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Vern McCray’s rule of practice is “Treat others the way you would want to be treated.” We treat our clients like they are family to us & that is how we look after their interests. Our attorneys have good working relationships with virtually every firm in town, & with adjacent professionals. Mr. McCray's thorough approach to helping each client navigate what is often the most difficult time in a person’s life has earned him the reputation of being a fierce advocate to have on their side.
A Clark County native, Vern McCray started his legal career in 1989, under the mentorship of Clark County Superior Court Judge Edwin L. Poyfair. He prosecuted misdeamenors such as DUIs and Assault 4 cases as an Assistant Deputy Prosecutor for the City of Washougal at the same time he worked at Poyfair & English.
When Judge Poyfair took the bench in 1992, Mr. McCray began working for Boyd & Gaffney (now Boyd Gaffney Sowards & Treosti PLLC), where his 2nd great mentor, James Boyd, threw him into the deep end with a felony public defense contract for Clark County & Skamania County. It was through the defense contract where Mr. McCray gained his 3rd great mentor in criminal felonies, the Honorable Judge Robert Lewis. Judge Lewis & Mr. McCray each took approximately 125 felony cases each year between Clark County & Skamania, and split the Juvenile criminal contract and Dependency contract. Mr. McCray kept his felony public defense contract for over 10 years before going into private criminal defense.
Mr. McCray’s working relationships with opposing counsel have inspired resolution in the most convoluted circumstances. In the event trial is not the best course- Mr. McCray has a track record of obtaining dismissals, civil compromises, and reduced charges on criminal cases, and structuring settlements in family law cases, wrongful death lawsuits, and large estates.
In 2012, Mr. McCray branched away from Boyd, Gaffney, McCray, Sowards, & Treosti & took over the firm’s Camas location as his own practice. Today, Mr. McCray’s decision making is relied on by other judges, who call upon him to act as Pro-Tem Judge in their stead, as well as a Special Master of Evidence. For the past decade, Mr. McCray has limited his own practice to criminal defense and family law, two areas of the law he finds most rewarding.
When he is not in the office, Mr. McCray is either serving as a Pro-tem Judge in Skamania Superior Court, or farming on 100 acres of his Goldendale property with his wife, and their many, many animals.
Our firm serves Clark County: Camas, Washougal, Battleground, Brush Prairie, Ridgefield, Vancouver and Skamania County.
Should you find yourself going through the difficulty of a family law matter, or through the nightmare of a criminal prosecution, contact The Vern McCray Law Firm to schedule a free case consultation with Mr. McCray.
6
Practice Areas
35 years | 1,500 cases
35 years | 500 cases
35 years | 1,500 cases
35 years | 400 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
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Chat withState: Washington
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
413 NE Everett St., Camas, WA, 98607
Showing 1 - 5 of 18 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Alexander Kluka | January 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney
The Vern McCray Law Firm was recommended to us by a previous attorney. Best recommendation we could have received. The law firm cares about Father's rights and this was proven in our case. When a negative GAL report was presented against us, they helped us fight it down. Valerie was absolutely wonder...
Posted by anonymous | October 29, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Last year I was accused of a terrible crime. If found guilty of the charges, it could be a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison. Vern heard me and got access to notes prior to the interviews to undermine the State’s charges against me and was fully prepared to go to trial. The prosecutor kept...
Posted by Nathan | June 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney
I retained, Roxana Manesh, to represent me and my son in staying here in our hometown where our family, friends and roots are. Roxana is a fantastic active listener, who truly cares; then she takes the facts and information she’s received, and then lays out next steps very clearly. She is ethical, a...
Posted by Michael | June 3, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
Vern took the time to listen carefully and fully understand my situation. He even followed up on the consultation with a phone call later that day with additional information. He provided me with an honest assessment and assured me that he and his team would provide the best legal support possible. H...
Posted by anonymous | March 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney
After having an illigitimate DV and Protection Order placed on me in the middle of the night, I went out looking for a lawyer to represent me. After several tries, and being told to make an appointment, I came upon Vern's law firm in downtown Camas. I was speaking with the secretary, telling her my i...
"Very relatable and a great sense for the courtroom, Vern has been among the top trial court attorneys in Southwest Washington for years. A real pleasure to watch him work his magic before a jury."
"Vernon McCray is a well respected litigation attorney in the Clark County area. Vern's courtroom demeanor is excellent and he genuinely cares about his clients and the legal system."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is one of the most senior attorneys in our community. He is professional, compassionate and a great trial lawyer. He will always promote a fair resolution and understands the emotional impact dissolution has on the client. He is always well prepared and puts the client's interests first. I heartily endorse him."
"Watching Vern McCray put on any trial: felony criminal or family law, is like watching an artist at work. The way he litigates makes all the difference for a client facing heinous accusations. I have never encountered another lawyer apart from Vern, who is as trusted, beloved, and admired- not only by their own clients, but other legal professionals."
"Mr. McCray is a trusted fellow legal professional with an impressive breadth of knowledge of our judicial system, coupled with his experience serving as a Pro-Tem Judge. I often rely upon Mr. McCray’s expertise on an array of specialized matters and find his advice to be well-reasoned, and impactful. I would recommend anyone hire Vern McCray if they are facing a criminal charge."
"Mr. McCray is as accomplished and adept and attorney as a client could wish for. In his decades of experience, he has won countless people their freedom in trials and out of court settlements."
"Working alongside Vern has been a true privilege. Their unmatched dedication to criminal defense law, coupled with an extraordinary ability to craft strategic defenses, sets them apart. Vern possesses an impressive blend of legal prowess and interpersonal finesse, consistently securing favorable outcomes for clients. A collaborative team player, they contribute not only legal expertise but also a positive and supportive atmosphere. I wholeheartedly recommend Vern McCray – an outstanding professional committed to justice."
Family lawyer
2012 - Present
Managing Partner, The Vern McCray Law Firm PLLC
1992 - 2012
Partner, Boyd, Gaffney, Sowards, McCray & Sundstrom
1989 - 1992
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, City of Washougal
1989 - 1992
Associate Attorney, Poyfair & English
Member
Not Guilty by Jury Verdict
Not Guilty Jury Verdict
1990
JD - Juris Doctor
2010
Law Professor
2012
English
Legal Answers
If the custodial parent leaves the state without notifying other parent as per parenting plan, would that be consider kidnapping
02 Jan 2024
What is important to the judge when considering a Temporary Protection Order (RCW 7.105.305, .310?
11 Dec 2023
What can I do in order to initiate a no contact order lifted if I am only a witness?
07 Dec 2023