Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
Exceptional legal expertise and experience in handling complex family law cases, particularly those involving domestic abuse and high-conflict custody battles
“Dan has fought tirelessly to protect me and most importantly my young child from the non-stop litigious warfare that my ex waged (and continues to wage on me).”
2
Unwavering commitment to ethics and honesty, prioritizing the client's best interests over personal gain
“Dan said without hesitation 'No - that is not the way we operate. We are truthful, no matter what. That is just not how I practice law.'”
3
Strong communication and transparency, ensuring clients are well-informed and have realistic expectations
“Dan was very clear in the process, set real expectations and navigated me through what was an unnecessarily contention process by the other party and their counsel.”
Cons
1
Occasional delays in responding to clients' needs or completing the mundane aspects of a case after the main objectives have been achieved
“That said once he successfully puts out the flames you might have to reach out to finish out the mundane aspects of wrapping up your case.”
2
Some clients felt they did not receive constant communication during the legal proceedings, though they understood the plan and felt well-represented
“He didn't stay in constant communication, but we knew what we had to do and what he was going to do.”

All reviews

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22 Mar, 2022 by Kyle
Dan successfully represented me in dismissing a baseless protection order. He was excellent: He helped me understand and address the situation; thoroughly and efficiently prepared the case, focusing on the key points; and was empathetic and realistic. I valued his advice and would recommend him without hesitation. Dan is the definition of a true professional.
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08 Dec, 2021 by Anonymous
I was referred to Dan from multiple sources, even from across country. He was very clear in the process, set real expectations and navigated me through what was an unnecessarily contention process by the other party and their counsel. Due to his forthrightness, thoroughness, professionalism, and experience, I am happily divorced with a fair, data-driven settlement that I can more than live with.
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30 Sep, 2021 by Anonymous
Dan York was successful at quashing a restraining order against me and replacing it with one that protected me and my child. He showed throughout his work and communication with me to have high moral values. He is energetic and great under fire. That said once he successfully puts out the flames you might have to reach out to finish out the mundane aspects of wrapping up your case. He will be sure to always respond when you reach out, and has been supportive and provided the limited advice he could even after my case was relocated and he was no longer assigned.
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01 Dec, 2020 by Anonymous
Dan is your go-to attorney for anyone experiencing high level conflict custody battles and for victims of domestic violence. Just days after I petitioned for my first DVPO, my ex-partner and perpetrator surprised me by taking me to court in an utterly horrifying and unjust attempt to take FULL custody of our child by arguing that I was mentally ill and unfit to mother. At the time I was poorly represented by an attorney who had NO understanding of domestic violence and who left me in a totally desperate situation. Two attorneys and about 60k later, I retained Daniel York, whose firm was recommended by the Seattle Police Department's DV Unit. My only regret is not finding him sooner. I have worked with Dan for two years now. Dan has fought tirelessly to protect me and most importantly my young child from the non-stop litigious warfare that my ex waged (and continues to wage on me). 2.5 years ago, it looked like we were headed to an expensive family law trial. Dan moved mountains to prepare me for the best possible outcome at trial. In the end, however, Dan flipped my dire situation on its head. After just eight months of retaining him and despite an extremely complicated and high conflict case, he was able to negotiate majority custody for me and sole decision making. We did not go to trial. In addition, my ex-partner was convicted of DV and Dan fought hard to hold him accountable by advocating for DV treatment at the best possible program. Although our parenting plan is finalized, my wealthy ex continues to retaliate via litigation abuse by dragging me into court every few months for petty and convoluted matters. Dan is reliably there when I need him and continues to prevail – even securing attorneys fees for me, which if you have ever been in the court system, you know is no easy accomplishment. Dan has helped me renew multiple DVPOs, the latest one for several years, which my ex fought aggressively against. When it comes to family law, Dan is a needle in a haystack of dishonest attorneys and others who despite their vast experience have little understanding of the nuances of domestic violence or litigation abuse as it relates to custody. Prima facie, it would seem that if you are a victim of domestic violence the courts would favor you when it comes to custody matters. The harsh reality is that this is not necessarily the case. If you are a victim of domestic violence and are in a custody battle, you need aggressive and experienced counsel. I am so grateful for Dan and for the AYS firm for fighting for my child and for his continued protections of us. I shudder when I think of what my life would look like now without his support.
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22 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous
Daniel is a massive pillar of light in the storm that is divorce. He makes you feel extremely protected and cared for in a way that is rare, if not non-existent in the world of lawyers. I was referred to him through a community of women in the greater Seattle area. Dan’s name came up time and time again as someone who is deeply respected in the court system, as a name that is known, trusted, and extremely respected in the community. He is thorough in every curve of this battle, and walks shoulder to shoulder with you, calmly, balanced, exuding confidence and an understanding of the legal system that is unmatched. As an ex-Marine, I feel it’s safe to say that Dan never stopped fighting off the bad guys, he is a local super hero, and an extremely respected name amongst Domestic Violence survivors. I still have a very long and painful road laid ahead for me and my family, however, I feel that much safer knowing I’m doing this with the absolute best by my side.
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29 Apr, 2024 by Lisa shimoi
I recently had the privilege of working with Matthew Cunanan to draft my living will, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of excellent. From start to finish, Matthew demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, efficiency, and empathy, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. One of the standout qualities of Matthew's service was his remarkable ease to work with. He guided me through each step of the process, ensuring that I understood all aspects of my living will and addressing any concerns or questions I had along the way. His clear communication and willingness to listen made me feel heard and understood, fostering a sense of trust and confidence in his expertise. Matthew's thoughtfulness and understanding were evident throughout our interactions. He took the time to truly understand my wishes and priorities, tailoring the living will to suit my specific needs and circumstances. His compassionate approach made a potentially daunting task feel manageable, and I appreciated his genuine care for my well-being and that of my loved ones. Thanks to Matthew's expertise and dedication, I now have peace of mind knowing that I have a comprehensive living will in place to protect my sons in the event of unforeseen circumstances. His attention to detail and commitment to ensuring thorough documentation instilled in me a sense of security, knowing that my wishes will be carried out as intended. I wholeheartedly recommend Matthew Cunanan to anyone in need of living will services. His professionalism, efficiency, and compassionate approach make him a standout choice in this field. Working with Matthew was not only easy and quick but also reassuring and empowering. I am grateful for his assistance and would not hesitate to seek his expertise again in the future.
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15 Mar, 2024 by Sukh bains
Quick, efficient, and professional ser ice. Very happy with the work done.
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02 Nov, 2023 by Jeffery wheat
Relentless, to be sure.
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12 Nov, 2008 by Anonymous
Sarah has taken us from incorporation through investment trademarking and every other thing that has come up. She is smart, fast, responsive and has the answers you need. She is also ably assisted which is really important when it comes to saving money and getting great service. She only gets involved when real legal decision making is required, otherwise everything runs smoothly under her review. Working under the auspice of Davis Wright Tremain (DWT.COM) means you have instant credibility with investors because you are working with a blue chip firm and you have access to specialist resources (IP etc) whenever you may need them. I originally looked at the least expensive way to get legal help and after some research happily discovered that this was it.
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24 Jun, 2008 by Anonymous
Sarah is a solid asset to any deal team doing work domestically or internationally. As outside counsel for a fast growing company, Sarah was the primary point person for multiple strategic transactions including: fundraising, cross-border M&A, sensitive regulatory dealings, and managing through constantly changing corporate/market demands. I've worked with Sarah multiple times over a 4-5 year period and I look forward to our next engagement.
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30 Sep, 2022 by T t
Really hands on helpful and worth every cent.
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What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
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  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
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    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
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  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What challenges do you foresee in my case?
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  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

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Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:

  • Within the Same State:
    Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state.
  • Outside of Their Licensed State:
    If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:
    • Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
    • Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
  • International Representation:
    For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.

It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  • Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose.
  • Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. Review their website, professional profiles, and case history.
  • Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences.
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  • Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community.
  • Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  • Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  • Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
    • Contracts or agreements
    • Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and parties involved. This helps the lawyer quickly understand the context.
  • List of Questions:
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  • Personal Identification:
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  • Pen and Notebook:
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  • Budget Constraints:
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  • Openness and Honesty:
    Be prepared to discuss your case candidly. Full disclosure allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and anticipate potential challenges.
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