How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.

How long do general cases in Washington typically take?

Simple general 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 general clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Joseph Michael Gaffney, General Attorney in Seattle, Washington

Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on General, Probate, and Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratDorsey & Whitney LLP

Seattle, WA

Practicing general in Seattle since 1972.

54+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

General Probate Tax Trusts Estate Planning

Are you Joseph Michael Gaffney?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Joseph Michael Gaffney is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on General, Probate, and Tax. Joseph has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dorsey & Whitney LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Seattle, WA
Experience: over 54 years
Known for: General · Probate · Tax

Handles General, Probate, and Tax matters from Seattle, WA.
Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Joseph's practice areas in Seattle

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

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.

Probate cases in Seattle, Washington

Joseph 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Seattle, Washington

Joseph 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Seattle, Washington

Joseph 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Seattle, Washington

Joseph takes estate planning 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

Joseph Michael Gaffney, general attorney serving Seattle

Joseph Michael Gaffney is a lawyer practicing closely held businesses, non-profit and tax exempt organizations, tax, trusts and estates and 1 other area of law. Joseph received a B.C.S. degree from Seattle University in 1967, and has been licensed for 54 years. Joseph practices at Dorsey & Whitney LLP in Seattle, WA.

How Joseph handles general matters

Who Joseph represents

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

Credentials

Credentials — where Joseph studied and practices

Hastings College of the Law, University of California
J.D. New · 1972
Seattle University
B.C.S. Accounting · 1967

Jurisdictions

Joseph's state bar admissions

Washington
1972 · ACTIVE

Joseph studied at J.D. New in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and B.C.S. Accounting in Seattle University.

Law school and academic background

Joseph completed J.D. New in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and B.C.S. Accounting 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

Joseph's legal honors and published work

Joseph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Joseph's professional memberships and bar associations

The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Seattle Estate Planning Council. Listed in The Best Lawyers in America
bar_fellowship
"Super Lawyer" in Washington Law & Politics. Distinguished Alumni Award, Seattle University. Member: Washington State Bar Association
bar_fellowship
King County Bar Association
bar_fellowship

Locations

Joseph Michael Gaffney's office in Seattle

Joseph's primary office is at Columbia Ctr., 701 5th Ave., Ste. 6100, Seattle, WA, 98104-7043. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Columbia Ctr., 701 5th Ave., Ste. 6100

Seattle, WA 98104-7043

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Joseph Michael Gaffney — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Joseph. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general 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 Joseph Michael Gaffney claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Joseph Michael Gaffney — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general 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 general attorney in Seattle, Washington

A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 general practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Joseph Michael Gaffney

How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Washington typically take?
Simple general 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 general 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

General attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington

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

More counsel

If Joseph's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Seattle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.