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Thomas Paul Lyden

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Avvo Rating10
  • Bellingham, WA
  • Licensed for 13 years
  • Free consultation
Thomas Paul Lyden
Thomas Paul Lyden
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About Thomas

I was born and raised in Washington State and love living in the Northwest.  I attended the University of Washington where I studied politics and philosophy and earned my Bachelor of Arts degree.  I continued on to law school at the University of Idaho College of Law in Moscow, Idaho where I recieved my Juris Doctorate degree. 

 

I went to law school to become a criminal defense attorney and am dedicated to what I do.  I can truly say the most rewarding part of my job is standing up for my clients when the State's prosecutorial powers are bearing down on them. My practice focuses on DUI and other vehicle or alcohol/substance related accusations but I have worked nearly every type of criminal case. 

 

Additionally, I try to use both knowledge and creativity to solve problems associated with being accused with crimes and the very numerous consequences that evolve from such accusations or convictions.  Whether it be cleaning up a criminal record or figuring out how to get access to Canada so you can enjoy a family vacation at Whistler I am here to help you. 

 

If I'm not in my office or answering emails on my iPhone you'll find me playing with family, hiking in the Cascades, or listening to my music louder than my mother would allow. 

Practice areas

Speeding and traffic ticketDUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 50%

    14 years, 2,000 cases

  2. DUI and DWI: 25%

    14 years, 200 cases

  3. Speeding and traffic ticket: 25%

    11 years, 25 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1441982 1339769422

1441982 1339769456

1441982 1339769469

Contact

114 W. Magnolia Street
address map

Keating & Lyden, LLC

114 W. Magnolia Street
Suite 440
Bellingham, WA, 98225

Fax (888) 350-9917
Website
https://www.keatingandlyden.com/

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
WAActive200712/23/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers6
Legal guides1
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Top 100 Trial LawyersThe National Trial Lawyers2014
Rising StarWashington Super Lawyers2014
Rising StarWashington Super Lawyers2013
NHTSA - Standaridized Field Sobriety TestsLa Pier & Associates2012
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PartnerKeating & Lyden, LLC2013 - Present
PresidentThomas Lyden Law2012 - 2013
Associate AttorneyJonathan Rands, Attorney at Law2011 - 2012
Deputy II Supervising AttorneyWhatcom County Public Defender2008 - 2011
Assistant City AttorneyCity Of Bellingham2008 - 2008
Law ClerkClark & Feeney2005 - 2007
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
National College of DUI DefenseMember2011 - Present
Whatcom County Bar AssociationPresident2011 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember2007 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember2007 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2011 - 2013
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of Idaho College of LawJuris Doctorate2007
University of WashingtonBachelor of Arts2002
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Civil Rights and SchoolPrivacy Rights in the School2014
Opportunity Council Case Managers RoundtableDebtor Rights2014
On The MoneyBankruptcy and Debt Basics2012
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
State v. WHCase Dismissed
State v. DRCase Dismissed
State v. JGCase Dismissed
State of Washington v. SRCase Dismissed

Reviews

(12)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Review Thomas Lyden

Highly Satisfied

Posted by

I needed help resolving a traffic citation in October and had never hired an attorney up until this point. I was referred to Thomas by not one, but two of my coworkers who had worked with him in the past and had nothing but great things to say about him. Thomas made the entire process painless, communicated with me promptly, and I was extremely satisfied with the results. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A friendly face in a very difficult situation

Posted by

I was in a very difficult situation with very little information and Tom stepped up and helped guide me through the muddy waters. Tom cares and works to find the best solution to seemingly impossible problems. Thank you Tom for being that calm voice of reason when things were anything but calm.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Outstanding attorney!!

Posted by

Very knowledgeable and compassionate. Excellent response time.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

client

Posted by

I highly recommend Tom . He has the knowledge and drive to produce results. He is a lawyer that is there to help because he obviously cares about making a difference and is there to help good client at all times. Always available and effective.

Hard working lawyer with a personal touch.

Posted by

After being issued a citation for a controlled substance by a federal officer, I felt like my options were limited and furthermore intimidated by the idea of contesting the ticket in a federal court. After a single phone conversation with Thomas my mind was set at ease. Thomas clearly explained the procedure and potential risks associated with my case, assuring me that he would do what he could to reach a desirable outcome. My ticket was thrown out of court and I was a very satisfied client.

Excellent Counsel

Posted by

Very responsive, professional, and assuring. Tom kept me updated every step of the way, going out of his way to ensure my awareness of each new development as my case was being resolved. I would recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation; his trustworthiness and ability to navigate the complex court system put him a notch above the rest. By hiring Tom, I truly believe I received the best possible outcome.

Fantastic Resource - Took A Lot Of Time With Me When I needed It Most

Posted by

Tom was recommended to me by a Whatcom county insider who has knowledge of the best DUI lawyers in the area. Tom returned my calls promptly and took a lot of time with me to walk me through the process and answer my questions. Knowing that I was anxious, he took time to call me back in the evening and while he was traveling because he knew I was concerned. He took the time to explain all of my options and made me comfortable about my situation and outcome. All of this occurred before I even hired him! Ultimately, I did not need the services of an attorney but had I needed one, I was very confident that I was going to get excellent representation and the result that I desired and deserved.

Thomas Lyden

Posted by

We found Tom after hearing about him as a rising star on talk radio in the morning. He was exactly that. Any time we met, it was easy to relax but also professional. I think that's what stuck the most was how easy it was to talk to him about something so embarrassing and uncomfortable. My case was drawn out a bit until we had all documents in order and could confidently take a plea. Everything he did was great and he was just a real pleasure to work with. Thanks Tom!

WOW he saved me!!

Posted by

Tom worked hard on my case!! I would have lost my license but he won my case!! Can't thank him enough.. If I ever needed a lawyer he would be the first lawyer I would talk to!!! He had the knowledge and also kept me informed at all times..

need help ? he is the man!

Posted by

when i go in trouble, i didnt know what to do or who to go to, thankfully i found Tom. Tom never oversold himself, he knew what he was doing and saying and got me exactly what he said he could and a little extra, i got to keep my license after a DUI that was awsome.
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Attorney endorsements

(12)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Rajeev Majumdar, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 7, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I have frequently been on the opposing side of numerous matters from Mr. Lyden, and he approaches every case with professionalism and a keen eye towards justice. I have also had the opportunity to work as co-counsel with Mr. Lyden in a criminal defense manner, and his willingness to track down witnesses and his cross-examination of prosecution witnesses allowed us to achieve complete dismissal of charges against our clients.

Jason Smith, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 14, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Tom has a courtroom presence like few others. I've had the pleasure of observing Tom in court on numerous occasions and his attention to detail, zealous advocacy, and commitment to excellence show in his work. Tom's clients can rest assured that they have an attorney with a wealth of knowledge and experience committed to the best possible resolution to their case. I'm proud to endorse Tom.

Aaron Lukoff, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 7, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Tom and I are friends but that is not why I am endorsing him, rather I give my endorsement to Tom because he is a fighter and a damn fine criminal defense attorney. He is tough and ruthless whereas I am rough and toothless (I go in next week for my false teeth). Tom is smart and takes care of his clients. I wish there were more criminal defense attorneys like Tom.

Luke Baumgarten, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Lyden and I attended law school together and are members of Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I have had the pleasure of dealing with Mr. Lyden through this organization and I can recommend him without reservation as an excellent and principled attorney who not only zealously advocates for his clients but who also supports his colleagues in the ultimate pursuit of justice.

Justin Campbell

Tom is an excellent attorney and a great resource to confer with on all DUI and criminal cases. His ability to see the big picture has allowed him to build a well-rounded practice in the community. I would not hesitate to refer any criminal or civil matter to Tom. On a personal note, Tom is not only an excellent attorney but a great guy and trusted friend.

Evan Jones, Criminal defense Attorney on May 22, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

As a former prosecutor for Whatcom County, I have worked opposite Mr. Lyden on a number of difficult cases. His intelligence, dedication, and understanding of the system, makes him a highly effective advocate for his clients. I highly recommend him to anyone who finds themselves accused of a crime.

Paula McCandlis, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 12, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have seen Mr. Lyden representing his clients, fighting to protect their rights, listening to them in extremely stressful situations, and providing much needed assistance.

Mark Bratlien, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 31, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Tom and observed him practice criminal defense for several years now. He is a smart and aggressive criminal defense attorney who works hard to defend his clients' rights. I endorse this lawyer's work.

Dean Swanson, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 19, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Tom is a creative and persistent advocate for his clients. He has excellent communication skills with judges and with other attorneys, which works to the benefit of his clients. I endorse this lawyer, and would not hesitate in recommending Tom for any DUI matter.

Adrian Madrone, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 18, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Thomas Lyden brings a solid, professional approach to his practice. You can always expect him to fight for you without hesitation. I fully endorse his work.

Sean Mckee, Criminal defense Attorney on May 17, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Tom IS competent and professional. He has a talent for spotting legal issues and always fights hard for his clients. Tom is not afraid to take on the hard cases and take them all the way to trial if necessary. His relationship with both judges and prosecutors allows him to get the best deals possible for his clients. I endorse his work to the fullest extent.

David Brown, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 10, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Tom is competent and professional. I would trust him with any of my criminal law needs.

Cost

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