Aimee Welch
Law Office of Aimee Welch
308 Tacoma Ave South
Suite A
Tacoma, WA 98402
Map
Phone: (253) 205-6685 | Fax: (253) 276-0961
http://www.aimeewelchlaw.com
Committed to Community Service through Legal Advocacy
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I appreciate clients that I can work with to further their goals in civil law matters including end of life planning and family law and domestic partnerships, with or without children.
Sub-Topics
Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
Children
- Adoption
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Foster Care
- Paternity
Couples
- Civil Unions
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Education & Schools
- Individualized Education Plans
- Special Education
Elder Law
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- Age Discrimination
- Competency Hearings
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Proxy
- Long-Term Care
- Powers of Attorney
Enforcement Actions
Name Changes
Restraining Orders
Rights
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I appreciate clients that I can work with to further their goals in civil law matters including end of life planning and family law and domestic partnerships, with or without children.
Sub-Topics
Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
Annulment
Child Support
Custody/Visitation Rights
Delinquent Support Payments
Division of Property
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Restraining Orders
Uncontested Divorce
Bar Admissions
WA, Nov 2008
Bar Number: 40642
Other Court Admissions
Washington State.
Association Memberships
American Bar Association, Washington State Bar Association, and QLAW - Washington State LGBT Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars.
Example Cases
I have successfully represented a client who was involved in a property dispute. The opposing party, through counsel, filed for a domestic violence protection order. This was dismissed. I have also settled collection cases, property disputes, and landlord-tenant conflicts. I often draft contracts for services and employment. Finally, many of my cases involve end of life planning, including wills, advanced directives, and establishing powers of attorney.
Education
Seattle University School of Law
Juris Doctorate
Seattle
WA
2006
Family Law Clinic.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Masters
Omaha
NE
1999
Public Administration.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Bachelor of Science
Omaha
NE
1994
Social Work.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Washington
Firm Focus and History
My law office is a general practice. I do not focus on any one area of law.
My office was established in November 2008.
Previous Employment Summary
Private Law Practice, Tacoma, WA
Attorney, General Practice, WSBA 40642, 2008 - present
Rainbow Center, Tacoma, WA
Executive Director, 2008 - present
Oasis Youth Center, Tacoma, WA
Legal Advocate, 2008 - 2009
It's My Decision, Initiative 1000, Washington State
Volunteer Pierce County Signature Gathering Coordinator, 2008
Public Health - Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA
Program Manager, 2001 - 2008
Hemlock Society of Washington State, Seattle WA
Office Staff Member, 2002 - 2003
Ronald J Peterson Law Clinic, Seattle University School of Law, Seattle, WA
Rule 9 - Family Law Legal Intern, WSBA #9094811, 2006
Paul J. Strawhecker, Inc., Omaha, NE
Fundraising Consultant, 2000 - 2001
Nebraska College of Business, Omaha, NE
Classroom Instructor, 2000 - 2001
University of Nebraska Center for Environmental Toxicology, Omaha, NE
Program Coordinator, 1999 - 2000
Aidan O'Neil Foundation for the Prevention of Childhood Cancer, Omaha, NE
Executive Director, 1997 - 1999
Charles Drew Health Center, Omaha, NE
Program Evaluator and Case Manager, 1994 - 2001 (employee and contractor)
Diversified Rehabilitative Services, Omaha, NE
Case Manager, 1994
Law Office of Susan Koenig-Cramer, Omaha, NE
Social Work Practicum Student, 1994
Activities and Awards
Commissioner, City of Tacoma Human Rights Commission.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
As a social worker I became intimately aware of common barriers in access to justice for my clients. I sought to obtain my Juris Doctorate so that I could provide a bridge from the circumstances my clients faced to the remedies available only through judicial intervention. The bridges that I have always hoped for have been based on increasing knowledge and understanding along with building sustainable skills for all people I work with. I am a teacher at heart and a community servant through passion.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am always willing to consult with clients on a limited basis, including document review.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am always willing to provide coaching for clients seeking to represent themselves. This is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my community work.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I wanted to be a lawyer so that I could play a role in dismantling oppressive and selective systems in our society. I do this through individual advocacy and at a larger community-wide level.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
While I have a Juris Doctorate, a license to practice law, and currently represent clients, I will always consider myself a social worker. My primary education is in social work and community development (BSSW and MPA). I have used these perspectives and the skills I gained in school as a volunteer and an employee since 1994. Additionally, I am a very out lesbian who moved to Tacoma from a much more disapproving community. I understand the challenges LGBT people face from firsthand experience.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I believe that we all choose our families. Some of us choose those with whom they have a blood relation while others create families through friendships and common interests. I choose to work with all families because I believe that family, however defined, is the basis of human and social development.
What do you like best about your career?
Helping people reach their own potential and assisting them in reaching their goals when the chips are stacked against them.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, so all my clients deal directly with me. I prefer jeans, a t-shirt, and a casual atmosphere, but certainly own and wear my suits when it is appropriate to do so. My goal is to create an environment in my office that is welcoming, calming, and open. I know that seeing an attorney, for any reason, can be incredibly nerve-wracking. It doesn't have to be that way.
What are your strengths and style?
Writing, collaboration, and teaching.
Personal Interests:
I am passionate about foster care reform and providing service to those who have aged out of the system. I am concerned about the lack of support services to BRCA carriers (breast and ovarian cancer genes). I love gardening, riding my Harley Sportster, and spending time with my family.
Fax
(253) 276-0961
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Evening and weekend appointments available.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I offer fixed-price rates for limited services, reasonable hourly rates for longer-term representation and will consider contingent fee arrangements on appropriate cases. Clients mentioning that they found me on Nolo.com receive a 5% discount on all fees.
Hourly Rates
$200.
Free Initial Consultation?
Most consultations are free of charge.
Typical Retainer
Depending on the complexity of the case, my retainer ranges from $1,000 - $2,500. However, this is always negotiable.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Watch us on YouTube
Listen to us on iTunes
