Cynthia Renz First

PRO

Cynthia Renz First

4.7
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 36 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Everett, WA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Mediation, Child Custody ... +3 more

6003 23rd Dr W, Suite 250, Everett, WA

About Cynthia

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

37 years

50%
Mediation 25%

37 years

25%
Child Custody 10%

37 years

10%
Child Support 5%

5%
Family 5%

5%
Marriage and Prenuptials 5%

37 years

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2015 2013

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 36 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1989

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Port Gardner Law Group

6003 23rd Dr W, Suite 250, Everett, WA, 98203

www.portgardnerlaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Cynthia online.

Cynthia Renz First's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

30 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 12 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | August 23, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Great job with a horrid situation

Cynthia and her staff performed very well with an awful situation. Cynthia (and her staff) were deft and skilled in handling the twists and turns of a conflict ridden case. She was very professional, ethical, and always treated me with dignity. I trusted her completely, and she never let me down. ... I would not hesitate to ask Cynthia to represent me in the future.

Posted by Christine | March 19, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

Smart, ethical, and experienced - the top three things I wanted in an attorney. Cynthia embodies the definition of all three.

When I needed a divorce attorney, I asked my friends - who have you used? who do you trust? who is the best? Cynthia's name came up more than once, and after meeting her, I knew she was the right person to represent me. I knew things wouldn't be straight-forward, but I didn't expect my spouse to choo...se an attorney who was unpredictable, even bordering on unethical. Cynthia took it all in stride. I felt protected, no matter what came our way. When emotions clouded my thinking at times, she grounded me and helped me see that sometimes it's best to sleep on an idea, and come back to it in the morning, with a clearer head. Cynthia kept amazing control of my case, she kept me informed and she presented me with all of my options. She thought of things I would never have, and her experience and knowledge of the law was outstanding. I know I could not have found a better attorney, both for the work that was done, and for someone who was a good match for me. Cynthia has a great personality, she's easy to talk to - even when the topic is somewhat sensitive. She has a great sense of humor as well, something that needs to come out in the midst of any divorce case. She saw me through one of the toughest experiences in life, and she did so with dignity and grace. Going forward, when a friend or colleague asks me for a reference to an attorney, Cynthia's will be the one I recommend.

Posted by Chris | January 30, 2013 | Domestic Violence

Excellent and expert

If you can get Cynthia to represent you you have done yourself a big favor. My wife filed a spurious domestic violence petition against me. Cynthia not only made sure that the charge was dismissed with prejudice (an almost impossible task in a he said she said situation given the biases of the cour...t and its tendency to err on the side of caution in such cases). She also did so for her very affordable fixed fee. It involved her in something like 4 times more work than she had expected and handling many witnesses and hearing delays and yet she did what had to be done to overcome the charges. If you can get her you are lucky.

Posted by Jeff | January 30, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

Cynthia First review

Was always great with giving spot on information about all current laws for divorce and child matters. All paperwork was clear and precise and easy to understand. All meetings took place in a wonderful location and went according to the schedule that Cynthia laid out. I would highly recommend her to ...anyone wanting to feel like she cares about your individual situation. A true professional in all senses.

Posted by Corinne | January 30, 2013 | Child Custody

Cynthia's work secured my children’s future safety and stability

Cynthia worked on my behalf in collaboration with another attorney over the past year to win custody, child support, division of assets, and court mandated intervention for my ex's aberrant behaviors. Working with her I received comfort and encouragement through each step of the process. She is... accustomed to dealing with dysfunctional respondents and protected me from so much nonsense and grief. Cynthia is sharp, confidant, attentive, creative, and extensively networked. As a result of her commitment to me and my children, we have an outcome I never would have had access to without her. I enthusiastically recommend Cynthia!

See All Client Reviews

Cynthia Renz First's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Cynthia
Brian Parker headshot
Brian Parker

Family lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Co-worker

"In the years I have known Cynthia, she has never once failed to meet the highest standards. She is, without a doubt, one of Northwest Washington's finest family law attorneys."

Robert Norwood Getz headshot
Robert Getz

Family lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Presently we have a difficult child custody case together going back roughly 2 years. Cynthia is ever prepared and zealous giving away nothing, but also sensible in looking for ways to resolve issues and protect the involved child."

Stephanie N. Petersen headshot
Stephanie Petersen

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Cynthia and I have been on the opposite sides of several tough cases over the years. We have also had occasion to work together on several matters. I have always been impressed with her thorough work product and tough advocacy, balanced with professionalism and a deep caring about her clients. I am pleased to endorse Cynthia and recognize her superior work."

Mark R Stephens headshot
Mark Stephens

Family lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Cynthia is a respected experienced attorney in her field. I strongly recommend her."

Damon Hooper Canfield headshot
Damon Canfield

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had multiple cases involving Ms. First as opposing counsel. She has always, in my opinion, provided strong advocacy on behalf on her clients while clearly giving sound legal advice to them as well. I would not hesitate to refer a matter to Ms. First."

Jeanine Ann Vhan headshot
Jeanine Vhan

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 18

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with and known Cynthia for the past several years. She is extremely bright and knowledgable. She is also easy to work with even in an adversarial setting. She is also a wonderful collaborative attorney as I have worked with her in this areana as well. She really listens to clients and opposing counsel and tries to find practical solutions. I recommend and endorse her."

Billie L Grissom headshot
Billie Grissom

Family lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Cynthia on a couple of different collaborative law cases now, and she is a brilliant attorney. Not only does she offer her clients advocacy during a time of crisis, she does it in such a manner so as to uphold and maintain the client's integrity. In a collaborative team setting, Cynthia is a true team player - I could not ask for a more worthy and qualified attorney on the other side."

Brad Allan Lancaster headshot
Brad Lancaster

Family lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have known Cynthia First for three years. I have worked with her on several collaborative cases, an approach to family law that seeks better resolutions than can be provided to families in transition by the court system. Cynthia's mind and legal knowledge are first rate. Her organization is superior. But most important, Cynthia cares about people--her clients, the other party in disputes, her opposing counsel (which I have much appreciated). Everyone who completes law school and passes the Bar examination has a modicum of knowledge. Not everyone who passes the Bar examination is a good human being. Cynthia First is a good human being. You will be glad you employed her, if you need legal representation."

View All Endorsements
Patricia Jo Nelson headshot
Patricia Nelson

Family lawyer

Jeanine Ann Vhan headshot
Jeanine Vhan

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, superlawyers.com

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Owner/Attorney, Port Gardner Law Group

2004 - 2011

Attorney, Partner at Schwimmer First, LLP

1999 - 2004

Partner, Law Offices of Cynthia R. First

1999 - 2004

Commissioner, Snohomish County Public Utility District

1993 - 1999

Partner, Keithly Weed Graafstra First and Benson, PLLC

1989 - 1993

Attorney, Foster Pepper & Shefelmann

Associations

2008 - Present

King County Collaborative Law

Member

2008 - Present

Collaborative Professionals of Washington

Member

2008 - Present

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Member

2001 - Present

United States Supreme Court Bar

Member

1995 - Present

Snohomish County Bar Association

Member

1990 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

1989 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

1989 - Present

King County Bar Association

Member

1989 - Present

King County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2011 - 2015

King County Collaborative Law

Board Member

2011 - 2013

King County Collaborative Law

Chair, Legislative Committee

2009 - 2011

Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Executive Committee

Board Member

1990 - 1995

United States District Court Western District of Washington

Member

1990 - 1995

United States District Court Eastern District of Washington

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Pepper v. J.J. Welcome Construction

Jury found for our client, plaintiff

Pepper v. King County

Favorable for client

In re Western Processing

Favorable result for client.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1989

Seattle University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

Miami University of Ohio

M.En.

N/A

Miami University of Ohio

B.Phil.

Speaking Engagements

2011

Family Law Midyear Conference

Ethics of Collaborative Law

2011

Collaborative Professionals of Washington Annual Conference

Forming a Hunter Gatherer Practice Group

2010

Intersection of Family and Elder Law: Strategic Solutions

Legislative Changes in Family Law

Publications

2011

Hofstra Law Review Forming a Hunter Gatherer Practice Group
Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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