$ 250-350 per hour
Michael James Heatherly
About Michael
Biography
I have practiced primarily plaintiffs' injury law in my 18-plus legal career. I now am involved mainly in alternative dispute resolution and legal journalism. I am editor of the Washington State Bar Association Bar News and write the Bar Beat column, which appears in print and online.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
80%
35 years | 600 cases
Arbitration
10%
31 years | 40 cases
Mediation
10%
31 years | 50 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
33%-40%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 34 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Michael James Heatherly
3714 Greenville St, Bellingham, WA, 98226-8890
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Michael James Heatherly's Reviews
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Michael James Heatherly's Lawyer Endorsements
"I've known Mr. Heatherly both as opposing counsel in serious litigation, recently, and as a good source of legal advice over the last four years. He is absolutely the consumate professional with a masterful grasp of litigating and settling cases, that comes not just from his many years of experience, but from a keen mind."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Michael has seen a large number of personal injury cases. He is well connected and respected around Washington State."
Douglas Miller
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Kleps
Estate planning lawyer
Experience
Honors
1991
Environmental Law Award, Edward A. Cremer III
1990
AmJur in Bankruptcy Law, American Jurisprudence
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Editor/columnist, WSBA Bar News, Washington State Bar Association
2004 - Present
Owner, Northwest Dispute Resolution Group
2004 - Present
Solo practioner, Michael Heatherly, Attorney
2006 - 2007
Hearing Officer, Disciplinary, Washington State Bar Association
2005 - 2008
Mediation panel, Washington State Bar Association
2005 - 2009
Fee Arbitration Panel, Washington State Bar Association
1995 - 2004
Attorney, owner, Heatherly Wayerski Zmolek PLLC
1991 - 1995
Associate attorney, Aaby Putnam Albo & Causey
1985 - 1988
News reporter, editor, Bellevue Journal-American
1981 - 1985
News reporter, Aberdeen Daily World
Associations
1991 - 2004
Washington State Association for Justicemember, committee member
1991 - 1994
American Association for Justicemember
1981 - 1983
Phi Beta Kappamember
1980 - 1988
Society of Professional Journalistsmember
Sample of Legal Cases
Sterud v. Sargent & Hi-Tech Automotive
$525,000 verdict for Plaintiff
Rodriguez v. Crown Pacific
Plaintiff settlement for $450,000
Education
1991
University of Washington School of Law
JD
1981
University of Washington -Seattle
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2009
Write on the River 2009 -- Writer's Conference
Getting Published in Periodicals
2006
Alternative Dispute Resolution 2006 CLE
Chair -- update on mediation, arbitration topics
Publications
2009
WSBA Bar News
Justice: More than Skin Deep
2007
Issues on Trial: Women's Rights
High school textbook (editor, for Karr Editorial)
1995
Trial (American Association for Justice)
Negotiating from Strength: Sure Steps Toward a Settlement
Languages
English