Daniel N Cook
- University Place, WA
- Licensed for 16 years
About Daniel
A mentor once told me that when you start law school, you do not realize that many of the clients you will serve are coming to see you at the lowest point in their lives. That has proven to be sage advice. I have served clients who are charged with a crime, who have just experienced the loss of a loved one, and who are going through a divorce or separation. I have had the opportunity to help clients through happier times as well, such as adoptions, and sometimes my work involves trying to avoid problems in the future, such as estate planning. But overall, I understand that most often clients are coming to see me in times of crisis. A figurative “earthquake” has happened in their lives, and I strive to guide my clients through the recovery process by serving as a zealous and objective legal advocate and counselor.
Family Law is a passion for me. I started my career at a law firm which exclusively handled domestic relations work. Since then, I have moved to a general practice law firm which has been established in Pierce County for more than 60 years. This gives me the opportunity to work with other cases outside of Family Law, but I still devote approximately 80% of my practice to domestic relations cases. I love the interaction with people that Family Law brings and the challenge of problem solving it entails. Serving as a Pro Tem Commissioner in the Pierce County Superior Court for four or five days, and sometimes more, each year during the last four years has broadened my perspective and helps me give my clients seasoned advice since I have seen many cases from the "other side" of the bench. This helps provide advice on probable outcomes should they go to court.
While virtually all cases involve some sort of court appearance by the attorney, most Family Law cases settle without a full contested trial. I work very hard with clients and opposing counsel or parties to resolve their cases short of trial. The clients often benefit by keeping their fees lower and controlling the outcome of their case. I strive to make sure my client is fully educated about their options and there are those cases which cannot settle and strategic advocacy is required all the way through trial. I enjoy being in the courtroom and am happy to roll up my sleeves and provide you with a spirited representation at trial and even on appeal if necessary. I have tried many cases over the years at the Superior Court level, and have handled several cases in the Court of Appeals. I have successfully defended positive and overturned negative outcomes from trial on Appeal.
It is also a pleasure to handle certain cases outside of the Family Law context. I feel it to be a great compliment when clients I have helped in a domestic case return and ask me to assist them in another area of law, providing services which could range from, among other things, preparing a will, defending them in a civil suit, or drawing up real estate agreements.
I appreciate the opportunity to serve clients with a wide range of legal needs, and I value the trust they place in my counsel and representation. I look forward to continuing to provide compassionate and vigorous advocacy for many years to come.
Languages spoken
English
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| WA | Active | 2004 | 12/05/2019 |
| CA | Inactive | 2003 | 11/04/2019 |
| Legal answers | 3 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2019 |
| Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2018 |
| Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2017 |
| Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2016 |
| Rising Star | Washington Super Lawyers | 2015 |
| Rising Star | Washington Super Lawyers | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Star | Washington Super Lawyers | 2013 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pro-Tempore Commissioners/Judges | Superior Court Pierce County | 2010 - 2015 |
| Associate | Lutz Law Offices, PS | 2004 - 2009 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Family Law Section | Member | 2004 - Present |
| Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section | Member | 2004 - Present |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Brook College of Law & Gov't Policy | JD - Juris Doctor | 2003 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| TPCBA Family Law Section Meeting | Considerations for Calculating Income of Business Owners for Child Support | 2019 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Diane Dumond And Greg Dumond, Appellants V. Vietnamese Baptist Church Of Tacoma, Et Al., Respondents | Successful appeal. |
Great Experience
Posted by anonymous
Wed Dec 12 2018
Awesome Lawyer
Posted by Erik
Mon Jan 29 2018
Attorney endorsements
(28)Heather Ramirez, Family Attorney on Sep 14, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Dan Cook is a formidable opponent in the courtroom, yet professional and courteous. He is very well respected by his colleagues in the legal community.
Jason Benjamin, Child custody Attorney on May 22, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Dan Cook has an amazing ability to aggressively advocate his client's position with a disarming demeanor that takes his effectiveness to another level. This allows Dan to get great results for his clients in litigation or in settlement discussions.
Margaret Lund, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 21, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Lindsay Camandona, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 14, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Debra Morse, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 29, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have been referring clients to Dan for a long time now. He has consistently demonstrated a high degree of legal skill as well as humanity and decency in our shared field of Family Law. That balance is refreshing. Dan is a real gentleman.
Daniel Coen, Family Attorney on Jul 24, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cook is an attorney who seeks to achieve real results instead of simply racking up litigation costs. He represents his clients vigorously and is extremely knowledgeable and competent.
Patricia Steele, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 8, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Dan is very effective in representing his client's interests. He has a level headed and thoughtful approach to litigation that makes him an invaluable asset to any family law case.
Lindsay Noel, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 27, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Danielle LaBelle, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 24, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Carolyn Elsey, Family Attorney on Oct 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Heather Swann, Family Attorney on Sep 25, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
David Lutz, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 27, 2014
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
I endorse this lawyer. Dan worked for me before he was a lawyer while studying to become one. After passing the bar he continued working for me for five years. In all this time Dan was a hard work, honest and competent attorney.
Jason Benjamin, Child custody Attorney on May 22, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Dan Cook has an amazing ability to aggressively advocate his client's position with a disarming demeanor that takes his effectiveness to another level. This allows Dan to get great results for his clients in litigation or in settlement discussions.
Deborah Gordon, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 16, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Robert Helland, Family Attorney on Nov 20, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have known Dan for many years. He has been on the other side of several of my cases. He is always very thorough and prepared. I have enjoyed his professionalism.
Leslie Bottimore, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 4, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
John Stocks, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 14, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Daniel Cook is friendly and professional, but also can balance that with competent, zealous advocacy for his clients.
Nicole Bolan, Family Attorney on Sep 25, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Dan is an outstanding attorney. He is able to balance being a strong advocate for his clients, while at the same time remaining professional, ethical, and honest in his dealings with the court and opposing counsel/parties. Dan is always quick to respond to phone calls and emails and is a true pleasure to work with. I would recommend him to anyone.
Nicole Hancock, Probate Attorney on Sep 24, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Sophia Palmer, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 17, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Dan and I have worked together as colleagues in the same office and as opposing counsel. Dan demonstrates a high degree of professionalism and integrity in his practice. When he is opposing counsel on a matter, I know that I am dealing with a trustworthy opponent who will work to negotiate a settlement, if possible, but who will aggressively advocate for his client. I certainly would recommend him for anyone seeking a knowledgeable, reasonable and reputable family law attorney.
Heather Ramirez, Family Attorney on Sep 14, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Dan Cook is a formidable opponent in the courtroom, yet professional and courteous. He is very well respected by his colleagues in the legal community.
Jonathan Baner, Debt collection Attorney on Sep 14, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cook operates professionally and with great diligence for his clients.
Cost
- Hourly Rates$260-$280/hour
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