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Josephine C Townsend
About Josephine
Biography
Our firm believes strongly in representing everyone with integrity and fairness. We offer professional and dedicated services to our clients. Our motto is "Changing the Way People Feel About Lawyers, One Client at a Time". We have litigated hundreds of cases and are strong advocates in all aspects of your case. When you need serious help, call us.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
26 years | 2,000 cases
Personal Injury
35%
26 years | 800 cases
Sex Crime
25%
26 years | 575 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
25%-25%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Oregon for 18 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 2007
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025
Licensed in Washington for 24 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2001
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025
Location
Townsend Law PLLC
1920 Broadway Street, Vancouver, WA, 98663
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Josephine C Townsend's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
44 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (44)
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Practice Areas
Child Custody (12)
Lawsuits & Disputes (8)
Divorce & Separation (7)
Family (6)
Criminal Defense (4)
Appeals (2)
Child Support (2)
Personal Injury (2)
Adoption (1)
Contracts & Agreements (1)
Debt Collection (1)
Employment & Labor (1)
Ethics & Professional Responsibility (1)
Litigation (1)
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect (1)
Real Estate (1)
Residential (1)
Sex Crime (1)
Social Security Disability (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (19)
Professionalism (19)
Advocacy (18)
Character & Conduct (17)
Recommendation (17)
Responsiveness (14)
Communication Style (11)
Compassion (11)
Practice Area Knowledge (11)
General Knowledge (10)
Trustworthiness (10)
Cost of Services (7)
Staff & Support (3)
Free Consultations (2)
Punctuality (2)
Showing 1 - 5 of 44 reviews
Posted by Raymond Easley | September 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Attorney
When I first got Josephine Townsend pointed to me in court I said we had one long talk and I hadn't heard from her and last 2-3 months I called every single day and so she would never get back to me and finally she did told me I didn't have to go to court and it was just for reviewing if we're readin...
Posted by Mike | December 06, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Did nothing to help me.
Ms. Townsend did very little to defend me. Presented very little of the information I gave her or even what was on the detective's report. Said she filed an appeal but didn't. Her assistant responded to my calls and emails not her.
Posted by anonymous | December 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Do not hire ,waisted money
Hired to represent me in divorce case,no communication at all, not responding to emails or call,texts messages. Moving the court dates just to change more money. Just before the trial date she withdraw because I insisted to know what is going on and and didn't had any response back with paper tha...
Josephine Townsend
Replied last December 24, 2023When a client asks you to perform work that you cannot do, because it would be unethical, you have to withdraw. Multiple meetings, emails, and phone calls with the client. The response was "I do not care how much it costs, as long as she goes to jail". Hours and hours of work performed, remainder of fees waived for the client. Not every relationship with a client can work, we do work hard for our clients, and do everything we can under the law, but we will not cross the line for them. We wish the best to the client and hope that he finds a good match in legal services going forward.
Posted by Tracy | March 06, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Not trustworthy
Asked Josephine to access my legal options. Under her recommendation that we had a legal case and should file suit, we entered into a contract. She took a sizeable advance and payments for a case that she didn't seem to work on. She ended up missing a statue of limitations through her neglect to f...
Josephine Townsend
Replied last March 15, 2020Please remove this comment. I do not have this client.
Posted by anonymous | February 27, 2023 | Ethics & Professional Responsibility
Disciplined by the state bar.
I hired Josie to represent me in my child relocation case against my ex wife. She did a mediocre job at best, it was annoying that she was constantly late for meetings, and often required several phone calls before she would get back to me. When I was picking a lawyer I asked her point blank if sh...
Josephine Townsend
Replied last June 12, 2016Not my client.
Josephine C Townsend's Lawyer Endorsements
"Josie is one of the best attorneys I know. She is highly active in the communities in which she serves and she pay just as much attention to her clients and she does to her community. She is attentive, smart, responsive, and a fighter. She is additionally honest about her advice to clients and won't lead anyone astray. I'm honored to have a mentor like Josie and to learn from someone who is not only a great lawyer, but an amazing person. I would highly suggest Josie for any legal issue you may have!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Josephine cares deeply about her client and their needs."
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
"As a former DOL Hearings Officer Josie is one of the best resources I know for assistance with the ins and outs of the Department of Licensing. Both during her tenure as a Hearing Officer and today, she can be counted on for sound legal advice relating to the Department."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"Josephine is a hard working lawyer and serious advocate. I have been opposing counsel to her and she is professional and tough. I have worked with her on several committees and observed her committed dedication to her clients and profession. She is friendly, thorough, skilled, and professional."
"Josephine Townsend is personable, responsive, knowledgeable about her areas of practice and diligent in her work. She also contributes to the community with various volunteer efforts. My office regularly refers clients to her when we are unable to help, and I would not hesitate to recommend her."
"Josie is a very bright, resourceful and compassionate attorney who goes the extra mile to achieve success for her clients. She comes from a broad based legal backround excelling in a variety of legal arenas."
"I endorse Josie Townsend. She is very hardworking and does not give up. She is tenacious. She is smart and capable. She is very active in the Clark County Bar Association and has the respect of her colleagues. She is very helpful to new lawyers and always willing to lend a hand."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025.
Resigned - Disciplinary issued in OR, 2025
updated on 12/24/2025This means the attorney resigned in order to avoid being disbarred. "Disbarment" is the most serious penalty for a lawyer.
Resignation in Lieu of Discipline issued in WA, 2025
updated on 12/16/2025Ineligible to practice law in Washington. No longer a member of the WSBA due to resignation while disciplinary proceedings were pending. Not eligible to re-apply for admission.
Admonition issued in WA, 2017
updated on 05/31/2018An admonition means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The Bar gives the lawyer an admonition in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.
Honors
2003
Outstanding Leadership Award, City of Vancouver
1996
Expeditionary Medal - U.S. Army,
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Hearings Examiner, Washington State Department of Licensing
2003 - Present
Professor, Warner Pacific College
2001 - Present
Attorney At Law, Townsend Law PLLC
2002 - 2005
City Prosecutor, City of Vancouver
1983 - 2002
Assistant Zone Commander, New York State Police
Associations
2002 - 2007
Clark County Bar AssociationMock trial facilitator
2002 - 2006
Washington State Bar AssociationFormer Chair - Criminal Law Section
2002 - 2007
Washington State Commission on Judicial ConductFormer Member
1996 - 2007
Society of Human Resource ProfessionalsMember
Education
2001
University College of Law, Syracuse
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
Chapman University
MA - Masters
1992
State University of New York
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2007
SHRM Training
Employment Law and Legislative Issues
2007
Department of Licensing Hearings
Department of Licensing Administrative Hearings
2007
Child Abuse Reporting
Child Abuse Reporting
2004
Coroner's Inquest
Police Shooting
Publications
2006
Law & Order
The Silence of Sexual Harassment
2006
Criminal Section Newsletter
Criminal Section Newsletter
2004
Law and Order
Progressive Discipline
Languages
English
Russian
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a loss prevention officer physically pick me up and slam me into the pavement when I am not resisting for shoplifting?
24 Jan 2021
Q&A
How much trouble could someone get in for fighting a minor?
02 Jan 2021
Q&A
Can I get arrested for solicitation if cops search a prostitutes phone?
26 Nov 2020