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Joseph M. "Joe" Wallin, Business Attorney in Seattle, Washington

Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Business and General

Practicing business in Seattle since 1994.

32+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

Practices in

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Quick answer

Joseph M. "Joe" Wallin is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Business and General. Joseph has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carney Badley Spellman PS.

Based in
Seattle, WASHINGTON
Experience
over 32 years
Known for
Business · General
  • Handles Business and General matters from Seattle, WASHINGTON.
  • Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — CleanTech Law (Seattle) (2026).

About Joseph M. "Joe" Wallin: Joseph M. "Joe" Wallin is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Business and General. Joseph has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carney Badley Spellman PS.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Joseph M. "Joe" Wallin

Joseph concentrates on business and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Seattle, Washington

Joseph takes business 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.

General cases in Seattle, Washington

Joseph 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Joseph M. "Joe" Wallin — Over 32 years of Washington business experience

Joseph M. "Joe" Wallin is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Business and General. Joseph has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carney Badley Spellman PS.

Joe Wallin advises founders, startups, growth companies, investors, and acquirers on the legal issues that matter most in building, financing, and scaling businesses. His practice spans the full business lifecycle — from company formation to exit — and includes counsel on equity compensation, angel and venture financings, mergers and acquisitions, and other significant business transactions. He also brings deep tax knowledge to his work, holding an LL.M. in Taxation from NYU and substantial experience advising on Washington tax issues affecting founders, executives, and high earners.

Widely known in the startup and angel investing community, Wallin serves on the Angel Capital Association's Public Policy Advisory Council and has advocated for laws that make it easier for companies to raise capital. He wrote the first draft of Washington's equity crowdfunding law, testified in favor of the legislation that became law, and later assisted with amendments to that law. He is the co-author of Angel Investing, Start to Finish, a contributor to the Holloway Guide to Equity Compensation, and the author of the Washington Tax Guide for High Earners and The Startup Law Blog.

Wallin has been named Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year for 2018–2022, 2024, and 2025, and has been listed in Best Lawyers for Corporate Law, Business Organizations, and Clean Tech Law since 2016. He has been named a Washington Super Lawyer continuously since 2009.

Working with Joseph on a business matter

Joe Wallin advises founders, startups, growth companies, investors, and acquirers on the legal issues that matter most in building, financing, and scaling businesses. His practice spans the full business lifecycle — from company formation to exit — and includes counsel on equity compensation, angel and venture financings, mergers and acquisitions, and other significant business transactions. He…

Who Joseph represents

Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and general matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Joseph M. "Joe" Wallin's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Washington

    B.A. · 1990

  • New York University

    LL.M. · 1996

  • Seattle University

    J.D. · 1994

Jurisdictions

Joseph's state bar admissions

  • Washington, Washingt

    1994 · ACTIVE

Joseph studied at B.A. in University of Washington, LL.M. in New York University, and J.D. in Seattle University.

Law school and academic background

Joseph completed B.A. in University of Washington, LL.M. in New York University, and J.D. in Seattle University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joseph runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Joseph M. "Joe" Wallin

Joseph has received 11 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — CleanTech Law (Seattle)

    2026

  • Lawyer of the Year — CleanTech Law (Seattle)

    2024

  • Lawyer of the Year — CleanTech Law (Seattle)

    2022

  • Lawyer of the Year — CleanTech Law (Seattle)

    2020

  • Lawyer of the Year — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (Seattle)

    2018

  • Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — CleanTech Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Washington's Super Lawyers (2009-present),

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — CleanTech Law (Seattle) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — CleanTech Law (Seattle) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — CleanTech Law (Seattle) (2022). Lawyer of the Year — CleanTech Law (Seattle) (2020). Lawyer of the Year — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (Seattle) (2018). Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (2026).

Locations

Joseph M. "Joe" Wallin's office in Seattle

Joseph's primary office is at 701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3600, Seattle, Washington, 98104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Carney Badley Spellman PS

701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3600

Seattle, Washington 98104

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Joseph M. "Joe" Wallin

Joseph has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Joseph M. "Joe" Wallin — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joseph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Joseph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph'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; Joseph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Seattle, Washington

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Joseph

Joseph discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. Joseph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Joseph's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Joseph M. "Joe" Wallin

  • How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Joseph offer a free consultation?

    Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Washington typically take?

    Simple business 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. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside Seattle?

    Joseph 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 — Joseph 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 Joseph?

    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. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Joseph accepting new business clients right now?

    Joseph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington

Joseph handles business matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

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