Austin Michael Carmen

Austin Michael Carmen

4.2
Rating: 6.9

Licensed for 8 years

Family Lawyer at Kennewick, WA
Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning ... +2 more

1030 N CENTER PKWY, Kennewick, WA

About Austin

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Family 50%

8 years | 4 cases

50%
Probate 5%

7 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 350-400 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 6 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2019

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Wyoming for 8 years

State: Wyoming

Acquired: 2017

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Polaris Law PLLC

1030 N CENTER PKWY, Kennewick, WA, 99336

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Austin Michael Carmen's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.2 /5.0

21 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Art | September 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Child Support

Austin did a great job representing me on my case that was brought forth from me ex. He communicated with me well when I had questions. He is a bright Attorney who knew how to handle my case and even put the opposing attorney on check lol If you’re looking for someone who will put the hard work i...n your case, look no more this is the guy.

Posted by anonymous | September 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Military Law

Not professional or personable

Paid Mr. Carmen to do a thorough case review. He indicated that he knew about pensions regarding the military and went off on a tangent that cost me money only to tell me what I already knew and was not in dispute. Met with me once face to face; countless e-mails; getting ill and asked to conduct bus...iness over the phone; charging me the same price as in person; assigned a paralegal that did nothing but send emails; also made one phone call to me to tell me my appointment was cancelled after I had been sitting in their office for 10 minutes. The phone call was received at the time of the appointment. Just found out that his paralegal quit and he also quit my case. Reason given, I didn't keep enough money in my trust though I tried to make a payment by phone on two occasions and was informed, "someone would get back to you." A follow up phone call from the office stating that Austin was withdrawing for several other reasons. Not professional in the least. Sorry Austin.

Posted by Tessa | March 25, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Family

Child Custody

I hired Austin Carmen as my legal representation in a family court case in Grant County, WA. Mr. Carmen was not only extremely knowledgeable but he was also very sensitive and reassuring during a time where I was extremely scared for my children and I’s safety. I am a very “what if” person. Mr. Carme...n and his team never seemed grow frustrated with answering my “what if” questions. He responded to inquires quicky, even during weekends and evenings, when I never expected him to. When it seemed like every system or agency out there had failed my children, repeatedly, Mr. Carmen and his team came through for them. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking help navigating through the family court system.

Posted by Carmela | July 09, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Probate

Do not hire this attorney

I hired Austin Carmen to represent me with my issue with the trustee of my late husband's estate. I spent $6,000 for this case for nothing. I ended up withdrawing him as my counsel because he doesn't know what's he's doing. He does not communicate with me unless I asked what's going on. Collecting p...ayments has to be advanced. I complained about paying in advance as i didn't see progress with my case, but he threatened me to withdraw as my counsel if i don't put money in my account. Also, he is not kind attorney. Poor service and poor representation all around.

Austin Carmen

Replied last September 01, 2022

I am sorry we did not perform to your satisfaction. I cannot comment on your case directly because I respect attorney-client confidentiality more than any accusation. I have a long track record of many happy clients. Unfortunately, we are not the right fit for everyone. I am sorry that our firm was not the right fit for you. Often, additional information will come to light during the representation that requires us to pivot our approach. Whenever this occurs, we make sure that we communicate the reasons for the needed change. This is part of the policies that ensure we have frequent contact with clients. We provide our clients with a direct phone line to their attorney and to the paralegal assigned to the case. When we receive questions from clients, we attempt to always respond within 24 hours. This may not always be possible, but the goal is to respond as soon as possible. I always strive to help my clients feel listened to and let them know that I genuinely care about them and their cases. However, not every attorney is a fit for every client. If you would like to discuss this with our office please feel free to call our office to set a time to do so. I hope you can find an attorney more suited to your needs, and I wish you good luck in your future endeavors.

Posted by Gregory | November 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor

Mr Incompetent

I hired him to write a letter of termination. He wouldn't return calls, didn't produce the letter and when I did go down again to cancel our agreement and get my money back, he typed one while I sat in the waiting room. The letter looked like a grade schooler wrote it and was completely inaccurate. I... rewrote the letter in front of Mr Carmen and his Business manager, which they then redrafted. It has now been 4 months and they won't return the balance of my $2,000.00 deposit or return any phone calls.

Austin Carmen

Replied last March 14, 2022

While I cannot go into the details of my work for you, I am disheartened that you would so drastically misrepresent the facts surrounding my representation. While I represented you, I gave you clear expectations for timelines to complete all work on your behalf, as I do with all of my clients. Not every attorney will be the right fit for every client and I hope that you find an attorney the fits your expectations in the future.

See All Client Reviews

Austin Michael Carmen's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Austin
DaNece Day headshot
DaNece Day

Family lawyer | Mar 14

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Austin is hard working and dedicated to obtaining the best results possible for his clients in difficult situations. He communicates well and does a good job of preparing clients for all of the possible outcomes."

Alexander Raymond Berger headshot
Alexander Berger

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He was ethical and competent in all of my dealings with him."

Zachary C Ashby headshot
Zachary Ashby

Family lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Austin is dedicated to doing what is best for his clients. He has a strong sense of what evidence is important and what is not, cutting through all the bologna that some attorneys rely on when talking to their clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Dlovan Schatlo headshot
Dlovan Schatlo

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 14

Relationship: Co-worker

"Austin is very passionate about his work. He works tirelessly for his clients. I see him communicate with clients and help them navigate with care through the intimidating intricacies of criminal and family matters. He understands the concerns of the clients and how the legal system works. Seeing his care and outcomes, I can confidently say that Austin is an exceptional attorney with great professional and people skills."

Shane Crager headshot
Shane Crager

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 21

Relationship: Co-worker

"Austin has demonstrated an exceptional grasp of the law and has the skills to aggressively defends his clients. His exceptional communication skills will leave no doubt to the client as to the process of each individual case and the expected result. His breadth and extent of experience and seasoned professional judgment are great assets to his clients, you would be hard pressed to find a more caring, determined, and skilled attorney to represent you in your time of need. If you find yourself treading the waters of a complicated legal situation, do yourself a favor, and call Austin."

View All Endorsements
Steven Kyle McManamen headshot
Steven McManamen

Criminal defense lawyer

Alexander Raymond Berger headshot
Alexander Berger

Family lawyer

Christopher Michael Hoxie headshot
Christopher Hoxie

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  6.9 (Good)

Honors

2021

Recognition of Service, Benton-Franklin Legal Aid Society

Work Experience

2024 - Present

Owner, Polaris Law PLLC

2022 - 2024

Attorney, Pacific Northwest Family Law

2019 - 2022

Attorney, Clearwater Law Group

2018 - 2019

Attorney, Steven Titus and Associates

2017 - 2018

Associate Attorney, Just Criminal Law with Christina L. Williams

Associations

2021 - Present

Washington Defender Association

Member

2019 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2017 - Present

Wyoming State Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Valencia v. Garibay

The court awarded fees and dismissed the case with prejudice

State v. Smith

The Wyoming Supreme Court reversed the conviction and remanded the case for further proceedigns. Ultimately the defendent pleaded no contest and was required to serve one year of supervised probation.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2016

University of Wyoming College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2013

Brigham Young University-Idaho

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

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