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Justin M. Sedell
Senior associate
Areas of Practice:
Justin, a Senior Associate with McKinley Irvin, is a compassionate, caring, and highly knowledgeable lawyer who believes that client education is one of the cornerstones of high quality family law practice. “Good results come naturally when my clients understand the legal process and work with me to achieve the best outcomes for their families, ” Justin says. Working with his clients to define case strategy is critical to his approach . “ My clients are involved in each step; these are important decisions that will affect their future.”
Holding a firm line for his clients in the face of high conflict, Justin has a reputation for aggressive litigation and an intense drive for client advocacy. When serving clients in high conflict divorces, parenting plan modifications, and other contested family law cases, Justin’s capacity for clear reasoned argument and strategic thinking is invaluable. “With complex family law cases involving allegations of child abuse, domestic violence, or sexual abuse, unwavering support is vital. My clients know that I’m on their side and that we’re working together towards a common goal.”
On the other end of the spectrum, Justin also practices Collaborative Law , a newly developing method of family law practice. Collaborative Law is a form of alternative dispute resolution which offers an alternative to traditional litigation. Justin notes, “Collaborative Law isn’t for everyone, but it can be a wonderful way to resolve a family law matter for the right parties in the right case. For some families, collaborative law allows them to retain control over decisions involving their children and finances rather than leaving it up to a neutral judge who, while well-meaning, has never laid eyes on this family before. My most important consideration is to help my clients determine which method of dispute resolution is best for them in their unique case after full disclosure of the pros and cons. Once we make that decision, we move forward in complete confidence.”
Before joining McKinley Irvin, Justin served as a law clerk to Judges Mary I. Yu and Steven Gonzalez in Unified Family Court in King County Superior Court. This experience allowed him to learn firsthand how decisions in family law cases are made and how best to present a client’s story in court. Justin’s long-term goal is to serve as a Superior Court judge himself.
Justin practices family law for the chance it gives him to work one-on-one with his clients in difficult times. “Family law is extremely rewarding work. Whether I am working with a client in a relatively peaceful collaborative law matter or a hotly litigated domestic violence case, I have an opportunity to help my clients realize the best result. I care about my clients, and I want to help them move through a very difficult time in their lives.”
Professional and Community Service:
- QLaw Bar Association of Washington, Vice Chair, Judicial Evaluation Committee
- Washington State Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee
- King County Bar Association’s Volunteer Attorney for People with AIDS program
- King County Superior Court Access to Justice Committee
Education:
- J.D. cum laude, Seattle University School of Law
- Editor, Seattle University Law Review
- B.A., Political Science, University of California at Davis
In the Media:
- Justin M. Sedell featured in Domestic Partnership KIRO 7 Coverage, March 12, 2008.
Representative Publications:
Representative Presentations:
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Testimonial - S.C., Seattle
Without Justin's expertise, I am not sure where I would be today with my case. I have tried for years to get guidance on what can be done and as soon as I hired within McKinley Irvin, I found the guidance I needed to make things right for my family. |
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