Skip to Content
Top
John Phillips Attorney

Interesting notes about John
Favorite food:
 Ethiopian and Indian
Children: Two boys
Favorite Band (now): M83 and Daft Punk

Prior to pursuing law, John had a thriving career as a software engineer. He made significant contributions to the field, particularly in machine learning in healthcare, for which he holds a U.S. Patent.

Wishing to transition from the impersonal realm of software creation to a more personal field, while preserving his passion for problem-solving, John made the decision to attend law school. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Akron in Ohio.

Having personally navigated divorce as a parent, John intimately understands the emotional toll it can inflict. The experience fueled his passion for helping people through the process.

“I’m committed to assisting others in having a more positive and supportive experience during this difficult phase of life.”

John's personable nature makes him an excellent communicator. He excels in presenting complex issues in a clear, digestible manner, ensuring clients have a thorough understanding of their cases.

By virtue of his diverse technical background, John is adept in valuing and distributing intricate assets. Raised in an Air Force family and having completed AFROTC, he has significant familiarity with military family law matters. He is also versed in regulated industries, particularly aviation, healthcare, and software.

In his spare time, John teaches sailing at the Center for Wooden Boats and snowboarding at Alpental.

More About John Phillips
  • Education
    • J.D., University of Akron, summa cum laude
      • Associate law review editor
    • Graduate non-matriculated, Biomedical Informatics, University of Washington
    • B.S., Computer Science and Engineering, Ohio State University
  • Professional Activities

    Memberships

    • Member, Washington State Bar Association
  • "The team at McKinley Irvin is professional, compassionate, and I felt like I was in good hands working with them."
    — Brian
  • Best Law Firms 2025
  • Super Lawyers
  • Chambers High Net Worth 2025
  • AAML
  • PSBJ Best Workplaces
  • Best Lawyers 2026
  • Lawdragon 2025
  • AV Preeminent
  • Lawyer of the Year 2024
  • Avvo 10 Family Law

Let us know how we can help you navigate your family law issue:

    • Please enter your full name.
    • Please enter your phone number.
      This isn't a valid phone number.
    • Please enter your email address.
      This isn't a valid email address.
    • Please enter your county and state.
    • Please make a selection.
    • Please make a selection.
    • Please enter a message.
      Maximum 500 characters
    • Please enter your Case Type.
      Maximum 100 characters
  • Please Note: Your privacy is important to us. Information sent via this form is not protected by attorney/client privilege. We do not accept service of legal process or correspondence from opposing parties or their counsel through our website. Please view our Privacy Policy and Terms of Hire for more information.
Meet the Region’s Premier Family Law Firm
“From start to finish, the team at McKinley Irvin took care of me and my family. I couldn't ask for more.”
Who
“We are dedicated to fighting our client’s fight, and to offering them our absolute best every day.” Rita Herrera Irvin McKinley Irvin Founder & CEO
    "I'm so happy I found them."
    My case is finalized!! There aren’t words to express my gratitude for Hillary Dawn and Ryan. Hillary has been my guide through the daunting process of family court. She and my paralegal Ryan kept me in the loop about possible outcomes, court dates, etc. They were always available by phone or email if I had additional questions or information. I’m so happy I found them.
    Danielle
     | Tacoma, WA
    "I couldn't ask for a better team and outcome."
    Functioning like an extension of my family, Lindsay Camandona and the McKinley Irvin team educated me through all aspects of the marriage dissolution process, kept me informed and organized at every step, and genuinely cared for my well-being throughout the difficult and stressful experience. I couldn't ask for a better team and outcome – highly recommended!
    Brian
     | Tacoma, WA
    "I felt heard and supported."
    My case was a high-asset, amicable divorce with children after 20 years of marriage. From the start, Theresa was upfront and direct, clearly explaining what was and wasn’t possible according to the law. I felt heard and supported throughout, and I believe her dedication helped us move through this significant life change as smoothly as possible.
    Shelley
     | Seattle, WA
    "Always listened to my concerns."
    Best law firm!! David Gross is absolutely the greatest attorney. And he has a great team. Kerry his paralegal is so organized and helpful and together they are kind and compassionate and always listened to my concerns. I highly recommend them.
    Natalie
     | Vancouver, WA
    "A big impact during a sensitive time."
    [Christa's] knowledge, guidance, and support clearly made a big impact during a sensitive time. Thank you for providing such exceptional service!
    Former Client
     | Everett, WA
    "Knowledge, expertise, professionalism."
    From start to finish, Mark and his entire McKinley Irvin team provided the highest level of knowledge, expertise, professionalism, and quality of work. Very happy with the quality of Mark's representation and the outcome he obtained. I give him my highest recommendation.
    James
     | Tacoma, WA
    "He put in a lot of hard work."
    I felt like the communication between Sam and I was very good and open, I never wondered what was going on and always got a prompt response to any questions. I felt like I truly had an advocate for me and my case. He put in a lot of hard work and I appreciate it.
    Former Client
     | Tacoma, WA
    "Brilliant in court."
    Casey is brilliant in court, professional in his filings and I grew to trust Casey and Karrey implicitly. They taught me how to handle communications with my ex and always stay child focused. I have been and continue to be very grateful to have had this amazing legal team on my side through such a difficult divorce process!
    Rebecca
     | Vancouver, WA
    "I can't say enough good things."
    I can’t say enough good things about McKinley Irvin. Going through a divorce is never easy, but the team at this firm made the process as smooth and supportive as possible.
    Aaron
     | Kirkland, WA
    "Earned my respect and trust."
    What impressed me most, is how incredibly well prepared she was and how confident she was in court. She's so professional and empathetic. She realizes how hard it can be to need her services and really helped explain the process so there were no surprises. I can't thank her enough. Caitlin [Royse] has earned my respect and trust.
    Former Client
     | Everett, WA
  • Trusted Advocates

    Our lawyers have been recognized for their professionalism and legal ability by prestigious institutions, including Chambers & Partners, Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers®, Martindale-Hubbell, and others.

  • Personal Approach
    It is our goal to achieve the best possible results for our clients while delivering world-class personal service. We provide compassionate, responsive, and proactive representation.
  • Family Law Expertise
    McKinley Irvin represents clients in both traditional and complex family law matters, including subspecialties such as international cases and high-asset financial distributions.
John Phillips
John Phillips