About Marc T. Christianson
When it comes to the practice of family law, Marc Christianson has done it all: Of counsel and law practice managing partner for McKinley Irvin, distinguished solo and small-firm practitioner, experienced mediator and arbitrator, collaborative law expert, Superior Court Commissioner and Judge Pro Tem, founder of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Family Law Section, and former chair of the Washington State Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Marc has established an enviable reputation among colleagues and clients alike--people who point to his wide-ranging legal knowledge and superior legal skills, his calm and responsive legal counsel, his extraordinary respect for the legal profession, and, above all, his steadfast commitment to excellence. The South Sound native and perennial Super Lawyer honoree captures his practice philosophy in simple, straightforward terms:
"My success has come from a genuine desire to help people resolve their problems, from working honestly and effectively with other attorneys, and from focusing on accuracy and truthfulness in everything I do. At all times and in all situations, my aim is to be the very best attorney I can be."
A Tacoma lawyer since 1976, Marc has touched the lives of thousands of individuals and families going through “one of the most life-changing, emotionally draining, and financially difficult times of their lives.” By providing clear advice, carefully explaining the process, “talking to—and not at—my clients,” and frequently checking in with those he represents, Marc maintains he is able to minimize the fear and stress that inevitably accompany a family dissolution.
The veteran attorney who, in semi-retirement, enjoys golf, traveling with his wife, and socializing with friends, adds that his years with McKinley Irvin, the Northwest’s premier family law firm, have been the very best of his lengthy and notable legal career.
"It has been a pleasure to work with a cadre of talented, dedicated attorneys who, like me, are committed to meticulous, tenacious representation,” he notes, “and who, like me, believe that successful results can be achieved in a dignified and respectful manner."
Next >>Affiliations
Appointments
- Washington State Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee, Past Chair
- Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, Past President
- Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Family Law Section, Founding Member & First Chair
- Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner Pro Tempore
- Pierce County Superior Court Judge Pro Tempore
Memberships
- Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section
- Washington State Bar Association Trust Account Responsibilities and Retainers Task Force
- International Association of Collaborative Professionals
- Collaborative Professionals of Washington
- Collaborative Law Professionals of Pierce County
Publications & Presentations
Publications
- "11 Cardinal Rules of Family Law Mediation," Pierce County Lawyer, June 2014
- "Mediation in Family Law: Eight Lessons Learned," King County Bar Bulletin, February 2014
- "Interview with Marc T. Christianson: The Power of Collaborative Divorce," Parent Alliance, February 2014
- "Suggestions for Better Mediation," Washington State Bar Family Law Section Newsletter, Winter 2007
- "It's All About Serving Our Members," Washington State Bar Family Law Section Newsletter, Spring 2003
- "Renewal for One, Please," Washington State Bar Family Law Section Newsletter, Winter 2002
Presentations
- "Experts Before Trial", Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association CLE, October 2016
- “Uninsured Motorist Arbitrations from a Neutral Arbitrator's Perspective,” Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association CLE, December 2010
- "Family Law 101: Time for a Reality Check, “Washington State Bar Association CLE, December 2010
- “Computer Technology Part 1,” presentation on using Voice Recognition Software for attorneys at a Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Seminar, May 2010
- "Preparation of Your Case and Client for Settlement Conference and Trial," Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association CLE, October 2008
- Ethics presentation with Bob Gould, Family Law Section Midyear Meeting & Seminar, Washington State Bar Association CLE and Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Annual Retreat, May 2008 and June 2006
- "QDROs and More: Mastering the Division and Assignment of Retirement Benefits in a Marital Dissolution," Washington State Bar Association CLE, October 2007
