Reviews

Brien is a fantastic advocate who identified the correct strategy legal from our first meeting. Brien is smart and pragmatic, and demonstrated an innate ability to understand how to deliver argument’s in best interests of his client. The result is that Brien leaves everyone knowing they’ve made the best arguments possible, which is everything

I am leaving a note for all to share that my experience working with Brien Galbraith and Joshua Dawson along with the rest of the McKinley Irvin team supporting them was an outstanding experience. Brien and Joshua were my third legal team in a divorce process and assisted me with finalizing the process. They took the time to understand my needs and were knowledgeable of our options and communicated with me timely. My only regret is they were not the first legal counsel that I had for this very personal matter. They will be my counsel for any future needs that I may have though. Thanks again guys- I appreciate all you did for me and my daughter!

I came to McKinley Irvin as a broken man and father who wasn’t sure of what legal motion I just signed. I was led to believe that my marriage situation was going to be fine, that it would all work out after we went and found ourselves and that separation was just temporary. I agreed to a fresh start and a move across the country so we could be a family. I went to marriage counseling by myself. I attended addiction counseling for the alcohol I once consumed. I signed separation papers hearing that it is just temporary and that we were healing as a family. I saw my son everyday and life was looking brighter and brighter. I was happy and I thought everything was working out and then two weeks after I signed a final separation order I was told that it is over and that someone wanted a divorce. I was floored and scared and wondering what happened and what did I sign. I read through all of the motions and orders and from what I understood I had just signed my life, my marriage and my son away. Our final order converted our separation into divorce after six months. I had no custody rights for my son and only visitation per permission. I knew I needed legal help and I hoped and prayed I could do something. I was not a bad person or husband or father. I was getting help on my own and there was no history of any wrong doing whatsoever in my marriage, it hurt and I was confused. After researching multiple law firms and setting up a consultation with an attorney at McKinley Irvin I met Brien Galbraith. He poured through my stacks of motions and orders and we discussed that it didn’t look good at all for me. I shared my story and testimony and he looked at me and told me he believed in me and that we would work together to do everything we could to make things fair. All I wanted was to have joint custody of my son and clear all of the wrong that was documented with the court. Brien and his awesome paralegal Josh Dawson worked with me for more than a year and a half. We knew it was an uphill battle and all of the data and statistics were stacked against me. However I believed and do believe that truth and love, in the end, will always win. Brien’s knowledge of family law is very impressive and our focus on truth was the right strategy. We had highs and lows, the accusations and subpoenas directed toward me were some of the most difficult times in my life. Brien, Josh and I were a team and I couldn’t imagine going through this again in my life without them. I am now a proud daddy with joint custody of my son and we achieved everything I needed. In the end truth and love won. Thank you Brien and McKinley Irvin for all of the help. I feel like we are family. Daddy David

My only reservation about recommending Brien is that his charges, in conjunction with the charges for his paralegal, Josh, made getting closure on my post-secondary education issue an expensive process. However, I never felt the bills were inflated. For the money I got a lawyer who listened to me, worked with my somewhat quirky style and temperament, played a very effective devil's advocate role, and got me exactly what I wanted legally. In truth, he got me more than I expected by challenging me on items I was willing to let go when in fact I had every right to pursue them . What I especially liked is that Brien would allow me to draft documents that he would then clarify or tactfully say "that's legally stupid, don't go there". All interactions were timely and accurate in detail. Calls and emails were promptly responded to. Challenges in my case were that my ex is an attorney and that a military pension and related benefits were involved. Brien admitted he was not particularly familiar with either area, but he did his homework, utilized my knowledge and resources, found the necessary answers and formulated a plan of action I felt was better than some of the self-described experts I'd considered using. The end result was a win/win/win. My ex didn't get cheated out of anything, I got true closure to a long nasty divorce situation, and most importantly my daughter got what she needed and deserved in the way of post-secondary support. In my book, that rates 5 stars for Brien, and I'd give the same to Josh.

I worked with Brien to resolve child custody and support issues. He was recommended to me by a friend, and I was fortunate enough to have him take my case. He really listened to my questions and concerns, and was always responsive to my calls, texts and emails. I felt that he and his paralegal Joshua Dawson took the time to understand my case and the outcome I wanted to achieve. In the end I walked away satisfied with the result. I appreciate all their hard work, and would definitely recommend them to others.

I worked with both Brien Galbraith and Joshua Dawson on my divorce case. Brien and Joshua were very sensitive, professional, and knowledgeable. I had an difficult case, Brien was always available to answer questions and concerns. Brien and Joshua did everything they could, keeping my best interest in mind. I am very happy with how my case was resolved, I would absolutely recommend Brien Galbraith.

I hired Mr. Galbraith to represent me after my child's father filed a restraining order between my child and me, an agonizing legal tactic I did not know was so commonplace. Mr. Galbraith provided excellent advice and clear expectations. After hearing my anxieties and concerns he made some aggressive legal moves that protected my child and myself. By the end of this process I have a final parenting plan that is fair. My child's life is changed for the better, no exaggeration. I also became aware of how lucky I was to have found a lawyer who is so conscientious and diligent. This is a dreadful experience to have in life, but every conversation I had with Mr. Galbraith left me feeling informed and less out of control. I would gladly recommend Mr. Galbraith to anyone facing an uphill custody battle.

I worked with Brien and Joshua Dawson for my dissolution case. Brien and Joshua were very sensitive, professional, and knowledgeable. I had a contentious case and Brien was always available to answer questions and concerns. I felt they both did everything with my best interest in mind. I am very happy with how my case was resolved and would absolutely seek Brien out again if needed.

I worked with Brien on updating both a parenting plan and child support worksheet that were five years old. I found both he and his paralegal to be knowledgeable, responsive, and efficient and I will be recommending him to any friends seeking legal advice for divorce or updating their legal agreements.

I've worked with Brien twice now, in 2011 and 2015. He is diligent, sharp, and trustworthy. He gets things done. I hope to not need a family law attorney ever again but if I did I'd work with Brien again without any hesitation.

I hired Brien for 2 family court cases and he was a great help in keeping me from giving in to my emotions and settling early. He was early to the hearing and was very prepared. His insight into tricks of the trade were invaluable!

My case was handled by Brien Galbraith in the Seattle office of McKinley Irvin, with the very able assistance of his paralegal Joshua Dawson. The case has reached what may very well turn out to be a temporary conclusion. I have withdrawn my petition entirely of my own volition out of what might well be regarded as overblown concern for the other party. It is very possible that I may reopen it in a few months as other events transpire, and I have every intention of continuing my relationship with Brien Galbraith in that event. My earliest contact with the firm was one of friendly professionalism; this extended to friendly and courteous reception staff, and the delightful lady who looks after the firms accounts, and continued always in this vein. Billing and fees were handled with professionalism and courtesy, and I regard as entirely reasonable in terms of work done and services rendered. Both Brien Galbraith and Joshua Dawson were good humored, compassionate and professional and always seemed available. In particular, my case involves necessary access to relationship details and health records of a very personal nature, and these details were handled at all times with delicacy and understanding. At the beginning of my contact with Brien Galbraith, full details of my health issues were still being uncovered, and I was just beginning a treatment of medication which took some months to settle, Brien Galbraith handled this with great understanding, and his advice I have found always to be very sound and most insightful. In summary, I am more than happy with the service that I have received from McKinley Irvin and Brien Galbraith. If and when I choose to reopen my case, I have no hesitation in placing myself in the hands of Brien Galbraith and his associates, and can only recommend the services of his firm with well merited praise of the highest order.