James White

James White graduated from UC Berkeley, and started his legal career in Tacoma at the Department of Assigned Counsel. In 1997, he joined the Associated Counsel of the Accused in King County, where he served as public defender. He was selected to serve as lead counsel for King County’s District Mental Health Court, where he became an impassioned advocate for mentally ill defendants. In 2004, James returned to the South Sound area to work on Tacoma and Pierce County criminal defense and gained valuable experience with immigration and asylum law.

After joining a private criminal defense firm in Seattle to learn the intricacies of DUI law, he and partner Derek Smith founded their own firm, Smith & White, PLLC. James engages in pro bono work and volunteer legal expertise for Centro Latino. He coaches youth sports, enjoys dancing and is a founding member of Broodcomb Games. He spends his days on Vashon with his two sons and their French bulldog, Charlemagne.

Past Employment Positions

King County District Court for the Mental Health Court, Counsel

Pro Bono Activities

Volunteer, Tacoma nonprofit organization Centro Latino

Professional & Bar Association Memberships

• Vashon Island Junior Basketball

Member Since: 2005

• Washington State Bar

Member Since: 1997