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

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

Does Paul offer a free consultation?

Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Paul'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. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Seattle?

Paul 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 — Paul 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 Paul?

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

Is Paul accepting new business clients right now?

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

Paul Arthur Tonella, Business Attorney in Seattle

Quick answer

Paul Arthur Tonella is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Business, Probate, and Real Estate. Paul has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Keller Rohrback L.L.P.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Seattle, WA
Experience: over 37 years
Known for: Business · Probate · Real Estate

Handles Business, Probate, and Real Estate matters from Seattle, WA.
Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Paul takes on

Paul concentrates on business, probate, real estate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Seattle, Washington

Paul 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 Paul agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Seattle, Washington

Paul 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 Paul agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Seattle, Washington

Paul 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 Paul agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Seattle, Washington

Paul 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 Paul agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Paul Arthur Tonella — business lawyer in Seattle

Paul Arthur Tonella is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Business, Probate, and Real Estate. Paul has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Keller Rohrback L.L.P.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Paul practices in Keller Rohrback’s business and estate planning group, where he represents individuals, families and companies in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, real property transactions, and estate planning.

Paul began his over thirty year legal career as a tax litigator where he combined his law background and accounting degree to defend his clients before the IRS and Washington Department of Revenue. Gradually, his practice evolved to include tax planning, and business and real estate transactions. He has spoken to numerous professional organizations on the legal issues facing today’s business owner and family.

Paul represents a wide range of practice professionals (dentists, accountants, engineers), contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and real estate developers in their legal needs. He has served and advised boards of directors of non-profit, charitable and for-profit companies. Whether it is a specific transaction, or long range planning, Paul brings his energy, knowledge, and experience to his clients, to meet and exceed their expectations.

When he is not practicing law, Paul is an avid outdoorsman, and can be found hiking, skiing and kayaking throughout Washington’s wilderness and waters.

Articles & Presentations

•Construction Taxes, OMRB Construction and Public Contract Law Seminar (2008).
•Choice of Entity and Other Business Start-up Issues, Washington State Bar Association (1998, 2002, 2007).
•Buying and Selling the Mom and Pop Business in Washington, NBI (2004, 2006).
•Joining Forces - Joint Ventures, OMRB Construction and Public Contract Law Seminar (2005).
•Estate Planning, OMRB Construction and Public Contract Law Seminar (2004).
•Asset Protection Planning, National Business Institute (NBI) (2002).
•Limited Liability Companies, the Entity of Choice in Washington, National Business Institute (NBI) (1999).
•Buying and Selling a Business, CPA Law Forum (1999).
•Buying and Selling a Business, Washington State Society of CPAs (1999).
•Bankruptcy Primer: Discharging Tax Liability, Washington State Society of CPAs (1998).
•Basic Corporate Law, National Business Institute (NBI) (1997).

Recognitions

Honors & Awards

•Best Lawyers in America, Seattle, Washington, 2026 (Recognized since 2024)
•Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
•Litigation - Trusts and Estates
•Trusts and Estates
•Selected to Super Lawyers list in Super Lawyers - Washington, 2023-2025
•Selected to Rising Stars list in Super Lawyers - Washington, 2001-2002

Paul's approach to business cases

Paul practices in Keller Rohrback’s business and estate planning group, where he represents individuals, families and companies in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, real property transactions, and estate planning. Paul began his over thirty year legal career as a tax litigator where he combined his law background and accounting degree to defend his clients before the IRS and Washington Department of Revenue. Gradually, his practice evolved to include tax planning, and business and real estate transactions. He has spoken to numerous professional organizations on the legal issues facing today’s business owner and family. Paul represents a wide range of practice professionals (dentists, accountants, engineers), contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and real estate developers in their legal needs. He has served and advised boards of directors of non-profit, charitable and for-profit companies. Whether it is a specific transaction, or long range planning, Paul brings his energy, knowledge, and experience to his clients, to meet and exceed their expectations.When he is not practicing law, Paul is an avid outdoorsman, and can be found hiking, skiing and kayaking throughout Washington’s wilderness and waters.Articles & Presentations•Construction Taxes, OMRB Construction and Public Contract Law Seminar (2008). •Choice of Entity and Other Business Start-up Issues, Washington State Bar Association (1998, 2002, 2007). •Buying and Selling the Mom and Pop Business in Washington, NBI (2004, 2006). •Joining Forces - Joint Ventures, OMRB Construction and Public Contract Law Seminar (2005). •Estate Planning, OMRB Construction and Public Contract Law Seminar (2004). •Asset Protection Planning, National Business Institute (NBI) (2002). •Limited Liability Companies, the Entity of Choice in Washington, National Business Institute (NBI) (1999). •Buying and Selling a Business, CPA Law Forum (1999). •Buying and Selling a Business, Washington State Society of CPAs (1999). •Bankruptcy Primer: Discharging Tax Liability, Washington State Society of CPAs (1998). •Basic Corporate Law, National Business Institute (NBI) (1997). RecognitionsHonors & Awards•Best Lawyers in America, Seattle, Washington, 2026 (Recognized since 2024) •Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law •Litigation - Trusts and Estates •Trusts and Estates •Selected to Super Lawyers list in Super Lawyers - Washington, 2023-2025 •Selected to Rising Stars list in Super Lawyers - Washington, 2001-2002

Clients Paul works with

Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, probate, and real estate matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Washington
J.D. · 1989
University of Washington
B.A. Business · 1985

Jurisdictions

Paul's state bar admissions

U.S. Tax Court U.S.
1990 · ACTIVE
Washington
1989 · ACTIVE

Paul studied at J.D. in University of Washington and B.A. Business in University of Washington.

Law school and academic background

Paul completed J.D. in University of Washington and B.A. Business in University of Washington. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paul runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Paul Arthur Tonella's office in Seattle

Paul's primary office is at 1201 Third Avenue, Suite 3400, Seattle, WA, 98101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Keller Rohrback L.L.P.

1201 Third Avenue, Suite 3400

Seattle, WA 98101

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Paul Arthur Tonella — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Paul. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Seattle.

4.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Paul Arthur Tonella claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Paul Arthur Tonella — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Paul charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul'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; Paul 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 Paul

Paul 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. Paul confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Paul'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 Paul Arthur Tonella

How much does it cost to hire Paul for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Paul offer a free consultation?
Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Paul'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. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
Paul 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 — Paul 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 Paul?
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. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Paul accepting new business clients right now?
Paul's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Washington residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Paul Arthur Tonella. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Happens If I Don’t Register My Business Name In Washington?
I decided to start a consulting business in Seattle, Washington, but I’ve been operating under a name that I haven’t registered yet. I’ve heard there are risks involved with not re
1 verified answer · Business · Washington
What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With Labor Laws In Texas?
My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington

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

Paul Arthur Tonella, Business Attorney in Seattle, Washington

Quick answer