
David E. Ketter, Elder Law Attorney in Seattle, Washington
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Probate, and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratSimburg, Ketter, Sheppard & Purdy, LLP
Seattle, WA
Practicing elder law in Seattle since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you David E. Ketter?
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Quick answer
David E. Ketter is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Probate, and Real Estate. David has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Simburg, Ketter, Sheppard & Purdy, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Seattle, WA
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Elder Law · Probate · Real Estate
- Handles Elder Law, Probate, and Real Estate matters from Seattle, WA.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About David E. Ketter: David E. Ketter is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Probate, and Real Estate. David has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Simburg, Ketter, Sheppard & Purdy, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by David E. Ketter
David concentrates on elder law, probate, real estate, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Estate Planning
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Elder Law cases in Seattle, Washington
David takes elder law matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Seattle, Washington
David takes probate matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Seattle, Washington
David takes real estate matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Seattle, Washington
David takes tax matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Seattle, Washington
David takes trusts matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
About David E. Ketter — Over 51 years of Washington elder law experience
David E. Ketter is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Probate, and Real Estate. David has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Simburg, Ketter, Sheppard & Purdy, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
David E. Ketter is a lawyer practicing elder, real estate, real property and 4 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from Augustana College in 1967, and has been licensed for 51 years. David practices at Simburg, Ketter, Sheppard & Purdy, LLP in Seattle, WA.
Working with David on a elder law matter
David E. Ketter is a lawyer practicing elder, real estate, real property and 4 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from Augustana College in 1967, and has been licensed for 51 years. David practices at Simburg, Ketter, Sheppard & Purdy, LLP in Seattle, WA.
Who David represents
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, probate, and real estate matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
David E. Ketter's legal education and bar admissions
Georgetown University Law Center
J.D. · 1975
Augustana College
B.A. · 1967
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
U.S. Tax Court
1978 · ACTIVE
Washington
1977 · ACTIVE
Iowa
1975 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1975 · ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in Georgetown University Law Center and B.A. in Augustana College.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in Georgetown University Law Center and B.A. in Augustana College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of David E. Ketter
David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
David's professional memberships and bar associations
Illinois, Iowa and American (Member, Sections on: Taxation Real Property, Probate and Trust) Bar Associations
membership
Locations
David E. Ketter's office in Seattle
David's primary office is at 999 Third Avenue, Suite 2525, Seattle, WA, 98104-4089. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Simburg, Ketter, Sheppard & Purdy, LLP
999 Third Avenue, Suite 2525
Seattle, WA 98104-4089
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of David E. Ketter — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in Seattle.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David E. Ketter claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire David E. Ketter — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Seattle, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every elder law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David E. Ketter
How much does it cost to hire David for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in Washington typically take?
Simple elder law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
David is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new elder law clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Elder Law attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington
David handles elder law matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated elder law attorneys in Washington
If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Seattle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.