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 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | Communication Style

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...t was filled and discoveries. Empty words said that she'll do,she's persuasive in doing the work,just took the money for nothing. I do not recommend at all,no heart in this person,just taken advantage on people in bad situation.

Josephine Townsend

Replied last December 24, 2023

When 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 TH | September 05, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Dedicated, Hardworking and Trustworthy.

I hired Ms. Townsend for a child custody case. In the beginning I was going to court without a lawyer, just me and my Mom. It felt like no one was listening to me and thought I would lose my son. My Mom was able to find a lawyer for me that didn't ask for $1000 of dollars before talking to me. She li...stened to me and I knew I hired the right lawyer. She stuck with me to the end making going to court so much easier. I could always talk to her. I won the custody case because of Josephine Townsend. Ms. Townsend is dedicated to her clients. She kicks injustice in the butt.

Posted by Jason | January 07, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury

PI , knowledge is power. Josephine Townsend - educator.

Pay attention. Be respectful, be assertive. This attorney may just *give* you some knowledge. Josie was the last of three attorneys I had appointments with regarding my PI case. A fairly straight forward, perhaps even routine case. I went to the other two much higher priced, highly recom...mended attorneys with the exact same info I went to Josie with. I had higher expectations at the higher priced, nice office, downtown PDX attorneys. Guess what. All the high priced, highly recommended attorneys wanted was for me to sign their 33.33% PI contracts before I left the initial "consultations". Like I said, my case was pretty straight forward. I thought so anyway, but wanted professional reassurance, and I had questions. I was injured, in a lot of pain. I was lucky to have survived, but with life long injuries. I had questions. Questions the other higher priced attorneys didn't want to answer without a signed contract. I felt like a dollar sign to them. I was kind of discouraged. I considered signing with one of them. I just wanted some answers! I had reasons for wanting representation. What if there wasn't enough insurance to cover my medical bills, etc. Perhaps simple answers cost money these days. Nope. I decided to keep my appointment with Josie, even though [internet] research revealed some less than favorable results about Ms. Townsend. All attorneys are sleazy, right? No. Do not [pre] judge. Everything you read on the Internet is not always indicative of an outcome, or even true, duh! I took the same documents, same set of questions to Josie as the other two highly regarded attorneys. Guessing it could be another high pressure, low info waste of time. Nope. Opposite. Josie went right in to helpful, educator mode. She helped me understand just how much I was on the right track, showing me how what I thought I already knew was in the official documents I had. How strong my case was. This info was not immediately obvious, because it was encoded in my documents. Impressively, she printed out the key and showed me how to use the key to decode my documents. She was honest. Basically told me I didn't need an attorney's help, but would do all she could for me if I chose to hire her. I had to ask her for her contract! She told me to take the contract home with me and return a signed copy if I decided I wanted her to help me further. She did not want me to sign it during that first meeting. WTF? Yep. I hired her. Her fee, lower than most every other attorney, was worth it (to me) just for the education. Money is money. Knowledge... is power. Thank you Josie. For giving me knowledge. Before I ever committed to giving you a penny. I will forever be grateful for that. Money comes. Money goes. Knowledge is forever. It may be routine for you. My injuries will never fully heal. Nobody can ever take away the knowledge I have gained by being patient enough to meet with you. I hired you mostly for that reason (and, also a little because I think you challenge the establishment). Doing the right thing. Not just the most lucrative things. No regrets. I will recommend your services to anyone I know. Don't ever change. Your life experience and willingness to challenge the establishment is refreshing. All of these things are why I chose to work with you. High 5! Thank you!

Posted by Alex K. | June 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Everything and more!!

I hired Josephine last year to help with my case. My ex-wife was trying to take full custody of my child. She went to all extremes, threw me in jail, had over 10 declarations written against me, claiming neglect of my child, taking her to emergency after each of my visit, etc. It got ugly, and Josie ...gave me that piece of mind in the end. She was very up front of what to expect and didn't sugar coat things. I got more then I ever imagined and now I have a friend for life!

Posted by Bruce | April 07, 2015 | Debt Collection

She's the nice one !!!

We sued the defendants, a collection agency, over 6 years ago for breach of contract and unpaid bills. Our first two attorneys allowed things to happen that diminished the value of our claim. Thankfully, Josie agreed to step in before we had no case left. She immediately painted a picture of realist...ic expectations, based on what was left of our case. Josie continually gave me homework to do in order to refute the lies of the defendants. She absolutely got some very important cornerstones of our case. As she soon found out, opposing counsel was not inclined to play fair or nice. He, like his clients, tried to spin things, stall, cheat and actually lie. All the while though, Josie kept her integrity in check and refused to engage in such behavior...nor would she put up with their ridiculousness. Josie was appalled to learn that the defendant's and their attorney wanted my personal & private medical records in order to agree to a continuance for interrogatories when I was diagnosed with a tumor in my pancreas. She didn't let that type of behavior interfere with her desire to bring resolution to our case. She sill maintained an extremely high level of professionalism. Our case finally went to trial beginning March 23, 2015. Josie was well armed with statues to fend off 11th hour attempts by the defendant's and their attorney, to have the case dismissed. She was able to present our case in the manner I wanted, by being truthful and providing documentation. The defendant's blatantly lied, played stupid and responded deceptively. She was patient with opposing counsel as he continually interrupted her with unnecessary objections, averaging over 20 objections per witness. She was professional enough to show opposing counsel how to use electronic equipment to aid with his presentations. She also pointed out where he should look when she was presenting exhibits to witnesses. Josie didn't ridicule or talk down to the defendants while they were testifying, which would have been easy to do since they were playing coy or flat our lying...which she was able to prove. Josie asked for me to write an opening and closing and questions for her to ask witnesses. This was huge because as I pay great attention to testimony and little details, I was able to regularly pass her notes for follow-up questions. I worked for the defendants so I know a lot about their procedures and practices, which was key to our success in this case. I suggested that we subpoena the officers of the defendant company, their employee wives and their attorney. Josie asked Connie and I to participate in everything as we are a team. Josie required us to show respect in the court at all times, including standing for the jury upon entry and exit. Her courtroom etiquette is exemplary. One of the key elements to our case was that the defendant's were engaging in breach by serving legal documents in cases they were a party to, which is clearly against state law. Josie was able to get them to admit and acknowledge this, on the record...and implicate their attorney as well. The defendants tried to claim they were allowed to breach because we breached first. They tried to claim we overcharged them in their counterclaim. Josie, because of her thoroughness, proved that these claims and allegations were false. She backed the defendants into the corner wherein they admitted they were wrong. After 6 yrs and 2 months, after a 4 day jury trial, the verdict came in...Verdict on both allegations for the Plaintiffs. Verdict on the counterclaim by the defendants denied. The juror's said they didn't find defendant's and their attorney credible or likeable. On the other hand, they found us likeable and credible. They also said they absolutely loved Josie and found her credible.

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.
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