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Samuel Allen Donaldson, Family Law Attorney in Seattle, Washington

Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Family Law, General, and Probate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Senior CounselatPerkins Coie LLP

Seattle, WA

Practicing family law in Seattle since 1994.

32+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Samuel Allen Donaldson is a senior counsel based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Probate. Samuel has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Perkins Coie LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Seattle, WA
Experience
over 32 years
Known for
Family Law · General · Probate
  • Handles Family Law, General, and Probate matters from Seattle, WA.
  • Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Samuel Allen Donaldson: Samuel Allen Donaldson is a senior counsel based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Probate. Samuel has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Perkins Coie LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Samuel Allen Donaldson

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

Family Law cases in Seattle, Washington

Samuel takes family law 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 Samuel agrees to represent you.

General cases in Seattle, Washington

Samuel 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 Samuel agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Seattle, Washington

Samuel 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 Samuel agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Seattle, Washington

Samuel 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 Samuel agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Seattle, Washington

Samuel 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 Samuel agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Samuel Allen Donaldson — Over 32 years of Washington family law experience

Samuel Allen Donaldson is a senior counsel based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Probate. Samuel has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Perkins Coie LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Samuel Allen Donaldson is a lawyer practicing personal planning, non-profit organizations, family office services and 4 other areas of law. Samuel received a B.A. degree from Oregon State University, and has been licensed for 32 years. Samuel practices at Perkins Coie LLP in Seattle, WA.

Samuel's approach to family law cases

<p>Samuel Allen Donaldson is a lawyer practicing personal planning, non-profit organizations, family office services and 4 other areas of law. Samuel received a B.A. degree from Oregon State University, and has been licensed for 32 years. Samuel practices at Perkins Coie LLP in Seattle, WA.</p>

Clients Samuel works with

Samuel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law, general, and probate matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Samuel Allen Donaldson's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Arizona College of Law

    J.D. · 1993

  • Oregon State University B.A. History and Political Science Oregon State University B.A. with highest honors

Jurisdictions

Samuel's state bar admissions

  • Oregon

    1996 · ACTIVE

  • Washington

    1995 · ACTIVE

  • Arizona

    1994 · ACTIVE

Samuel studied at J.D. in University of Arizona College of Law and — in Oregon State University B.A. History and Political Science Oregon State University B.A. with highest honors.

Law school and academic background

Samuel completed J.D. in University of Arizona College of Law and — in Oregon State University B.A. History and Political Science Oregon State University B.A. with highest honors. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Samuel runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Samuel Allen Donaldson

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Samuel's professional memberships and bar associations

  • East King County and Washington State Bar Associations State Bar of Arizona (Member, Tax Section) Oregon State Bar

    membership

Locations

Samuel Allen Donaldson's office in Seattle

Samuel's primary office is at 1201 Third Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98101-3099. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Perkins Coie LLP

1201 Third Avenue, Suite 4900

Seattle, WA 98101-3099

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Samuel Allen Donaldson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Samuel. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing family law 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 Samuel Allen Donaldson claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Samuel Allen Donaldson — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a family law attorney in Seattle, Washington

A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law 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 Samuel

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every family law 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. Samuel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Samuel Allen Donaldson

  • How much does it cost to hire Samuel for a family law case?

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

  • Does Samuel offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do family law cases in Washington typically take?

    Simple family law 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. Samuel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Samuel 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 — Samuel 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 Samuel?

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

  • Is Samuel accepting new family law clients right now?

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

Areas served

Family Law attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington

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

More counsel

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