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Daniel Joseph Gerl
also known as Dan Gerl
About Daniel
Biography
I am the Founder and Managing Attorney of NextLaw PLLC in Tacoma. Prior to that, I founded and served as CEO of Puget Law Group LLP for over a decade, leading it to become the largest Criminal and Injury law firm in the Pacific Northwest, if not the West Coast.
I am a former prosecuting attorney with nearly twenty years' experience handling DUI and other criminal cases in the Puget Sound area and beyond. I went to law school with the goal of becoming a prosecutor and began my legal career with the Skagit County Prosecutor's Office, where I handled several jury trials before graduating cum laude from Seattle University School of Law in 2005. After passing the Bar, I continued working as a prosecutor for several years in Federal Way and Pierce County, handling hundreds of DUI and criminal cases.
Over time I realized that, despite a high percentage of success at trial, I was more interested in helping people than I was in prosecuting them. I left the prosecutor's office in 2010 and went into private practice with Park Chenaur, a Personal Injury firm, where I handled both criminal defense and personal injury cases. In 2013, I went out on my own to start my own firm, Gerl Law PLLC. In 2016 I rebranded as Puget Law Group.
In 2019, Puget Law Group became a partnership, with a goal to develop a Personal Injury practice alongside our Criminal Defense practice.
Over the next five years, I led PLG to become the fastest growing Criminal and Injury Law Firm in America (Inc. 5000, Law Firm 500) and the fastest growing law firm of any kind in Washington state. For the past few years we've been listed among the Inc. 5000 "Fastest Growing Companies in America," the Puget Sound Business Journal's "Fastest Growing Private Companies in Washington," and Law Firm 500's "Fastest Growing Law Firms in America." Under my leadership, we were voted "Best in the PNW" in four categories by the Seattle Times.
In January 2024 I left PLG to found NextLaw PLLC. Specializing in the same practice areas as before, but with a renewed focus on and commitment toward the client experience.
I am a member of the Washington State Bar Association and Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association. I am licensed to practice law in courts throughout Washington in both State and Federal Court.
In my spare time I enjoys sports, cars, graphic design, barbecuing, and being dad to three boys aged 16, 10, and 4.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
45%
21 years | 2,500 cases
DUI and DWI
45%
21 years | 5,000 cases
Personal Injury
10%
16 years | 50 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 20 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
NextLaw PLLC
950 Broadway, M-100, Tacoma, WA, 98402
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Daniel Joseph Gerl's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
35 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (32)
Advocacy (24)
Communication Style (14)
General Knowledge (13)
Recommendation (13)
Professionalism (12)
Responsiveness (11)
Cost of Services (10)
Character & Conduct (9)
Practice Area Knowledge (8)
Trustworthiness (8)
Compassion (4)
Payment Plans (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | November 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family
Civil Protection Order
After leaving the country for a weekend vacation, I was informed by US border agents I had a civil protective order issued against me from a previous relationship. With my occupation requiring a security clearance, being an avid outdoorsman and having a potential permanent mark on my record I knew I...
Posted by Jacob | March 13, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney!
Dan was very professional and knew what he was doing. He would always answer my questions anytime of the day. I was really pleased with the outcome that he got for my case. Even after the case, Dan still helped me out with a few extra situations I had. I could not thank him enough. I would definitely...
Posted by Ryan | December 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Great Lawyer would recommend him to everyone I know
I hired on Dan after I was arrested for a DUI refusal. He took on my case and explain every option to me. He had plans upon plans on how to tackle my case. He was always very responsive and attentive to my questions and concerns. He is very well known with his peers and respected. Because of ...
Posted by Josh | November 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Hit and Run
I made a big mistake when leaving a bicyclist that I hit. Dan clammed me down and explained the law and what we need to do to handle this. The outcome was better than expected, keeping me from ruins. He worked with me on his fee. Great job.
Posted by Henry | January 23, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Strong Knowledge of the Law
I was arrested for DUI and at first I had a different attorney. Even though I had no prior history, the prosecutor wouldn't agree to reduce the charge. I hired Dan Gerl hoping it would make a difference. Dan gave me no guarantees other than that he would fight as hard as he could for me. Dan discover...
Daniel Joseph Gerl's Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Beyond his excellent legal skills, he is a wonderful and caring human being."
"I endorse this lawyer. Dan works hard for his clients seeking out the best information available to achieve the best outcome."
"Dan Gerl is an excellent attorney who works hard to advocate for his clients. He is articulate and diligent in his representation. I have heard Dan argue many hearings very well."
"I have both litigated against Dan in criminal courts and later worked with Dan on cases when he moved to private practice. With this first hand knowledge, I am in a position to confidently say that Dan has the equal parts of the following that every person researching an attorney to trust with their case should desire: a sharp legal mind; a deep understanding of the courts, prosecutors, and judges in the area; both jury trial and negotiation success; and the increasingly rare trait these days of not only caring about the plight of his clients, but also in keeping in contact with them regularly about the status of their cases."
"I endorse this lawyer. As a former prosecutor, Dan has an advantage over other defense attorneys because he knows how prosecutor's and judges think."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a trusted advocate in the legal community. He will go above and beyond to obtain the right results for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Dan is a great guy and a lawyer that is relentless in pursuit of his objectives. As a prosecutor he was reasonable and fair, which can be refreshing."
"Everyone else has told you what a smart attorney Dan is. So, let me tell you how much he genuinely cares about each of his clients! If you want someone who will return your calls, show up on time and treats you like family, then call him. And, yes, he's smart too!!"
"Dan is a good guy and a terrific lawyer. He is always prepared and ready to fight for his clients, but he also always has a joke or a pithy comment for his colleagues. He is well liked and respected in the legal community."
"I had an opportunity to work with this attorney while we were both at the prosecutor's office. Both as a prosecutor and as a criminal defense attorney I found him to be ethical, hardworking and a zealous advocate for his clients. I endorse this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Gerl is a tenacious advocate for his clients and will fight hard to ensure excellent results. He is well regarded among his peers and in the community. In addition, I highly respect him for his generosity and willingness to help his fellow attorneys out. He is always willing to give advice and help out. I endorse him highly."
"Dan is an excellent advocate for his clients and his previous experience as a prosecutor gives him an edge in the courtroom."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Dan is a fantastic attorney I had the pleasure of working with as a prosecutor and now as a defense attorney. I can personally attest that his knowledge of both defense and prosecution perspectives is rarely paralleled. He is a passionate and zealous advocate for his clients. He has my highest recommendation."
"Dan and I have worked many cases together. As a prosecutor, Dan was aggressive but displayed true integrity. As a defense attorney, he has displayed both those characteristics to help his clients."
"I had an opportunity to work with this attorney first as a prosecutor and then as a private attorney. He is a highly skilled and knowledgeable attorney. I wouldn't hesitate to endorse this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. As a former prosecuting attorney, Dan knows how to effectively negotiate favorable outcomes for his clients, and is an excellent trial attorney. I would have no hesitation referring clients to him."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked both with and against Dan. He is a strong litigator."
Teresa Groves
Criminal defense lawyer
Nichole Fisher
Criminal defense lawyer
Mark Ellingsen
Litigation lawyer
Gina Buskirk
DUI and DWI lawyer
Susanna Carlson
Criminal defense lawyer
Nicholas Andrews
Criminal defense lawyer
Daniel Ajema
Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer
Angelle Gerl
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Frans
DUI and DWI lawyer
Jeremy Macrigeanis
Family lawyer
Sunni Ko
Violent crime lawyer
Jason Powers
Criminal defense lawyer
Diane Whaley
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Small
Criminal defense lawyer
James Oliver
Criminal defense lawyer
Martha Mclaughlin
Criminal defense lawyer
Kara Murphy
Criminal defense lawyer
Scott Moriarity
Criminal defense lawyer
Andrew Yi
Criminal defense lawyer
Cory Wood
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
10 Best Under 40, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2013
Level 5 Contributor, Avvo
2013
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
1995
1995 Regional Annual - Best in Design for 1995, PRINT Magazine
1995
Best of 1995, Spicer's Printing
1995
Best of 1995, Graphic Design USA
1993
Silver Award, Northwest ADDYs
1993
Student Award Gold, Northwest ADDYs
1992
AIGA Trapeze Award, AIGA (Seattle)
Work Experience
2024 - Present
Founder/Managing Attorney, NextLaw PLLC
2013 - 2023
Founder / CEO, Puget Law Group LLP
2010 - 2013
Associate Attorney, Park Chenaur & Associates, Inc., PS
2008 - 2010
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney
2006 - 2008
Municipal Prosecutor, City of Federal Way Prosecuting Attorney
2005 - 2006
Contract Prosecuting Attorney, Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office
2004 - 2005
Rule 9 Legal Intern, Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney
2003 - 2003
Externship, King County Prosecuting Attorney Office
Associations
2015 - Present
Athletes for Kids (AFK)Board of Directors, Member
2014 - Present
United State District Court - Western District of WashingtonAttorney Member
2010 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2008 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2013 - 2014
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2010 - 2012
King County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - 2014
Citizens for Judicial Excellence (CJE)Member
2010 - 2013
Washington State Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
STATE VS. R.M.
NOT GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES
STATE V. E.N.
Dismissed for Lack of Probable Cause to Stop Driver
Lakewood vs. W.H.
NOT GUILTY
Tacoma vs. A.M.
ARRESTED FOR DUI AND RECKLESS DRIVING = REDUCED TO TRAFFIC TICKET.
State v. S.P.
2ND DUI CHARGE IN 6 MONTHS = DISMISSED.
State vs. A.T.
DUI AND FELONY COCAINE POSSESSION: DRUG CHARGE DISMISSED, DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING WITH A 12 MONTH DEFERRED SENTENCE.
State v. D.B.
charges dismissed
Education
2005
Seattle University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
University of Washington -Seattle
BA - Bachelor of Arts, with Distinction
1992
Spokane Falls Community College
A.A.S.
Speaking Engagements
2015
BNI Weekly Business Luncheon
Criminal Defense
2014
Todd Beamer H.S. Street Law Class
What it means to be a Criminal Defense Attorney
2014
South King County YMCA High School Mock Trial Competition
South King County YMCA High School Mock Trial Competition
2014
Discussion - DV Defense and Family Law
Domestic Violence and Criminal Defense
2013
South King County YMCA High School Mock Trial Competition
South King County YMCA High School Mock Trial Competition
1999
Seattle Toastmasters Luncheon
Graphic Design and Branding / Internet Industry
Publications
1995
Graphic Design USA
Best of 1994-1995
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
How to convince a judge to drop or modify a 2 year no contact order that was placed because of a domestic violence situation
24 Mar 2014
Q&A
Can I transfer my diversion to another state as i need to move to idaho and take care of my elderly mother?
04 Feb 2014
Q&A
I blew a .146 and I have no priors, what is my best action to take?
10 Mar 2013