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Melissa Odama Hart
About Melissa
Biography
As an American whose father was born in a Colorado internment camp during World War II, I have always been aware of the human consequences that result from legal decisions. My firm is committed to seeking justice for every client through caring counsel and responsive service.
I am dedicated to providing the best possible representation for my clients. I am an aggressive, diligent trial lawyer who is not afraid of the courtroom. I never back down from a challenge. My practice focuses primarily on car accident cases where I find great satisfaction advocating for persons who have been injured through no fault of their own by the negligence of another. I give victims and their families full support as my firm presses to maximize compensation at trial or through a favorable settlement.
I bring to the table a wealth of experience. I spent the first eight years of my career as a public defender fighting for and protecting the constitutional rights of those charged with adult and juvenile misdemeanor and felony offenses. I have also garnered great trial experience in both civil defense and civil plaintiff's work. I have worked as in-house counsel for a large insurance company defending company insureds from tort claims. My firm is committed to making sure that justice is served as promptly and completely as is possible under Washington law.
A few years ago, my father died due to someone else's negligence. This was an extremely traumatic event for my family. I personally know what it's like to have a loved one killed in a car accident due to someone else's negligence. Having gone through this experience, I understand the human component to this. I know how important it is to have someone on your side fighting to make sure justice is obtained.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Car Accident
95%
6 years
Personal Injury
5%
6 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
33%-40%
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 22 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Location
Seattle Car Accident Law Firm
155 NE 100th Street, Suite 210, Seattle, WA, 98125
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Melissa Odama Hart's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 28 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Angelique | April 5, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Representation
Just wrapped up a personal injury case with this attorney. In my experience, Melissa is a dedicated advocate to her clients. She is thorough, organized, knowledgable, and honest. She will take the time to explain legal concepts to clients and is forthright even when it isn't good news, or she thinks ...
Posted by Beverly | February 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Outstanding Attorney
Melissa Odama Hart is an exceptional attorney who will go to battle and negotiate a fair settlement. I am extremely please in her handling of my personal injury case.
Posted by Dan | January 4, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Top notch attorney
Melissa is by far the most skilled, responsive, and professional attorney that I have ever been represented by (total of five in my life). Melissa was able to quickly examine all the information related to the case, develop an approach that was well thought out and strategic, and that she felt woul...
Melissa Odama Hart
Replied last January 6, 2020Thank you, Dan! It was my pleasure helping you. Wishing you and your family the very best!
Posted by Selina | June 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Professional, Knowledgeable, Detail-Oriented, and a Delight To Work With
Melissa and her team are professional, detailed, respectful, and super responsive (which is hard to come by). Melissa represented me in a complicated and difficult (dealing with AllState) case where I got into 3 car accidents one after another before treatment for the previous one was done. Melissa d...
Melissa Odama Hart
Replied last June 19, 2019Thank you, Selina. I am so happy I was able to help you with your case. You were a delight to work with and to get to know. Please keep in touch! :)
Posted by Richard | February 1, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Successful defense
A family member was charged with a misdemeanor and then another later on. Ms. Hart was able to successfully defend them, and my family member wound up with no criminal record. She was easy to work with and very competent in my opinion.
Melissa Odama Hart's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Melissa is a great attorney. She has office space in my office so I get to see how much she does for her clients. She is passionate about helping them both her criminal clients as well as her personal injury practice. She is hardworking, competent and not afraid to fight for them!"
"Melissa is a talented and respected lawyer who fights hard for her clients. She is an lawyer that you can trust to do a great job for your case."
"Melissa is dedicated, courteous, and bright. She has a tremendous amount of courtroom experience and always handles herself with professionalism in the courtroom. Melissa cares about getting getting great results for her clients and works hard to make that happen. I recommend Melissa for personal injury work."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Melissa on personal injuryh and criminal law matters. I view Ms. Odama as an attorney who is diligent and hard working, and someone who does not rest until she has achieved the best possible result for her clients."
"Melissa is an outstanding attorney. I met Melissa when she was working as a felony unit public defender. She fights hard for her clients and is truly passionate about her work. She is a great resource for other attorneys as well, as she has extensive knowledge of criminal defense issues and personal injury law. I would recommend Melissa to anyone in need of a criminal defense or personal injury lawyer."
"Melissa is an extremely talented lawyer. She is bright, compassionate and an aggressive advocate. She is a supportive colleague. I would strongly endorse this lawyer."
"I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Odama when were both public defenders, so I have observed first-hand how professional and dedicated she is. She is an especially talented trial lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Melissa since Law School, and have been impressed by her ever since. I've had a chance to see her in court several times, and I consider her to be highly professional and formidable as a defense counsel. I wouldn't hesitate to refer to her."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Odama has an outstanding work ethic. She is very understanding and cares about her clients. Each clilent and each case are given 110% and Ms. Odama gets results. I would trust Ms. Odama with my own case or that of my family."
"I strongly endorse this lawyer. Whether it is a personal injury or a criminal defense, Melissa Odama is the attorney you want fighting for you. Melissa is an excellent attorney who is always well prepared, thoughtful, passionate about the law, and a tremendous advocate. I feel privileged to work with Melissa and would not hesitate to recommend her to my own family or friends for personal injury or criminal defense."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Odama is a very experienced trial attorney who works hard fighting for her clients. She is very passionate about the law and dedicated to improving her craft."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Odama is a very knowledgeable attorney."
"Melissa is a bright and talented attorney. She cares deeply about her client and will not let them down. Her sense of honor and duty is why the jury finds in her favor. You will get first class legal representation hiring her as your lawyer. I worked with Melissa at Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, and she is excellent."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Melissa is a bright and talented attorney. She cares deeply about her client and will not let them down. Her sense of honor and duty is why the jury finds in her favor. You will get first class legal representation hiring her as your lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great attorney."
"I worked with Melissa in the same law firm. She is an excellent trial attorney. She done a lot of trials. She is very intelligent and creative. She is also dedicated to her clients. I endorse her."
"Ms. Odama is an extremely passionate and knowledgeable trial attorney. Her training is among the best in her field. If you want a lawyer to work hard for you and believe in what's due you, hire Ms. Melissa Odama."
"I endorse this lawyer and highly recommend her without reservation. We have been opposing counsel against each other on numerous cases over the past 8 years and we have tried numerous cases against each other. She is a highly skilled trial attorney and litigator and epitomizes the qualities of the best trial attorney; aggressive, zealous, knowledgeable, and compassionate. She is very quick on her feet and she is very well spoken, articulate and eloquent in her delivery. She has a strong command of the law and its nuances. Again, I endorse her without reservation."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Top 100 Litigation Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates
2017
2017 Best of Bellevue Awards for Local Business., Bellevue Award Program
2017
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Listed, Who's Who Legal
2011
Warrior/Graduate, Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College
2003
Access to Justice Volunteer Recognition Award, Seattle University School of Law
2000
Phi Beta Kappa, Seattle Pacific University
2000
Dean's List, Seattle Pacific University
1999
Dean's List, Seattle Pacific University
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Owner, Seattle Car Accident Law Firm
2011 - 2013
Trial Lawyer, The Blair Firm
2006 - 2007
In House Counsel, Allstate Insurance / Encompass Insurance Staff Counsel
2003 - 2011
Public Defender, Associated Counsel For The Accused
Associations
2011 - Present
Washington State Association for JusticeEagle Member
2008 - Present
Trial Lawyers CollegeMember
2007 - Present
Asian Bar Association of WashingtonMember
2003 - Present
Washington Defenders AssociationMember
2003 - Present
King County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Defendant
DUI amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree
State v. Defendant
Dismissed
Plaintiff v. Defendant
Settlement
State v. Defendant
DUI reduced to Negligent Driving 1st Degree
State v. Defendant
Dismissed with Prejudice
Plaintiff v. Orange Cab
$355,000
Plaintiff v. Allstate Insurance Company
Verdict $235,000
State v. Defendant
Plea to non strike offense.
State v. Defendant
Dismissed
Education
2011
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College
M.F. Warrior
2003
Seattle University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2000
Seattle Pacific University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Speaking Engagements
2009
Totally Tuesday CLE
Discovering The Story
2008
Your Family Law Practice in the 21st Century
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Publications
2000
Literary Publication
Second Essence
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
If I was hit by another driver, who fled the scene, do I have a legal requirement to report the incident to my insurance?
30 Jan 2019
Q&A
How how long do I have to report a car accident to the police before I get the insurance involved?
28 Nov 2018
Q&A
I’m on a 2 year probation on one case but just got a bench warrant on another case. Will this put me in violation of my probatio
23 Mar 2018