Deanna Rusch

Deanna Rusch

4.7
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 19 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Vancouver, WA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Custody ... +2 more

655 West Columbia Way, Suite 504, Vancouver, WA

About Deanna

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Family 10%

20 years

10%
Child Custody 5%

20 years

5%
Child Support 2%

20 years

2%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Oregon for 18 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Washington for 19 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2006

Active

No misconduct found

Location

McKean Smith LLC

655 West Columbia Way, Suite 504, Vancouver, WA, 98660

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Deanna Rusch's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

115 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 38 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Shane | November 19, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Expert help from the very best!

I'm so grateful for Deanna's expertise and wisdom! My ex moved out of state and we had major disagreements about where the children should live during the school year. I hired Deanna back in spring 2020 and over the summer, she helped navigate the path to the best outcome for me and my children. I re...ally appreciated the depth of her experience and knowledge and her willingness to listen and answer questions. One of the best things about Deanna is her sincere desire to help people. We ended up choosing to go to arbitration. With Deanna's help, I had a solid plan and was thoroughly prepared. It was easy for the Arbitrator to see what was in the best interest of my children and I'm very pleased with the outcome. I hope I never have to go through another custody dispute, but if I do, I won't hesitate to call Deanna.

Posted by Jason | September 10, 2020 | Hired Attorney

If you want the best hire Deanna

I had no experience with the legal system going into it. I started frantically calling any attorneys I could find in the area and in my first three calls all three told me if I wanted the best retain Deanna. I did and I have nothing but good things to say about her representation of me. While their s...ervices were expensive they knew about my financial situation and offered me guidence as to how to best utilize them. There were times I was completely overwhelmed with anxiety and Deanna firmly let me know that what I was doing wasn't going to help which is exactly what I needed at the time. I will retain Deanna and her team in the future if needed and would wholeheartedly reccomend her to anyone needing expert legal counsel.

Posted by Jyl | August 03, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Deanna and her team were amazing to work with.

Deanna and her team are very professional and organized. I hired them to help me with my divorce. They give great advice and work in a timely manner. My divorce was very easy and they always listened when I had a question and got back to me. I highly recommend Deanna and her team.

Posted by anonymous | January 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Simply the best

DeAnna represented me during my divorce. She not only knows the law, she understood my concerns, feelings, and answered every question without delay. I cannot recommend her enough! If you are considering hiring an all around competent and sympathetic attorney, she is the one!!!

Posted by anonymous | January 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Dedicated and Talented

Deanna Rusch represented me during a difficult divorce, and I highly recommend her for anyone needing to hire a family law attorney. She expertly guided me from a bad situation toward a bright future. She is not only an exemplary and talented attorney, but she is also a good person with an amazing w...ork ethic who truly cares about her clients. Before I met with her, I was terrified. After our first meeting, I felt confident and prepared. She was able to quickly tell me what I needed to focus on and what I should ignore. She listened to me intently to learn of my priorities during the divorce and for my future. She was able to set my mind at ease by getting me to focus on the facts of the divorce instead of worrying about the threats and demands coming from the opposing party. By the end of our first meeting, she was able to create a plan that focused on my priorities, and we had a goal for a positive and realistic outcome. Throughout the entire divorce, she was extremely dedicated to me and the outcome of the case. She was always very personable and approachable. She considered every question and concern I had seriously and responded rapidly; even replying to emails late at night. Her updates were frequent and informative. I always knew exactly what was happening with the case, and Deanna was always several steps ahead of the process. Deanna took the time to get to know me as a person and not just as a case. Not only did this make me feel like I had a true ally in my corner who I trusted implicitly, but it made her a very strong advocate for me when it came to hearings and mediation as she knew exactly what was important to me and my future when quick decisions had to be made. Her presence in court and mediation was professional, friendly, sharp, and formidable. Deanna was consistently calm and levelheaded while also vigorously fighting for what was important to me and keeping the case on a productive course. I am so thankful for Deanna and everything that she did to help me through a challenging divorce, but the thing that will always matter the most to me is what she did to maintain the bond that I share with my dog. The opposing party fought for me to give them my dog. Deanna recognized how important my dog is to me and me to him. She told me that she respected our bond, that she would fight for us to stay together, and that she would never stop fighting for us. She stayed true to her word. The divorce is finalized, and my dog and I are still together.

See All Client Reviews

Deanna Rusch's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Deanna
Eric Hoffman headshot
Eric Hoffman

Family lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have interacted with Ms. Rusch since coming to Vancouver in 2012. I have seen her in court and observed her in trial. She is one of our best."

Jeffrey W Holmes headshot
Jeffrey Holmes

Family lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked previously with Deanna as opposing counsel in family law and found her to be a zealous advocate for her client while also being very prompt and respectful throughout the proceedings. I would definitely recommend Deanna for those seeking out family law counsel within the greater Clark County area."

Erin K Morris headshot
Erin Morris

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Deanna is one of the hardest working attorneys I know and I would not hesitate to refer friends and family members to Deanna."

James Wriston headshot
James Wriston

Family lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lisa Marie Ward headshot
Lisa Ward

Family lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Deanna always works incredibly hard on behalf of her clients. She is tough, knowledgeable, and an all around great attorney."

Matthew Joseph Kuehnl headshot
Matthew Kuehnl

Family lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Deanna is a wealth of knowledge in all things Family Law and works tirelessly to meet her client's needs."

Elizabeth Elaine Christy headshot
Elizabeth Christy

Family lawyer | May 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Deanna is a strong advocate and professional to work with."

Calli Hisey headshot
Calli Hisey

Family lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Deanna is undoubtedly one of the best attorneys in Clark County. Watching her in court is always a learning experience for me; she's direct, to the point and she very obviously advocates for her clients. Not only that, but she is an excellent source of knowledge whenever I have questions about the law or procedure. I happily endorse her, and recommend her to anyone in search of a family law attorney."

Samantha J Hazel headshot
Samantha Hazel

Family lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Co-worker

"Deanna is a great advocate for her clients. Prior to working together we faced off on a case. Deanna was a consummate professional but a tough litigator. I much prefer being her co-worker than having to face her in court, because she is a formidable presence."

Ali Ebrahimzadeh headshot
Ali Ebrahimzadeh

Unknown lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nathan Holms Petersen headshot
Nathan Petersen

Family lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Deanna Rusch is a zealous advocate who understands the law and cares about her clients. I highly endorse her."

Casey Sanders headshot
Casey Sanders

Family lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Deanna is a tireless advocate for her clients who will do everything in her power to advocate for their needs, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I highly endorse Deanna."

Maya Shulman headshot
Maya Shulman

Family lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Deanna has a proven expertise and an unabashed compassion for her family law practice. I am confident in collaborating with Deanna on family law matters and feel that the client is in good hands, will be treated with respect and will have the best counsel for their circumstances. Deanna is a wonderful resource, and creative problem solver!"

Laura Anne Carlsen headshot
Laura Carlsen

Family lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington headshot
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mindy S. Stannard headshot
Mindy Stannard

Family lawyer | Jul 08

Relationship: Co-worker

"Deanna is a zealous and effective advocate for her clients."

Michelle L Prosser headshot
Michelle Prosser

Family lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jarrett David Blakeley headshot
Jarrett Blakeley

Unknown lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Russell J Hebets headshot
Russell Hebets

Unknown lawyer | Oct 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Colin Grant McCallin headshot
Colin McCallin

Unknown lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. She's a fantastic attorney."

View All Endorsements
Erin K Morris headshot
Erin Morris

Family lawyer

Kayla Warr headshot
Kayla Warr

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Gabriel Andrew Foster headshot
Gabriel Foster

Family lawyer

Zach Walsh headshot
Zach Walsh

Criminal defense lawyer

James Wriston headshot
James Wriston

Business lawyer

Lisa Marie Ward headshot
Lisa Ward

Family lawyer

Matthew Joseph Kuehnl headshot
Matthew Kuehnl

Divorce and separation lawyer

Calli Hisey headshot
Calli Hisey

Family lawyer

Eric Hoffman headshot
Eric Hoffman

Family lawyer

Laura L Mancuso headshot
Laura Mancuso

Family lawyer

Annelisa D Smith headshot
Annelisa Smith

Family lawyer

Michael Hallas headshot
Michael Hallas

Family lawyer

Jeffrey S Matthews headshot
Jeffrey Matthews

Family lawyer

Samuel Robert Collin headshot
Samuel Collin

Family lawyer

Vernon H. McCray headshot
Vernon McCray

Unknown lawyer

Sands McKinley headshot
Sands McKinley

Unknown lawyer

Rita Herrera Irvin headshot
Rita Irvin

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Best Lawyers - Family Law, Arbitration, Mediation, Best Lawyers in America

2024

Best Lawyers - Family Law, Arbitration, Mediation, Best Lawyers in America

2023

Best Lawyers - Family Law, Arbitration, Mediation, Best Lawyers in America

2022

Best Lawyers - Family Law, Family Law Arbitration, Best Lawyers in America

2021

Women of Vision, Daily Journal of Commerce

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2021

Best Lawyers - Family Law, Best Lawyers in America

2020

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2020

Selected Lawyer - Family Law, The Best Lawyers in America

2019

Selected Lawyer - Family Law, The Best Lawyers in America

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Risings Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Top Women Attorneys in Washington, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine

2018

Selected Lawyer - Family Law, The Best Lawyers in America

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

Washington Outstanding Young Lawyer, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine

2012

Accomplished & Under 40, Vancouver Business Journal

2012

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2011

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2010

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2023 - Present

Partner, McKean Smith

2017 - Present

Attorney, McKean Smith

2018 - 2019

City Councilperson, City of Camas

2015 - 2017

Senior Attorney/Attorney, McKinley Irvin

2009 - 2015

Attorney at Law, Stahancyk, Kent & Hook PC

2007 - 2009

Associate Attorney, Law Office of Stephen J. Bedor

2002 - 2003

Law Clerk, Vandeberg Johnson & Gandara

Associations

2020 - Present

Downtown Camas Association

Board Member

2020 - Present

Camas Washougal Community Chest

Board Member/President for 2022-23

2020 - Present

West Columbia Gorge Humane Society

Co-President (since 2021) and Board Member

2010 - Present

Clark County Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

Oregon State Bar

Member

2006 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2003 - Present

Phi Delta Phi

Member

1999 - Present

Pi Beta Phi

Member

2020 - 2021

Clark County Charter Review Commission

Elected Commissioner

2019 - 2021

100 Women Who Care Clark County

Chairperson

2018 - 2021

100 Women Who Care Clark County

Member

2017 - 2019

Family Law Executive Committee, Family Law Section, Washington State Bar Association

Member

2016 - 2019

Humane Society for Southwest Washington

Auction Committee Member/Silent Auction Committee Co-Chair

2010 - 2021

Clark County Volunteer Lawyer Program

Volunteer Attorney

Education

2006

Gonzaga University

JD - Juris Doctor

2003

University of Washington -Seattle

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2017

Clark County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section CLE Series

Trial Preparation for a Family Law Case

2016

Clark County Mentoring Group Monthly Seminar

How to file for (or respond to) a Motion for Temporary Orders in a Family Law Case

2016

Clark County Mentoring Group Monthly Seminar

Trial Preparation for a Family Law Case

2016

Clark County Bar Association Family Law Section Monthly CLE

Basics of Business Valuations in Divorce

Publications

2015

Clark County Bar Association Hearsay Profile: Deanna Rusch

2005

Willamette University School of Law, Sports Law Journal Major League Baseball & Drug Testing: A Legal Critique

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution