Josephine C Townsend

Josephine C Townsend

4.5
Rating: 1.0

Licensed for 24 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Vancouver, WA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Sex Crime

1920 Broadway Street, Vancouver, WA

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025
See Details

About Josephine

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 40%

Felony , DUI, Misdemeanor Criminal Defense DOL Hearings

26 years | 2,000 cases

40%
Personal Injury 35%

Personal injury cases on 25 % contingency - Traffic accidents, slip and falls, other Torts

26 years | 800 cases

35%
Sex Crime 25%

When your life & reputation are at stake, you need knowledge and experience you can count on

26 years | 575 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Contingency

25%-25%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Oregon for 18 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 2007

Resigned

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025

Licensed in Washington for 24 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2001

Resigned in Lieu of Discipline

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

4.5 /5.0

44 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 11 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Andre | January 17, 2014 | Child Support

Case Dismissed

I recently received a summons to report to Family Court regarding a petition that had been filed by social services. Social serviices was asking for a modification of a prior order given during my divorce. During that time it had been decided by the court that my ex was to provide medical insurance... for our children. The new petition was requesting that I now provide insurance if it was available and affordable. Medical insurance was available at my place of work and I currently had single coverage. In order to add family coverage the premium along with the high deducttible made it extremely unafforable for me, since both of my sons have medical issues that would have required me to meet the high deductible. Josie was able to give me a better understanding of what I would need to prove to the court that it would be unaffordable and the confidence to stand up for myself. The case was dismissed Thank You Josie

Posted by Scott and Katrina | December 30, 2013 | Family

"Josie" is a true Advocate for her clients and children, keeping their best interest closer to her heart !

My wife and I came to Ms. Townsend around a year ago with the quest to find that "someone" who would be willing to give honest, sound advice, with the compassion we so desperately needed and who would fit with what our belief's in the best interest of my daughter. A year and 4 months ago, we, for th...e 2nd time, within less than 3 years were hit with the devastating news that once again my daughter was being moved, not just 3 hours away, but an Ocean away this time. This immediately hit my heart like a ton of bricks. My wife and I immediately tried to work with the Mother on devising something that would keep her as close to all families as possible as well as figuring out what was in my daughters absolute best interest as we did not agree with the another move, but knew we would be in a tough spot contesting it. After many failed attempts and continued "half truths" we felt it was time to once again set out on the quest for some sound legal advice. We had 2 bad experiences with attorney's previously and felt at a loss on how to even find someone to fit what we where looking for. My job was what led me to Ms. Townsend's office location initially. My wife was skeptical but reached out to Ms. Townsend to set up an appointment explaining that we wanted to seek her services to act on behalf of our "parenting team". The first visit far EXCEEDED BOTH our expectations. Leaving the initial appointment we both felt very good about what we had proposed to her and her reaction to us. My wife and I knew after 10 minutes with Ms. Townsend that she was the "one". Shortly after our initial meeting with Ms. Townsend we learned that the "Mother" we had supported and taken great lengths to support for my Daughter, was about to engage not only my wife and I in one of the most "nasty" battles imaginable, but would be doing this to our child as well. Words will never truly cover my gratitude to Josie Townsend, she is the true meaning of all that one should be when they are representing a "family". When you are placing the fate your own child and family in the hands of the "courts" not only do you need someone well versed in family Law, but someone who will fight for what is right, and hold all involved accountable for their actions. At times where I felt like I could not longer hold myself up, "Josie" stood right there holding me up, fighting for me, demanding fairness for me and my daughter. To Josie you are not just "somebody" and your case is not just "something" but to her, you and your case are "everything" ! I HIGHLY recommend Ms. Townsend not just for all that she is (professional, trustworthy, dedicated, diligent, fair, decisive, confident) but because she cares, she listens and she exercises genuine compassion. She will "fight" the "fight" and she will fight when you feel you cannot !

Posted by Melissa | March 30, 2012 | Real Estate

Ms. Townsend fights for what is right!

Josephine did an amazing job helping me and my family. I was a first time home owner, and along with this new responsibility came some nativity in regards to having contractors hired to do work in my home. Josephine was so helpful and informative with this type of law. She was professional, personabl...e and has a great amount of integrity. She stood by my side during a very unfamiliar process where I felt quite vulnerable. I would recommend Ms. Townsend and will recommend her to anyone ever needing an attorney. She wont let you down.

Posted by Sweet B | September 27, 2010 | Child Custody

Made a huge difference in Our lives

We found Josephine just when we couldnt get any lower and frusterated. She has helped us in a custody issue and has been great. We didnt know a thing or what direction to go. We thank her dearly, our children are safe and in a stable household thanks to her.

Posted by Heather | August 13, 2010 | Child Custody

Guardian ad Litem

Josephine was appointed GAL by the judge in my custody case. I was not sure what to think at first, but after she interviewed my children, me, and my ex-husband it was clear that she was definitely looking out for what was best for my children. She listened to what they had to say and they trusted ...her completely to do what was best for them. I was nervous that she would believe my ex's lies, but she clearly saw through them and his manipulation tactics. She has been doing this a very long time, and has a great reputation with the courts. They are extremely grateful for all of her help and her kindness towards them, as am I. I would highly recommend Josephine.

See All Client Reviews

Josephine C Townsend's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Josephine
Amanda Cathi Keller headshot
Amanda Keller

Unknown lawyer | Jul 06

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"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!"

William C Knox III headshot
William Knox

Family lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Josephine cares deeply about her client and their needs."

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Administrative law lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."

Andrew William Wheeler headshot
Andrew Wheeler

Administrative law lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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."

Tessa Cohen headshot
Tessa Cohen

Family lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Howard Robert Roitman headshot
Howard Roitman

Personal injury lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew M. Cohen headshot
Matthew Cohen

Family lawyer | Jan 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Kurt M Rylander headshot
Kurt Rylander

Administrative law lawyer | Jan 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Peter L. Fels headshot
Peter Fels

Employment and labor lawyer | Aug 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Barbara Ann Peterson headshot
Barbara Peterson

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Meredith McKell Graff headshot
Meredith Graff

Family lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Vernon H. McCray headshot
Vernon McCray

Family lawyer

Amanda Cathi Keller headshot
Amanda Keller

Litigation lawyer

Robert Ryan Andersen headshot
Robert Andersen

Family lawyer

William C Knox III headshot
William Knox

Personal injury lawyer

James E. David headshot
James David

Employment and labor lawyer

Barbara Ann Bowden headshot
Barbara Bowden

Criminal defense lawyer

Howard Robert Roitman headshot
Howard Roitman

General practice lawyer

Philip N Petersen headshot
Philip Petersen

Criminal defense lawyer

Kurt M Rylander headshot
Kurt Rylander

Patent application lawyer

Joseph B Cutter headshot
Joseph Cutter

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter L. Fels headshot
Peter Fels

Employment and labor lawyer

Meredith McKell Graff headshot
Meredith Graff

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  1.0 (Extreme Caution)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025.

Resigned - Disciplinary issued in OR, 2025

updated on 12/24/2025

This 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 12/16/2025

Ineligible 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 05/31/2018

An 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 Association

Mock trial facilitator

2002 - 2006

Washington State Bar Association

Former Chair - Criminal Law Section

2002 - 2007

Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct

Former Member

1996 - 2007

Society of Human Resource Professionals

Member

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

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
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025
    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