Remembering Janet A. George

Few people leave the kind of mark that Janet George did.

She was an extraordinary attorney, a trusted mentor, a treasured colleague, and a dear friend. For more than 50 years, Janet devoted her career to helping individuals and families navigate some of life's most difficult moments with compassion, wisdom, and exceptional skill. In doing so, she earned the trust of generations of clients, the admiration of colleagues throughout the legal community, and a reputation as one of Washington's most respected family law attorneys.

"To so many of us in the family law community, Janet was someone we admired long before we had the privilege of calling her a colleague. She was a trailblazer, an exceptional advocate, and a role model whose influence will continue to be felt for generations of family law attorneys." — Rita Herrera Irvin, Founding Partner

Janet's journey to family law was as fascinating as the life she lived. Before becoming an attorney, she served as a psychiatric nurse, an assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Nursing, a flight attendant, a blackjack dealer, and a King County deputy prosecutor. Each chapter of her life broadened her perspective and deepened her understanding of people, helping shape the compassionate advocate she would become.

She believed family law was about far more than legal issues. Drawing on her background in psychiatric nursing and counseling, Janet had an extraordinary ability to meet people where they were—with empathy, patience, and without judgment. She helped clients navigate conflict with dignity, make thoughtful decisions, and find hope for what came next.

Her legal accomplishments were remarkable. A Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Janet was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for more than 30 consecutive years and consistently honored by Washington Super Lawyers, Lawdragon, and Martindale-Hubbell. Yet those who knew Janet knew she cared far more about helping people than collecting accolades.

When Janet joined McKinley Irvin as Of Counsel in 2017, she generously shared not only her knowledge and experience but also her kindness. She was always willing to mentor younger attorneys, offer thoughtful guidance, and represent the firm whenever called upon. Her humility, warmth, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her.

Outside the office, Janet embraced life with curiosity and joy. She was a lifelong equestrian, an accomplished pilot, and a racehorse enthusiast who found great happiness at Emerald Downs. In retirement, she made the most of life in her beloved Sun Valley, where she spent countless hours on the golf course, discovered a love for pickleball, and enjoyed the friendships and mountain community that brought her so much happiness.

Those who knew Janet will remember far more than her distinguished career. They will remember her quick wit, her generosity, and her remarkable ability to make people feel seen and understood. She had a gift for bringing calm to difficult moments and making those around her better simply by being herself.

Through more than five decades of service to the family law community, Janet changed countless lives. Her legacy lives on in every attorney she inspired, every client she helped find a path forward, and every person fortunate enough to have called her a colleague or friend.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Janet's family, friends, former clients, and everyone whose life she touched.