Adam Phillip Karp

PRO

Adam Phillip Karp

5.0
184 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 27 years

Animal law Lawyer at Bellingham, WA
Practice Areas: Animal Law, Animal & Dog Bites, Appeals ... +4 more

114 W. Magnolia St., Ste. 400-104, Bellingham, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Adam

Biography

An experienced animal lawyer handling cases throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Hawai'i.

The law pertaining to nonhuman animals arises from our connections to, and interactions with, all fauna. When conflicts emerge, they tend to involve professional animal care negligence, intentional or malicious injuries by miscreants, fatal altercations between species, and custodial interference.

Practice Areas

7

Practice Areas

Animal Law 70%

Inclusive of animal injury and death, veterinary malpractice, animal custody, animal cruelty, and law pertaining to specific species (e.g., canine, feline, avian, equine, etc.).

27 years

70%
Animal and Dog Bites 25%

27 years

25%
Appeals 1%

1%
Civil Rights 1%

1%
Constitutional 1%

1%
Consumer Protection 1%

1%
Medical Malpractice 1%

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 11
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Hawaii for 3 years

State: Hawaii

Acquired: 2022

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Idaho for 13 years

State: Idaho

Acquired: 2012

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Oregon for 24 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 2001

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Washington for 27 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1998

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Animal Law Offices, PLLC

114 W. Magnolia St., Ste. 400-104, Bellingham, WA, 98225

animal-lawyer.com

Animal Law Offices, PLLC

2355 State St., Ste. 101, Salem, OR, 97301

animal-lawyer.com

Animal Law Offices, PLLC

784 S. Clearwater Loop, Ste. R, Post Falls, ID, 83854

animal-lawyer.com

Animal Law Offices, PLLC

1001 Bishop St, Ste. 2685A, Honolulu, HI, 96813

animal-lawyer.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Adam online.

Adam Phillip Karp's Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 35 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Amanda | February 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Animal Law

Kind, dedicated and knowledgeable

From our first conversation, Adam Karp instilled confidence. He was the third attorney I consulted and the first that asked me questions that reflected an extensive knowledge of the law. Adam explained the legal process in a way I could understand and if I asked a clarifying question he graciously pr...ovided further explanation to ensure I understood. He is a genuinely kind person. During the first hearing, I observed how this kindness afforded him the respect of the judge and truly gave Adam the upper hand. Adam’s kindness and composure never wavered even when being provoked. I commend his professionalism and dedication to justice. I am immensely grateful for Adam. Holding the man that killed my Brümmel accountable was a critical step in my healing process and it would not have been possible without Adam!

Posted by Lisa | September 04, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Animal Law

If You Need An An Attorney to Protect and Defend Your Beloved Animal, You Found Him

I cannot begin to say enough about Adam Karp's knowledge of Animal Law and his ability to make a case for his clients. We hired Adam after one of our dogs unintentionally hurt a guest in our home when jumping off the couch. We knew the injury was an accident caused by a long nail on our dog's paw. O...ur guest believed the injury resulted from an intentional attack and a bite. Our guest called Animal Control, which ordered us to move our dog out of our home to another jurisdiction. Adam was able to defend us before the County Hearing Examiner who overturned the County's order to remove our dog. As part of his defense, Adam brought in an expert witness who has a very impressive history in the field of Veterinary Forensic Science. The expert unequivocally stated that the injury was not caused by a bite and that our dog didn't attack -- it was an accident. The Hearing Examiner ultimately agreed. Over the course of the many months this went on, Adam provided us with sound advice and words of comfort that we were in a strong position and would not lose our dog. I believe that Adam's obvious love of animals and strong ethics, coupled with his extensive knowledge of animal law, undoubtedly make him the best attorney you will ever find to protect and defend an animal you love.

Posted by Asa | April 08, 2023 | Hired Attorney

Professional, Courteous, and Compassionate

Hiring Adam was the best decision I made. He listened to me, validated my feelings, and then patiently and logically explained how the law applied to my situation. Throughout my legal issue, he provided immediate updates, kept me informed about what to expect next, and quickly responded to questions ...and concerns. He made my sad and unfortunate set of circumstances bearable. He's professional, courteous, and compassionate--to his clients and to the opposing side. I would recommend him to anyone and everyone.

Posted by Cheryl | July 02, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Insurance

Insurance claim denied

We hired Adam after high recommendations from a friend. My English bulldog had aspirated after a BOAS surgery and her insurance company denied the $13,000 claim stating that it was preexisting and therefore everything during and after the surgery would not be covered. We had carried this insurance co...mpany for 11 years, ever since she was a year old. I felt that the claim was being falsely denied. I tried to appeal it on my own and I kept hitting roadblocks, so I contact Adam Karp. He was amazing and he communicated what was going on. He answered my questions in a very timely manner. He kept me up to date every step of the way. He let me know every option I had and what the outcomes could potentially be. Adam, I can’t thank you enough for believing in me, for taking on AND winning Orion’s case.

Posted by Matt | February 03, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Animal Law

THE animal lawyer

My wife and I contacted Adam when our beloved Cherry, a chihuahua mix, was killed due to a veterinary clinic's negligence. Adam knows animal law like no other, he is the expert. He kept us well informed throughout our case of the risks and possible outcomes, and gave us advice accordingly. We cannot ...thank him enough for what he did for us.

See All Client Reviews

Adam Phillip Karp's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Adam
Yelena Itza Stock headshot
Yelena Stock

Animal law lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Other

"Adam is knowledgeable and responsive. I would recommend to anyone for their animal law cases."

Jeffrey D Coats headshot
Jeffrey Coats

Animal and dog bites lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have always had an admiration and respect for what Mr. Karp has done for animals and animal owners. He is one person I think about when reminiscing about why we go to law school, why we become lawyers. It is to use the law to help people. Mr Karp has worked very hard to advance the law in favor of animals and animal owners. He helps people. He is also a formidable opponent. I have had cases in litigation against Mr. Karp as a defense attorney. When I did, I knew I had to buckle up and really work hard because I knew he was going to advocate strongly for his clients. Once I had a case where he was also on the defense side representing a co-defendant who had a lot to lose. He crafted an outstanding defense for her and obtained a very good outcome. Even though I was much his senior I learned a lot from him on that case. I have tremendous respect for this man and strongly endorse this lawyer."

Raul Robert Martinez headshot
Raul Martinez

Animal and dog bites lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I first met Adam when he was representing a dog owner in a claim against the City of Seattle. Adam was passionate, diligent, tenacious, clearly an expert and though leader in the relevant law, and, most important, rationale and reasonable. After the case ended, I have observed that Adam has continued to evolve and grow the rights of animals and animal owners. It is no small feat for an attorney to single handedly grow a body of law, yet Adam has made a career of it. I cannot recommend Adam enough. He is simply the best in his field, and I know his clients are in excellent hands."

Edward S. Alexander headshot
Edward Alexander

Animal law lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Adam is a great person and a great lawyer. I have known him for years. I highly recommend him."

Stephen R Jaffe headshot
Stephen Jaffe

Animal law lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse and admire this lawyer for the work he does on behalf of animals!"

William Edward Rideg headshot
William Rideg

Animal law lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I recently had the pleasure of working with Adam P. Karp on a negligent animal death action involving several state and local entities here in Montana. His years of tactical experience and broad knowledge of animal law greatly aided our case, and resulted in our client receiving an outstanding settlement. I highly recommend Adam P. Karp as an outstanding Animal Law Attorney."

Gemma N Zanowski headshot
Gemma Zanowski

Animal law lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Adam for several years. We met while serving on the board of the WSBA Animal Law Small Section. Since then I have had the pleasure of working with Adam on animal law cases, speaking engagements, and volunteer projects. Adam has an enormous knowledge base on animal issues. He is a skilled and zealous advocate for what are inevitably challenging cases. He is also incredibly generous with his time; I am always able to talk with him if I have a question about an animal case. I wholeheartedly recommend Adam. He is THE animal law attorney in Washington State. His work has created major forward change for animals and the people who love them. I am proud to have him as a colleague and as a mentor."

Robert N. Anderton headshot
Robert Anderton

Animal law lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"No one has done more to build the practice of Animal Law in Washington State than Adam Karp. Adam is an incredibly hard working lawyer who genuinely cares about his clients and the outcome of their cases."

Sara Maleki headshot
Sara Maleki

Animal law lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Adam is a tremendous asset to the Washington bar and to his clients. He is a phenomenal advocate, working tirelessly to promote justice for animals and their humans. I have had the sincere pleasure of working with Adam in various capacities and it is my pleasure to endorse him. I highly recommend Adam."

Edwin Lee Aralica headshot
Edwin Aralica

Animal law lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Adam is the foremost expert on the intersection of animal law and criminal law. He understands the unique issues in these type of cases. He is passionate advocate for animal rights. I highly recommend him if you are dealing with an animal law and criminal law matter."

Anita L Redline headshot
Anita Redline

Animal law lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I really like Adam. He is one of the most zealous attorneys who loves animals. Adam knows no bounds when it comes to hounds. Okay maybe a bit humorous but Adam has a sense of humor too. Adam is very well-known as The Animal Attorney in WA state. I continually refer clients to him for all types of animals with legal issues!"

David Simmons Roth headshot
David Roth

Animal law lawyer | Aug 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Adam is a zealous advocate and a nationally recognized authority in animal rights. He is compassionate and committed, and an excellent trial attorney. David Roth"

Jeff Kurt Petersen headshot
Jeff Petersen

Animal law lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Adam is a thoughtful and passionate advocate for his clients and their animals. People don't come any more empathic than Adam, particularly among lawyers. I strongly recommend him without reservation."

Jami L Pannell headshot
Jami Pannell

Animal law lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Adam Karp is a national leader in the field of animal law. I had the pleasure of co-counseling with him on an Oregon case and witnessed first-hand his impeccable integrity and professionalism -- not to mention his superb legal writing skills. I highly recommend Adam Karp."

Dane Johnson headshot
Dane Johnson

Animal law lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Adam is a leading light in the practice of animal law. He is a an expert attorney and a zealous advocate dedicated to his clients and the rights and welfare of all animals. I am proud to practice in the same field as Adam and to strongly endorse him."

Michael Montgomery headshot
Michael Montgomery

Animal law lawyer | Jul 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I was able to co-counsel with Adam on a matter not long ago. From this experience I highly recommend him. He was professional and prepared and put his client's concerns first. He is a great lawyer and is passionate about his field of law."

Aaron Lukoff headshot
Aaron Lukoff

Animal law lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Adam Karp is a friend, but that is not why I am endorsing him. I am endorsing Adam because he is a great lawyer. Adam established the Animal Law section with the Washington State Bar Association. He is the preeminent authority on animal law in Washington State. Whenever someone calls my office to ask about a dog bite or issues concerning other animals (big or small) I always send them to see Adam Karp. Everybody I've sent to see Adam raves about how wonderful he is as a lawyer and as a person. His application of the law & efforts to forge new law are unprecedented. He is a great litigator and he is a mensch too. If you have an animal law issue, then hire Adam Karp!"

Shawn Timothy Newman headshot
Shawn Newman

Animal law lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've represented a number of animal welfare organizations and know Adam to be the expert on animal law. He is on the cutting edge of this important area of law and has the tenacity and persistence to see difficult cases to successful completion. If you're looking for a real "bulldog" for all animals, look no further than Adam Karp."

Shawn B Alexander headshot
Shawn Alexander

Animal law lawyer | Aug 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse and refer my clients with animal cases to Mr. Karp with confidence that he knows this developing area of the law like no one else."

Elizabeth Rankin Powell headshot
Elizabeth Powell

Animal law lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Adam has singlehandedly done more to develop this area of the law than anyone else I know. He thinks clearly and works tirelessly."

View All Endorsements
Moshe Yiftah Admon headshot
Moshe Admon

General practice lawyer

Jeffrey D Coats headshot
Jeffrey Coats

Personal injury lawyer

Daniel E Stowe headshot
Daniel Stowe

Litigation lawyer

Edward S. Alexander headshot
Edward Alexander

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

Nancy Anne Balin headshot
Nancy Balin

Litigation lawyer

Robert N. Anderton headshot
Robert Anderton

Personal injury lawyer

William Edward Rideg headshot
William Rideg

Animal law lawyer

Gemma N Zanowski headshot
Gemma Zanowski

Wrongful death lawyer

Sara Maleki headshot
Sara Maleki

Personal injury lawyer

Heidi Eileen Meinzer headshot
Heidi Meinzer

Animal law lawyer

Jeff Kurt Petersen headshot
Jeff Petersen

Litigation lawyer

Jami L Pannell headshot
Jami Pannell

Litigation lawyer

David Simmons Roth headshot
David Roth

Car accident lawyer

Harold D. Carr headshot
Harold Carr

Personal injury lawyer

Michael Montgomery headshot
Michael Montgomery

Unknown lawyer

Aaron Lukoff headshot
Aaron Lukoff

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Shawn Timothy Newman headshot
Shawn Newman

Unknown lawyer

Marcy I LaHart headshot
Marcy LaHart

Animal law lawyer

Jeffrey Alan Lustick headshot
Jeffrey Lustick

Criminal defense lawyer

Evan Lee Loeffler headshot
Evan Loeffler

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law, American Bar Association

Work Experience

2014 - 2014

Lecturer, Edmonds Community College

2004 - 2019

Adjunct Professor of Animal Law, University of Washington School of Law

2003 - 2019

Adjunct Professor of Animal Law, Seattle University School of Law

Associations

2012 - Present

Idaho State Bar Animal Law Practice Section

Founder

2002 - Present

Washington State Bar Animal Law Section

Founder

2000 - Present

Washington Animal Control Association

Member

2000 - Present

National Animal Control Association

Member

2015 - 2017

Oregon State Bar, Animal Law Section

Executive Committee Member

2014 - 2015

Oregon Animal Control Council

Member

2004 - 2022

American Bar Association's Animal Law Committee

Vice-chair

Sample of Legal Cases

Anderson v. Hayles

Double victory

Police Shooting of Dog in Coeur d'Alene

Settlement at $80,000

Police Shoot Newfoundland Four Times

Offer of Judgment totaling $101,162.78.

Twitchell v. Kerrigan

Court of Appeals found that trial court erred, that each owner of the dog could claim up to $50,000, and that warrant did not render case nonarbitrable.

Husband Maliciously Harms Wife's Cat

$10,000 emotional distress, $15,000 intrinsic value

Downey v. Pierce Cy.

Court of Appeals found pay-to-play regime unconstitutional, evidence failed to prove dog responsible.

Sherman v. Kissinger

Court of Appeals found that Ch. 7.70 RCW does not apply to veterinarians, value of animal may be intrinsic.

Clarke v. Tri-Cities Animal Care & Control Shelter

Court of Appeals held that corporation was subject to Public Records Act.

Womack v. von Rardon

Court of Appeals created new cause of action - malicious injury to a pet.

Mansour v. King Cy.

Court of Appeals found constitutional violation - changing landscape of dog due process throughout Washington.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

University of Washington -Seattle

MS - Masters

1998

University of Washington -Seattle

JD - Juris Doctor

1995

Gonzaga University

BA - Bachelor of Arts Honors

Speaking Engagements

2018

Animal Law Conference 2018

Companion Animal Litigation

2017

Self-titled

Animal Law Ethics in the Social Media Era

2017

Practicing Animal Law in Oregon

National Animal Law Update

2017

Idaho State Bar

Judicially Ordered Devocalization and Other Nuisance Law Anomalies

2017

3rd Annual International Animal Law Summit

Washington Hot Animal Law Topics

2017

3rd Annual International Animal Law Summit

Animal Law Ethics

2016

Solo/Small Firm Section Meeting

Introduction to Animal Law: A Legal Safari

2016

Shelter Law Symposium

Dangerous Dog Classifications

2016

Bull in a China Shop: Animals in the Workplace

Vegetarian and Vegan Workplace Discrimination

2016

Bull in a China Shop: Animals in the Workplace

Assumption of Risk: Evolution of Firefighter's Rule

2016

Animals, Property, and the Law

Breed Discriminatory Litigation

2015

2015 Colorado Animal Welfare Conference

Legal Issues Relevant to All Animal Control Officers

2015

12th Annual Animal Law Conference

Developing Strands in Charlotte's Web: The Animal Law Caselaw update 2014-2015

2014

11th Annual WSBA Animal Law Section CLE

Developing Strands in Charlotte's Web: 2012-2013 Animal Law Update

2013

Animal Law Seminar

The Law of Euthanasia

2013

Animal Issues in Tax, Estate Planning & Probate Law

Leaving the Estate "For the Animals"

2012

ABA-CLE (Animal Law Committee)

Adoption Contract Disputes, A Forever Home for Fido: Animal Custody Issues in Adoptions, Divorces, and Disasters

2010

Animal Law: Legislation, Litigation, Ethics, and Professionalism

Dog Bites in Four-Dimenstional Legal Space

2010

Animal Law Symposium

Developing an Animal Law Practice & Veterinary Malpractice Litigation Approaches

2006

14th Annual Animal Law Conference

Defensive and Precedential Animal Lawyering & Animal Lawyering Panel

2006

unknown

Tort Law is Raining Cats and Dogs!, Hot Topics in Tort

2006

NALS of Washington

Animal Law

2006

Vermont Law School

The Law's Curious Treatment of Nonhuman Animals

2006

4th Annual Animal Law Section CLE

Developing Strands in Charlotte's Web, the 2005-2006 Caselaw Update

2005

5th Annual Animal Law Institute

Custody Disputes

2005

Meeting Standards of Care

Implied Causes of Action and Civil Animal Cruelty

2005

TIPS Animal Law Committee Annual Meeting

"DWI" Doggies Without Insurance: The Law's Curious Treatment of Uninsured Nonhuman Animals

2005

3rd Annual Animal Law Conference

Developing Strands in Charlotte's Web - 2004-05 Animal Law Caselaw Update

2004

Steve Karp, WCOJ 1420 AM, Chester Cy

Legal Talk

2004

ALDF and Yale Law School

Discussing Noneconomic Damages

2004

AM 1150 CNN

Solutions with Mark Kimball

2004

Second Animal Animal Law Conference

Animal Law Ethics & Police Shooting Dogs

2004

Vanderbilt University School of Law

Animal Law 101

2003

Vegan Ethics, Seattle

Emerald Education, The Ethics of Aspiration

2003

Assistance Dog Club of Puget Sound

Service Animal Access and Valuation

2003

Q13 KCPQ

Tony Ventrella Tonight, 10:35 p.m.

2003

Family Dog Training Center

Dog Bite Dog; Dog Bite Human

2003

Washington Women Lawyer's Capitol Chapter, November Membership Meeting

Puppy Mills, Companion Geese, and Other Animal Oddities

Publications

2018

American Jurisprudence Trials Litigation of Criminal Prosecutions of Animal Fighting Contests, 156 Am.Jur.Trials 363

2018

American Jurisprudence Trials Litigating Actions under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, 154 Am.Jur.Trials 1

2017

American Jurisprudence Trials Litigation of Admissibility of Cadaver Dog Evidence, 150 Am.Jur.Trials 587

2016

Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Law Journal Recent Developments in Animal Tort and Insurance Law

2016

Thomson Reuters Litigation of Assistance Animal Access Cases, 147 Am.Jur. Trials 181

2016

Carolina Academic Press Understanding Animal Law

2015

Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Law Journal Recent Developments in Animal Tort and Insurance Law

2015

American Jurisprudence Trials Use of Force Against and By Animals

2014

Thomson Reuters Proof in Animal Custody Disputes, 141 Am.Jur.3d 349 (2014)

2013

American Legal Reports, 90 ALR 6th 385 Power of Private Citizen to Institute Criminal Proceedings without Authorization or Approval by Prosecuting Authority

2012

123 Am.Jur. Trials 305 Litigation Concerning Veterinary Malpractice

2012

American Jurisprudence Proof of Facts Defending Against Dangerous Dog Classifications

2011

Causes of Action Section 1983 Cause of Action for Injury or Loss to Animal

2011

Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section Journal Recent Developments in Animal Tort and Insurance Law

2011

70 A.L.R.6th 329 Challenges to Pre- and Post-Conviction Forfeitures and to Postconviction Restitution Under Animal Cruelty Statutes

2010

Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section Journal Recent Developments in Animal Tort and Insurance Law

2010

Causes of Action Cause of Action in Intentional Tort for Injury or Loss to Animal

2009

Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Law Journal (ABA) Recent Developments in Animal Tort and Insurance Law

2008

Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Law Journal (ABA) Recent Developments in Animal Tort and Insurance Law

2008

Causes of Action (Thomson West) Causes of Action for Loss of or Injury to an Animal by an Animal

2007

Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Law Journal (ABA) Recent Developments in Animal Tort and Insurance Law

2003

Animal Welfare & Law Enforcement Report Animal Legal Reports Services

Languages

English

Activity

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