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Scott McCleave Haapala

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Avvo Rating8.3
Scott McCleave Haapala
Scott McCleave Haapala
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About Scott

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

Scott M. Haapala is focused on bringing clarity to complex problems and providing individuals and businesses with the skills needed to properly form their startup, structure their ownership terms, negotiate and draft the contracts for hiring employees, purchasing a new company or selling an established corporation.  

Practice areas

OtherLimited liability company (LLC)Estate planningContracts and agreementsBusiness
  1. Business: 30%

    16 years

  2. Contracts and agreements: 25%

    16 years

  3. Estate planning: 20%

    12 years

  4. Limited liability company (LLC): 15%

    14 years

  1. Corporate and incorporation: 10%

    14 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1752414 1466446495

Contact

Scott M. Haapala, PLLC

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

Website
https://www.seattlelegaladvisor.com/ 

Ballard
Seattle, WA

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
WAActive200803/23/2021
DCResigned200803/01/2021
MDInactive - Retired200504/29/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers1
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
World Renewable Energy Congress AwardEuropean Commission2006
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PrincipalScott M. Haapala, PLLC2011 - Present
CEOAmplitude Energy Analytics2009 - Present
Managing MemberResident Participation Services, PLLC2008 - Present
In-House CounselAirco Energy Solutions2010 - 2011
VP of Legal and Regulatory LiasonsGreen Diversity Group2009 - 2011
Law ClerkEnvironmental Integrity Project2008 - 2009
Project AttorneyBaker & McKenzie2006 - 2007
ConsultantChief Independent Third Party Monitor2006 - 2012
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Washington State Bar Association, Corporate Counsel SectionMember2019 - Present
Washington State Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust SectionMember2019 - Present
Washington State Bar Association, Business Law SectionMember2011 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember2008 - Present
National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing (NAR-SAAH)Member2012 - 2017
American Center for Life Cycle AssessmentMember2011 - 2017
District of Columbia BarMember2008 - 2009
Green Diversity GroupMember2008 - 2011
American Bar Association, Section on Environment, Energy and ResourcesMember2006 - 2010
Maryland State BarMember2005 - 2008
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Health Policy InstituteHOW THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM REDUCES LIFE OPTIONS OF MINORITY YOUTH2005
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2005
University of WashingtonBA - Bachelor of Arts2000
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
2015 National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing ConferenceFive Things to Know for Successful Resident Council Elections2015
2014 National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing ConferenceResident Council Elections in Public Housing2014
2013 National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing ConferenceResident Councils, Advisory Boards and Commissioner Elections2013
2012 National Alliance of Resident Services in Affordable and Assisted Housing ConferenceIndependent Third Party Monitors for Resident Council Elections: Core Services and Results2012
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Negotiate Material and Service Agreement with a $150 billion companyExtremely 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 PortfolioAll procedures for advertising, screening tenants and processing applications were drafted along with the property management agreements, checklists and leases
Significant Savings in Employment Agreement DisputeClient's contractual obligations reduced from immediately reimbursing employer $117k to settlement of $65k over 3 years.
LLC Member DefenseClient retained ownership of all interests and opposing counsel was fired.
Owner Dispute Leads to Righteous ReorganizationCompany 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 memorandumMet target total commitment of $1 billion

Reviews

(9)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Scott Haapala

Works hard to understand my business and solve problems.

Posted by

I hired Scott when my company's debt spiraled out of control after defaulting on a commercial loan. Scott spent a lot of time with me to understand the quirks and nuances of the company's operations. He helped us get our debt to a manageable level and restructured our company from an LLC to a corporation to lower our tax burden. He told us about new state regulations that we didn't even know to ask about. No doubt in my mind that Scott cares about his clients. He's as invested in his clients as I am in my customers. I strongly recommend Scott Haapala for any business that needs a lawyer.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Trustworthy and experienced with nontraditional businesses

Posted by

I run a 9-year-old publishing company and have a weird mix of small business legal needs from minor sales contracts, to higher level intellectual property strategic issues. Scott has proven to be versatile in his approaches to all the weird issues I can toss at him -- including working with me for a "softer touch" on IP communications when I didn't want to jump straight to issuing scary cease and desist. He's earned by trust by being super transparent about his fees, including asking me before billing to file paperwork that I could do myself. (My response? FILE IT FOR ME, but thanks for asking.) He's got experience working with a pretty wide range of businesses, and I'm happy to say that he's been great representing my nontraditional publishing company.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Small Business Owner

Posted by

I was referred to Scott through a friend when purchasing my small business. As someone who knows nothing about buying a business, Scott calmed all of my nerves with this professionalism and his extensive knowledge. My timeline to close on the purchase was very short (less than 2 months), but Scott met the challenge with poise and grace! He was utterly patient with all of my questions. Exceptionally thorough when explaining the details of the purchase and sale agreement. Throughout the entire process I felt confident I was receiving sound legal advice and had a true advocate for my best interests. His honesty & transparency cannot be matched. As a new business owner transitioning from one industry to another, having Scott on my side has relieved a lot of stress and allowed me to focus on my business. Anytime I hear of someone looking for a trustworthy attorney, Scott is the only person I refer.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great legal guidance

Posted by

I have worked with Scott Haapala in both personal and business endeavors. He provides great questions to reach sound outcomes. In one particular instance he helped us secure a trademark that was a questionable goal. Scott led discussions that ultimately got us through this difficult process and allowed our business to receive approval from the USPTO after some difficult negotiation. The value he brought in this situation was long term thinking and in depth understanding of his clients unique needs.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Awesome attorney

Posted by

Scott has been my lawyer since the day we opened our office. He's meticulous, thorough and timely and reasonable. I recommend him for all your business needs
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Fantastic

Posted by

My Mother and I retained Mr. Scott Haapala to help us with removing renters from our home. It was the smartest decision we have made in a long time. He is efficient, kind, prompt, reasonably priced and most of all fair minded. We never once questioned his direction, ideas, or thought processes and when we had questions he was respectful and informative. He helped us turn a potentially contentious situation into one that moved smoothly from start to finish. He was our calm in the storm. I highly recommend him for any legal issues you might encounter. If he can’t help you he will point you in the right direction.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

One of the few trustworthy lawyers I know

Posted by

I have known and used Scott as my attorney for over 5 years now. He is honest, reliable and trustworthy. Scott is smart and able to think outside the box on complex matters. He has helped me with several complicated business contract issues. I have also used Scott to set up my corporation. I would highly recommend Scott to anyone that needs legal help.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Professional

Posted by

I worked on several elections campaigns with Mr. Haapala. I endorse this lawyer. He is a hard working, professional with great integrity. Respected and revered by everyone he worked with.

Scott is the man if you want an honest lawyer.

Posted by

Scott has handled a number of things for me as well as been general counsel for my company. He's unwaveringly ethical and a phenomenal human being in every way imaginable. To this day I thank my lucky stars that he is my attorney.

Attorney endorsements

(9)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Austin Nowakowski, Business Attorney on Feb 21, 2017
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 Terpin, Business Attorney on Aug 30, 2016
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 Kelly, Business Attorney on Aug 30, 2016
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 Hinov, Election campaigns and political law Attorney on Oct 30, 2014
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 Feinson, Contracts and agreements Attorney on Oct 29, 2014
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 Katz, Energy and utilities Attorney on Dec 3, 2013
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, Corporate and incorporation Attorney on Jan 8, 2013
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 Briggs, Environmental and natural resources Attorney on Jan 19, 2012
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, General practice Attorney on Nov 13, 2011
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.

Cost

RATES
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
      30 minutes
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card