Laura Carlsen

Associate

FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS - AREAS OF PRACTICE

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Laura Carlsen's practice emphasizes a wide range of family law matters including divorce, child custody, military family law, relocations, child support and parenting plan modifications, domestic violence, and family law appeals.

Laura's exceptional skills as a negotiator and litigator developed early through national debate competitions. She was a nationally ranked debater (among the top 100 in the United States, ranking as high as #2) who has given more than a thousand public speeches and competed against the country's top debaters. Since 2008, Laura has used these finely honed abilities to advocate for her client's legal goals at the negotiation table and in the courtroom.

"In family law, we deal with real people who need help resolving very personal problems during a difficult time in their lives," says Laura about her approach. "I find out what is important to my client and create a plan to achieve success. A good lawyer must be able to find an angle that helps her maximize results for her client. There is a lot of strategy and detail that goes into a well-prepared case."

"I have been extremely impressed with Laura and her entire staff. She has bent over backwards to do everything I've asked. Her knowledge and expertise and especially her thoroughness in preparing my cases and representing me in all aspects is outstanding. She has handled 3 of my cases and I couldn't have been happier."

--Former Client, R.A.

Laura represents many clients in military family law cases, adept in the practice of the unique blend of federal and state law that applies only to military families. She also practices appellate family law, a complex process that allows clients to have the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court review a decision from the lower court in order to achieve a more just result.

Laura is committed to maintaining the highest standards of client service and professionalism, and she approaches each case with these commitments in mind. "Every client who walks in the door has a different life story, so I never know what the day will bring," says Laura. "Emotions often run high in family law cases, and it is the responsibility of the attorney to strike the right balance between compassion, empathy, and calm objectivity so that we can ultimately achieve the client's goals."

EDUCATION

J.D., University of Oregon School of Law
- Managing Board, Oregon Law Review
- Teaching Assistant, Legal Research and Writing
- Moot Court
B.A. in Sociology and B.A. in Political Science, University of California at Berkeley

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section
Pierce County Bar Association, Family Law Section
King County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Young Lawyers Association

RECENT PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

"Military Moms and Dads: How to Protect the Rights of Deployed Parents," Tacoma-Pierce County Bar News, November 2010
"Miltary Family Law Practice Tips," King County Bar Association CLE, November 2010

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Nationally Ranked Debater, Bay Area Urban Debate League

IN THE COMMUNITY

Debate Coach, Mercer Island and Auburn High Schools, 1998-2005
Volunteer, King County Bar Association Legal Clinic

McKinley Irvin proudly serves Washington State with offices in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Puyallup and Gig Harbor.

"My experience with everyone at McKinley Irvin was positive. Attorneys and staff treated me with the utmost respect and provided me whatever information I needed in a timely manner. It is important to find a firm that not only practices excellent law, but professionalism and respect along the journey."

--Former Client L.P., Redmond, WA

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