Ellen Marie McLaughlin

Ms. McLaughlin graduated from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1997.  Ms. McLaughlin moved to Yakima, Washington in 1997, shortly after she graduated from law school in 1997.   

Before law school, in 1985, Ms. McLaughlin earned her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from the Universtity of Maryland.  As an RN, she practiced in a variety of clinical settings.  Her most rewarding years, as a nurse, were spent on active duty in the United States Air Force Nurse Corp.  For three years she had the privilege of caring for Air Force Cadets attending the Air Force Academy, active duty military personnel, and retired military members of the community.   

For more than 18 years, Ms. McLaughlin has been representing clients in the Yakima Valley.  Her primary focus of practice includes:  family law, expungement of criminal records/records sealing/gun rights/relief from registration as sex offender; domestic violence, and DUI.

Family Law/Divorce/Pre-nuptial Agreements:  McLaughlin has experience in all types of family law matters.  She understands the anxiety, financial stress, and emotional turmoil involved in family law cases and its impact on your life.    

Ms. McLaughlin will work hard for you to attain a successful, affordable, and expedient outcome.   She will handle your case personally, from start to finish, by working directly with you, answering your questions and explaining the applicable law.  Ms. McLaughlin will be your voice and advocate in court.  She will keep you informed of all developments as your case proceeds.  Ms. McLaughlin maintains an open line of communication with all of her clients by communicating through email.

Ms. McLaughlin believes that quality legal services should not cost a second mortgage on your home or deplete your life-savings.  For that reason, in additional to providing legal services at the traditional hourly rate, Ms. McLaughlin also offers her clients the option of unbundled legal services. 

That means, for a flat fee, Ms. McLaughlin can tailor legal services to meet your needs based upon the unique facts of your case, while protecting your rights at the most critical stages of litigation.   For example, for clients who represent themselves in court, she can review and/or help you prepare documents.  She can also help you prepare for your hearing in court.    

Records Clearing/Sealing Records/Gun Rights/Relief from Registration as Sex Offender:  Ms. McLaughlin has helped many clients, reclaim their lives, by clearing or sealing their criminal record.   Ms. McLaughlin believes every one makes mistakes and deserves a second chance.  If you qualify, Ms. McLaughlin will petition the appropriate court to clear your record, restore your right to possess a firearm, and/or relieve your obligation to register as a sex offender. 

DUI/Domestic Assault:   If you have been charged with a DUI, domestic violence assault, Ms. McLaughlin will aggressively handle your case to reach the best possible outcome.  She is not afraid to take your case to trial.