Joshua Reed Saunders

Joshua Reed Saunders

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

901 Fifth Ave, Suite 2800, Seattle, WA

About Joshua

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 9 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2016

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in New York for 18 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2007

Resigned

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Joshua Reed Saunders

901 Fifth Ave, Suite 2800, Seattle, WA, 98164

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Joshua Reed Saunders's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

5 star (22)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Michael | September 23, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Excellent Consultation

Outstanding consultation. He addressed all of my questions thoroughly. He helped me to prioritize the most important aspects of the situation and let go of worry about what wasn't a concern from a legal perspective. Josh was also kind and sensitive to the stress involved with the issue. Highly recomm...ended.

Joshua Saunders

Replied last September 23, 2025

Michael, I'm so glad you found our conversation helpful. Thanks for your kind words and best wishes- Josh

Posted by anonymous | July 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Legal Support During a Critical Time

I cannot recommend Joshua and his firm highly enough. Josh helped me navigate a very difficult and emotionally exhausting legal situation that, at one point, felt like it could be career-ending. The stress was overwhelming, but Josh remained calm, clear, and incredibly knowledgeable throughout the e...ntire process. He took the time to truly understand the nuances of my case and was able to interpret the law in a way that not only protected my interests but also gave me peace of mind. His expertise and professionalism were exactly what I needed at a time when everything felt uncertain. Thanks to Josh's guidance and advocacy, I was able to reach a resolution that I never thought possible. I’m deeply grateful for his work and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone in need of legal support.

Joshua Saunders

Replied last July 6, 2025

I'm so glad we resolved your case without any charges being filed and was really grateful for the opportunity to help. Thanks for the recommendation!

Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Competent and Caring

I could not have been more fortunate than to have retained Joshua. He is highly experienced in the legal profession, takes the time to keep you informed, and deeply understands the importance of providing emotional support to his clients during what is often one of the most difficult times in their l...ives. Joshua once told me that he views his profession as one of "harm reduction," and I firmly believe he excels in that mission. He fights tirelessly for the best possible outcomes for his clients, giving them the opportunity to return to living healthy, happy lives. I was also lucky enough to observe Joshua collaborating with another attorney. He was respectful while offering fresh perspectives, constantly questioning whether there was a better plan or more that could be done. He is an invaluable asset to any team he joins.

Joshua Saunders

Replied last January 24, 2025

It was a real pleasure to work with you in this case. And I am so glad that we were able to get the charges dismissed in your case so that you could put this episode behind you. We all deserve a chance to live healthy and happy lives.

Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Honest and knowledgeable

I had a very serious accusation dropped on me suddenly, so I googled criminal defense lawyers. I spoke with several lawyers before speaking with Joshua Saunders, he quickly responded to my request and I was struck right away with his calm yet professional demeanor despite the fact that I was serious...ly emotionally stressed. I hired him right away because I was so impressed with his knowledge and ability to handle an extremely stressful situation with class and poise. My family and I are so grateful that we decided to hire him as he acted quickly and decisively on my case there’s no doubt in my mind that he made the difference in what could have been an outcome that would’ve been devastating to my family and I. He’s very experienced and knowledgeable of this region and has vast network of professionals he knows that he can call for assistance if necessary. 100% I would fully recommend him and I am forever grateful to him and his firm.

Joshua Saunders

Replied last February 22, 2024

I am so glad we got such a good outcome in this case and that I was able to help you through a difficult emotional moment. This was a complicated case and I am really pleased that it's behind you.

Posted by Stephen | January 11, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Expert Advise and Assistance

I reached out to Joshua for consultation about a complicated personal situation. Joshua provided excellent support, coaching me through the legal issues and next steps. I had a very satisfactory outcome and would highly recommend Joshua to others seeking defense counsel.

Joshua Saunders

Replied last January 16, 2024

Thanks for the nice review, Stephen. I'm glad I was able to help.

See All Client Reviews

Joshua Reed Saunders's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joshua
Emily Marie Gause headshot
Emily Gause

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Joshua and I have worked together on several complicated felony sex cases. I am consistently impressed by the passion and attention to detail he brings to each case. Joshua has a calm demeanor and measured approach to achieving great outcomes for his clients. He is highly respected throughout the legal community by fellow criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges. Any client looking for a compassionate, diligent, smart lawyer would be well-served by hiring Joshua. I confidently give him my highest endorsement."

David Hammerstad headshot
David Hammerstad

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Josh and I co-counseled an arson trial in federal court last fall. It was a massive case, involving dozens of witnesses, hundreds of exhibits, and a battle of the experts. Josh was fast on his feet, aggressive in his advocacy, compassionate with our client, and unflappable during the ups and downs of a several week trial. He inspired me to raise my own game watching the quality of his work. I endorse Josh without reservation."

Joshua Cole Wheeler headshot
Joshua Wheeler

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Josh and I have worked together on difficult matters. He is a smart and effective attorney, and he is on my short list of criminal attorneys to whom I refer my own clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Kristen E Gestaut headshot
Kristen Gestaut

Sex crime lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Josh is an outstanding attorney. He is dedicated, thoughtful, experienced, a strong communicator and an exceptional trial lawyer. He is highly respected within the legal community and consistently obtains favorable results for his clients."

Edwin Lee Aralica headshot
Edwin Aralica

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Josh and I worked together for several years. During that time he showed me that he cared about our clients and their well being."

Samantha Michelle Sommerman headshot
Samantha Sommerman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Josh is a truly great defense attorney. I learned so much from watching him in court in Snohomish County. He does not give up, even in the face of some ridiculous rulings from Judges. He drove the prosecutors nuts."

James Hal Medows headshot
James Medows

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I would definitely endorse Mr. Saunders. There is no case case in which Mr. Saunders does not advocate for the rights of his client. You would be extremely lucky if you had him as your attorney."

View All Endorsements
Sarra Marie headshot
Sarra Marie

Criminal defense lawyer

Benjamin Donly Thomas Moore headshot
Benjamin Moore

Criminal defense lawyer

Joshua Cole Wheeler headshot
Joshua Wheeler

Divorce and separation lawyer

Kristen E Gestaut headshot
Kristen Gestaut

Criminal defense lawyer

David Hammerstad headshot
David Hammerstad

Criminal defense lawyer

Emily Marie Gause headshot
Emily Gause

Criminal defense lawyer

Edwin Lee Aralica headshot
Edwin Aralica

Criminal defense lawyer

Leonardo M. Aldridge headshot
Leonardo Aldridge

Criminal defense lawyer

Benjamin C. T. Zeman headshot
Benjamin Zeman

Criminal defense lawyer

Molly Jack Gallivan headshot
Molly Gallivan

Criminal defense lawyer

Samantha Michelle Sommerman headshot
Samantha Sommerman

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2005

Review of Law and Social Change Articles Editor, New York University School of Law

1999

Research Fellowship, National Science Foundation

1998

Foreign Language Area Studies Fellowship, US Department of Education

1996

James Spradley Award for Excellence in Anthropology, Macalester College

1996

Deans List, Macalester College

1995

Membership, Phi Beta Kappa

1995

Deans List, Macalester College

1993

Policy Debate Award, Macalester College

1993

Deans List, Macalester College

Work Experience

2021 - Present

Attorney, Law Office Of David S. Marshall

2016 - 2016

Attorney, Snohomish County Defender Association

2016 - 2020

Managing Attorney, King County Criminal Defense

2012 - 2021

Founder and Board Member, Brooklyn Community Bail Fund

2011 - 2015

Supervising Attorney, Brooklyn Defender Services

2009 - 2011

Attorney, The Bronx Defenders Office

2006 - 2009

Attorney, Brooklyn Defender Services

2005 - 2005

Summer Associate, Morgan Lewis

2005 - 2005

Attorney, Essex County Public Defender's Office

2004 - 2004

Attorney, New York Civil Liberties Union

Associations

2024 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board of Governors Member

2021 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2021 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2016 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2017 - 2022

Northwest Community Bail Fund

Board Member

2016 - 2020

National Association for Public Defense

Member

2014 - 2015

Criminal Justice Operations Committee, New York City Bar

Member

2013 - 2014

Transition Team, Brooklyn District Attorney

Public Defense Representative

2007 - 2015

New York State Bar Association

Member

2004 - 2006

New York University Review of Law and Social Change

Article Selection Editor

2004 - 2006

New York University Prisoners Rights Education Project

Board Member

Education

2010

Bronx Defenders Trial College

2009

National Criminal Defense College

2006

New York University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2000

University of Texas

MA - Masters

1996

Macalester College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2025

WSBA Family Law Midyear

Nobody Can Parent from Prison: Managing an Accused Client’s Participation in Family Litigation

2025

Summer Training Central

The Sexsomnia Defense: Law, Medicine, and Strategy

2024

Child Abuse Allegations Conference

The Sexsomnia Defense: Law, Medicine, and Strategy

2022

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Modernizing Legal Writing, Co-chair

2021

Washington State Bar Association, CLE Committee

Changes to Civil Protection Orders for Criminal Practitioners

2021

DRAW Annual Meeting

Changes to Civil Protection Orders

2018

Litigation Academy

Opening Statements

2017

Litigation Academy

Storytelling for Lawyers

2016

Brooklyn Historical Society

Our Broken Bail System

2010

Community Defender Clinic - NYU Law

Public Defense Practice

2009

New York University - Lawyering

Public Defense Practice

2009

Community Defender Clinic - NYU Law

Public Defense Practice

Publications

2003

Legal Affairs Ramsey Clark's Prosecution Complex

2003

Legal Affairs The Comic-Book Bar

2002

Legal Affairs The Disobedient Dozen

2000

Text, Practice, Performance The Uncanny Suburbs

Languages

Spanish

Italian

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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