Sands McKinley

Founder and Futurist

Sands is a founding partner of McKinley Irvin. Together with his partners, they have built a firm focused on client service and care, professionalism, expansive legal knowledge and a strong infrastructure. "At the heart and soul of this firm is a commitment to excellence in every aspect of serving our clients," says Sands. "Our motto is: 'Be more professional, be more prepared, be more fearless, and always negotiate from a position of strength.' It is not possible to work at McKinley Irvin if you do not share both this level of commitment and deep caring and compassion for our clients."

"Family law is extremely emotional," he notes. "The ante is high when it comes to children, property, and reputation. We act as our clients' sword and shield. We are as prepared for polite and meaningful negotiation as we are for a court battle. The overriding goal is the same in each case: protect our clients' interests and achieve their goals."

Before stepping out of active practice to focus on full-time management, Sands represented clients in over 200 contested family law cases. He also represented individuals in small and mid-size businesses in planning, formation, contract drafting and negotiation, and litigation matters. Clients included industrial contractors, trade associations, construction contractors, retail food service franchises, real estate investors and developers, information technology companies, and many others.

Sands holds a law degree from Seattle University School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science and Legal Studies from Pacific Lutheran University.

Publications

Sands McKinley, Editorial: Response to Supreme Court, (2007)
Sands McKinley, Collaborative Law: What You Need to Know Now, (2007)
Sands McKinley, Top 10 Ways to Choose a Family Law Attorney Who is Right for You, (2006)
Sands McKinley, "OK, You Get the House, But I Get the Tupperware!" THE LAWBOOK special section of the Eastside Journal, Redmond Reporter, Mercer Island Reporter, and Bothell/Kenmore Reporter, (2002)
Sands McKinley & Rita Herrera Irvin, Divorce and Family Law in Washington State, (1998)

In the Media

Sands McKinley, Ending a Marriage and Preserving a Partnership, Puget Sound Business Journal, August 24, 2007.
Listen to Sands McKinley's interview with Don Riggs on the 94.1 KMPS Introspect Northwest Show, July 8, 2007.
Divorce and Business, Avoid the Pitfalls when a Marriage Crumbles, Puget Sound Business Journal, March 23, 2007.
Listen to an interview with Sands McKinley on the Rolonda radio show, July 6, 2007.
Sands McKinley will be a featured guest on the Bob Pittman radio show, Legal Line on Talk 770, KTTH. Sands will discuss important tips to consider before marriage, July 1, 2007.
Sands McKinley will be a featured guest on the Rolonda radio show at 10:20 a.m. Sands will discuss cutting edge social and legal issues concerning the American family, June 11, 2007.