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


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

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

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

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 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Recommendation

Posted by anonymous | July 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

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 06, 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 | February 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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 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 | 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 anonymous | August 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Civil Rights

Excellent Attorney With a Kind Heart!

Without any reservation we would highly recommend Josh Saunders as a defense attorney. First and foremost he exhibited the highest character qualities and had the utmost integrity. We couldn't have asked for better representation to assist us through a very scary and confusing Title IX Grievance Pr...ocess at a university. We are beyond relieved with the dismissal of the complaint as the accusation was untrue. There is no doubt in our mind that the positive outcome of this case was the direct result of representation from Josh and the Marshall Defense Firm. This was an extremely sad and isolating time for our family. Josh's kind and compassionate nature was ever present throughout this process and he provided a much needed lifeline for our family. We never could have imagined the twists and turns this case would take, but through it all, Josh was always incredibly responsive and remained on top of countless issues at all times. Josh is very knowledgeable and detail-oriented. He left no stone unturned, educating himself with the university's obscure procedures and thoroughly researching and identifying all possible avenues and outcomes before offering advice or recommendations. His honesty and straight-forwardness was reassuring. Throughout this process we always felt listened to and supported not only by Josh but also by David Marshall who consulted on our case and their Paralegal, Tracey. We are so incredibly grateful for all you have done on our behalf to resolve this matter. Please accept our deepest gratitude!

Joshua Saunders

Replied last August 18, 2022

Thank you so much for this generous review. This was a case with some really unexpected and frustrating moments, and I am so glad it got dismissed in the end. Thank you for trusting me with such an important moment in your lives.

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

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

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.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution