Mark Aaron Kaiman

Mark Aaron Kaiman

4.4
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 24 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Bellingham, WA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Family ... +2 more

222 Grand Avenue, Suite "A", Bellingham, WA

About Mark

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 30%

25 years | 700 cases

30%
DUI and DWI 30%

25 years | 300 cases

30%
Family 20%

22 years | 200 cases

20%
Federal Crime 10%

20 years | 100 cases

10%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 10%

25 years | 400 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 290-290 per hour

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 24 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2001

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Lustick Kaiman & Madrone PLLC

222 Grand Avenue, Suite "A", Bellingham, WA, 98225

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Mark Aaron Kaiman's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.4 /5.0

18 Client Reviews

Posted by Jake | September 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Very bad experience.

I hired this lawyer for my criminal case and was extremely disappointed. He charged me a very large fee but did very little actual work on my case. Communication was poor, and I never felt like my defense was a priority. In the end, I received almost no real legal assistance for the amount of money p...aid. I cannot recommend his services and would strongly advise others to look elsewhere.

Posted by anonymous | February 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Helped me so much

I had an unfortunate illegality due to my mental illness. Mark promptly took care or all court-dates to the extent that I only had to appear in court once. I had peace of mind about the whole process and the case was settled with great results. Highly recommend!

Posted by anonymous | April 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Not impressed at all

Mark was the most difficult person to speak with and when we would speak, he treated it like he was always in a rush to get me out the door. I never felt that Mark had my best interest at heart and was made to feel as if I was a bother for all the questions I had. I’ve never been in trouble before ...so of course I had questions. So fast forward to the end of the case. We felt as if Mark wasn’t interested in talking with the Prosecutor and when he did, he didn’t seem to fight on my behalf. So, when it came time to agree on a settlement, I trusted that Mark had my best interest at heart. The DOL revoked my license for 365 under admin suspension after the DUI, then after the conviction, they tacked on another 365 days for a total of 2 years. I have come to find out that Mark could have negotiated my license suspension from 365 days to 90 days which he never even discussed with me. I asked Mark about it before the hearing, and he said it should only be the original 365 days. Then I get the letter from the DOL a few weeks later that it is in fact a 2 yr. revocation. Mark could have fought that but never would return my calls. Not sure how he received such high ratings because he did pretty much nothing for my DUI case for the amount of money he was paid

Posted by Mac | August 5, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mark Kaiman (pronounced like the Cayman Islands)

I was a veteran in serious need of help when my brother found Mark online and helped me pay to hire him. Mark is an excellent attorney, worth every penny, and even after the case is closed I still rely on the contacts he referred me to. (I was referred to an excellent therapist that I hope to revisit... until I move away from WA.) Mark expertly dealt with family, friends, my bank, my brother, the alleged victim, and the city and county. Mark and his office staff aren't worried about sexuality, religion, or personality. They're excellent at networking and they didn't flinch about even the most depressing calls. Mr. Mardone also represented me in Bellingham Municipal Court whenever Mark was busy travelling... needless to say he was also excellent.

Posted by anonymous | May 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Professional, Friendly, Knowledgeable

I received a citation from the department of fish and game. I was facing pretty steep punishment for a simple mistake. Mark was able to reduce the charges, and I walked away with a small fine. Very happy with the outcome. This was my first courtroom experience and all except for the citations, I am p...leased. Mark and his office made this a worry free experience.

See All Client Reviews

Mark Aaron Kaiman's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Mark
Michael Brian Hanzel headshot
Michael Hanzel

Criminal defense lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mark Kaiman worked alongside me and the attorneys who worked for me defending Navy Sailors and Marines when I was Senior Defense Counsel for the Navy in Washington. He is one of the finest civilian attorneys we worked with. Organized, calm and collected, and with an excellent courtroom demeanor and great tactical instincts, I always could rely on Mark Kaiman to do an outstanding job for our clients. He is a consummate professional who gets results, and I highly recommend him."

Jason Anstruther Smith headshot
Jason Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark is a consummate professional who always has the best interests of his clients in mind. I've had the honor of observing Mark in court and I'm always impressed by his professionalism, demeanor and attention to detail. Anyone who hires Mark can rest assured that they're in good hands. I'm proud to endorse him."

Patrick Kane Korody headshot
Patrick Korody

Military law lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"As a prosecutor for the Navy in the Northwest, I litigated courts-martial against Mark and his law partners. He is a consummate professional, stellar advocate, and outstanding litigator. His clients always benefited from his representation."

David Alan Nelson headshot
David Nelson

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Mark for a number of years as both opposing counsel and co-counsel. He is an honorable attorney with a high ethical standard. I also find him to be aggressive when necessary and a negotiator when it is in the best interest of his client. He is a serious litigator and cares about his clients."

Keith C Celebrezze headshot
Keith Celebrezze

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark is among the very finest attorneys I've been fortunate to work closely with in the 22+ years of my practice. I have known Mark for more than 5 years, both in federal court where I prosecuted cases he defended, and as a fellow WA practitioner. He has the unusual ability to get straight to the heart of complex matters, separating the wheat from the chaff almost automatically, naturally. Having served as a county prosecutor, he understands what is truly important in a case. This skill has proven essential in achieving optimal and early results for his clients that far exceed the typical. Mark has served faithfully and honorably in the armed forces; he has the important real-life experiences so often lacking. He brings this experience and intelligence to bear for his clients in each and every case, from the misdemeanor in muni court to the high-dollar civil rights suit in federal court. Mark is a true master of the craft, earning the admiration and respect of his peers."

Sharon Louise Fields headshot
Sharon Fields

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mark Kaiman is an incredible litigator and an extremely professional lawyer. As a former prosecutor, he knows what wins cases and has the fortitude to fight for his clients in court."

Lauren Elizabeth Trent headshot
Lauren Trent

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Walking into a courtroom with Mark, you know that this man is good at what he does. He is calm, creative, quick on his feet, and gets things accomplished for his clients. He has a presence that commands respect but also shows compassion and thoughtfulness. Without a doubt, I would want Mark in my corner if I ever needed an advocate."

Daelyn Rochelle Julius headshot
Daelyn Julius

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark Kaiman is the perfect combination of authority and compassion; his knowledge of the law exceeds that of most attorneys due to his prior experience as a prosecuting attorney, as well as his numerous years here at the Lustick Law Firm. Likewise, Mark's compassionate attitude for his client's plight, puts him a step above all others. Mark takes the time to thoroughly understand his client's needs, as well as their legal issues. Mark also makes sure he does everything possible to get his clients the deal they rightfully deserve. It is an honor to call him my colleague; he is an individual I aspire to be and because of that I draw upon his knowledge continually."

Jeffrey Alan Lustick headshot
Jeffrey Lustick

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 17

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Attorney Mark Kaiman is a force to be reckoned with. In the courtroom, he is the best and the brightest. His persuasive and uplifting presentation style makes him extremely “dangerous” to his opponents. He is intelligent, worldly, and highly experienced. Clients appreciate his wit and intellect."

View All Endorsements
Jason Anstruther Smith headshot
Jason Smith

DUI and DWI lawyer

Patrick Kane Korody headshot
Patrick Korody

Criminal defense lawyer

David Alan Nelson headshot
David Nelson

Criminal defense lawyer

Keith C Celebrezze headshot
Keith Celebrezze

Criminal defense lawyer

Tom Mumford headshot
Tom Mumford

Employment and labor lawyer

Lauren Elizabeth Trent headshot
Lauren Trent

Family lawyer

Daelyn Rochelle Julius headshot
Daelyn Julius

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2009

Rising Stars of Washington, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2009

Pro Bono Service Award, Washigton State Bar Association

2008

Rising Stars of Washington, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2008

Pro Bono Service Award, Washington State Bar Association

2007

Pro Bono Award, Washington State Bar Association

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Judge Pro Tempore, Whatcom District Court

2006 - Present

Partner, Lustick Kaiman & Madrone

2010 - 2012

Judge Pro Tempore, Blaine Municipal Court

2003 - 2006

Associate, Law Offices of John O. Linde

2003 - 2003

Assistant City Attorney, Bellingham City Attorney - Criminal Division

2001 - 2003

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, San Juan County Prosecutor's Office

Associations

2010 - Present

United States Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals

Admitted to Practice

2009 - Present

US Navy & Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals

Admitted to Practice

2008 - Present

Lummi Nation Tribal Court

Admitted to Practice

2007 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

Admitted to Practice

2007 - Present

Federal Bar Association

Admitted to Practice

2006 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2006 - Present

Whatcom County Bar Association

Member

2003 - Present

San Juan County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

United States v. Hernandez

Full acquittal on all charges and specifications.

Fitch v. Hilltop

Verdict for our client, the Employer. He paid nothing.

Michele v. San Juan County

$75,000 settlement in favor of our client

United States v. Wells

Full Acquittal

State v. R.G.B.

Client Acquitted on Rape 2d & 3d Degree Charges

Chapman v. Chapman

Husband won his case

State v. Justiniano

not guilty verdict on all counts

Gillett v. Fletcher

Client's case defended successfully on appeal.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

Syracuse University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1997

Washington State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

WWU Tangled Webs race and incarceration conference

What are your rights in a Post-Constitutional Era?

2010

Your Rights and the Police

Criminal Civil Rights

2008

Your Rights and the Police

Civil Rights and Criminal Proceedure

2008

KGMI Radio

Legal Analysis and Commentary

2007

KGMI radio

various

Publications

2009

bclocalnews.com Charges laid in fatal crash

2009

Washington Law & Politics Kaiman Named Rising Star 2009

2009

2008

2008

2006

Activity

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