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Over the course of his career, Mark Arend has filled the shoes of a businessman, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, and an attorney. Using his diverse vocational background, he helps clients facing high-tension, complex, and adversarial family law matters. Some of his practice areas include child custody, domestic violence, child support, relocation, high net worth divorce, and military family law.
Mark’s approach to family law is based on common sense, strong ethical standards, and the highest level of professionalism. His goal is simple: to “do better” for his clients than any other legal representative would do. Mark is a high skilled and experienced lawyer, with a strong background in difficult matrimonial law cases.
5
Practice Areas
18 years
18 years
18 years
Always
State: Washington
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
1201 Pacific Avenue, Suite 2000, Tacoma, WA, 98402
mckinleyirvin.com/locations/tacoma/Other places you can find Mark online.
22 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by anonymous | June 21, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Grateful for Mr. Arend's Expertise and Professionalism
I hired Mr. Arend to represent me in a child custody and child support case against my former spouse. My case was complex and somewhat unusual, and I was grateful to work with someone with his level of experience. From start to finish, Mark was responsive (always promptly responding to my calls and...
Posted by anonymous | December 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Wonderful to work with
Mark Arend and his team were amazing. My case was incredibly complicated and Mark handled it with grace. He worked tirelessly for more than 2 years to help me keep my child safe. He was always available to answer my questions and to ease my mind during the most stressful times.
Posted by Amber | April 22, 2015 | Family
Mark did an outstanding job for me and my children
Mark Arend, from the initial meeting presented himself as someone who knows what he's doing and has confidence in his ability to practice family law. He was BRILLIANT and sharp as a tack! Child support matters are a very stressful thing to go through and things can get pretty hairy if you don't obt...
Posted by anonymous | June 26, 2019 | Child Custody
Changed retaining fee
I sat down face to face with attorney Mark Arend, explained my situation, & I was told that I would need to pay a $6,500 retaining fee, in order to get more time with my son. He stated it will be a simple case. I saved up $6,500 in 2 months & called their office, ready to pay. I was told that th...
"It would be difficult to find a more professional, compassionate, dedicated, or knowledgeable attorney. Mark is both a client's and opposing counsel's ideal. He excels at both advocating for his clients and working cooperatively with other attorneys. I would not hesitate to refer a client or friend to Mark or, if the need ever arose, hire him myself. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mark is a great attorney and a great source of knowledge on a wide range of legal issues. He is friendly and patient, and an excellent advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Mark on a challenging child support modification/ reimbursement matter. He was honest, straightforward, and highly competent."
"Mark is an outstanding attorney. He is well-known and highly respected in the legal community. He manages his cases effectively and efficiently, both inside and outside the courtroom, and I cannot recommend him enough."
"I have known Mark Arend for a number of years. He is a dedicated, ethical, and highly skilled attorney. He is greatly respected by Judges, opposing counsel and the legal community as a whole. I would highly recommend him for family or business law issues."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Arend is an outstanding attonrey with an excellent reputation. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Arend provides good information and practical knowledge to those who need him. He gives of his time and talent to help people. He does excellent work."
"I've worked with Mark on behalf of one of his clients. He does excellent work for his clients and it shows in their trust and confidence in him. I wholeheartedly endorse him."
"I gladly endorse Mark's work. Mark brings a wealth of experience and business knowledge to our firm. Mark's clients enjoy working with him, and rest assured that they are in good hands with Mark as their attorney."
"I fully endorse Mark Arend as a driven advocate for his clients. Mark's experience both inside the legal world and outside as a business leader make him an invaluable resource."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Arend is a fantasitc attorney. I can always trust that the clients I refer to him will be well taken care of. His level of professionalism and expertise in this areas of law that he practices are outstanding."
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2026
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2024
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Washington Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Washington Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2012
Pro Bono Publico Honor Roll, Washington State Supreme Court
2012
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2011
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2010
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2009
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2008
The Order of Barristers, The National Order of Barristers
1985
Distinguished Military Graduate, United States Air Force ROTC
2020 - Present
Partner, McKinley Irvin
2014 - Present
Attorney, Mckinley Irvin
2014 - Present
Commissioner Pro Tempore, Pierce County Superior Court
2008 - 2013
Attorney, Nelson & Carver, P.S.
2008 - 2008
Law Clerk, Van Siclen, Stock
2006 - 2007
Legal Intern, Smith Alling Lane, P.S.
2003 - 2004
Director of Enterprise Sales, Onvia
2002 - 2003
Regional Sales Manager, Verizon Call Center Services
2001 - 2002
Vice President of Sales, IP Sciences
1998 - 2001
Regional Manager, Staples - Communications Division
1996 - 1998
General Manager, Convergent Technologies
1995 - 2008
President, The Arend Group
1993 - 1995
Executive Sales, McCaw Cellular Communications
1989 - 1992
Manager - Corporate Office, StairMaster
1982 - 1988
Fighter Pilot and Officer, United States Air Force
2026 - Present
International Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow
2024 - Present
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow
2008 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association Volunteer Legal Services ClinicVolunteer Attorney
2006 - Present
The Honorable Robert J. Bryan American Inn of Court, Chapter XXVBarrister
1988 - Present
Aircraft Owners and Pilots AssociationMember
1986 - Present
USAAMember
1984 - Present
Washington Pilots AssociationMember
2015 - 2015
American Bar AssociationMember
2013 - 2015
The Honorable Robert J. Bryan American Inn of CourtChairman - Platinum Achievement Committee
2012 - 2013
Puyallup Area Aging in Place CoalitionBoard of Directors
2012 - 2012
Washington State Bar AssociationRules of Professional Conduct Committee
2012 - 2014
Washington State Bar AssociationContinuing Legal Education Committee
2010 - 2015
C3 Leaders ForumMember
2010 - 2016
Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association Convention CommitteeMember
2010 - 2013
Cascade Vista Athletic ClubBoard Member/Trustee
2009 - 2014
Pierce County NetworkMember (President 2010-2012)
2009 - 2012
Cascade Vista Athletic ClubVolunteer Attorney
2009 - 2012
YMCA Mock Trial Competition - South SoundAttorney Rater
2009 - 2011
Washington State Bar AssociationProfessionalism Committee
2009 - 2014
Washington State Bar Association Home Foreclosure Legal Aid Project "HFLAP"Volunteer Attorney
2008 - 2010
Federal Bar Association - Western WashingtonEthics and Practice Committee
2006 - 2011
Washington Association for JusticeMember
2006 - 2007
NTSB Bar AssociationMember
2006 - 2009
Lawyer Pilots Bar AssociationMember
2005 - 2011
American Bar AssociationMember
2005 - 2012
King County Bar AssociationMember
2001 - 2003
Telecommunications Association - NorthwestPresident
1991 - 1992
National Association of Purchasing Managers - Western WashingtonBoard Member
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2009
Trial Skills
2008
Juris Doctor
2006
Mediation Training
1996
Graduate
1992
Certificate
1987
Fighter Pilot
1985
Bachelor of Arts
2013
Estate Planning Essentials and Recent Changes in the Law
2012
Estate Planning Basics
2012
Estate Planning Essentials
2011
The Economics of Business Disputes
2011
Courtroom Skills and Etiquette
2011
Use of Trusts in Estate and Financial Planning
2010
Professionalism: Where the RPCs Leave Off
2010
Business Law for Business Owners
2007
Recent Developments in Aviation Case Law
English
Legal Answers
Can an absent father of over 6 years who has never helped financially or anything get visitation ?
05 May 2020
How do I get my child back when grandparents refuse to return him?
05 May 2020
Follow the parenting plan during the Pandemic when the visitation requires my child to fly?
25 Apr 2020