fighting for your rights. We are relentless and fight to win!
Experienced employment lawyer focusing on discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, wage and hour, severance negotiations, and wrongful termination.
Top Business Lawyer in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane helping small and medium-sized businesses in all aspects of business and employment issues, including contract drafting, business disputes, hiring, handbooks, and more!
Top Car Accident Lawyer relentlessly advocating for the injured, including car crashes, bike accidents, pedestrian accidents, and trucking cases.
Experienced Wills & Trusts Lawyer to help give your loved ones the gift of certainty and support for the future. Let's plan for the future together. Call today!
Top Sexual Harassment Lawyer fighting for employees' rights with offices in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane!
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Employment and Labor
30%
Business
15%
Sexual Harassment
15%
Car Accident
10%
Fees and Rates
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 12 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 13 years
State: California
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Ada online.
Ada Ko Wong's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
96 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (96)
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Practice Areas
Employment & Labor (25)
Lawsuits & Disputes (15)
Contracts & Agreements (7)
Estate Planning (5)
Litigation (5)
Debt Collection (3)
Wrongful Termination (3)
Personal Injury (2)
Arbitration (1)
Business (1)
Car Accidents (1)
Discrimination (1)
Elder Law (1)
Immigration (1)
Power Of Attorney (1)
Real Estate (1)
Residential (1)
Slip and Fall Accident (1)
Tax (1)
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 96 reviews
Posted by Lenny | October 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
Great firm with great service
Ada and her team were incredibly professional and helpful with our estate planning. I can’t recommend AKW Law highly enough!
Posted by anonymous | March 10, 2025 | Contracts & Agreements
Forth Coming and Direct
Ada was forth coming and direct. She was able to give me the right advice in my non compete scenario and helped me feel confident on the items I needed to do to protect myself. The time was valuable.
Posted by kate | May 30, 2024
Empathetic and Knowledgeable
I was referred to Ada from a dear friend. I spoke with ADA and found her to be kind, understanding, empathetic, and knowledgable. In our time together, I felt heard and supported. If you are on the fence about what happening to you feels wrong, do not hesitate to reach out to Ada. The process was si...
Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2024 | Employment & Labor
Employment Contract Review Experience
Had a 1 hour consultation (30 min doc review, 30 min discussion) with Mrs. Wong regarding a future employment contract and how it affected me. She was quickly able to understand my situation and primary concerns. After a short discussion, she gave me lots of options on how to proceed.
Posted by anonymous | April 23, 2024 | Contracts & Agreements
Non-Compete Review and Consultation
Ada was very prompt and to the point. I had her review my non compete and offer legal advice. She was very thorough in her contract review and responses to my questions. I would highly recommend her for this service.
Ada Ko Wong's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer! She frequently speaks at various CLE seminars throughout the state and is a true rockstar of an attorney! She is very selfless and loves helping others!"
"A trusted colleague and fierce advocate. Ada is an excellent attorney who aggressively pursues justice for her clients. I consult with her regularly and find her to be insightful, strategically savvy, and knowledgeable. An incredibly hard working attorney who finds time to be generous with her time and her legal knowledge. Whether you are a colleague or a client you are lucky if you have Ada Wong on your side."
"Ada is my mentor and has provided excellent advice and resources for my practice development. She is a fantastic attorney and is leading a thriving law practice."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I first met Ada serving on the same committee for Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ). Thereafter, I contacted Ada related to an employment law matter for a personal injury client of mine. She has helped me walk through the complexity of employment law. Furthermore, I have attended few CLE where she presented her expertise in discovery and employment law. I endorse this lawyer."
"Ada is a smart lawyer who knows the law and works hard for her clients. She is a leader in the community and has served as president for the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Washington, in addition to other roles with the Washington State Bar Association. She also happens to be multi-lingual and licensed in multiple states. I am proud to know Ada and endorse her skills and knowledge as a lawyer 100%."
"Ada is a compassionate advocate for her clients. She approaches the law carefully but with enthusiasm."
"Ada is an energetic and savvy advocate for her clients."
"Ada is an outstanding trial lawyer. She is compassionate, dynamic, and driven as any attorney you will ever meet. Her commitment to civil rights is as passionate as her dedication to the law. My office has referred cases to this attorney and we are delighted that the success she achieved for our clients. Clients would be well served by her as an attorney."
"Ada is knowledgeable, professional and straightforward. She has great rapport with her clients, which helps her achieve great results. I strongly recommend Ms. Wong."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ada brings her talents & energy to bear in the service of her clients. She is respected for her knowledge & integrity. She is a credit to the legal profession & I'm proud to endorse her."
"Ada is very knowledgeable. She is genuinely committed to her clients and works very hard to make sure that her clients get what they deserve. If you want a lawyer who is invested in your case, call her. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
"I had the pleasure of meeting Ada at a WSAJ event. She was knowledgeable about a variety of practice areas, specifically, she was a great resource for an employment discrimination case. We also discussed a potential civil rights action and she was an invaluable resource who was available at a minutes notice. I would recommend Ada for any and all matters in her practice area."
"Ada is a solid resource for legal knowledge in her practice areas. I have had the pleasure of knowing her through needing associate counsel on a potential civil rights matter and she has been very gracious in our interactions. I look forward to possibly working with her in the future!"
"Ada Wong is an exceptional attorney. She is very knowledgeable in the law, court rules, and case precedents. Ms. Wong uses these strengths to properly advise and zealously advocate for her clients. Not to mention, she is a pleasure to to work with. I wholly endorse this lawyer."
"Ada is very bright, articulate, and very passionate about the practice of law and serving her clients . She understands the legal issues well and has a creative problem solving mentality. As her supervisor, I have been impressed by her analytical skills and her devotion to developing her practice. I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2024
Mentor of the Year Finalist, KCBA
2024
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
WYLC Local Leader Award, Washington State Bar Association
2014
WYLC Public Service Incentive Award, Washington State Bar Association
2009
Scholarship Recipient, Asian Bar Association of Washington
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Owner and Managing Partner, AKW Law, P.C.
2014 - 2015
Civil Litigation Attorney, Pivotal Law Group
2013 - 2014
Civil Litigation Attorney, Premier Law Group
Associations
2014 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember
2014 - Present
Washington State Association for Justice Trial NewsEditorial Board Member
2014 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
King County Bar AssociationDiversity Committee Member
2013 - Present
Washington State Association for JusticeMember
2013 - Present
American Inns of Court--The BencherEditoral Board Member
2013 - Present
Washington Employment Lawyers AssociationMember
2011 - Present
William L. Dwyer American Inn of CourtPublic Relations Chair
2015 - 2016
Vietnamese American Bar Association of WashingtonPresident
2013 - 2016
National Employment Lawyers AssociationMember
Education
2012
University of Washington School of Law
J.D.
Speaking Engagements
2024
WSAJ WOW
Starting Your Own Firm
2023
WSAJ GSS
Running a Successful Law Firm
2023
Washington Employment Lawyers Association (WELA)
Story Crafting in Depositions and Beyond
2023
KTI Employment Law Seminar
Mediation & Settlements
2023
KTI Employment Law Seminar
Written Discovery & Depositions
2022
WSBA
2022 Ethics in Civil Litigation: Client Communications & Ethical Issues
2022
WSAJ Employment Law Conference
Retaliation in Employment
2022
National Business Institute
Wage & Benefits Issues
2022
21st Annual CLE Bootcamp
Labor & Employment Law
2021
NELA
Lessons Learned in Zoom Trial and Punitive Damages
2021
National Business Institute
Wage & Benefits Issues
2021
AABANY’s Litigation Committee
Trial by Zoom: Effective Advocacy for Remote Trials
2021
21st Annual Labor & Employment Law Conference
Tips for Effective Use of Videoconference in Litigation
2020
WSBA
2020 Ethics in Civil Litigation: Common Ethical Issues That Arise in Client Communications
2020
Seattle University School of Law
Deposition Strategies in the Age of Covid-19
2020
National Business Institute
Employment Law: 2020 Comprehensive Guide—Avoiding Wage and Hour Violations
2020
23rd Annual Labor & Employment Law Conference
Plaintiff’s Perspective: Top 10 Common Ways Employers Invite Lawsuits and How to Avoid It
2019
WSBA
Common Ethical Issues That Arise in Client Communications
2019
Seattle University School of Law
Deposition Skills & Techniques
2019
National Business Institute
Human Resource Law From Start to Finish: Wage Issues
2019
20th Annual Labor & Employment Law CLE Bootcamp
Employment Law Insights from the Frontlines
2018
WSAJ Annual Convention
Discovery in Automobile Cases: Practical Tips
2018
Univesrity of Washington School of Law
Civil Procedure I: Panel Discussion on Discovery
2018
Seattle University School of Law
Depositions 101: Skills & Strategies
2017
WSAJ Civil Rights
Cutting Edge Civil Rights Issues: Police Misconduct, Homeless Rights, and Prisoners’ Rights
2017
WSAJ
Overall Discovery Planning and Differences in State v. Federal Discovery
2016
WSBA Legal Lunchbox
Over the Course of Your Legal Career - A Conversation on Professional Development & Office Management
2016
WSAJ WOW Conference
Lifting Up: Powerful Ideas from WOW Powerhouses
2016
WSAJ Convention
Diversity Presentation: Cultural Competence in Trial
2016
WSAJ CLE
How to Survive & Thrive in the First Years of Practice
2016
Greater Seattle Romance Writers of America
Help! Author Support Panel
2016
Effective Tools for the 21st Century Litigator
Updates to Federal Civil Rules and Comparison to Washington's Civil Rules
2015
WSCA Annual Conference
10 Things All Employers Should Know: From Hiring to Firing
2015
WSAJ EAGLE Legal Staff Brown Bag
A Case Walks In The Door: From Intake to Filing and Service
Publications
2022
WSAJ Employment Law Desk Book
Sex Discrimination
2022
WSAJ Employment Law Desk Book
Retaliation
2022
WSAJ Trial News
Silenced No More!
2021
WSAJ Trial News
The Present & Future of Trial News
2021
WSAJ Trial News
Employment Protection in the Time of COVID-19
2021
WSAJ Trial News
Remote Voir Dire: Virtually Divided but Still Connected
2021
WSAJ Trial News
Celebrating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month
2021
WSAJ Trial News
Nine Mistakes to Avoid in Remote Video Jury Trials
2021
WSAJ Trial News
Western District of Washington Local Civil Rules Update
2021
WSAJ Trial News
Police Officer’s Confession to Lying in Court, Suicide, and Admissibility of Statements to be Determined
2021
WSAJ Trial News
Counting Our Blessings
2020
WSAJ Trial News
COVID-19 Related Leave: Intersection of the Family Medical Leave Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
2020
WSAJ Trial News
All-Zoom Jury Trial
2020
WSAJ Trial News
Stop Systemic Racism and Police Brutality!
2020
WSAJ Trial News
Remote Video Depositions – Cringe or Binge?
2020
WSAJ Trial News
Conflict Checks – Are You in Compliance with the RPCs?
2020
WSAJ Trial News
Access to Justice and Mentorship
2019
WSAJ Trial News
New Overtime Rule in Effect January 1, 2020
2019
WSAJ Trial News
Baby Talk: Pregnancy-Related Leave
2018
WSAJ Trial News
Victory in the Second Circuit: Civil Rights Law to Include Sexual Orientation Discrimination Claims Under Title VII
2018
WSAJ Motor Vehicle Litigation Desk Book
Discovery in Automobile Cases
2017
WSAJ Trial News
Leverage as a Young, Female, Minority Lawyer
2017
WSAJ Trial News
SCOTUS Sends a Message to The Lower Courts: Stop Suing Police Officers
2017
American Inns of Court The Bencher
Networking, Marketing, and Everything in Between
2016
WSAJ Trial News
Employer Liability for Customer or Non-Employee Harassment
2016
WSAJ Trial News
Did You Know About WSAJ's Getting Started Series ("GSS")?
2016
WSAJ Trial News
Book Review: Case Framing
2016
WSAJ Trial News
Police Brutality and the Mentally Ill
2015
WSAJ Trial News
Johnston-Forbes v. Matsunaga and Biomechanical Testimony—Where Does That Leave Plaintiffs’ Attorneys in Excluding Expert Testimony?
2015
WSAJ Trial News
Young v. United States Parcel Service, Inc.: A Small Step for Pregnant Employees
2015
WSAJ Trial News
The Need for Clarity on Tasers—Excessive Force and Qualified Immunity
2014
Pivotal Law Group - The Insider
Understanding “Wrongful” Death Claims in Washington
2014
Pivotal Law Group - The Insider
How to Collect on a Judgment in Washington: Garnishments and Supplemental Proceedings
2013
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Do I have a case?
09 Jun 2020
Q&A
I need a employment lawyer to work on contingency for a case in Fed Court 4/18. Discovery in process, $310,000 lost wages
24 May 2017
Q&A
I was rear-ended by a tow truck and have a cervical sprain. Do I need a lawyer or can my insurance co handle it?
25 Sep 2014