Duncan K. Fobes, Civil Rights Attorney in Seattle, Washington
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Education, and Employment
Founding PrincipalatPatterson Buchanan Fobes & Leitch, Inc.
Seattle, WA
Practicing civil rights in Seattle since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
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Quick answer
Duncan K. Fobes is a founding principal based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Education, and Employment. Duncan has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Patterson Buchanan Fobes & Leitch, Inc..
- Based in
- Seattle, WA
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Education · Employment
- Handles Civil Rights, Education, and Employment matters from Seattle, WA.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Duncan K. Fobes: Duncan K. Fobes is a founding principal based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Education, and Employment. Duncan has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Patterson Buchanan Fobes & Leitch, Inc..
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Duncan K. Fobes
Duncan concentrates on civil rights, education, employment, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Duncan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Education
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Employment
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General
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Slip & Fall
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Civil Rights cases in Seattle, Washington
Duncan takes civil rights 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 Duncan agrees to represent you.
Education cases in Seattle, Washington
Duncan takes education 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 Duncan agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Seattle, Washington
Duncan takes employment 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 Duncan agrees to represent you.
General cases in Seattle, Washington
Duncan takes general 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 Duncan agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Seattle, Washington
Duncan takes litigation 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 Duncan agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Duncan K. Fobes — Over 41 years of Washington civil rights experience
Duncan K. Fobes is a founding principal based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Education, and Employment. Duncan has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Patterson Buchanan Fobes & Leitch, Inc..
Duncan K. Fobes is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, civil rights, employment and 5 other areas of law. Duncan received a B.A. degree from University of Washington in 1977, and has been licensed for 41 years. Duncan practices at Patterson Buchanan Fobes & Leitch, Inc. in Seattle, WA.
Working with Duncan on a civil rights matter
Duncan K. Fobes is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, civil rights, employment and 5 other areas of law. Duncan received a B.A. degree from University of Washington in 1977, and has been licensed for 41 years. Duncan practices at Patterson Buchanan Fobes & Leitch, Inc. in Seattle, WA.
Clients Duncan works with
Duncan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, education, and employment matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Duncan K. Fobes's legal education and bar admissions
University of Washington
J.D. · 1984
University of Washington
B.A. · 1977
Jurisdictions
Duncan's state bar admissions
Oregon
2009 · ACTIVE
Washington
1985 · ACTIVE
Duncan studied at J.D. in University of Washington and B.A. in University of Washington.
Law school and academic background
Duncan completed J.D. in University of Washington and B.A. in University of Washington. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Duncan runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Duncan's professional memberships and bar associations
King County, Snohomish County and Washington State Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Duncan K. Fobes's office in Seattle
Duncan's primary office is at 2112 Third Ave., Ste. 500, Seattle, WA, 98121-2326. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Patterson Buchanan Fobes & Leitch, Inc.
2112 Third Ave., Ste. 500
Seattle, WA 98121-2326
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Duncan K. Fobes — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Duncan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Duncan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Duncan'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; Duncan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Seattle, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 Duncan
Duncan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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. Duncan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Duncan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Duncan K. Fobes
How much does it cost to hire Duncan for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Duncan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Duncan offer a free consultation?
Duncan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Duncan's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Duncan's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Washington typically take?
Simple civil rights 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. Duncan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Duncan take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
Duncan 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 — Duncan 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 Duncan?
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. Duncan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Duncan accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Duncan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington
Duncan handles civil rights matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
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