Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
184 Client Reviews
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Mr. Karp is a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent-rated and AVVO 10.0 Superb-rated Superlawyer (2020-2025) who exclusively practices animal law. Having graduated from Gonzaga University with a B.A. Honors and University of Washington with a J.D. and M.S. in statistics, this is his twenty-seventh (27th) year actively practicing law. He estimates having evaluated and/or handled over 10,000 animal law cases to date and has authored Understanding Animal Law, published by Carolina Academic Press in October 2016.
Mr. Karp founded and served as first chair of the Washington State Bar Association's Animal Law Section in 2002 and has held executive committee positions since its formation. He founded the Idaho State Bar Association’s Animal Law Practice Section in 2012 and continues to serve on its executive committee. He was also a vice chair of the American Bar Association’s (“ABA”) Animal Law Committee since its creation in 2004 through 2022.
Mr. Karp served six years as a contributing editor of the Animal Legal Report, produced by Animal Legal Reports Services, regularly writes on the topic of animal law, and routinely speaks around the nation about animal law, including at Yale, Harvard, Vanderbilt, and Vermont Law School. He has taught animal law as an adjunct professor at the University of Washington School of Law, Seattle University School of Law, and a lecturer at Edmonds Community College. He has been quoted in TIME, the National Law Journal, the ABA Journal, and other periodicals, including dedicated articles on his practice in the Seattle Times, Seattle Weekly, Pacific NW Magazine, and Seattle Magazine.
The American Bar Association's Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section's Animal Law Committee's annual Excellence in the Advancement of Animal Law Award recognizes exceptional work by an Animal Law Committee member who, through commitment and leadership, has advanced the humane treatment of animals through the law. Mr. Karp received this award in 2012. In 2019, Mr. Karp received a SEEDS Award from the International Society for Animal Rights ("ISAR").
Mr. Karp has been elected to the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation as part of the 2020 class of Fellows in Washington. The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation is a global honorary society of attorneys, judges, law faculty and legal scholars whose public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession and to the welfare of their communities. Fellows are recommended by their peers and elected by the Board of the American Bar Foundation, and is limited to one percent of lawyers in each jurisdiction.
Mr. Karp co-authored the ABA Tort and Insurance Practice Section’s Survey on Animal Tort and Insurance Law for over a decade, published three articles in Thomson West’s Causes of Action series (pertaining to injuries to animals by animals, intentional injuries to animals by humans, and Section 1983 claims involving injury to an animal); two annotations in American Legal Reports (pertaining to preconviction and postconviction forfeiture of animals and private prosecution of crimes); nine articles in the legal encyclopedia American Jurisprudence Trials (pertaining to veterinary malpractice litigation, use of force against and by animals, assistance animal access, litigating actions under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Bald and Gold Eagle Protection Act, cadaver dog evidence, animal fighting contests, litigating the Lacey Act, improper or inaccurate food preparation by food server resulting in allergic or offended reaction, regulation of commercial or retail breeding or sale of domesticated animals); co-authored one article in the legal encyclopedia American Jurisprudence Proof of Facts related to defending dangerous dog classifications; and completed an annotation on custodial disputes pertaining to animals in American Jurisprudence Proof of Facts. Mr. Karp is working on another treatise concerning litigating attorney misconduct by reference to animal imagery and other racist tropes.
He has chaired several animal law continuing legal education (“CLE”) conferences, spoken at over fifty CLEs around the nation, all on the subject of animal law, including in Hawai'i, New Mexico, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Florida. Mr. Karp also founded and chaired the first and second Animal Law Summit, an international, cross-jurisdictional, multi-day CLE.
With positive results, he argued before the federal district courts of Washington and Idaho, the Washington Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on the subject of animal law, resulting in some decisions that many regard as seminal:
Mr. Karp serves as an advisory board member for the Center for Wildlife Ethics. He also volunteered his time to the Northwest Wildlife & Rehabilitation Center, now part of the Whatcom Humane Society. Further, he completed a life-changing 10-day and, later, 3-day, course at the Vipassana Northwest Center.
Mr. Karp and his wife have been vegan for twenty-three and thirty-four years, respectively, and care for one cat, age 15.
7
Practice Areas
27 years
27 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 15 minutes
State: Hawaii
Acquired: 2022
No misconduct found
State: Idaho
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
State: Oregon
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
State: Washington
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
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114 W. Magnolia St., Ste. 400-104, Bellingham, WA, 98225
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2355 State St., Ste. 101, Salem, OR, 97301
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784 S. Clearwater Loop, Ste. R, Post Falls, ID, 83854
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1001 Bishop St, Ste. 2685A, Honolulu, HI, 96813
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Other places you can find Adam online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 61 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by TJ | March 02, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Animal Law
The entire process was much less stressful than we'd been prepared for, thank you.
We hired Mr. Karp to litigate a tragic case for us. Our neighbor's dog attacked and killed our beloved pet, on our property, after years of repeatedly warning the neighbor to keep their pets off of our property. Mr. Karp was sensitive to our extreme distress over the issue. He walked us throug...
Posted by Marla | August 03, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Animal Law
Expert Advice for a New Rescue
Adam helped our small rescue get a dog back from someone who surrendered it to us and then took it back into a bad home in which we were concerned for his welfare. There were complications due to the person's mental health, and Adam gave us honest and clear advice on the process, risks, and how to pr...
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...
Posted by anonymous | March 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Animal Law
Highly recommend trustworthy Atty for justice for Animals!
Under such unfortunate circumstances, I lost my dear Romi (Maltese-Shitzhu) to a vet's neglect and Adam stepped in and took care of helping me seek justice. He was efficient, approachable, patient, compassionate, and understanding. He was always open in communication throughout the process and transp...
Posted by Patty | March 24, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Animal & Dog Bites
Guidance with Dog bite.
I contacted Adam in August 2022 for guidance on a dog bite. Adam took our case in August. He has been a stress relief for me. Giving us advice and contacting Animal control. Keeping us updated. I would recommend Adam, and would reach out if we needed him again.
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Adam is a great person and a great lawyer. I have known him for years. I highly recommend him."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
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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
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
2012 - Present
Idaho State Bar Animal Law Practice SectionFounder
2002 - Present
Washington State Bar Animal Law SectionFounder
2000 - Present
Washington Animal Control AssociationMember
2000 - Present
National Animal Control AssociationMember
2015 - 2017
Oregon State Bar, Animal Law SectionExecutive Committee Member
2014 - 2015
Oregon Animal Control CouncilMember
2004 - 2022
American Bar Association's Animal Law CommitteeVice-chair
Double victory
Settlement at $80,000
Offer of Judgment totaling $101,162.78.
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.
$10,000 emotional distress, $15,000 intrinsic value
Court of Appeals found pay-to-play regime unconstitutional, evidence failed to prove dog responsible.
Court of Appeals found that Ch. 7.70 RCW does not apply to veterinarians, value of animal may be intrinsic.
Court of Appeals held that corporation was subject to Public Records Act.
Court of Appeals created new cause of action - malicious injury to a pet.
Court of Appeals found constitutional violation - changing landscape of dog due process throughout Washington.
2000
MS - Masters
1998
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
BA - Bachelor of Arts Honors
2018
Companion Animal Litigation
2017
Animal Law Ethics in the Social Media Era
2017
National Animal Law Update
2017
Judicially Ordered Devocalization and Other Nuisance Law Anomalies
2017
Washington Hot Animal Law Topics
2017
Animal Law Ethics
2016
Introduction to Animal Law: A Legal Safari
2016
Dangerous Dog Classifications
2016
Vegetarian and Vegan Workplace Discrimination
2016
Assumption of Risk: Evolution of Firefighter's Rule
2016
Breed Discriminatory Litigation
2015
Legal Issues Relevant to All Animal Control Officers
2015
Developing Strands in Charlotte's Web: The Animal Law Caselaw update 2014-2015
2014
Developing Strands in Charlotte's Web: 2012-2013 Animal Law Update
2013
The Law of Euthanasia
2013
Leaving the Estate "For the Animals"
2012
Adoption Contract Disputes, A Forever Home for Fido: Animal Custody Issues in Adoptions, Divorces, and Disasters
2010
Dog Bites in Four-Dimenstional Legal Space
2010
Developing an Animal Law Practice & Veterinary Malpractice Litigation Approaches
2006
Defensive and Precedential Animal Lawyering & Animal Lawyering Panel
2006
Tort Law is Raining Cats and Dogs!, Hot Topics in Tort
2006
Animal Law
2006
The Law's Curious Treatment of Nonhuman Animals
2006
Developing Strands in Charlotte's Web, the 2005-2006 Caselaw Update
2005
Custody Disputes
2005
Implied Causes of Action and Civil Animal Cruelty
2005
"DWI" Doggies Without Insurance: The Law's Curious Treatment of Uninsured Nonhuman Animals
2005
Developing Strands in Charlotte's Web - 2004-05 Animal Law Caselaw Update
2004
Legal Talk
2004
Discussing Noneconomic Damages
2004
Solutions with Mark Kimball
2004
Animal Law Ethics & Police Shooting Dogs
2004
Animal Law 101
2003
Emerald Education, The Ethics of Aspiration
2003
Service Animal Access and Valuation
2003
Tony Ventrella Tonight, 10:35 p.m.
2003
Dog Bite Dog; Dog Bite Human
2003
Puppy Mills, Companion Geese, and Other Animal Oddities
2018
2018
2017
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2016
2016
2015
2015
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2012
2012
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2003
English
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