Teresa L. Foster

I was referred to Teresa Foster by an attorney in Portland. This was the first time in my life that I was represented by an attorney in a legal proceeding. I was blown away by the entire experience and am absolutely convinced that I could not have hired a better lawyer/team to represent me. Teresa is an amazing attorney who comes with the added bonus of her exceptional paralegal Chriss Elliott. From the first moment I met Teresa and Chriss, I felt instantly at ease and assured that I was hiring the absolute best. Throughout the entire process, they were consummate professionals, extremely knowledgeable, and compassionate. They promptly responded to my messages and always kept the lines of communication open. I continuously felt in the loop about the next steps. Nothing falls through the cracks. They go the extra mile and beyond for their clients. When I needed a certified copy of my divorce order immediately after it was finalized (for a time-sensitive issue), Chriss went to court on my behalf and picked up a copy for me. My divorce was one of the most stressful times of my life. However, Teresa and Chriss were the silver lining to the whole experience. I am so thankful that I was referred to Teresa and had the privilege of hiring her and working with her and Chriss. Teresa gave me the best legal advice possible and the end result far exceeded my expectations. She is a masterful negotiator. She absolutely shines in this arena and makes it look effortless. Teresa is worth her weight in gold. Hire her!

Going through an unwanted divorce can be incredibly pain at the very least. Teresa’s sharp mind and hardworking sets you at ease knowing you are in great hands. She is firm, straightforward with empathy and compassion. I couldn’t have imagined anyone better to represent me than her. She is rock solid!

I am consultant in the legal field. I teach lawyers all across the country how to run their businesses and how to create an excellent client experience. When I needed to hire a divorce attorney I turned to Teresa Foster. Here is what you need to know: 1. You know that communication thing where attorneys never call you back? Teresa, her paralegal Chriss Elliott and attorney Faye Breitreed are the top 1% in communication gold standards! You are never left in the dark, and each of them are responsive and mindful of your stress. Yes, Teresa can talk fast.. there's a reason.. she knows you are going to get the bill at the end of the month and she is trying to pack in everything possible in the shortest amount of time to save you money. 2. Teresa and her team set the standards for ethical, smart and well reasoned representation. The judges know she isn't going to play shenanigans, not going to stretch the truth or take advantage. She is a straight shooter who always treats the opposition with respect. Her reputation is stellar. Whether you know it or not, this Does have an effect in court. 3. If you are looking for an attorney that will use your kids as a weapon against the ex, or try to manipulate the truth to just make a point, she is not the attorney for you. This is why she wins people. There is going to be a good guy and a bad guy standing in front of the judge. If you were both good guys, you'd work it out in mediation. Teresa is the good guy, so if want to screw the ex, find someone else. She wins, because she fiercely protects her client, and stands her ground, while being reasonably strategic and objective. 4. She's been doing this awhile, so when she tells you her advice, do it. You will be happier in the long run. 5. Remember to thank Chriss and her team, they are absolutely in your corner and they feel your pain. They make you look good in court and they never miss a beat. I've literally never seen a better paralegal in my work across the country with thousands of law firms. 6. Count yourself lucky if you can get Teresa and Chriss to have your back. Oh and tell them that Beth sent you.

Wow! Teresa did a fantastic job of telling me the facts and when I was being foolish. Enjoyed working with her and her paralegal Chriss Elliott. Two great people that I will miss now that the divorce is done.

Divorce can be a very ugly, stressful, and greatly unfortunate life event. For me, it made me feel lost, hurt, fearful, and extraordinarily vulnerable. Once I made the decision that this was the path I needed to take, I made the decision to seek legal counsel. Honestly it did not even occur to me to handle it myself. Also, I didn’t have enough trust in my then husband to even contemplate an amicable agreement. I researched firms online and McKinley Irvin stood out repeatedly as a reputable and effective firm. Read through many profiles and was highly impressed. I was assigned Teresa Foster, Senior Partner in Charge in Vancouver WA. She was selected because she is very experienced. Important for me due to a significant income difference between myself and ex. I met with Teresa and our talk was very clear and to the point. It wasn’t a therapy session. It was a “this is how I see the situation. This is what I recommend. These would be the next steps”. This was exactly what I needed ..... direction and clarity. And my perception was that I could trust this direction and Teresa. Also, in understanding that this was all very overwhelming, Teresa extended the offer for me to call/text her with questions as as needed. I took comfort in her leadership and unwavering confidence. As a Senior partner her plate was not at all empty but I was pleasantly surprised at my experience with Teresa’s paralegal Chriss Elliott when I needed anything and Teresa was not available. Truly a dynamic duo. Always so pleasant and accommodating. They both have the same “let’s get it done” attitude. There was no feet dragging and never any disregard. Chriss, also experienced the overwhelmed me and each and every time (there were several) our discussions made me feel so much better. I was impressed by so much, but as the dust cleared I realized how thankful I was by Teresa Foster’s focus, confidence, intelligence to grasp a significant amount of information and know exactly how to proceed, clarity on the goal....and then achieving that goal. I have heard many stories of the lack of trust or confidence others had with their attorney and I’m so thankful that my experience was the complete opposite. I had 100% trust. My divorce ended with as equitable (WA state) outcome as I could have asked. Whether or not it was deserved by him was not relevant, living in a community property state, but it could have been so much worse in many ways and for this I will forever be grateful. I feel so very fortunate to have found both Teresa Foster and Chriss Elliott.