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

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 10 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

Filter Avvo Reviews (22) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 22 reviews

Posted by Sri | December 27, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Family

Calm, Smart and Efficient Attorney

Josh Saunders is the attorney you want when dealing with extremely vexatious and false litigations. Im wrapped in a hell of a family law motion with a very vexatious opposing party. He was able to immediately get on a call with me on a Sunday on a referral from another attorney and talked me throu...gh the next steps. Once i retained him he took the time to go over the entirety of the case. He knows when and how to work with investigators and prosecutors to provide the right amount of detail at different stages of the case. Example he was able to get on a call with the investigator as well as email threads with the prosectuor at the right time to provide the documents needed without overloading the detail. He is smart, efficient and knows how to prioritize aspects of a case and proper steps to mitigate the situation. He is always there when in an emergency as all aspects of criminal cases always feel like an emergency, He is transparent and guides you through the process, very open to questions and approaches he wishes to take and overall I feel like he always has my back. He also understands nuances of South East asian marriages and customs very well which is always an added bonus. Overall, definitely recommend him especially in clutch situations. He got my case dismissed at a critical juncture.

Joshua Saunders

Replied last January 22, 2024

I'm really glad that I was able to help you undermine all of the false allegations against you, Sri. Before law school, I studied languages and cultures of South Asia and spent some time there. I'm delighted that I am able to use some of that experience to my clients' benefit now.

Posted by anonymous | June 04, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Really went Above an beyond

Josh and his firm were life savers for me and my family. When put in a desperate situation by gross State over reach, they did a good job of listening, believing, and then going into battle for me. I have had many legal situations in dealing with DCYS, and then the felony charges were brought again...st me. Josh did everything in his power, and more to make sure I received a fair and equitable trial. He does his research, is very prepared, and presented the case very clearly. My family and myself would highly recommend Josh for any criminal defense case you may have. If he is unable to take your case I am sure his firm would have another attorney which will serve you well. Even with the case dismissed he stayed in touched and aided with some other issues which he did not have to. If I could I would give Josh 10 stars.

Joshua Saunders

Replied last June 05, 2023

Thank you so much for this review. You were really a pleasure to work for, and I am so glad that we got your case dismissed after trial. I'm sorry that you had to go through the ordeal that you did but grateful to have had the chance to meet you and get this ridiculous case dismissed.

Posted by anonymous | March 08, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Smart And Dedicated Counsel

Josh did a great job working with me on my case. He was immediately able to get up to speed when I retained him and proactively reached out to everyone involved to get the ball rolling in finding a resolution. He pieced together a game plan where we worked with all relevant parties - the invest...igators, the attorneys, and witnesses - that allowed us to sow together the facts and present them. He was well-versed in the entire process, from beginning to end, and understood the subtleties of what could be done and what couldn’t. It was good to know that you had someone in your corner who knew the intricacies of the system and had the skills to navigate that system. There are a lot of attorneys in our society. Josh’s knowledge and his work puts him at the apex of his profession. He’s a trusted steward with the skills to match.

Joshua Saunders

Replied last March 21, 2023

Thank you for this fantastic review; I really appreciate it! I am really glad we were able to resolve this case with such an excellent resolution.

Posted by David | January 10, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Supported with Compassion, Competence, Clarity and Creativity

All of the above ( and more ) is what I am receiving from my partnership in working with Josh Saunders from The Marshall Defense Firm. From my very first interactions with Josh, I knew I was in great hands as I felt he not only listened, but that he TRULY listened in a way that I knew I was being he...ard. The false accusations against me were devastating and turned my world upside down. It was Josh's steady hand, guidance and his trust and belief in me that helped right this ship and has gotten me through some pretty stormy moments. Josh didn't spin any fairy tales to make me feel better, but rather provided outstanding clarity as to the process that lay before us and did so with not only with his keen professional competence, but also with the utmost of compassion and a high degree of creativity in bringing to light subtle details that I had not even considered. As we interviewed with investigators, Josh always displayed the epitome of respect towards whomever he was addressing and I believe in doing so, has been able to gain a number of concessions that will strengthen our case as we move forward. And while my particular outcome still remains to be seen, I absolutely know that I am more than well cared for through all of Josh's stellar efforts on my behalf. I no longer wake up in the morning with this nightmare staring squarely at me and for this alone I am truly most grateful!

Joshua Saunders

Replied last January 17, 2023

I really appreciate this detailed and thoughtful review, David. It's been a pleasure to work with you on your unique case. I hope we can continue to guide things in the right direction.

Posted by anonymous | January 03, 2023

The Best Service

When you find yourself in a difficult legal situation, what you want is to find help, honesty and understanding for the process you are going through. All that and more comes from attorney Joshua Saunders of his law firm The Marshall Defense Firm, P.S. I highly recommend them.

Joshua Saunders

Replied last January 06, 2023

Thank you so much! 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
Jason Jerome Greene headshot
Jason Greene

Military law lawyer

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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