also known as Heather Straub, Heather R. Straub
For over 20 years, I've been a criminal trial attorney, and I have nearly 25 years total legal experience. I enjoy fighting for my clients - most of whom are facing the toughest challenge of their lives.
When I opened a private firm in 2011, I saw a need for civilian defense attorneys knowledgeable in military law -- someone to assess the consequences faced by servicemembers accused of crimes or misconduct, but who could also assist clients in military and civilian court. Working with servicemembers has been a great fit for me with my background; I am the daughter of a career Navy NCO, and I married an Army Officer. Just about every generation of my family has sent at least one family member off to war. They fight for us: now I get to fight for them.
While military cases hold a special place for m, I also enjoy work with people from all walks of life. I listen to my clients and try to understand each one's goals and values, so that we can work closely together to achieve the best outcome. I pride myself on my legal advocacy in the courtroom and in my written work product. Furthermore, I have advanced training in negotiation and alternative dispute resolution. Often, I can get good results working with prosecutors, Commanders, and law enforcement. when that is appropriate or desirable. For those cases that are not able to be resolved, I work constantly to hone my trial skills, and I am proud of my reputation as a tough litigator.
I am blessed and honored to defend the Constitution for a living. My clients appreciate that I am passionate about what I do and the fact that I fight hard for them in court, but also like that I'm respectful and down-to-earth. Although I credit my Duke and UW educational background for developing my legal reasoning and writing abilities, what makes me a successful attorney is my hardworking, positive attitude, and my passion for defending people who are facing their toughest legal challenges. If you have any questions about my practice and how I can help you, please call or email me.
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Chat withState: Washington
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
1105 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA, 98402
PO Box 1414, Tacoma, WA, 98401
Showing 1 - 5 of 39 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Edward | December 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Heather helped organize and manage my case with professionalism and also with a more personable approach. She also informed me of things she didn’t feel confident in, but did whatever she could to make things happen. I’m happy she took on my case as nobody else in the area seemed willing or able to a...
Posted by Jon | August 27, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
Seems like perfectly competent and well-rounded council, but unfortunately I was unable to get this office to follow-through on their expressed interest in being retained by myself. After *literal* months of emailing and calling with no response, following a consultation where she expressed willingne...
Posted by anonymous | February 3, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Went through a long grueling situation and Heather took my case and not only did she win my civil case but also when the Brigade commander decided to try and fry me we took it to a board of separation and slam dunked it. Heather exceeded my expectations and saved my life. She is the best lawyer aroun...
Posted by Jamel | December 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Heather was there for me day 1 since I made the call reaching out for legal help. Federal Court was a scary thought, but Heather made sure to rest my mind by working with me in all aspects of the case. Took less than a 7 months to get everything squared away. Shes an amazing Lawyer, very knowledgeab...
Jamel, thank you very much for writing this review. I appreciate it so much! It was such a pleasure to work with you, so while I hope there's no more trouble in your future, I would be honored to work with you again. Thank you again and hope you're doing well.
Posted by Neal | December 8, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Heather was very professional, and made my first court case a very easy process. She gathered pertinent information for the arraignment, kept me updated on the constantly changing court schedule, and represented me well. I would recommend her to all my contacts. Heather is one of the best people I...
Neal, thank you so much for the kind words. I'm glad we were able to get such an outstanding result on your case. Best wishes for the future!
"One of the hardest working most committed lawyers I know, and one of only a few I will consult on military issues."
"Whenever anyone comes to me looking for help with an issue in the armed forces I refer them to Heather Straub immediately. She works incredibly hard (and with a lot of passion) for her clients. She clearly knows the unique position service members face when confronting either the civilian or the military justice system, and gets the results needed for her clients."
"I strongly endorse Heather Straub. She is great criminal law, military law, DUI and DWI attorney! She listens to her clients and she knows what they want and what they need. She is active in the community and a skilled and seasoned advocate for her clients. Ron Meyers"
"Heather Straub is an outstanding attorney, an upbeat and positive person, and an active member of the legal community. I meet Heather through her service as a Board Member of the Legal Assistance to Military Personnel (LAMP) Section of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), where I am a member. She was outstanding in that role, as she is as an attorney. There is no finer person available to represent you than Heather Straub."
"I endorse this lawyer. Heather has a strong courtroom acumen. She will work hard for you, and will go after the prosecution with all that she has to muster."
"I've worked on collateral matters with Heather, and know of her reputation. She is experienced, hard working, smart, and works each case with sincere zealous advocacy. You should have confidence in her work as an attorney!"
"I highly recommend Ms. Straub. She is a strong advocate for clients and works tirelessly to get the right result. I have seen Ms. Straub in court and she is persuasive, articulate, and bright. Any client is lucky to have her."
"Heather is a terrific advocate for her clients. She works hard, is well prepared and dogged in her pursuit of the truth. She is always looking for ways to better herself and her skills. A great lawyer and a terrific person. Give her a problem and she will solve it. What more can you ask for in a lawyer."
"Since working on class matters with Heather at the UW Law school, I recognized Heather has the wit and drive to advocate positions and client interests. She is the type of lawyer who keeps clients apprised and is highly successful at positive outcomes. I highly endorse Heather Rogers Straub."
"Ms. Straub is an outstanding attorney. She consistently achieves great results and is highly respected in the community. In addition, she is somebody I will often seek out for advice. I highly respect and wholeheartedly recommend her."
"Heather is an excellent Tacoma criminal defense attorney. She's energetic, devoted, and a strong advocate for her clients. I fully endorse this attorney."
"Heather is an extremely sharp and hard-working attorney. She is very knowledgeable in her field, responsive, and professional. I would recommend her services without reservation. We are lucky to have her in the Pierce County legal community."
"I have known many excellent and thorough attorneys. Ms. Straub is top of the list. Her analysis and research is comprehensive. Her attention able to focus on the most minute of details. In every case she brings the full force of her research and personality to bear for the benefit of her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ms. Straub for years and undoubtedly she is a brilliant and talented attorney. She is an expert in criminal law and her legal skills (courtroom, negotiation, writing and research skills) crossover into other areas of civil law practice seamlessly. She is compassionate and caring towards her clients and she always zealously fights for her clients to get the best results. And she delivers favorable results for her clients. Her negotiation skills and courtroom litigation skills are top notch. She commands the respect of the court and opposing counsels and her peers. I highly recomment Ms. Straub without reservation."
"I have known Heather for 15 years. During that time she has always had a passion for the law. She works hard for her clients and gets results."
"Heather is a bright and articulate attorney who I had the pleasure of working with on several criminal defense matters. She is respected by her peers, judges and prosecutors alike. Now that she is in private practice, I expect her to continue her history of solid legal representation on behalf of her clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have worked with Heather as opposing counsel when she worked for the Associated Counsel for the Accused. She was extremely professional and a very zealous advocate. However, she is also a very nice person and very easy to get along with, something you don't always find with a zealous advocate. She is a great asset for her clients. I highly endorse her."
"Heather is an extremely knowledgeable and competent attorney. Heather has also showed a level of compassion for her clients that, while always professional, helped her better serve her client's needs made her a successful defense attorney."
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2014
Pro Bono Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2014
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2014
Rising Star, Thomson Reuters
2013
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2013
Rising Star, Thomson Reuters
2006
Appointed to Pro Bono and Legal Aid Committee, Washington State Bar Association
1996
Cum Laude, Duke University
1996
Golden Key Honor Society, Duke University
2015 - Present
Judge Pro Tem, Lakewood Municipal Court
2010 - Present
Managing Partner, Law Offices of Heather R. Straub
2012 - 2012
Partner, Harlowe & Falk LLP
2009 - 2010
VP Non-Profits & Development, AB Hays, LLC
2005 - 2008
Attorney, Associated Counsel for the Accused
2014 - Present
Federal Bar Association (Washington chapter)Member
2013 - Present
Washington State Bar Association, Legal Assistance to Military Personnel SectionVice Chair
2012 - Present
United States District Court for the Western District of WashingtonAdmitted
2011 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
US Court of Appeals for Veterans ClaimsAdmitted
2009 - Present
Tacoma Historical SocietyBoard of Directors
2008 - Present
JAG Spouse ClubMember
2005 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2013 - 2015
Washington Women Lawyers (Pierce County Chapter)Judicial Evaluation Committee Chair
2012 - 2013
Washington Women Lawyers (Pierce County chapter)President
2012 - 2014
Northwest Justice Project Board of DirectorsSecretary, Executive Cmte, Board Dev & Quality of Practice Cmtes
2010 - 2012
WSBA Legal Assistance to Military Personnel Section (LAMP)Secretary/Treasurer
2008 - 2010
Attorneys Assisting Citizen-Soldiers & FamiliesVolunteer Attorney
2005 - 2007
WSBA Pro Bono & Legal Aid CommitteeCommittee Member
2004 - 2009
WSBA Lawyer Assistance ProjectPeer Counselor
1996 - 1999
Law Women's CaucusMember, UW School of Law
1993 - 1996
Alpha Phi SororitySocial Chair
Retained in the US Army
Retained, military career saved
House arrest, no jail
DISMISSED/RECORDS SEALED/RIGHTS RESTORED
Settlement - client got paid for their hard work
Settled out of court - problematic board members resigned or were dismissed. New financial controls and protections in place.
Charge was dropped to a less serious offense and given community service - no jail or prison.
1999
Juris Doctor
1996
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
2019
The Artful DVPO Dodger: Strategies for Every Type of Protective Order
2018
Criminal Defense
2017
Ethical issues Facing Small Firm Practitioners
2016
Annual Conference Co-Chair; Moderator for Media Relations panel.
2014
2014
2007
Time Management for Busy Lawyers
2016
2016
2014
2014
2008
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
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28 Apr 2019
Re enlist with 2C re code?
16 Mar 2017