Attorneys

Lara Dethlefs

Lara Dethlefs is of counsel with the firm.  As a trial lawyer with a background in commercial litigation, construction litigation, insurance defense litigation and matrimonial law Lara has been in practice since 1997 and was named a "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics magazine in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.   She was named a Top Attorney in 2012 by Seattle Met Magazine and she received the honor of 10 Best Attorneys (Washington) in 2017 and 2018 by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.  She carries a "Superb" rating with Avvo.

Lara is a graduate of Oregon State University in Corvallis Oregon, and Lara received her J.D. from Willamette University School of Law in Salem, Oregon. Lara served as an intern to Senator Robert Packwood (R OR) in Washington, D.C. and Lara clerked for the Honorable Frederick B. Hayes, Pierce County Superior Court Judge.

Lara spends her free time running, traveling with her family and rooting on her children from the stands and from the sidelines.

Admissions

Lara is admitted to practice in the states of Washington, Colorado and Nevada, and before the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington.

Memberships

Lara is a member of the Washington State, Snohomish and King County Bar Associations.


Lara Dethlefs | Phone: 425.776.1352 | lara@lawdda.com

Natalie, a Divorce Client

If you are looking for the best, your search ends here.

Lara represented me in my divorce, which was by no means an easy open and shut case. I would not hesitate to recommend Ms. Dethlefs as counsel. She was diligent, quick to respond, detailed, and, most importantly, always a strong advocate and truly cared about my situation. Ms. Dethlefs is very knowledgeable in her field and I had 100% confidence in her ability to represent me. I came into Ms. Dethlefs office in what was one of the most difficult times in my life. Her support and compassion through my divorce helped me survive such an arduous time and come through the other side stronger and more confident (and with an EXCELLENT settlement!). Thank you so much, Lara!!

George, a Divorce Client

Ms. Dethlefs is a brilliant and passionate lawyer I'd strongly recommend if you want one of the best in family law.

Ms. Dethlefs was recommended by a personal friend of ours who is also a respected lawyer. Lara responded with strategic legal advice and actions the same day we contacted her. It was obvious that Lara was incredibly knowledgeable of the law and the courts. Based on her assessment of facts and data she collected from us and other sources, Lara recommended to us what we considered a very fair settlement. Despite a total lack of cooperation and stalling from the other party, Lara was able to win our desired settlement in arbitration, without going to court, and with virtually no concessions. In an all-day session, Lara remained on the offense presenting our request for a "dissolution" and a "family plan". She was better prepared with extensive and comprehensive supporting facts and data. Not going to court obviously saved us money and "agony". It was also important to us that Lara earned our total trust and was always available to talk as both our lawyer and a friend/confidant. In summary, Lara is very versed in family law, smart and quick on her feet, tough on the opposition when required, and passionate.

Corey, a Divorce Client

When Life Gives you Lemons, Lara Gives you Lemonade.

From my first meeting with Lara I felt extremely comfortable sharing my personal information with her and equally confident of her knowledge in how to proceed with my case. I knew that she would take care of my best interests. As we were standing in front of the judge for my divorce he went so far as to compliment her on what an excellent job she did in preparing my legal documents. And let's just say he wasn't nearly as kind to anyone else that went before us! It was not at all surprising to me but what a great pat on the back to Lara for the great job that she did! She comes HIGHLY recommended from me.

Sean, a Divorce Client

Made an insane situation sane.

Lara helped me get my children back after being taken out of state in the middle of the night. I was panicked and didn't know what to do or where to go, Lara was there for me every step of the way. She was a sympathetic ear and a reassuring nudge and one hell of a pit bull in court. My case is ongoing but Lara got me through the most difficult part and reunited me with my children

Divorce Client

Excellent Civil Attorney Represented me for close to a year in nasty divorce…

I found Lara in the phone book in April of 2010, and she represented me in my divorce until May 2 2011.She was very thorough and straight to the point. I was pleased with the outcome of the case and would recommend her to anyone in a nasty divorce. 

Neela, a Divorce Client

Divorce proceedings...

When I was seeking an attorney to handle my divorce, I randomly selected Lara after doing a search for attorneys in my neighborhood on the internet. The initial selection was random, but boy did I hit the jackpot when I found Lara! She was warm and friendly on the phone when we initially spoke about my case, and made herself available on short notice to see me in her office. During our first meeting, I was a complete emotional mess and thinking straight was difficult. Lara explained the process to me in a simple, clear, and concise way, and when I had questions, didn't understand something, or asked her to repeat things she's already explained, she always said, "It's OK. Keep asking me questions until you don't have any more". That statement went a long way with me as it made me feel like she wasn't in a hurry to get me out the door, and that she was genuinely interested in making sure I understood my options, the law as it pertained to my case, and how different choices would affect the outcome. Throughout the process, Lara was always responsive, organized, and dependable; I had total confidence in her.

Dealing with a divorce is difficult enough, and knowing that Lara had the legal aspect of the situation completely under control, and had my best interests at heart the entire time, was both comforting and a relief. I personally wouldn't hesitate to contact Lara again in the future, and would definitely recommend her to others with the utmost confidence.

LaMont, a Child Support client

Lara's expertise, legal counsel, and ability to answer my never ending stream of questions and concerns were invaluable in helping me to achieve a much needed Child Support adjustment following the loss of my job. Lara was sensitive to my desire to provide for my children, yet receive a reduction in my Child Support to an amount I could afford under my new circumstances. In addition to her legal counsel, I feel that Lara was a friend whom I could confide in and trust, who would empathize with me, yet give me the straight story, even when it might not be exactly what I wanted to hear. In sum, I couldn't have selected a better attorney to help me through this difficult personal time.

Divorce Client

A lawyer who listens and speaks honestly to you - yes a lawyer... not kidding.

Ms. Dethlefs was very compassionate during a situation that I did not want to participate in. She took the time to listen and when needed, educated me in the process that I was too involved with emotionally to fully comprehend the consequences at times. She is available and was always timely in her responses to my questions. A please to work with considering all the other lawyers I interact with in my normal profession. I have hope that the profession does have real people now in it after my time with her. One word: TRUST.

Dealing with a divorce is difficult enough, and knowing that Lara had the legal aspect of the situation completely under control, and had my best interests at heart the entire time, was both comforting and a relief. I personally wouldn't hesitate to contact Lara again in the future, and would definitely recommend her to others with the utmost confidence.