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Michael A Schueler
About Michael
Biography
Michael Schueler has spent the last ten years defending those accused of serious offenses across Washington State and for the last three years, training the new generation of litigious defenders in King County as both a misdemeanor and felony level supervisor. From 2022 until July 2024, Michael also served as the Deputy Managing Attorney for Associated Counsel for the Accused. Michael has tried nearly three dozen cases to verdict ranging in severity from misdemeanor assault and driving under the influence, to murder with aggravating factors. Michael has consistently been at the forefront of litigation, providing briefing for other lawyers to use through the Washington Defender Association. Michael has also worked on systemic issues across Washington including City of Seattle v. Erickson, a case heard at the Washington Supreme Court focusing on racism by prosecutors in jury selection. This case was first time in Washington State history that the Supreme Court reversed a conviction due to a Batson violation.
Michael’s work on jury selection issues has led to multiple talks and seminars across Washington to other defense lawyers, judges, and prosecutors. He has also spoken nationally, providing insight to the judiciary of the state of New Jersey as well as attorneys in California, and New York as they began to adopt similar jury selection rules to Washington. Michael also spoke with the Duke University School of Law’s Inclusive Juries Project about Washington’s system of jury selection, and is a member of the Project's Advisory Network.
Michael began his career in Cowlitz County, practicing at the Cowlitz County Office of Public Defense from 2014 to 2016, handling misdemeanor defense, juvenile defense (misdemeanor and felony), juvenile status offenses, and adult felonies from crimes ranging from drug possession to murder. He handled numerous motions to suppress in a variety of cases, which resulted in multiple dismissals of charges, and successfully tried a number of misdemeanor and felony matters.
In 2016 Michael joined the King County Department of Public Defense – Associated Counsel for the Accused Division, one of the leading Public Defense agencies in the country. He began in the domestic violence misdemeanor unit from 2016 through 2017. In that time, he never lost a trial, getting not guilty verdicts or dismissals after the commencement of trial in nine straight cases. Starting in August 2017, Michael joined the Kent felony unit, becoming Class A qualified in January 2018. He remained active in that unit full time until being promoted to a supervisor role in 2021, though he still kept a number of felony cases including multiple homicide cases. One case, State v. Glaspy, saw Michael and his co-counsel successfully defend a young man falsely accused of killing his step-son over a nearly four month trial from December 2022 until March 2023. For his work in this trial, Michael was awarded the Anthony Savage Award by the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, an award recognizing an outstanding trial performance or result achieved by an attorney in practice less than ten years.
Michael is a 2014 graduate of the Seattle University School of Law, Cum Laude and was a member of the Seattle Journal of Environmental Law. He is a 2010 graduate of the University of Washington, with a BA in Political Science and Sociology with honors in Sociology.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
11 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 11 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
Location
Heyman & Schueler, PLLC
901 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800C, Seattle, WA, 98164
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Michael A Schueler's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Nate | November 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exceptional Representation and Highest Recommendation
I cannot speak highly enough of the outstanding representation I received from Michael Schueler and Adam Heyman throughout a deeply stressful and unjust case in which I was falsely accused by the City of Seattle of Indecent Exposure. From my very first conversation with Adam, they had my back. They ...
Posted by anonymous | November 7, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
He really delivered!
I was so stressed dealing with a criminal charge and Michael really came through for me. He and his team made sure I understood the process and got frequent updates. In the end they got my charges dropped!!!
Posted by anonymous | October 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best Criminal Attorney in Seattle
I reached out to Adam and Michael to discuss my criminal charge at Seattle Municipal Court (SMC) after my first lawyer was not able to get me a desired outcome. Both of them were very proactive in their approach. They understood the urgency of my timeline and kept me in-loop throughout. They have ver...
Posted by anonymous | November 28, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Highly Recommend
Michael Schueler is an exceptional attorney who made a stressful time so much easier. He was professional, kind, and kept me updated every step of the way. Thanks to his hard work, my case was dismissed, and I couldn’t be more grateful. If you’re looking for an attorney who truly cares and delivers r...
Posted by anonymous | August 17, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great service
A very good lawyer. Mr. Schueler, went above and beyond to help my family member. Would definitely recommend him. Thank you for all your hard work. Greatly appreciated it.
Michael A Schueler's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mike is an extraordinary attorney. He is dedicated to making sure his clients get the best representation. I supervised him at the public defender’s office, and we co chaired several cases. I always relied on his expertise. I was likewise impressed with his ingenuity, advocacy, and intelligence."
"Michael Schueler has a passion for criminal defense that is simply said, impressive. He knows the system well enough to advise his clients effectively as they navigate through the criminal justice system and has the necessary skills to ensure that they are represented as best as they can be. If there is an issue to be argued, Michael Schueler will argue it. He will give you a fighting chance. I endorse this attorney with no hesitation."
"Michael Schueler is a winner. In working with Michael in the past, I was always impressed by his knowledge and preparedness. He's an honest attorney that will fight for his clients' at every stage of defense representation."
"Michael is a skilled, knowledgeable, and talented criminal defense attorney. I highly recommend him for any case."
"One of the most passionate and driven criminal defense attorneys I have met. Michael is truly passionate about making a difference in his clients' cases every single day! I endorse and highly recommend Michael."
"I had the pleasure of getting to know Michael while we attended law school. Michael is a dedicated and passionate public defender. From our very first days in law school, he knew he wanted to become a public defender and worked very hard to achieve his goals. Additionally, I had the pleasure to assist Michael on a project where he taught a practical law class to high school students. Collaborating with Michael on this project was further proof of his passion and knowledge in the practice of law."
"I have had the pleasure of working with Michael in a complex criminal case, and endorse him without reservation. Michael is thorough, bright, and dedicated to his craft. The public defenders office and the accused of Cowlitz County are lucky to have him!"
"If there is an attorney who is genuinely passionate about criminal defense work, it's Michael. I've known Michael for about 4 years now. Throughout my encounters with him, he always showed a tremendous zeal for criminal defense work. He always talked about legal issues with radiating passion and enthusiasm. I confidently recommend and endorse Michael."
"Michael Schueler knows criminal defense. He really does. If I was ever in trouble, he is who I would ask to represent me. Of course, then I would have to pick somebody else because his contract only allows him to take cases assigned to him by the OPD, but my sentiment is still valid."
"Michael is a tireless worker. His commitment to public defense and his clients is unparalleled. Rarely have I met an attorney who will put all of his energy into his work. Mr. Schueler is that, plus more. His knowledge of the law is vast and impressive. I happily endorse Michael Schueler. Any criminal defendant will be lucky to have Mr. Schueler as their attorney, advocate, and counselor."
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Experience
Honors
2023
Anthony Savage Award, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2014
Cum Laude, Seattle University School of Law
2014
Pro Bono Pledge - Outstanding Service Recognition, Seattle University School of Law
2014
Dean's List, Seattle University School of Law
2013
CALI (Highest grade in class - Criminal Law Externship), CALI Awards
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Trial Attorney, Heyman & Schueler, PLLC
2016 - 2025
Felony Supervising Attorney and Trial Attorney, King County Department of Public Defense - Associated Counsel For The Accused Divison
2014 - 2016
Public Defender, Cowlitz County Office Of Public Defense
2013 - 2014
Rule 9 Legal Intern, Right to Counsel Clinic
2013 - 2013
Rule 9 Legal Intern, Associated Counsel For The Accused
2013 - 2013
Rule 9 Legal Intern, The Defender Association
2012 - 2013
Student Fellow, Washington State Bar Associaiton Moderate Means Program
Associations
2014 - Present
Washington Defender AssociationMember
2013 - Present
National Lawyers GuildMember
2013 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2019 - 2021
National Lawyers Guild (Seattle chapter)Vice President
2018 - 2019
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersCo-chair Publications Committee
2015 - 2016
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember - Public Defense Committee Member
2015 - 2016
Cowlitz/Wahkiakum Legal Aid ProgramPresident
2015 - 2017
National DUI CollegeMember
2015 - 2017
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Glaspy
Acquittal
Education
2014
Seattle University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2010
University of Washington
BA (Honors) Sociology, BA Political Science
Speaking Engagements
2024
2024 Appellate Judiciary Spring Confernce
GR 37 - Panel Discussion - A View from the Podium
2023
2023 Superior Court Judge's Association Spring Conference
GR 37 - Panel Discussion - A View from the Podium
2022
Ethics 2022: To Plead or Not to Plead
Tackling Bias in Jury Selection: Putting GR 37 to Work
2019
2019 WDA Defender Conference - Game Changing Strategies for Public Defenders
Better than Batson GR 37 - Where We Go From Here
2019
2019 Kitsap County Bar Association Annual Confernce
Better than Batson GR 37 - Where We Go From Here
2018
Social Justice Monday
State v. Erickson: Revised Batson Standard in Washington
2018
King County Department of Public Defense Harmony Conference
Better than Batson GR 37 - Where We Go From Here
2017
On Call Attorney Training
The 3AM DUI Call
2017
Know Your Rights Training
Know Your Rights
Publications
2014
Seattle Journal of Environmental Law
A Sinking Feeling: The Problem of Abandoned Boats in Washington Waterways
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I be convicted of bail jumping in Washington state for missing court even if the judge quashed the warrant?
24 May 2018
Q&A
If i dont return items to flexshopper can i go to jail
25 May 2018
Q&A
Can evidence collected in one criminal case be used to prosecute in another criminal case?
10 Mar 2017