• David Starks
• Marc T. Christianson
• Jennifer J. Payseno
• Elizabeth Hershman-Greven
• Justin Sedell
• Kim Schnuelle
• Lisa Dufour
• Sharon L. Friedrich
• Laura Carlsen
• Elizabeth Bianchi
• Jessica T. Moore
• Christina Smith
• Kent Goodrich
• Rita Herrera Irvin
• Sands McKinley

David Starks

Partner in Charge

• Divorce
• Complex Divorce
• International Divorce and Child Custody
• Hague Convention Cases
• Relocation
• International Relocation
• Child Support Modifications
• Parenting Plan Modifications

Download and print this profile: Wa_Divorce_Attorney_DAVID_STARKS

David Starks is McKinley Irvin's Partner in Charge. He focuses his practice on divorce cases involving complex financial interests and the protection, valuation, and distribution of significant assets and business interests. He also represents clients in other family law matters, including modifications, relocations, and international divorce and family law proceedings in both state and federal court. David is licensed to practice law in Washington and Texas.

Although David is a seasoned negotiator and litigator he is equally dedicated to providing his clients with excellent personal service. "The foundation of a successful attorney/client relationship is rooted in good communication and shared trust," says David. "Every client wants and deserves an attorney who will listen closely, speak honestly, and work tirelessly to identify and achieve their goals. Whether I am at the negotiating table or in the courtroom, I am always driven to protect and advance my client's interests."

A well known and respected family law attorney, David began practicing law in 1998. Early in his legal career, David gained significant experience in maritime and securities law in both federal and state courts. He also practiced before the National Association of Securities Dealers. His experience as the firm's Partner in Charge along with his litigation, arbitration and negotiation experience in complex family, business, and commercial law make him particularly well qualified to represent divorce clients with financial, business, executive compensation, or spousal maintenance interests at stake, as well as clients involved in interstate or international family law matters.

David notes, "I enjoy practicing family law because of the personal connection that comes with getting to know my clients and then working to protect their rights and interests during one of the most challenging times of their lives." David adds, "Complex family law is an intense and challenging area of practice. From case to case, I routinely deal with many areas of the law including tax, real estate, corporations, ERISA, tort law, international law and treaties, immigration, employment benefits, trusts and estates, contracts, and so forth."

"My clients are real people leading active lives with a lot at stake in their cases. I don't forget that. Their concerns are my concerns. Their stress is my stress. Their worries are my worries."

--David Starks, Partner in Charge

David is one of few family law attorneys whose practice includes international family law and treaties, including the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, as well as the local recovery of foreign support and maintenance awards. He is presently co-authoring a chapter in the Washington State Family Law Desk Book concerning the international aspects of family law in Washington and abroad. David is an active member of the International Law and Family Law Sections of the American Bar Association.

David is married and lives in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle with his wife and son.

EDUCATION

• J.D., cum laude, Seattle University School of Law
• B.A., English, Cum Laude Southern Indiana University
• First Place and Best Brief, Seattle University Intellectual Property Competition.
• Regional Finalist, J. Giles Sutherland Intellectual Property Competition.
• Regional Finalist, American Trial Lawyers Association Moot Court Competition.
• Awarded National Membership in The Order of Barristers

IN THE MEDIA

• David Starks on Legal Line with Bob Pittman on KTTH
• In Any Tongue, It’s Still 'Goodbye', Washington Law & Politics, Winter, 2009.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

• Washington State Bar Association
• Texas Bar Association
• King County Bar association, Family Law Section
• American Bar Association, Family Law Section and International Law Section
• Washington State Bar Association Professionalism Committee "04-06"
• Tacoma YMCA Board of Governors '00-'01

RECENT PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

• David Starks, International Family Law - The Hague Convention CLE
• David Starks, Equal Custody: As published in the King County Bar Association Bulletin
• David Starks, The Globalization of Family Law: as published in the King County Bar Association Bulletin
• David Starks, "Shared" Custody is Now Shared
• David Starks, The Globalization of Family Law
• David Starks, The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction
• David Starks, International Travel with Children: Identification Requirements
• David Starks, Faculty, WSBA Family Law Bootcamp, Fall 2009
• David Starks, Moderator, NBI Domestic Violence: A View from the Bench, Winter 2009
• David Starks, Washington State Court of Appeals Division II, In re the Marriage of Meredith, February 2009.
• David Starks, International Family Law: The Hague Convention, King County Bar Association CLE, September 2008.
• David Starks, "Washington's Resolution to Equal Custody," King County Bar Bulletin, January 2008.
• David Starks, "Family Law Takes on Global Perspective," King County Bar Bulletin, December 2007.
• David Starks, Co-Author, International Family Law, Washington State Bar Association Family Law Desk Book (publication is currently being authored).
  

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