Heather L Swann

PRO

Heather L Swann

also known as Heather L Orkney

4.7
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 19 years

Family Lawyer at Tacoma, WA
Practice Areas: Family, Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce & Separation

201 S 34th St, Tacoma, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Heather

Biography

Experienced and no nonsense family law attorney ready to help you! Call Today!

Experienced and no nonsense family law attorney ready to help you! Call

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Child Custody 30%

30%
Family 30%

19 years

30%
Child Support 20%

20%
Divorce and Separation 20%

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 350-375 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2020 2015

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 18 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Connecticut for 19 years

State: Connecticut

Acquired: 2006

Active

No misconduct found

Location

HAY & SWANN PLLC

201 S 34th St, Tacoma, WA, 98418-6802

washingtonlaw.net

Heather L Swann's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

28 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (28) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 28 reviews

Posted by Mike | December 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney

A professional, extremely competent, and very ethical company

We cannot thank you enough for your competency, loyalty, and steadfastness throughout this process. We know the process was not easy, and there were many obstacles along the way. Your clarity of thought and getting us through the process is very much appreciated. Your team oriented approach that play...ed to everyone's specific skill set was beautiful to watch unfold. We could not have been in better hands. Again, a simple thanks just doesn't go far enough to express how we feel about all of you and your firm.

Posted by Natacha | July 07, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Exceptional Legal Representation

I cannot speak highly enough of Heather Swann and the exceptional legal services she provided during my divorce. From our very first consultation, Heather demonstrated a rare combination of legal expertise, strategic thinking, and genuine compassion. She took the time to understand the complexities o...f my case and offered clear, practical guidance that helped me feel confident and informed every step of the way. Heather’s communication was always prompt, professional, and reassuring. She was honest about potential outcomes, yet always optimistic and solution-focused. Her ability to navigate emotionally charged situations with calm and clarity was invaluable. Thanks to her skillful negotiation and deep understanding of family law, we were able to avoid trial and reach a fair and favorable resolution. What truly sets Heather apart is her integrity. She never pushed unnecessary litigation and always prioritized what was in my best interest—both legally and personally. Her ethical approach and dedication to her clients are evident in everything she does. If you are looking for a divorce attorney who is not only highly competent but also genuinely cares about your well-being, I wholeheartedly recommend Heather Swann. She made one of the most challenging periods of my life manageable, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

Posted by Eric | April 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Smart, Pragmatic, No-nonsense Family Law Attorney

It was a great comfort to have Heather as my lawyer to guide me through an at-times difficult dissolution involving kids and a business. I am an attorney myself and Heather was recommended to me by multiple trusted friends and colleagues. I found her to be knowledgeable, competent, experienced, and s...killed. She gave me practical advice, counseled me to choose my battles, sought compromise whenever possible, and was assertive when necessary. She worked compassionately, efficiently (I never felt like she was running up a bill), and professionally, and was extremely responsive to my communications. Divorce is no fun but it was a little easier being in good hands with someone I trusted.

Posted by Thomas | March 20, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Family

Honest, Kid Focused, Knows the legal system

Heather and her team were amazing. Heather knows how to diffuse difficult situations and keeps the kids and your wallet in mind. Heidi and Taneisha kept me up to date on all the proceedings. I really can't say enough. Heather stepped in quickly and changed the tone of my case. She came highly recomm...end and I interviewed a few lawyers and I am not disappointed, I fear I would have been with other lawyers. Heather is extremely professional and honest there was a few times she told me the truth that I didn't want to hear but needed. I would not hesitate to reach out to her again if any issues arise.

Posted by Rebekah | October 20, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Highly Recommended

I hired Heather to represent me when I was in the middle of an emotional and contested separation. My case involved many moving parts, including a spouse in the military, a military deployment and subsequent relocation, a long distance child custody agreement, and my own personal out of state reloca...tion - all happening mid-divorce. My spouse would continue to throw scare tactics my way in an effort to stop divorce proceedings. Heather would quickly remind me to focus on the facts and not worry about all the extra stuff. My favorite quote from Heather was "I will tell you when you need to worry, and now is not the time." I used that phrase as my guiding principle the whole way through the process. Heather is factual, confident, to the point, responsive, and she knows her stuff. I always felt that Heather had my best interest in mind, and appreciated that she would focus on the best path forward while respecting my own personal desires. I highly recommend Heather for any family law issues you may need assistance with. She and her legal team are great! Thank you, Heather!

See All Client Reviews

Heather L Swann's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Heather
Jennifer Durcan Andrews headshot
Jennifer Andrews

Family lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Heather was my opposing counsel on a very contentious and unusual matter. She did an excellent job advocating for her client, both in writing and orally, and was able to advocate while being respectful of all parties involved."

Laura Anne Carlsen headshot
Laura Carlsen

Family lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Andrew K Helland headshot
Andrew Helland

Unknown lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John M Forsythe headshot
John Forsythe

Family lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kimberly L April headshot
Kimberly April

Family lawyer | Sep 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Debra S. Morse headshot
Debra Morse

Family lawyer | Jul 30

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nicole M. Bolan headshot
Nicole Bolan

Family lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lindsay Jean Noel headshot
Lindsay Noel

Unknown lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Scott Alexander Candoo headshot
Scott Candoo

Family lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Danielle Lynne LaBelle headshot
Danielle LaBelle

Family lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lindsay Diane Camandona headshot
Lindsay Camandona

Family lawyer | Sep 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Heather in the area of family law for many years. Aside from being able to bounce case theories off each other, I have also felt completely comfortable referring my clients to her that can no longer afford my services or who might be a better fit for her. Heather is a highly experienced and esteemed colleague and I endorse her."

Anthony J. Zorich JR headshot
Anthony Zorich

Family lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with Heather on several matters. She exhibits a level of professionalism to which others should strive, while maintaing the ability to advocate effectively on behalf of her clients. I have also looked to Heather for suggestions in resolving legal questions, and I place a high value on her advice. I endorse this lawyer."

Daniel N Cook headshot
Daniel Cook

Family lawyer | Sep 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Jessica E. Johnson headshot
Jessica Johnson

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Matthew J Yetter headshot
Matthew Yetter

Family lawyer

Miryana Gerassimova Saenz headshot
Miryana Saenz

Family lawyer

Andrew K Helland headshot
Andrew Helland

Family lawyer

John M Forsythe headshot
John Forsythe

Personal injury lawyer

Kelly T. LeBlanc headshot
Kelly LeBlanc

Child custody lawyer

Kimberly L April headshot
Kimberly April

Child custody lawyer

Debra S. Morse headshot
Debra Morse

Family lawyer

Paul Milton Nordsletten headshot
Paul Nordsletten

Employment and labor lawyer

Douglas N Kiger headshot
Douglas Kiger

Family lawyer

Todd Richard DeVallance headshot
Todd DeVallance

Family lawyer

Sophia May Palmer headshot
Sophia Palmer

Child custody lawyer

Jamie R Walker headshot
Jamie Walker

Divorce and separation lawyer

Amanda Jarrett Cook headshot
Amanda Cook

Family lawyer

Rachel Rolfs headshot
Rachel Rolfs

Family lawyer

Robert Helland headshot
Robert Helland

Family lawyer

Lindsay Jean Noel headshot
Lindsay Noel

Family lawyer

Scott Alexander Candoo headshot
Scott Candoo

Family lawyer

John Edward Thomas headshot
John Thomas

Family lawyer

Nicole M. Bolan headshot
Nicole Bolan

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Distinguished Service To The TPCBA Award, Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Partner, Hay & Swann PLLC

2007 - 2010

Associate, Hay Law Firm, P.S.

2004 - 2005

Legal Intern, CT State's Attorneys' Office

Associations

2023 - Present

TacomaProBono Community Lawyers Foundation Board

Member

2019 - Present

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, TacomaProBono Committee

Chair

2017 - Present

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Volunteer Legal Services Committee

Member

2007 - Present

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2007 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2023 - 2024

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association

President

2022 - 2023

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association

President-Elect

2022 - 2023

TacomaProBono Community Lawyers Foundation Board

President

2021 - 2022

Tacoma Pierce County Washington Women Lawyers Judicial Qualifications Committee

Co-chair

2018 - 2019

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Volunteer Legal Services Committee

Co-Chair

2015 - 2016

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Secretary/Treasurer

2013 - 2014

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Trustee

2009 - 2016

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Bar Convention Committee

Member

2007 - 2016

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section

Member

Education

2006

Western New England College School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2002

Suffolk University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2017

Love Stinks X

Non Parental Custody/Ethics

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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