Marc T. Christianson

Of Counsel

Tacoma | Puyallup

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Interesting notes about Marc:
Favorite food: Chocolate dessert
Favorite animal: Rescue Greyhounds
Super power I wish I had: To create peace & serenity
About
Affiliations
Education
Publications & Presentations

About Marc T. Christianson

Marc Christianson began practicing family law in 1976. He has distinguished himself as one of Washington's premier divorce and family law attorneys, widely admired for both his skill and professionalism. Marc is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and has been rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale Hubbell®, a peer review rating distinguishing him as an attorney rated at the highest level of professional experience and ethical conduct.

Marc focuses his practice on divorce and family law matters with complex or unique property distribution, spousal maintenance, or support issues. He is trained and experienced in using mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law as alternative methods of dispute resolution in divorce cases.

Marc's perennial success as a family law attorney stems from both a history of achieving successful results for his clients, as well as providing a high level of personal service to each client.

"I believe in meticulous, tenacious representation regardless of whether a case is resolved by settlement or litigation," says Marc. "I also understand the stress each client experiences during a family law case. Each client deserves to be treated with respect and compassion, which is how I interact with my clients."

With more than 20 years of experience as a mediator and arbitrator, he is frequently sought out to mediate or arbitrate in family law cases. He also has served for many years as both a Superior Court Commissioner Pro Tempore and Superior Court Judge Pro Tempore.

In addition to his litigation practice, Marc is trained as a Collaborative Divorce lawyer, and is an active member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Collaborative Professionals of Washington, and Collaborative Law Professionals of Pierce County.

Marc has served as President of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association. He is also a founder and first chair of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Family Law Section. Marc received his law degree in 1974 from Seattle University School of Law. After graduation, he was selected to serve as clerk to U.S. Federal District Judge George H. Boldt. Marc then entered private law practice in Tacoma in 1976.

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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
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Education

  • J.D., Seattle University School of Law
  • B.A. University of Puget Sound
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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
  • Best Law Firms
  • Best Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers
  • AV Preeminent
  • Avvo Rating 10.0
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
"Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year. We’re really glad you are on our side."
"David remained very level headed and family focused throughout our proceedings. That said, I always felt my specific needs were very well ..."
"Without David and Sam, there is no way I could have made it through this exceptionally difficult time in my life. I cannot imagine two ..."
"My daughter is the sunshine of my life. I felt despair and a sense of helplessness on the day I was served. On the first appointment day ..."
"In our search for a reputable law firm to handle my sister’s divorce case, we explored our options until we found the McKinley Irvin law ..."
"My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up and was very knowledgeable on ..."
"I would like to give my sincere appreciation to Jennifer Payseno and staff. You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always ..."
"Dave, thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you."
"From start to finish, the team at McKinley Irvin took care of me and my family. I couldn’t ask for more. What happened in court was exactly ..."
"I have dealt with approximately 4 lawyers in the past from other law firms. Laura from McKinley Irvin, however, handled my case with ..."
"I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help with my case. I know the call I got from your office was an answer to my tearful and ..."
"I am so very thankful that I chose to work with McKinley Irvin and the wonderful staff they have in place. Highly recommended!"
"A huge weight and amount of stress was lifted as soon as I hired Jamie Walker. Having her on my team was exactly the peace of mind I needed ..."
"Getting a divorce was hard enough as it is. I was nervous and just wanted to get it over with before my ex-wife thought of anything else she ..."
"[My attorney] spoke English – as oppposed to ‘legalese’. She was able to propose a number of options and alternatives for various scenarios, ..."
"Marc provided steady counsel and support through the emotional times. He kept us focused and moving forward during the meetings."
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