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- Adam Ballout
Adam Ballout
Open for Business- Everett, WA
- Licensed for 13 years
About Adam
When the constitutional rights of you or your family are at stake, we make sure you are protected.
Adam grew up in Ballard, Washington and is an alumni of the University of Washington and the Seattle University School of Law. During law school, Adam clerked for the Chief Judge of the Suquamish tribe before joining the successful firm of Richard Okrent. Adam is a dedicated and successful trial litigator of civil cases which have included several high-profile cases garnering national media attention with a focus on reforming the child welfare system.
In 2011, Adam Ballout joined with attorneys Taila AyAy and Sarah Crane in forming the ABC Law Group LLP. Currently serving clients in Snohomish, King, and Skagit County, the ABC Law Group is a dedicated, experienced firm with a strong professional reputation and a passion for social justice and protecting the constitutional rights of our clients. Adam’s commitment to advocating for system reform and the reunification of families has led to a focus on dealing with complex contested child abuse and child custody issues.
In 2015, Attorneys Adam Ballout and Flint Stebbins exposed a VGAL spy scandal involving the Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem program caught engaging in theft, fraud, perjury, attempting to manufacture evidence against parents, discovery dumping, abusive use of litigation tactics, the destruction of evidence and spying on the Washington Defender Association attorney listserv for 4 years.
In 2017 Adam testified in front of the Washington State Legislature in support of HB1401 (signed into law by Governor Inslee in 2017) which now makes removal of a CASA/GAL/VGAL mandatory if they lie to a judge. HB1401 was passed by the Washington State Legislature unanimously.
In 2019 Adam was named as the WDA Court Security Taskforce Representative to the Board of Judicial Administration.
In July of 2019, Adam helped found the FIRST Legal Clinic (Family Intervention Response to Stop Trauma) a medical-legal partnership to help pregnant mothers avoid CPS involvement.
Outside of the office, Adam is a former US National Karate team member. Adam is the former chair of the Board of Directors for the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and former chair of the Board for Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County.
Practice areas
- Child abuse: 60%
I represent parents involved in dependency proceedings against CPS and DSHS whenever charges of abuse or neglect arise. This process typically begins at or before the emergency 72 shelter care hearing. Having effective representation during these critical times is crucial and can make all the difference between your child returning to a parent or ending up in foster care.
14 years, 500 cases
- Administrative law: 20%
Preventing and contesting "founded" findings by DSHS of abuse or neglect for parents and licensed agencies.
14 years
- Adoption: 10%
Helping finalize DSHS, step-parent and Private Adoptions
14 years
- Criminal defense: 10%
Defending against allegations of criminal misconduct.
Languages spoken
English
Photos and videos
Contact
ABC Law Group LLP
6303 Wetmore Ave
Everett, WA, 98203
- Office (425) 953-5699
- Fax (425) 953-5688
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| WA | Active | 2007 | 02/24/2021 |
| Legal answers | 13 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Reunification Hero | American Bar Association | 2019 |
| President's Award | Washington Defender Association | 2017 |
| Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation | Washington State Bar Association | 2014 |
| Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation | Washington State Bar Association | 2013 |
| Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation | Washington State Bar Association | 2012 |
| Clerk's Choice Award | Snohomish County Clerks, Court Reporters and Courtroom Clerks | 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation | Washington State Bar Association | 2011 |
| Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation | Washington State Bar Association | 2010 |
| Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation | Washington State Bar Association | 2009 |
| Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation | Washington State Bar Association | 2008 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Partner | ABC Law Group LLP | 2011 - Present |
| Attorney | Law Offices of Okrent and Wogsland LLP | 2007 - Present |
| Clerk | The Suquamish Tribal Court | 2007 - 2007 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence | President, Board of Directors | 2015 - Present |
| Mari's Place | Board of Directors | 2015 - Present |
| Olympic Legal Access P.S. | Board of Directors | 2015 - Present |
| Domestic Violence Services | Vice President, Board of Directors | 2012 - Present |
| Office of Public Defense | Contract Attorney | 2007 - Present |
| Rotary Club | Rotarian | 2013 - 2016 |
|---|
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| American Bar Association, Litigation Section | Using Legal Services to Keep Children in Families: The F.I.R.S.T. Clinic | 2019 |
| American Bar Association | Manufacturing Bias | 2017 |
| NWLawyer | Lacing up for social justice. | 2015 |
| Northwest Leaf | The Parent Trap | 2014 |
| King 5 News | Investigators: Judge considering legal first in Poca's case | 2009 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2007 |
| University of Washington -Seattle | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2003 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Congressional Listening Tour | Transforming Child welfare | 2019 |
| American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law | Structural Racism and Volunteer CASA Programs: Rethinking Who Speaks for a Dependent Child's Best Interests and What Practitioners Can Do to Challenge The Prevailing Narrative | 2017 |
| Washington State Legislature | Testimony in support of HB1401 (passed unanimously) | 2017 |
| Washington State Legislature | Testimony in support HB1251 | 2017 |
| 2016 Children's Justice Conference | Ethical Representation of Youth Clients: The 72 Hour Shelter Care Hearing | 2016 |
| CITA Training | Ethical Representation of Youth Clients: The 72 Hour Shelter Care Hearing | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Trial Strategies for High Conflict Cases | Making the Impossible Possible | 2014 |
| Pushing the Case Law Forward | Discovery Tools | 2013 |
| Housing Resource Forum | Housing Matters | 2012 |
| Reasonable Efforts, SBC and Negotiation | When Trial Skills are Not Enough | 2011 |
| Don’t Lose Your Case Before it Begins: Getting More for Parents at Shelter Care Hearings | Trial Strategies | 2011 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| In the Matter of the Dependency of A.E.T.H. Division one | Order terminating rights REVERSED. |
| In re: JP | Founded finding reversed to unfounded |
| In Re Dependency of T.T. | Case dismissed- Return home to parent |
Under Control
Posted by Vince
Wed Feb 11 2015
An Intelligent Lawyer.
Posted by Darrell
Fri Jun 27 2014
Jacob's adoption
Posted by Lorna
Fri May 03 2019
He protects foster families too!
Posted by anonymous
Mon Apr 29 2019
My legal saver during the hardest year of my Life
Posted by Helly
Sat Aug 18 2018
THE BEST LAWYER YOU CAN ONLY FIND!!!
Posted by Evelin
Wed Apr 11 2018
Lifesaver
Posted by anonymous
Fri Apr 12 2013
Huge Help With False Child Neglect/Abuse Allegation
Posted by Brian
Fri Jan 04 2013
CPS defender!
Posted by Beverly
Wed Oct 24 2012
A lawyer with integrity
Posted by Sean
Mon Oct 08 2012
Attorney endorsements
(18)Gail Nunn, Family Attorney on Jan 21, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Adam is a bright rising star in our legal community. He is very smart and has a heart, a powerful combination in this area of practice.
Lisa Micheli, Juvenile law Attorney on Jun 28, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I have worked with Adam as opposing counsel in many cases in the juvenile dependency arena. Adam is a formidable opponent and compassionate advocate. He has all the right qualities that make him an excellent lawyer. He listens carefully, works hard, solves problems and gets results. He has earned the respect of other lawyers and judges in the legal community. He is at the top of his game.
Jennifer Garber, Child abuse Attorney on Apr 25, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Adam has committed his practice to advocating for families involved in the child welfare system and to making the system more parent and child friendly. He works hard for his clients and has a keen eye for injustices committed against parents and children. I endorse this lawyer
Daniel Sheed, Child custody Attorney on Jan 21, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Adam is one of those attorneys who has the unique blend of compassion and killer instinct that makes an otherwise good attorney into a great attorney by comparison to most. If your case involves dependency issues or otherwise dealing with CPS, Adam's your guy. He's not afraid to ruffle feathers that need ruffling and will take clients' cases head on to ensure effective advocacy and the best result for his clients. I endorse Adam Ballout with zero hesitation.
Lorelei Munroe, Child abuse Attorney on Sep 21, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Adam is a true advocate. He is experienced, knowledgeable, well-prepared, and advocates fiercely for his clients. Adam is well-regarded in the community. I do not hesitate to refer clients to Adam, knowing they will be in good hands.
Adam is as talented as he is tenacious. He has plenty of experience handling contentious matters, but does so with finesse. I would recommend him to any client, and have trusted my own clients with him when there has been a need.
Douglas Borthwick, Child abuse Attorney on Jan 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Mindy Carr, Child abuse Attorney on Nov 9, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker
Adam is an exceptionally bright attorney. I highly recommend him for complex child abuse cases that involve CPS and criminal allegations.
Alia Ahmed, Child abuse Attorney on Jun 30, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Adam is a knowledgeable attorney. He is hard working and conscientious about serving his clients.
Mackenzie Sorich, Child abuse Attorney on Apr 2, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Adam is a smart, tenacious lawyer. His court room skills are top notch. He is dedicated to protecting his client interests. Adam also works hard to make improvements to the juvenile legal system.
Jennifer Langbehn, Child abuse Attorney on Oct 17, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have very regular contact with Adam in the dependency and child abuse/neglect arena. I find him to be a highly skilled attorney and a zealous advocate for his clients. He does not shy from confrontation, and provides sound advice and direction for his clients in order to achieve their desired outcome.
Flint Stebbins, Child abuse Attorney on Jul 25, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
Adam is an extremely intelligent and highly skilled attorney who is at the head of his field and provides great advocacy and results for his clients. I recommend him without hesitation.
Patricia Issberner, Child abuse Attorney on May 24, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I worked with Adam as a litigator in child abuse matters and found him to be one of the most talented trial attorneys I have ever met. I do not say this lightly as I have tried many cases. Adam has passion and represents his clients with that rare blend of passion and compassion. He goes the extra mile to win his case and he never gives up. I highly recommend Adam on child abuse, personal injury or any legal matter.
Heritage Filer, Child abuse Attorney on Oct 26, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Adam Ballout is an exceptional attorney. He is willing to take on the tough cases and is appropriately aggressive in the courtroom. Further, he is proactive and imaginative in problem solving. I have referred cases to Mr. Ballout in the past and will continue to do so.
Taila Ayay, Child abuse Attorney on Oct 25, 2011
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer. I have had the privilege of working very closely with Adam for over four years and I am always learning something from him. He is an outstanding attorney who has earned a superb and well-respected reputation among his peers and in the community. He is honest, relentless, passionate, intelligent and articulate. He fights hard for his clients, producing results that make a difference in their lives. I would entrust my closest friend and family to Adam's professional care.
Lisa Micheli, Juvenile law Attorney on Jun 28, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I have worked with Adam as opposing counsel in many cases in the juvenile dependency arena. Adam is a formidable opponent and compassionate advocate. He has all the right qualities that make him an excellent lawyer. He listens carefully, works hard, solves problems and gets results. He has earned the respect of other lawyers and judges in the legal community. He is at the top of his game.
Damon Shadid, Family Attorney on Feb 3, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Adam is a sharp attorney who really knows his stuff.
Gail Nunn, Family Attorney on Jan 21, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Adam is a bright rising star in our legal community. He is very smart and has a heart, a powerful combination in this area of practice.
Miranda Maison, Juvenile law Attorney on Sep 13, 2010
Relationship: Other
Adam is a true professional of the highest caliber. He is the type of attorney that makes us proud of our profession.
Martin Hodges, Juvenile law Attorney on Sep 3, 2010
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work. Adam Ballout works hard for his clients and obtains excellent results. Adam is a skilled litigator and well respected by the lawyers and judges he works with. Adam is a rising star in the legal community.