Scott McCleave Haapala

PRO

Scott McCleave Haapala

also known as Seattle Legal Advisor

5.0
Rating: 8.4

Licensed for 20 years

Business Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Business, Contracts & Agreements, Estate Planning ... +2 more

12036 26th Ave. S., Seattle, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Scott

Biography

Full suite legal service provider for businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals.

Helping clients form, manage and grow their businesses is a passion of mine.

Doing business on a handshake can be dangerous.

Ensuring compliance with the law for shareholders, directors, employees and other stakeholders.

Preparing for your death or incapacity can be overwhelming without help.

Is an LLC right for you? Are all the members on the same page?

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Business 30%

21 years

30%
Contracts and Agreements 25%

21 years

25%
Estate Planning 20%

17 years

20%
Limited Liability Company (LLC) 15%

19 years

15%
Corporate and Incorporation 10%

19 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 17 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 17 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2008

Resigned

No misconduct found

Licensed in Maryland for 20 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 2005

Inactive - Retired

No misconduct found

Location

Seattle Legal Advisor

12036 26th Ave. S., Seattle, WA, 98168

seattlelegaladvisor.com/

Law Offices of Scott McCleave Haapala

Ballard, Seattle, WA

seattlelegaladvisor.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Scott online.

Scott McCleave Haapala's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

16 Client Reviews

5 star (16)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | May 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great attorney

I'm incredibly grateful for Scott's support after my father's unexpected passing. He guided us through the process with clarity, compassion, and professionalism. He was always responsive and sensitive to our situation, making a difficult time more manageable.

Posted by anonymous | March 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly recommended

Scott helped me with writing a corporate lease and reviewing my lease with my tenants. He was very thorough and updated the documents multiple times so that they are best suited for my case.

Posted by Alejandra | May 10, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Proactive, Personal, and Patient

At the risk of sounding like a bonehead, when I ask Mr. Haapala for legal advice, I always feel like I'm talking to a real adult! I recommend him because he is proactive, personal, and patient. His legal services feel like a gift from the gods because of his professional work ethic. For the past t...hree years, I've been researching and attempting several miscellaneous endeavors, such as becoming a first-time landlord and forming my own LLC business. I struggled to understand the legal requirements for many miscellaneous areas. Occasionally, I considered reaching out to one of those Instagram Lawyers, but they felt too unapproachable. Eventually, I decided to deal with my lawyer phobia and stop blocking my goals. After calling over half a dozen lawyers in my area, I was relieved when Scott Haapala was within my price range. (He also sounded oddly cheerful and upbeat compared to all the other lawyers, but I decided not to hold that against him!) After working with him on some items, I finally gathered the gumption to request specific accommodations for some of my disabilities. (I hate admitting to struggling in some areas because many "professionals" use such knowledge to infantilize or exploit you. Even worse, to some, you are the annoyance that "slows them down.") Mr. Haapala only responded with empathy and flexibility; he never made me feel like a bother for advocating for my needs. I hope I can continue to afford him! **knocks on wood**

Posted by Hank | February 2, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great lawyer, great guy

Scott has helped me with a variety of legal matters over the last several years. Most recently, he helped me set up my LLC so that I can rent my property for long term tenants. Scott is thorough and detailed and explains complicated legal information in layman’s terms. On top of that, he’s a good guy... who is always willing to help.

Posted by Lynell | September 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Look no further: An invaluable asset to our endeavor

My spouse and I have started, purchased, operated, and sold several small businesses over the past 25 years. This time around we were creating a start-up as a group consisting of 10 different people making up 6 different parties, so it was much more complex than our past endeavors. Before finding Sco...tt, we had consulted with several other attorneys who fumbled and mumbled their way through attempting to answer our initial questions regarding the unusual structure we were asking for, and we were beginning to become seriously concerned that we wouldn't be able to find someone who could translate our unique needs into a legal document. But after one conversation with Scott, we knew we had finally found the right person for the job. Scott was not only incredibly knowledgeable - which afforded him the ability to work quickly and efficiently - but he was also respectful, patient, professional, and ethical throughout the entire process. His counsel was creative, nuanced, thorough, and comprehensive. His exceptional competence has given us all a phenomenal sense of confidence and peace of mind as we move forward. We've hired many different attorneys for business purposes in the past and Scott has been the best, by far. Hiring Scott probably saved us more money (in potential future conflicts) then we'll ever realize. We would hire him again without a second thought.

See All Client Reviews

Scott McCleave Haapala's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Scott
Katherine Lynn Felton headshot
Katherine Felton

Business lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I was co-counsel with Scott on a commercial property matter involving environmental issues. He was excellent, and a very quick study of the environmental issues. He is also a good collaborator among lawyers, and I found him to be very effective and fun to work with."

Austin J Nowakowski headshot
Austin Nowakowski

Business lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"The first time I met Scott was when he offered help to a request I placed on a legal list server for attorneys. He not only provided me with the information I needed, but also offered to meet me for coffee the next week to make sure I had all the answers I needed. I highly advise anyone that needs assistance in business law to seek out Scott's assistance."

John Michael Terpin headshot
John Terpin

Business lawyer | Aug 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I highly endorse Scott M. Haapala. I have worked with Mr. Haapala on many matters. These include not only Business Law issues, but also Estate Planning, Contracts, Employment Law and LLC formation. Mr. Haapala is unparalleled in his vast knowledge of business law and is one of the most caring and concerned attorneys I have had the pleasure of working with when it comes to attention to his client's needs. He is very passionate about his work and is unrelenting in his desire to represent his clients to the best of his abilities. I often consult with Mr. Haapala on my own client's matters as his perspective is always fresh and intuitive. He is well-grounded and extremely creative. He is honest and considerate and values his attorney-client relationship to great measure. I most appreciate his ability to approach each case with the urgency that it deserves. In short, I highly recommend this attorney as his skills and respect for his clients are of the highest caliber."

Joseph Creed Kelly headshot
Joseph Kelly

Business lawyer | Aug 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I do not hesitate to endorse this lawyer. Mr. Haapala and I were colleagues in Washington, DC before he moved to Seattle, WA. Even though he's on the west coast now, we collaborate on business law cases and public housing issues. I've directly observed his professional manner and dedication to his clients - especially those who need help the most. Mr. Haapala has the highest degree of integrity and problem-solving abilities."

Todor Hinkov Hinov headshot
Todor Hinov

Election campaigns and political law lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a hard working, professional with great integrity. Resourceful and skillful in his work. Great addition to the profession."

Samuel Christopher Feinson headshot
Samuel Feinson

Contracts and agreements lawyer | Oct 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I worked with Scott on a major federal class action claim, as well as a smaller contract matter. In both capacities, I was impressed with his problem-solving skills, his knowledge of the law, and his affable manner. Scott is a pleasure to work with and a top-notch legal mind."

Justin P Katz headshot
Justin Katz

Energy and utilities lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have followed Scott's career trajectory from afar for many years. Though we haven't been in touch lately, I recall he was a hardworking, intelligent, driven and honest person. I wholeheartedly encourage those seeking legal counsel to hire Scott!"

Neil Juneja headshot
Neil Juneja

Corporate and incorporation lawyer | Jan 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. He is incredibly competent and thorough in his work. His dedication to his clients is unparalleled."

Alexis Wilson Briggs headshot
Alexis Briggs

Environmental and natural resources lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I recommend Scott for any clients looking for a warrior to champion their cause. He has an incredibly diverse background which he draws on to tirelessly defend both people and resources. I am grateful to have an attorney of his caliber advocating on the civil side."

Travis Mayor headshot
Travis Mayor

General practice lawyer | Nov 13

Relationship: Other

"I know Scott from law school. Scott is smart, professional and committed. He is open minded and has a diverse background. I recommend Scott as a lawyer and as a person in general."

View All Endorsements
Katherine Lynn Felton headshot
Katherine Felton

Environmental and natural resources lawyer

John Michael Terpin headshot
John Terpin

General practice lawyer

Austin J Nowakowski headshot
Austin Nowakowski

Business lawyer

Joseph Creed Kelly headshot
Joseph Kelly

Employment and labor lawyer

Todor Hinkov Hinov headshot
Todor Hinov

Election campaigns and political law lawyer

Samuel Christopher Feinson headshot
Samuel Feinson

Business lawyer

Neil Juneja headshot
Neil Juneja

Intellectual property lawyer

Alexis Wilson Briggs headshot
Alexis Briggs

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.4 (Excellent)

Honors

2024

Carta Certified Proficient, Carta

2006

World Renewable Energy Congress Award, European Commission

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Principal, Seattle Legal Advisor

2009 - Present

CEO, Amplitude Energy Analytics

2008 - Present

Managing Member, Resident Participation Services, PLLC

2010 - 2011

In-House Counsel, Airco Energy Solutions

2009 - 2011

VP of Legal and Regulatory Liasons, Green Diversity Group

2008 - 2009

Law Clerk, Environmental Integrity Project

2006 - 2012

Consultant, Chief Independent Third Party Monitor

2006 - 2007

Project Attorney, Baker & McKenzie

Associations

2019 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, Corporate Counsel Section

Member

2019 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust Section

Member

2011 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, Business Law Section

Member

2008 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2012 - 2017

National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing (NAR-SAAH)

Member

2011 - 2017

American Center for Life Cycle Assessment

Member

2008 - 2009

District of Columbia Bar

Member

2008 - 2011

Green Diversity Group

Member

2006 - 2010

American Bar Association, Section on Environment, Energy and Resources

Member

2005 - 2008

Maryland State Bar

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Negotiate Material and Service Agreement with a $150 billion company

Extremely favorable terms were negotiated for client including no rent for 3 years, guaranteed profits for the term and continued creative control

Real Estate Management Contract Portfolio

All procedures for advertising, screening tenants and processing applications were drafted along with the property management agreements, checklists and leases

Significant Savings in Employment Agreement Dispute

Client's contractual obligations reduced from immediately reimbursing employer $117k to settlement of $65k over 3 years.

LLC Member Defense

Client retained ownership of all interests and opposing counsel was fired.

Owner Dispute Leads to Righteous Reorganization

Company board awarded me with a plaque “For your efforts in rescuing our company from tyranny and guiding us along the path to an Employee-Owned Company: from all our employee-owners we appreciate your ceaseless hard work and dedication!”

$1 billion private placement memorandum

Met target total commitment of $1 billion

See More Legal Cases

Education

2005

University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2000

University of Washington

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2021

Resident Council Candidate Training

Resident Council Election Candidate Rules

2021

Polling Site Monitor Training

Resident Council Election Policies and Procedures

2018

Polling Site Monitor Training

Resident Commissioner Election Policies and Procedures

2015

2015 National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing Conference

Five Things to Know for Successful Resident Council Elections

2014

2014 National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing Conference

Resident Council Elections in Public Housing

2013

2013 National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing Conference

Resident Councils, Advisory Boards and Commissioner Elections

2012

2012 National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing Conference

Independent Third Party Monitors for Resident Council Elections: Core Services and Results

Publications

2005

Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Health Policy Institute HOW THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM REDUCES LIFE OPTIONS OF MINORITY YOUTH

Languages

English

Activity

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