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 7 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

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 Brooke | September 22, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family

Professional, personable, and honest.

Heather is an amazing family law attorney. Her attention to detail, honest feedback, and genuine concern for her clients was critical to keeping me grounded throughout a very emotional and challenging time. As a military member separating from another military member, achieving balance for our fami...ly with minors was critical to maintaining stability. Heather offered sound advice and assisted me with compromise during mediation, keeping me focused on what truly mattered- my son. Her recommendations allowed me to resolve disagreements with my former spouse and avoid a trial in court later this year. Heather and her staff maintained constant communication with me, and I always felt comfortable asking questions or clarifications throughout the process. I highly recommend Heather to anyone looking for a fair, experienced family law attorney. She is well worth every penny!

Posted by Debora | February 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Smart, Saavy, Sensible, Trustworthy

Heather is personable, straightforward, and consistent in her communication, efforts, and results, to provide me with excellent representation in a "gray divorce". Her wise counsel and saavy negotiating skills allowed me to receive a fair and equitable resolution of assets in mediation, without havi...ng to go to trial. She was prudent to keep charges at bay. I am extremely grateful for her work on my case, and the support provided by her firm and staff, in all their interactions with me. I highly recommend Heather as a smart choice for representation.

Posted by Kimberly | February 04, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family

Thorough. Fair. Confident. Experienced. Generally Amazing.

Heather Swann provided me top notch service as my Family Lawyer and was worth every single penny spent!! Heather was able to navigate my complex relationship as a Civilian Law Enforcement Officer with the father of my children who is an Active Duty Service member. Insert two teenage kids, a new pr...egnancy, an AuPair for daycare, and communication while one party was deployed made the entire situation difficult. She didn’t waiver but was direct and up front; managing expectations and tactfully removing the band aid of emotions. With candor and calmness, she sifted through multiple unreasonable, emotionally-based demands made by both parties. She clearly lit the path of the way ahead, ensuring that our resolution put the children’s needs first. Something which can get lost in the emotions of a conflict. I was involved and informed of every decision made, and watched as she went toe to toe with every roadblock and person that stood in the way of our end goal. She is one of the very most competently aggressive lawyers I have the pleasure of working with; that list includes both prosecutors and defense attorneys. There is no other family lawyer I’d use or recommend. I was already divorced so Heather assisted me with Petitions for Modifications, Emergency Restraining Orders, Parenting Plan Revision, Child Support Modifications/Calculations (one worksheet for a deployed status and one for non-deployed as the finances and child custody changes drastically), a very long Mediation, Declarations, Supplemental Declarations, ExParte, and addressing Orders for Hearings.

Posted by Robero | April 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Excellent Attorney

Heather Swann handled my extremely complex divorce and custody case with patience and dedication. As a father fighting for his child she helped me secure custody of my child and keep my child from harms way. She helped me stay calm through such a difficult case and was able to accomplish what was b...est for my child. She is extremely military friendly and understands the hardships associated with military life. Now as a veteran and father I will recommend Heather Swann to anyone to handle their family case as a honest, trustworthy, and hard working attorney.

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
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Kimberly April

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Debra Morse

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Sophia Palmer

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Jamie Walker

Divorce and separation lawyer

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Amanda Cook

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Rachel Rolfs

Family lawyer

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Robert Helland

Family lawyer

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Lindsay Noel

Family lawyer

Scott Alexander Candoo headshot
Scott Candoo

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John Thomas

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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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