Karen Christina Skantze

Karen Christina Skantze

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 20 years

Lawyer
This attorney is currently not accepting new clients.
Reason: Not Practicing

About Karen

Practice Areas

This attorney has not specified their practice areas.

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 20 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Karen Christina Skantze's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

8 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (8) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Arbitration

Posted by Jolie | August 11, 2013 | Arbitration

You Want Ms. Skantze on Your Side!

Ms. Skantze guided me through the legal process with an opposing difficult Ex, with what should have been a basic divorce decree that was done by the parties without counsel. Need I say any more, to enforce a decree, please seek out Legal advice before you sign any document! Ms. Skantze and staff ha...ndled my case with the utmost compassion and professionalism. She was extremely prepared, a true wordsmith, for writing the motions and unflappable during my arbitration meeting, which BTW ended in my favor on all issues.

See All Client Reviews

Karen Christina Skantze's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Karen
Gail B. Nunn headshot
Gail Nunn

Family lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Karen is smart, responsive to client needs and a great advocate. If you have to go to court, she is someone you would want on your side."

Robert Norwood Getz headshot
Robert Getz

Family lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Karen is an experience advocate who asserts her client's case forcefully while taking a practical approach to resolving issues."

Patricia Jo Nelson headshot
Patricia Nelson

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with Karen as both an opposing attorney and in mediation. She is always prepared, and takes care of her client's needs. I highly endorse her."

Richard Paul Patrick headshot
Richard Patrick

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms.Skatze has valuable and significant contributions on Avvo. She is well versed in family law and deserves recognition as an informed and valuable contributor to the legal community. I endorse this lawyer."

Lara Margaret Dethlefs headshot
Lara Dethlefs

Family lawyer | Sep 21

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Karen and I recenlty handled a matter opposite one another. Karen's pleadings were timely, thorough and well-drafted. Karen was always professional in her dealings with my office and with the court. During the course of the case our clients ran into a snag that with other counsel would likely have led to expensive (and unnecessary) litigation. Karen was willing to put in the time and effort to reach a creative solution that was a 'win' for both parties."

Rafael Schwimmer headshot
Rafael Schwimmer

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 12

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Karen connects with her client on first sight. She not only shares with her client's the wealth of knowledge she possesses, she also makes time for her client's to share with her their trial and tribulations."

Tristen U. Key headshot
Tristen Key

Family lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Karen is straightforward, personable and a pleasure to work with. She zealously and diligently advocates for her clients. Karen is well skilled in the courtroom and throughout negotiations. She truly understands her client needs and has a unique ability to negotiate reasonable settlements."

James D Pirtle Esq headshot
James Pirtle

Family lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Co-worker

"Karen is the smartest and assuredly the most driven attorney I know. I have worked with her, I know her, and I trust her. After 8 years of relying on her expertise, I recommend her to anyone, either client or referral, for exemplary and unparalleled representation."

Jack Berner headshot
Jack Berner

Family lawyer | Jan 22

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Karen is the most thorough and aggressive attorney that I know (other than myself, of course!). Karen has quickly developed a reputation in the tri-county area as a force not to be messed with, without compromising her ethics. These are the reasons she works for my firm. Hire her before the opposing party does!"

Sophia May Palmer headshot
Sophia Palmer

Family lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Karen is one of the most professional and ethical attorneys I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She is dedicated 110% to her clients and their cause. She is hard working, dedicated and thorough. I frequently refer clients to her becuase I know that they will be in good hands."

View All Endorsements
Mary Joyce McCallum headshot
Mary McCallum

Family lawyer

Patricia Jo Nelson headshot
Patricia Nelson

Family lawyer

Lara Margaret Dethlefs headshot
Lara Dethlefs

Family lawyer

Tristen U. Key headshot
Tristen Key

Family lawyer

Jack Berner headshot
Jack Berner

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2011

Pro Bono Service Award, Washington State Bar Association

2010

Pro Bono Service Award, Washington State Bar Association

2009

Pro Bono Service Award, Washington State Bar Association

2008

Honoree, Whose Who of American Educators

2007

Honoree, Whose Who of American Educators

2007

Highest ranked presenter at the Institute's Workshop, Institute for Paralegal Education, Legal Writing and Analysis Workshop

2004

Faculty Scholar Nominee, Seattle University School Of Law

2004

Chair of Moot Court Board, Moot Court/Seattle University School of Law

2004

Board Member, Moot Court/Seattle University School of Law

2004

National Order of Barristers, Inductee, Order of Barristers

2004

Moot Court Golden Gavel Award, Seattle University School of Law/Moot Court

2004

Octo-Finalist National Moot Court Competition, National Moot Court Competition (appellate advocacy competition)

2003

Third Place, Environmental Law Appellate Competition, Seattle University School of Law Moot Court

2003

William L. Dwyer American Inn of Court, Member, William L. Dwyer American Inn of Court

2003

Chair of Moot Court Board, Moot Court/Seattle University School of Law

2003

Board Member, Moot Court/Seattle University School of Law

2003

First place and Best Brief, National Moot Court Competition - Western Regional (appellate advocacy competition)

2002

Board Member, Moot Court/Seattle University School of Law

2002

CALI Award for Excellence, Legal Writing II, Seattle University School of Law/Legal Writing Department

2002

1st Place, Reasonable Doubt Mock Trial Competition, Seattle University School of Law/Moot Court

2002

1st Place, Environmental Law Appellate Competition, Seattle University of School/Moot Court

2002

1st Place/Best Oral Argument, Civil Rights Appellate Competition, Seattle University School of Law/Moot Court

2002

3rd Place, Fredric C. Tausend Appellate Competition, Seattle University School of Law/Legal Writing Department

2002

Quarterfinalist, Pace Law School, hosts of National Environmental Moot Court Competition

2001

Board Member, Moot Court/Seattle University School of Law

1997

1st Place Dovell-Gose Oratory Competition/Scholarship Recipient, Dovell-Gose Oratory Competition/Whitman College

1995

1st Place Dovell-Gose Oratory Competition/Scholarship Recipient, Dovell-Gose Oratory Competition/Whitman College

1994

Recipient of the Degree of Superior Distinction/Lifetime Member, National Forensic League (Speech and Debate)

1994

First Place, Persuasive Speaking, Oregon State University Beaver Classic

Work Experience

2020 - 2023

Attorney, Skantze Steen PLLC

2014 - 2019

Attorney, Skantze Law

2012 - 2014

Attorney, SCHWIMMER | SKANTZE, LLP

2008 - 2012

Associate, Berner Law Group, PLLC

2007 - 2008

Associate, Lutz Law Offices

2006 - 2007

Visiting Professor, Seattle University School of Law

Associations

2012 - Present

Dispute Resolution of King County

Mediation Practicum Student

2005 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2012 - 2012

Dipsute Resolution Center of King County

Certification - 40 Hour Mediation Training Completion

2004 - 2022

Seattle University School of Law

Volunteer Coach/Intstructor Moot Court Seminar (NMC and NAAC)

Education

2013

2-hour Workshop/Practicum elective: "The Mediator's Voice"; sponsor: Dispute Resolution Center of King County 1/29/2013

2012

CLE: Ethics in Family Law; sponsor: Snohomish County Bar Association; 12/17/2012

2012

CLE: Family Law Mediator Training; sponsor: Snohomish County Bar Association; 4/20/2012

2012

CLE: 2012 Family Law Section Mid-Year Meeting and Seminar: Indispensable Strategies; Sponsor WSBA CLE - EOD; 6/22/2012-6/24/2012

2012

CLE/Practicum: Identifying Underlying Interests; Sponsor: Dispute Resolution Center of King County; 9/4/2012

2012

CLE/Practicum: Mediator's Opening Statement; Sponsor: Dispute Resolution Center of King County; 6/5/2012

2012

CLE/Practicum: Writing Durable Agreements; Sponsor: Dispute Resolution Center of King County; 8/18/2012

2012

CLE/Practicum: Co-Mediation; Sponsor: Dispute Resolution Center of King County; 8/7/2012

2012

CLE/Practicum: Transitions in Mediation; Sponsor: Dispute Resolution Center of King County; 7/21/2012

2012

CLE/Practicum: Agenda Setting; Sponsor: Dispute Resolution Center of King County; 6/16/2012

2012

CLE/Practicum: Active Listening and Working with Interests; Sponsor: Dispute Resolution Center of King County; 5/19/2012

2012

CLE/Mediation Training; sponsor: Dispute Resolution Center of King County; 3/22/2012-3/29/2012

2011

CLE: Alternative Dispute Resolution; sponsor: Snohomish County Legal Services; 5/12/2011

2010

CLE: Adoption Practice, Pitfalls, and Procedures: 10 Essential Lessons; sponsor: WSBA - CLE; 2/1/2010

2010

CLE: A Tax and Financial Checklist for Family Law Practice: Retirement Benefits; 2/1/2010

2010

CLE: A tax and Financial Checklist for Family Law Practice; Asset Characterization; sponsor: WSBA CLE; 2/1/2010

2009

CLE: Ethics in Civil Litigation Institute; sponsor: WSBA CLE; 12/30/2009

2009

CLE: Handling Your First (or Next) Dissolution Trial with Confidence; sponsor: WSBA CLE;

2008

CLE: Winning Strategies: Success in the Practice of Law; sponsor WSBA - CLE; 1/11/2008

2006

CLE: Updating Skills: Researching Washington Law; 5/12/2006

2005

CLE: Anatomy of an Appeal; sponsor: King County Bar Association; 12/15/2005

2005

CLE: Appellate Law Section/Tips From Behind the Bench; sponsor: King County Bar Association; 11/14/2005

2005

CLE: GELD section/Short take on Guardianship Issues; What Guardian's Want; and Guardian Orders; sponsor: King County Bar Association; 9/15/2005

2004

Seattle University School of Law

Juris Doctor

1998

Whitman College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2007

Institute for Paralegal Education, Legal Writing and Analysis Workshop

Legal Writing: key elements of drafting; writing persuasively; strategies for overcoming grammar and common syntax problems

Languages

English

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 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