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Diane Kathleen Whaley
About Diane
Biography
Diane Whaley attended Pacific Lutheran University studying Earth Science, Legal Studies and Economics. In 1999, Diane graduated from Seattle University School of Law. After passing the Bar, Diane started her career in criminal defense at the public defense firm - Associated Counsel For The Accused (ACA). For three years, Diane obtained a wide-variety of experience defending clients against misdemeanor and felony offenses. Towards the end of her tenure with ACA, Diane established herself as a talented defense attorney against felony allegations. Diane's reputation followed her into private practice after she opened her law office in 2003. In addition to her private practice, Diane is appointed to serious class A felony cases by the King County Department of Public Defense. Until 2009, Diane had a relationship in multiple cities representing conflict cases in Kent, Tukwila, Des Moines and Pierce County (Superior and Juvenile Courts). Diane served as a Judge Pro Tem in Federal Way Municipal Court until granted an opportunity to supervise Public Defense Criminal Cases in Federal Way Municipal Court for 5 years. Diane has now moved her practice to Olympia, Washington and now serves Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor, Pierce, and King County. Appearances are made in Municipal, District, and Superior Courts. You can find articles about her work on State v. Glenn Proctor under her maiden name Diane Zumwalt. This case gained media attention after Mr. Proctor was released from jail and his case dismissed on the charge of Murder in the Second Degree. This case was co-counseld with Green River Killer Attorney Mark Prothero. Diane believes in equal access to justice, practicing with integrity, and zealous representation. She has a vast depth of knowledge in the criminal defense field after handling thousands of cases over the years. Diane has handled Class A Felonies including Murder in the First Degree, Murder in the Second Degree, Robbery in the First Degree, Robbery in the Second Degree, Theft in the Third Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Assault in the Fourth Degree-Domestic Violence, Taking Motor Vehicle Without Permission, Violation of Uniform Controlled Substance Act-Possession, Delivery, etc, Trafficking Stolen Property, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the First Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree, Firearms Enhancement cases, DUI, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving in the First Degree, Felony and Misdemeanor Violation of a No Contact Order-Domestic Violence, Felony and Misdemeanor Harassment-Domestic Violence, Malicious Mischief in the First Degree, Malicious Mischief in the Second Degree, Malicious Mischief in the Third Degree, Strangulation-Domestic Violence, and Dangerous Weapons Enhancement cases. Extensive knowledge of criminal motions to suppress evidence, alternative reductions, alternative approaches to jail time and rehabilitation, deferred prosecutions, stipulated orders of continuance, deferred sentences, DOSA sentences, and Department of Corrections time calculation. Diane's felony trial experience in spending months at a time in trial on serious offenses sets her apart. Refer with confidence.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
60%
26 years
DUI and DWI
20%
26 years
Domestic Violence
10%
26 years
Juvenile Law
10%
26 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 26 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Whaley Law Firm, PLLC
4570 Avery Lane SE., Suite. C, Unit. 266, Lacey, WA, 98503
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Diane Kathleen Whaley's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
24 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 24 reviews
Posted by anonymous | November 15, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Careful with this one
She prioritizes the city over her clients and makes deals with the prosecution to betray her clients. Hire a real lawyer if at all possible.
Posted by Erica | September 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence
A lawyer that cares
Diane helped me in the worst time of my life. After being an abusive relationship i found myself in need of her service. She advocated for me and also helped me through everything. I will forever be grateful for her help. If you want a truly caring and amazing lawyer who will listen, do everything in...
Posted by Mike | July 22, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
The Find of the Century
Diane is absolutely the best! I had gotten into some serious legal trouble a couple years back and was given a public defender. After consulting with the public defender and a few other attorneys I was told the outcome would be bleak. I was blessed to stumble across her profile and eventually hire he...
Posted by Nick | December 20, 2017 | Lawsuits & Disputes
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Diane was great she gave me the perfect suggestions to what to do and by listening to her my case was dismissed!
Posted by Brandon | November 13, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
She is the best attorney that I have ever met.
I was falsely accused of a violent crime. Diane investigated the case with a fine tooth comb, and the charges were dropped after my innocence was revealed. Her reputation is outstanding for a reason.
Diane Kathleen Whaley's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Diane is a very knowledgable and caring attorney. She is well respected in the legal community and by far one of the kindest attorneys in our Bar. I wholeheartedly endorse diane for your legal needs!!!"
"Diane and I both had co-defendant's in a case and Diane researched and wrote an outstanding brief which resulted in dismissal of both our cases. She is professional and highly regarded by her peers. I highly recommend her services."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen Diane working in the courts and with her clients and she is an excellent attorney to have on your side."
"I have worked across the aisle as well as on the same side of it with Diane for several years. She is a tireless advocate for her clients always focused on getting the best results, and remaining truly professional in the process. I endorse Diane Whaley without reservation."
"Having seen Ms. Whaley in court many times, I am always impressed with her legal knowledge and aggressive representation."
"Diane is an excellent advocate who does everything she can to protect her client's rights and interests. I worked with her for a number of years and have seen her work in the trenches. She does not back down to opposing counsel when she feels she is right and is very articulate when arguing her cause. I would strongly endorse her."
"I worked with Diane for many years when we were both public defenders. She has always fought extremely hard for her clients and has always been fearless in her defense of their constitutional rights. We co-counseled a murder case a few years ago. Through Diane's tenacious hard work, thorough investigation, and preparation, we were able to establish the government had accused the wrong guy. The charge was dismissed, which is extremely unusual in a murder case. I highly endorse Diane Whaley. She is intelligent and passionate when it comes to defending someone accused of a crime."
"I met Diane when she first began her criminal law practice and have seen her grow into an excellent lawyer. She truly cares about her clients and her knowledge of the law and advocacy skill serves them well. I endorse this lawyer"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I worked with Diane on several cases when I was prosecuting for the City of Puyallup and also while prosecuting for the City of Auburn. Diane is extremely knowledgeable and level-headed while still a zealous advocate for her client. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer . I have known her since law school and I would refer anyone needing her services with confidence."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"Diane Zumwalt is an extremely competent criminal defense attorney. Diane is well respected not only by the defense bar, but also by the prosecutors. Because of the tremendous amount of respect for her abilities and knowledge in criminal defense, she has been able to work miracles in her negotiations. I was fortunate enough to do my very first trial with Diane as my co-counsel. To this day, I am thankful for learning as much as I did from such an upstanding and great trial attorney. I highly recommend that if you are in a situation facing criminal charges, you cannot afford to pass up the opportunity to have Diane Zumwalt defend you."
"I have known Diane Zumwalt for approximately ten years and find her to be a very aggressive and competent advocate for her clients. She is both knowledgable and experienced and it is not uncommon for me to seek her advice on some of my cases."
"Diane is a tremendous criminal defense lawyer. She has a wealth of experience representing criminal defendants and does an excellent job on behalf of her clients."
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Experience
Honors
1999
National Order of the Barristers,
1998
First Place and Best Brief, National Environmental Law Competition
1996
Academic Achievement Award for outstanding academic performance, Pacific Lutheran University
1996
Talent Award, Pacific Lutheran University
1994
Academic All American Honors, United States Volleyball Association
1992
Team Captain and named to First Team All Conference, Tyee High School Varsity Volleyball
1991
Varsity Volleyball MVP, Tyee High School
1991
Tennis team Most Inspirational and MVP, Tyee High School
1990
Basketball Coaches Award, Tyee High School
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Public Defender, Thurston County Office Of Assigned Counsel
2003 - Present
Attorney, Whaley Law Firm, PLLC
2015 - 2015
Public Defense Coordinator, City of Olympia
2015 - 2015
Contract Public Defender, City of Lacey
2009 - 2013
Public Defense Supervisor, Federal Way Municipal Court
2006 - 2008
Judge Pro Tem, Federal Way Municipal Court
2003 - 2014
Public Defender, King County Department of Public Defense
2000 - 2003
Public Defender, Associated Counsel for the Accused
1999 - 1999
Legal Extern, The Seattle King County Public Defender's Office
1998 - 1999
Clinical Law Program Participant, Clinical Law Program, Seattle University School of Law
1998 - 1999
Law Clerk, Attorney General's Office
1997 - 1997
Administrative Law Clinic Participant, Clinical Law Program, Seattle University School of Law
1997 - 1997
Legal Intern, Law Offices of Kenneth Bromet, Attorney at Law
1995 - 1996
Panel Member, King County Superior Court Conference Committee Diversion Program
1995 - 1996
Legal Intern, Dept of Assigned Counsel-Dependency Unit
Associations
2014 - Present
Thurston County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2010 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member
2006 - Present
Washington Defender AssociationMember
1999 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2007 - 2010
South King County Bar AssociationMember
2006 - 2007
Washington Women LawyersMember
2004 - 2006
Washington State Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2003 - 2011
King County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Glenn Proctor
Murder Charges Dismissed
Education
1999
Seattle University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
Pacific Lutheran University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2009
Paralegal Intern Class
Paralegal Internships
Publications
2009
By LEVI PULKKINEN /P-I REPORTER
Murder charges dropped in Federal Way slaying
2009
By LEVI PULKKINEN /P-I REPORTER
Cleared of murder, a second life begins
2009
Tacoma News Tribune by LEVI PULKKINEN; Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Cleared, free and ‘just happy to be out’
2009
By JACINDA HOWARD Federal Way Mirror Reporter
After a year in jail, man becomes key witness to Federal Way homicide
2009
By LINDA BYRON / KING 5 News
Investigators: Federal Way murder suspect released
2009
Federal Way News
Charges dropped against transit shooting suspect
2009
By Sharon Pian Chan Seattle Times staff reporter
Man "happy to be out" after murder charge dropped
Languages
American Sign Language
Activity
Legal Answers