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Brian Michael Barnes

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Avvo Rating7.3
  • Olympia, WA
  • Licensed for 23 years
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About Brian

I have been in private practice in Thurston County, Washington since 1996.  My practice is primarily focused on family law cases.  I was previously certified as a Guardian ad Litem for minor children by the Thurston County Superior Court.  I also served as an adjunct professor at South Puget Sound Community College for ten years, teaching the family law (domestic relations) course.  In addition to working as an attorney in private practice, I serve as a Pro Tem Judge/Court Commissioner for Thurston County Superior Court.

Practice areas

ProbateWills and living willsFamily
  1. Family: 85%

  2. Wills and living wills: 10%

  3. Probate: 5%

Languages spoken

English

Contact

1605 Cooper Point Road NW
address map

Pope, Houser & Barnes PLLC

1605 Cooper Point Road NW
Olympia, WA, 98502

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
WAActive199510/02/2019
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers0
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Certificate of Appreciation for Service as Judge Pro TemThurston County Superior Court2017
Certificate of Appreciation for Service as Judge Pro TemThurston County Superior Court2016
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PartnerPope, Houser & Barnes PLLC2013 - Present
Pro Tem Judge/Court CommissionerThurston County Superior Court2012 - Present
Title 26 Guardian ad LitemThurston County Superior Court (Family & Juvenile Court)2004 - 2012
Adjunct ProfessorSouth Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC)2002 - 2012
PartnerValz, Houser, Kogut & Barnes, P.S.1998 - 2013
PartnerValz, Kogut & Barnes, P.S.1996 - 1998
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Blackhills Football ClubBoard of Directors2013 - Present
Olympia High School Alumni AssociationBoard of Directors2010 - Present
U.S. District Court of Western WashingtonMember1996 - Present
Thurston County Bar AssociationMember1996 - Present
Thurston County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember1996 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember1995 - Present
KokuaBoard of Directors2008 - 2010
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of San Diego School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1995
Claremont McKenna CollegeBA - Bachelor of Arts1992
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Thurston County Superior Court Lunchtime Education SeriesProtection Orders 1012014
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Domestic Relations CourseDomestic Relations (Family Law) Lecture Series2012
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Domestic Relations CourseDomestic Relations (Family Law) Lecture Series2010
Thurston County Guardian ad Litem TrainingGuardian ad Litem investigation techniques2008
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Domestic Relations CourseDomestic Relations (Family Law) Lecture Series2008
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Domestic Relations CourseDomestic Relations (Family Law) Lecture Series2006
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Domestic Relations CourseDomestic Relations (Family Law) Lecture Series2004
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Domestic Relations CourseDomestic Relations (Family Law) Lecture Series2002
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Relocation of childrenFavorable
Modification of Spousal MaintenanceFavorable
Primary placement (custody) of childrenFavorable

Reviews

(4)
5 Star
75%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Brian Barnes

Very helpful and knowledgeable

Posted by PatFri Jun 28 2019

Brian was great. Really knows his stuff, knew the opposing lawyer and the challenges of working with her, kept me focused and was very communicative. He was the second lawyer I used (dismissed the first) and I only wish I started with him. He was also mindful of cost which I appreciated.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Child Custody

Posted by anonymousWed Apr 05 2017

Brian helped our family through a very traumatic time. He helped us secure temporary custody of our grandchildren. He was very professional; did what was expected and helped us through a very difficult process. He is a very good attorney and we would highly recommend him.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(5)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Paul Battan, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 5, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have worked with Brian often as a family law attorney. Brian is well know and respected for his civility and integrity, whether he is working as an attorney or as a pro-tem judicial officer. When I need to refer a family law case to another local attorney, Brian is invariably one of the attorneys I recommend, and I do so enthusiastically.

Patrick Rawnsley, Family Attorney on Jun 12, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Brian the entirety of his career and he is well respected in our legal community. He is more than just an effective litigator; he is exceptionally qualified as both a mediator and a pro tem court commissioner. It has been a pleasure to work with Brian both as co-counsel on cases as well as opposing counsel.

Ronda Larson, Elder law Attorney on Nov 20, 2013
Relationship: Friend

Brian is who I call first when friends or family ask for a referral for family law, estate planning, criminal law, or other matters. This is because he is extremely smart, has good judgment, and works cooperatively to avoid dragging out conflicts between parties needlessly.

Brita Long, Estate planning Attorney on Oct 30, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer. I practiced family law in Thurston county for over a decade and Brian is one of the two family law attorneys to whom I make referrals. He knows the law, has a wonderful demeanor, and is on top of his cases. He is also highly respected in the legal community and among judges.

Michael Dewitt, Family Attorney on Jan 15, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Brian is at the top of a very short list of family law attorneys that I refer clients to without hesitation. He is an effective advocate for his clients, but he is always willing to negotiate with an open mind. He's also a very nice guy.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$275-$275/hour
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card

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