Serena S. Carlsen, General Attorney in Seattle, Washington
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on General and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratStoel Rives LLP
Seattle, WA
Practicing general in Seattle since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Serena S. Carlsen?
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Quick answer
Serena S. Carlsen is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on General and Real Estate. Serena has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stoel Rives LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Seattle, WA
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- General · Real Estate
- Handles General and Real Estate matters from Seattle, WA.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Serena S. Carlsen: Serena S. Carlsen is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on General and Real Estate. Serena has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stoel Rives LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Serena's practice areas in Seattle
Serena concentrates on general and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Serena handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in Seattle, Washington
Serena 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 Serena agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Seattle, Washington
Serena 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 Serena agrees to represent you.
Biography
Serena S. Carlsen, general attorney serving Seattle
Serena S. Carlsen is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on General and Real Estate. Serena has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stoel Rives LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Serena works from Seattle, Washington and takes on general matters across the region.
Serena S. Carlsen is a lawyer practicing construction and design, real estate law. Serena received a B.A. degree from Scripps College in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Serena practices at Stoel Rives LLP in Seattle, WA.
How Serena handles general matters
Serena S. Carlsen is a lawyer practicing construction and design, real estate law. Serena received a B.A. degree from Scripps College in 1982, and has been licensed for 41 years. Serena practices at Stoel Rives LLP in Seattle, WA.
The kind of cases Serena takes
Serena reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general and real estate matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Serena studied and practices
University of Puget Sound
J.D. · 1984
Scripps College
B.A. · 1982
Jurisdictions
Serena's state bar admissions
Washington
1985 · ACTIVE
Serena studied at J.D. in University of Puget Sound and B.A. in Scripps College.
Law school and academic background
Serena completed J.D. in University of Puget Sound and B.A. in Scripps College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Serena runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Serena's legal honors and published work
Serena has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Serena S. Carlsen's office in Seattle
Serena's primary office is at 600 University St., Ste. 3600, Seattle, WA, 98101-3197. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Serena S. Carlsen — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Serena. 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 Serena S. Carlsen claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Serena S. Carlsen — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Serena usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Serena charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Serena'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; Serena 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 Serena
Serena 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. Serena confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Serena'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 Serena S. Carlsen
How much does it cost to hire Serena for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Serena walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Serena offer a free consultation?
Serena charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Serena's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Serena'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. Serena gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Serena take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
Serena 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 — Serena 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 Serena?
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. Serena will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Serena accepting new general clients right now?
Serena'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
Serena 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
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If Serena'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.





